·:[ National Park Reservations Blog ]:·
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By Astrid Sieger 

The busiest season for national parks across the country is summer.  With the summer season approaching many folks are planning their vacations in and around national parks from Yosemite to Acadia.   While a national park vacation is a great time to relax and take in sights most people won’t see at any other time in their lives it is also a time when you maybe out of element as far as being in an environment that is foreign to the way normally relate to the world around you. 

Here you will encounter wildlife, some of which is common like squirrels and some of which is unusual like bears.  You will also meet with trails, cliffs and overhangs; rivers, and streams, things you aren’t familiar with and that can be dangerous if proper precautions aren’t taken.  Following are some tips to help you navigate your national park safely and enjoyably. 

1) Drive defensively.  With so many sites parks visitors are apt to break abruptly, drive more slowly and not pay as much attention to traffic.  Defensive driving will help you avoid an accident.  Also beware that road in national parks are often winding and can be dangerous if road rules and cautions aren’t followed.  Following all signs and warnings is essential to avoiding a great mishap on national park roads.   

2) If hiking in national parks follow all posted warnings and stay on trails! This will give you the greatest chance of safely and survival when exploring nature in a national park.  Warnings and precautions are put in place for your safety as well as the safely of local animals and vegetation.  Please pay attention.     

3) Bears.  Bears and other wildlife live in the area you are visiting.  They are wild and are never tame.  Never approach a bear or coax it closer for a picture.  If you do encounter a bear calmly turn and walk in the opposite direction.  Bears know how to climb trees and can run faster than you, leaving it alone is your best chance of getting out of a bad situation.  

Every national park entrance has a ranger station with valuable information on how to best enjoy the magnificent scenery of the park.  Pick up brochure, talk to rangers and get information to keep safe and travel well!