Not all travel reference books are created equal. Some are for casual
observers, others for neophyte travelers. Omnigraphics’ Parks Directory
of the United States is for the hard-core enthusiast.
This weighty, 1,008-page tome includes information on 388 national
parks, 3,363 state parks, 145 national forests, 20 national grasslands,
445 national wildlife refuges, 23 national scenic and historic trails,
14 national marine sanctuaries, 24 national heritage areas and even 41
Canadian national parks and national park reserves.
As the above numbers suggest, the directory’s prime value lies
in its state parks listings. Each chapter opens with a large map of the
specific state, marked with the location of every state conservation
area, forest, fish and wildlife area, historic site, park, recreation
area, trail and wildlife area. Each location is numbered and accompanied
by text highlighting everything from Web sites and phone numbers to
size and facilities. There is also contact information on 290 park- and
conservation-related organizations.
Edited by Darren L. Smith and Penny J. Hoffman; $185; Omnigraphics, (800) 234-1340, omnigraphics.com.
