One might think, in these days of GPS and satellite imagery, that paper maps might be outdated. NATIONAL PARK MAPS (An Atlas of the U.S. National Parks) is, however, an excellent argument to the contrary. It includes an abundance of information and images, both useful and beautiful, to help a visitor to the U.S. National Parks have the best possible experience. Compiled by Michael Joseph Oswald, the book is well-organized, beginning with a quick summary of attractions that provides a list of the “bests”—sights, hiking trails, lodges, drives, etc. Then there is a thumbnail sketch of each national park, giving a quick overview of what makes it special, followed by a map showing where each park lies within the greater United States (and territories). Then, region by region, park by park, each park gets its own map, along with paragraph guides detailing entrance fees, lodging availability, driving distances, reasons to visit, favorite activities, a “what you need to know” section, and a suggested itinerary based on how much time you have (one, two, or three or more days).

The maps are clear and readable, with suggested hiking trails (rated easy, medium, or strenuous in the sidebars), wheelchair-accessible routes, attractions, places to camp or picnic, bathrooms, ranger stations, tours, drives, and sights for swimming, snorkeling, boating, and other activities clearly marked out. Specific concerns, dangers, and difficulties of particular parks are set out, from acclimating to elevation levels in the Rocky Mountains to wrapping your car in tarp at the Anhinga Trail parking area in the Everglades to defending against vultures who like to eat vehicles’ rubber seals to knowing the local etiquette in American Samoa. The author adds some commentary and personal advice, such as (with respect to Big Bend National Park) “[d]rive this far to stay one measly day? No. Spend a couple nights.” He also suggests hikers try part of the South Kaibab or Bright Angel trails at the Grand Canyon—even if they can’t manage the whole thing—though sternly warning, “[t]urn around long before you get tired. You do not want to become part of the park’s rescue statistics.”

Each national park’s section is enhanced with stunning photography, both large and small images, showing off the natural beauty of each area. All in all, this is a very useful and readily-accessible guide to have when planning a vacation in any one of the United States’ many national parks.

A valuable resource even in these days of GPS and cell phones, NATIONAL PARK MAPS, compiled by Michael Joseph Oswald, provides a wealth of helpful information, advice, and guides to planning the perfect vacation in one of America’s national parks, from the Shenandoah to American Samoa.

~Catherine Langrehr for IndieReader