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B&N Reads Blog

Your Passport to National Parks: Must-Read Books for Explorers

Now that spring has sprung, it’s time to lace up those hiking boots, and with sixty-three national parks in the U.S. alone, it’s hard to choose where to start. Spark your next adventure with a little inspiration from guides, atlases, travelogues and memoirs. The best books about national parks don’t just tell you about these wondrous places, they pull you into their mountains, forests, rivers and canyons. Whether you’re an armchair traveler or planning your next wilderness adventure, explore books featuring trail maps and itineraries, reflective journeys, fascinating stories and breakthrough conservation efforts.

 

Notes From Your Bookseller

Through their passion and persistence, three women influenced America’s relationship with the great outdoors in more ways than one. Now, their stories come to life in shimmering prose that moves from the Grand Canyon to the rivers, mountains and forests whose futures they impacted. 

 

Notes From Your Bookseller

An ode to nature and the American wilderness that is equal parts personal journey, travelogue and survival story, this is an inspired look at our beautiful world and where we fit in it. Journalist Kevin Fedarko and photographer Pete McBride didn't just take a hike, they pushed themselves to the limit. 

 

Notes From Your Bookseller

Bringing to life the unlikely friendship that helped secure Yosemite National Park’s future as the “heaven on earth” visitors cherish today, this true story of courage and determination explores the daring efforts needed to protect the breathtaking landscape.

Desert Solitaire

Edward Abbey

5

Paperback

$22.00

Ships in 1-2 days.

 

Notes From Your Bookseller

City dweller, country dweller, suburbanite (or suburban commuter) — this timeless book will change the way you see the world and your place in it. Doesn’t matter if you’ve never been to the desert, but absolutely matters if you’ve always dreamed of going, a must-read if you want to revisit a place like no other.

 

Notes From Your Bookseller

Nature is filled with wonder, but did you know many national parks hide eerie and fascinating secrets? Explore the mystical, the unexplained and the downright strange mysteries that dwell across beloved landscapes from the Grand Canyon to the Blue Ridge.

Ships in 1-2 days.

 

Notes From Your Bookseller

This is the story of one man’s hilarious, thought-provoking, occasionally catastrophic, and always enlightening trip along the Appalachian Trail. Bill Bryson’s droll humor and gifts of observation are unmatched, and here he is at the top of his game.

Ships in 1-2 days.

 

Notes From Your Bookseller

A fascinating read about a familiar concept from a fresh angle, The Secret History of Bigfoot is a deep dive into American mythmaking. Told with sharp, engaging prose reminiscent of the best travel writing, it has multiple entry points, from the supernatural to the more traditional outdoors.

 

Notes From Your Bookseller

Alternatively hilarious and poignant, this is a travelogue of a national park road trip from a fresh, feminist and very funny voice. Even if you aren’t one to get out and see the trees, this book is, in and of itself, an enjoyable ride.

Ships in 1-2 days.

 

Notes From Your Bookseller

Whether you love exploring national parks from the comfort of home or you’re ready to plan your next wilderness adventure, you can’t go wrong with this stunning atlas featuring breathtaking photos, fascinating stories, maps and more.

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Notes From Your Bookseller

This is not a guidebook; these fascinating reflections from one man’s journey across every national park in the United States are sure to ignite your sense of wonder and fuel your curiosity about the parks you haven’t seen yet.   

 

Notes From Your Bookseller

Cool facts meet amusing one-star reviews in this informative, beautifully illustrated book for people who love visiting national parks or want to be more adventurous. Whether you’re planning your next excursion or armchair travel is your prerogative, a little humorous guidance goes a long way.

 

Notes From Your Bookseller

Exploring America’s great outdoors has never been easier with National Geographic doing the planning for you. Packed with helpful park details, road trip itineraries and full-color maps, this guide will have you lacing up your hiking boots in no time.

 

Notes From Your Bookseller

Nick Offerman rambling about anything is a joy, and here he rambles about the outdoors and their splendor in the infinitely recognizable and endlessly entertaining voice that only he has. Featuring adventures with Jeff Tweedy and George Saunders, this book is riddled with delights.

USA National Parks: Lands of Wonder

DK Travel

Hardcover

$30.00

Ships in 1-2 days.

 

Notes From Your Bookseller

National parks are perfect for making memories, but their influence reaches far beyond camping and hiking. This richly illustrated book celebrates their beauty and importance with reflective stories about these untamed forces of nature that draw millions of visitors each year.

 

Notes From Your Bookseller

The true story of ten men who, in 1869, embarked on an epic journey through the uncharted American West facing countless dangers as they made their way through such natural wonders as the Grand Canyon and unexplored parts of the Colorado River.

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Notes From Your Bookseller

Travel advice from the experts? Yes, please. Whether you’re planning a cross-country road trip to Yellowstone or looking for guidance for a local park adventure, discover thousands of expert tips for hiking, biking, camping and exploring.

Bring the Parks Wherever You Go 

Cavallini Large Notebook - National Parks

Cavallini & Co.

Other Format

$16.50

Ships in 1-2 days.

 

Write about all of your hiking and camping adventures in a beautiful notebook featuring many of our beloved national parks on the cover.

National Parks Tote Bag

Cavallini & Co.

5

Other Format

$19.50

Ships in 1-2 days.

 

Whether you’re taking a stroll through your local park or finally visiting Grand Teton, carry your book, phone, water bottle or other belongings in style with this vibrant and spacious tote bag.

Cavallini & Co. National Parks Mug

Cavallini & Co.

2

Other Format

$18.00

Ships in 1-2 days.

 

Armchair explorers and travelers alike can enjoy their morning brew in this colorful vintage-style mug featuring artwork inspired by beloved national parks.

Ships in 1-2 days.

 

Going camping? Don’t forget to bring along a card game or two to keep you entertained while you’re not hiking or biking. This fun and educational game is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts.

Parks by Henry Audubon (B&N Exclusive)

Keymaster Games

Other Format

$59.99

Ships in 1-2 days.

 

Taking a road trip with teens? Make sure you have this beloved hiking strategy game in your trunk. It will provide hours of fun for real-life hikers and those who prefer hiking in the cozy setting of their living room instead.

Explore Our Full National Parks Collection