National Geographic GD to the State Parks of the United States [Paperback]

National Geographic Society (Author)

Book Description

Series: National Geographic | Publication Date: March 1, 1998

This unique guide was compiled by taking rec ommendations from the directors of the 50 U.S. State Parks a nd sending expert travel writers to visit them. Whatever the reader''s interest the guide provides up to date information and colour maps. '

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

National Geographic's familiar golden-yellow border bespeaks the quality color photographs (250 of them!) that make this guidebook as fun to look at as it is to read. More than 200 state parks in all 50 states are skillfully reported on in classic National Geographic style. Each section includes a park overview, driving directions, suggestions for what to see and do, and camping and lodging ideas. After these parks were chosen from the recommendations of state-park directors, National Geographic sent regional travel writers to work exploring, collecting firsthand details, and gleaning insider information from park staff. Clearly marked maps are easy to use and lead the reader through many of the selections, detailing important sights, trails, and campgrounds. Sidebars offer extra advice and historical or environmental accounts.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: National Geographic (March 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0792273648
• ISBN-13: 978-0792273646
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 4.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,839,433 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars The title is misleading!, April 23, 2003

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: National Geographic GD to the State Parks of the United States (Paperback)

This should really have been called "Our Favorite State Parks," because it only covers a tiny fraction of the nation's state parks. For example, Arizona has 29 state parks, but you'll only find four listed here. Pennsylvania has 116 state parks; again, this book lists only four of them. The other 112 parks are simply omitted.

The book is attractively designed, well illustrated and printed on glossy paper, as you'd expect from the National Geographic Society. But if you were looking for a comprehensive guide to all the state parks, you're going to be sorely disappointed. What you get for your money is a small, slickly produced guide to the most popular 5% or so--the same parks everybody else is heading for. The other 95% are left out...you'll have to look elsewhere to discover them.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fine guide to many hidden gems., July 23, 2002

By 

Jerald R Lovell (Clinton Township, Michigan United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: National Geographic GD to the State Parks of the United States (Paperback)

For the most part, our country's most spectacular natural sights are in our national parks. However, the discerning traveler can also find much to admire and photograph in our many fine state parks.. This book covers some of the best from each state. Some would even be in the national park system if not already protected by the states.

The usual excellent National Geographic photography attends a fine, readable text. Maps show you where to go and how to get there. I really believe that anyone planning a motor trip should consult this book before drawing up an itinerary. Otherwise, you run the risk of missing much that is great in our country.

A definite must for the traveler. I recommend it very highly.

5.0 out of 5 stars Unique and valuable, December 30, 2000

By 

M. Broderick "mikebinok" (Oklahoma City, OK USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: National Geographic's Guide to the State Parks of the United States (Hardcover)

Although there is plenty of material on our National Park System, there is little information on state parks. And there are some fascinating state parks out there. This book seeks to fill that gap by providing brief but adequate information on over 200 parks in all 50 states. If you do the math, you'll see that there can be only brief descriptions of 200 parks fitted into this 384 page book. But there is a surprising amount of information crammed into each of the articles, even including some nice, but small photos. The main service this guide performs is highlighting the best parks in the Park System of each state, and giving you enough information to get there and enjoy them. It is not (and realistically cannot be) an exhaustive guide to each listed park, or to all state parks. Well worth buying if the subject interests you. If you've read the review this far, I think you'll like the book!