Archive for the ‘Blue Ridge Parkway’ Tag
There are skies and then there are Blue Ridge Parkway skies. The southern end of the parkway in North Carolina winds through the highest elevations, offering dramatic mountain top views. When photographer Robert Stephens chanced upon this scene at Bear Trap Gap, he said “It almost felt like an out of body experience. You can’t believe what you’re seeing, but it’s there! I was so in awe of the light filtering over the ridges I had to remember to snap my shutter!” Photo by Robert Stephens. Posted on Tumblr by the US Department of the Interior, 6/24/17.
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Ascending to 14,410 feet above sea level, Mount Rainier stands as an icon in the Washington landscape. Subalpine wildflower meadows ring this icy volcano while ancient forest cloaks its lower slopes. Created March 2, 1899, Mount Rainier is America’s fifth oldest national park. Photo by Vikas Garg. Posted on Tumblr by the US Department of the Interior, 3/2/17.
On March 3, 1849, Congress passed a bill creating the Department of the Interior to take charge of the nation’s internal affairs. Interior’s diverse mission – which includes managing America’s vast natural and cultural resources, honoring our tribal relations and supplying the nation with energy – has earned it the nickname “The Department of Everything Else.” Photo of Yosemite National Park by William Woodward. Posted on Tumblr by the US Department of the Interior, 3/3/17.
Bass Lake is a serene stop off the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. With miles of trails wandering by the lake and through the forest, you’ll enjoy every minute of your visit. Taking pictures along the parkway is a passion of photographer Jim Ruff, and this golden sunrise is his favorite shot from this winter. Photo by Jim Ruff. Posted on Tumblr by the US Department of the Interior, 2/25/17.
Sunset at Death Valley National Park in California is a magical time. The retreating sun mutes the shadowed ripples and graceful curves of the sand dunes while the day’s last light focuses on the mountaintops. Here, a rogue white cloud wanders in to enjoy the view. Photo courtesy of Sandra Slead. Posted on Tumblr by the US Department of the Interior, 3/4/17.
Montana’s Glacier National Park. Tweeted by the US Department of the Interior, 3/2/17.
Within sight of downtown Miami, Biscayne National Park in Florida protects a rare combination of aquamarine waters, emerald islands and fish-bejeweled coral reefs. There’s also evidence of 10,000 years of human history, from pirates and shipwrecks to pineapple farmers and presidents. Outdoors enthusiasts can boat, fish, snorkel, camp, watch wildlife or simply enjoy a gorgeous sunrise over the ocean. Photo by Andrew R. Slaton. Posted on Tumblr by the US Department of the Interior, 3/9/17.
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A jaw-dropping winter sunset at California’s Yosemite National Park. Tweeted by the US Department of the Interior, 2/6/17.
This picture of Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve in Colorado is a perfect combination of stone, sand, snow and light. The Sangre de Cristo (“Blood of Christ”) Mountains were named by early explorers for the crimson light that often appears on them at sunrise or sunset. The red color is especially vivid when the mountains and dunes are covered with snow. Photo by Patrick Myers, National Park Service. Posted on Tumblr by the US Department of the Interior, 2/5/17.
You can never see too many sunsets on the Blue Ridge Parkway. After the first snow in Virginia this winter, photographer Brandon Dewey drove out to capture the sights. “The sky normally lights up once the sun dips behind the mountain ridges, but this night, there wasn’t that much color. About 20 minutes after sunset, I was just about to pack up my gear when the sky finally caught on fire for less than two minutes.” Photo by Brandon Dewey, Brandon Dewey Photography (www.bdeweyphoto.com). Posted on Tumblr by the Us Department of the Interior, 2/3/17.
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A grand golden sunset over North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Parkway. Photo by Chris Mobley. Tweeted by the US Department of the Interior, 7/27/16.
Incredible sunsets are one of the many rewards of hiking along the Appalachian Trail, a national scenic trail that stretches from Georgia to Maine. Native to the Appalachian Mountains, rhododendrons bloom in this gorgeous photo that was taken along the trail near the Roan Highlands on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. With so many great vistas to choose from, this scenic area is a favorite with day hikers and backpackers alike. Photo courtesy of Serge Skiba. Posted on Tumblr by the US Department of the Interior, 7/28/16.
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in Arizona protects spectacular wilderness in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. The park is the only place in the United States where visitors can see large stands of organ pipe cacti, which can live to be more than 150 years old. Explore this Southwest gem with activities like hiking, camping, wildflower walks, scenic drives and night sky gazing. Sunset photo by Jim Dunham. Posted on Tumblr by the US Department of the Interior, 7/28/16.
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The Blue Ridge Parkway curves over and through gorgeous mountains and valleys. Without a doubt, it is one of the most scenic drives in America. With views like this under cotton candy sunsets, you’ll never want to leave. This spectacular moment was captured in the Highlands District of North Carolina. Photo courtesy of Jim Ruff. Posted on Tumblr by the US Department of the Interior, 1/19/16.
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A magnificent sunrise at Blue Ridge Parkway. This stunning photo was taken by Eric Allen Van Tassel at the East Fork Overlook on the North Carolina side of the Parkway. Feeling lucky to stumble upon the overlook at the right time, Eric is still hesitant to show it off because “I felt the product does not reflect the overwhelming beauty and the excitement we experienced watching the sunrise that morning.” We know the feeling, but think this photo is definitely worth sharing! Photo courtesy of Eric Allen Van Tassel. Posted on Tumblr by the US Department of the Interior, 9/17/15.
The first rays of sun hit the top of Mount Rainier and are reflected on the mirror-like surface of Tipsoo Lake. It’s an incredible sight and easy to experience. Mount Rainier National Park in Washington has hiking trails ranging in difficulty from easy to very challenging, so no matter your level of commitment, you can still get some amazing views. Photo by Bob Kim. Posted on Tumblr by the US Department of the Interior, 9/24/15.
Sunrise over Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona is definitely worth getting up early to see. Steven Hirsch captured this incredible photo from Navajo Point – the highest overlook on the park’s South Rim. Just a few minutes west of the Desert View Watchtower, this viewpoint offers panoramic vistas to the west and a view north up the Colorado River. Photo courtesy of Steven Hirsch. Tweeted by the US Department of the Interior, 10/4/15.
Sunrise over the Tetons. Tweeted by the US Department of the Interior, 9/27/15.
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