Access in Glacier National Park, Montana during the winter is limited, but there are still spectacular sights for those who are prepared for winter adventure. The view from this snowshoe hike to Apgar Lookout rises nearly 2,000 feet above the glacially-carved, Lake McDonald Valley. Photo by Jacob W. Frank, National Park Service.

Often referred to as the “American Alps,” North Cascades National Park in Washington is filled with jagged peaks and more than 300 glaciers. The diversity of geography creates very different habitats on the west and east side of the crest, as well as fostering a great array of plants and animals. Photo courtesy of Scott Kranz.

We’re dreaming of a peaceful winter morning at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. When this park gets a visit from Jack Frost, the scenery transforms into an idyllic wonderland. At higher elevations, storms can cover the mountains in 2 feet of snow, while lower elevations get light snow a few times a year. Check the website for winter status updates and bring extra layers. This gorgeous shot was taken several years ago at the park’s Sparks Lane in Cades Cove. Photo by Christopher Ewing (www.sharetheexperience.org).

Just a moment of calm and peace for your social media feeds.  

Enjoy this virtual escape to Glacier National Park in Montana. Photo by National Park Service.

If you’ve never experienced the Blue Ridge Parkway in the fall, you’re missing out on something special. The rolling mountains and forested ridges North Carolina and Virginia shimmer in the sunset like copper and gold. While we marvel at the views, birds soar higher on the rising winds; their sharp calls echoing from mountaintop to valley bottom. A short walk off the parkway puts you into a landscape of stout trees and rushing streams. You won’t want to leave. Photo by Norman Lathrop (www.sharetheexperience.org).

Soft clouds and distant rain set a stunning mountain scene at Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. A hike to the top of Elk Mountain Trail offers spectacular views and a rewarding glimpse of the valley. The refuge has 15 miles of designated hiking trails that wind along rocky stretches, scrub oak forest and over grass prairie. Wildlife abounds along these trails. Bring plenty of water, a map and a sense of adventure. It’s national wildlife refuge week and we’re happy to celebrate the vast diversity of the amazing land and waters that make up the National Wildlife Refuge System. Photo by Kim Isaac (www.sharetheexperience.org).

Lace up your boots! The National Trails System Act of 1968 promoted the establishment of trails in both urban and rural settings for people of all ages, interests, skills and physical abilities. Winding through some of our nation’s most striking natural beauty, the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Coast Trail were the first trails added to this fantastic national system. Beyond recreation, other trails follow routes of travel of national historic significance including past paths of exploration, migration and military action. It’s exercise for mind, body and soul. Photo on the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina courtesy of Joshua T. Moore.

Ahh, take in those gorgeous mountain views. Centennial Mountains Wilderness Study Area is some of southwest Montana’s wildest country. A vital corridor for wildlife movement, the Wilderness Study Area provides an east-west trending mountain range that connects the Yellowstone Ecosystem with the northern Rocky Mountains. Abundant wildlife such as wolverines, wolves, black and grizzly bears, peregrine falcons and bald eagles are spotted here. The scenic mountains and contrasting colors of the valley provide outstanding opportunities for photography and wildlife viewing. Exploring the backcountry always takes careful preplanning, but rewards you with beauty, especially when the fall colors start to show in September. Photo by Bob Wick, Bureau of Land Management.

The Guadalupe Mountains of Texas are sometimes called an island in the sky. Rising abruptly above the vast and formidable Chihuhuan desert, the rocky bluffs and canyons shelter mountain springs, rich forests and fascinating wildlife. Visitors to Guadalupe Mountains National Park can learn about this unique landscape’s incredible origins, try to spot a road runner rushing by or hike to the highest point in the state to marvel at the magnificent views. Photo by National Park Service.

If you’re feeling the summer heat, this picture must look pretty inviting. The waters of Lake Clark National Park and Preserve are clean and cold, running through a complex network of rivers, lakes and groundwater systems. Water rich, the park protects the headwaters and spawning grounds for some of Alaska’s most abundant salmon runs. The park, including Lake Clark and surrounding lakes and rivers support over two hundred thousand spawning sockeye salmon per year. So you’ll have lots of company when you take a swim. But they might decline your invitation to dinner. Photo by National Park Service.