Watersheds

Have you ever wanted to become a park ranger? Now is your chance! By joining the Junior Ranger Corps at Prince William Forest Park, you can learn what makes this park so special and how you can help protect the park for future generations. Junior Rangers will explore Prince William Forest Park, learn about the resources and history, and help the National Park Service protect our national treasures! Visitors of all ages are welcome to complete a workbook and earn their very own Junior Ranger badge. Booklets can be picked up at the Visitor Center. Not able to make it to Prince William Forest Park and would like to learn more about the park? You can download and print the workbook or email us if you'd like for us to send you a hard copy of the workbook. If you can't get to the visitor center to earn your badge, you can mail your completed workbook to : Prince William Forest Park Division of Interpretation and Education 18100 Park Headquarters Road Triangle, VA 22172

Pick up a Yosemite Junior Ranger Handbook and head out for a day of fun! You can become a Yosemite Junior Ranger by taking a self-guided handbook with you as you travel around the park and complete the activities that are the best fit for you. The Yosemite Junior Ranger handbook is available for free at all park visitor centers. When you are done, share your booklet with a park ranger at any Yosemite visitor center during operating hours to receive your badge. Make sure to get your book early on in your trip (or in your day) to allow for plenty of time to complete it while exploring the park. If you're unable to get to a visitor center, you can download the Junior Ranger book [5 MB PDF]. As part of earning your junior ranger badge, attend a guided ranger program. Check the event calendar on the NPS app or the Yosemite Guide for current program offerings.

St. Michaels Sailing Charters offers visitors an opportunity to experience the Chesapeake Bay aboard Lady Patty, a beautifully restored wooden ketch built in 1935 on Maryland's Western Shore. Departing from historic St. Michaels, this Chesapeake Gateways Experience combines authentic sailing with interpretation of the Bay's natural, cultural, and maritime heritage. Each sail invites visitors to experience the Chesapeake as generations of mariners have, powered by the wind while exploring the Miles River and surrounding Bay waters. Small group charters encourage conversation with the captain and crew, who share stories about Chesapeake shipbuilding, working waterfronts, navigation, local wildlife, and the communities that have depended on these waters for centuries. Along the way, visitors observe changing shorelines, tidal habitats, birdlife, and historic landmarks while learning how the Bay continues to shape the region's culture and economy. Built as an offshore racing yacht, Lady Patty spent decades sailing and racing across the Chesapeake before transitioning into a cruising vessel. Today, the vessel serves as a living example of traditional wooden boat craftsmanship and Chesapeake maritime history. As part of the Chesapeake Gateways Network, Lady Patty Sailing Charters connects visitors with the Chesapeake Bay through recreation, interpretation, and stewardship. Each voyage encourages a deeper appreciation of the Bay's history, ecology, and enduring importance while inspiring care for this nationally significant watershed. Learn more by visiting their website . This location does not accept the America the Beautiful—National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. Entrance fees and ticket policies are set independently by the managing partner, as detailed on their website.

Catamaran Epiphany Sailing Charters offers visitors an opportunity to experience the Chesapeake Bay through sailing excursions departing from historic St. Michaels, Maryland. Aboard the sailing catamaran Epiphany, guests explore the Miles River and surrounding Bay waters while discovering the natural, cultural, and maritime stories that have shaped the region for generations. As part of the Chesapeake Gateways Network, Catamaran Epiphany Sailing Charters combines recreation with interpretation in a luxury setting with up to 13 guests. USCG licensed captains and crew provide engaging, conversational narration that encourages visitors to ask questions and observe the Chesapeake landscape firsthand. Along the way, guests learn about the Bay's estuarine ecosystem, changing shorelines, tidal rhythms, wildlife, and fisheries while exploring why clean water and healthy habitats are essential to the region's future. Sailing from the harbor at St. Michaels also provides opportunities to interpret the community's rich maritime heritage. Guides share stories of local shipbuilding, working waterfronts, navigation, and the role the Chesapeake Bay has played in commerce, settlement, and national history. Historic landmarks and scenic shorelines help connect visitors with the people who have lived and worked on these waters over centuries. By combining wind-powered recreation with personalized interpretation, Catamaran Epiphany Sailing Charters encourages visitors to experience the Chesapeake Bay while fostering appreciation for its history, ecology, and continued stewardship. Visitors are encouraged to learn more through their website . This location does not accept the America the Beautiful—National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. Entrance fees and ticket policies are set independently by the managing partner, as detailed on their website.

At Montezuma Castle National Monument, visitors can view two cliff dwellings built by the Hisatsinom, or Sinagua people, around 1150 CE. These impressive feats of engineering are a testament to the people that lived here and the community they were a part of. Although the dwellings seen here were constructed starting around 1150, people lived in this area long before they were built. These structures were occupied until the Hisatsinom left the area by about the early 1400s. Despite their appearance, the dwellings here are not abandoned and forgotten; they are celebrated and remembered. Many indigenous peoples maintain a strong connection with this land and site today. A 0.3 mile (0.5 km) paved loop trail around the site and offers numerous views of the dwellings as we see them today. Montezuma Castle is located about 100 yards (91 m) from the visitor center. Castle A is located on the far side of the loop, about 160 yards (146 m) from the visitor center. More than 95% of what we see of the main dwelling, Montezuma Castle, is original with some work performed over the years to stabilize the structure. Its location inside the cliff is largely what is responsible for its preservation, keeping it protected from the elements. A short spur trail allows visitors a closer look at Castle A, a dwelling that was about twice the size of Montezuma Castle. This structure was burned sometime between 1375 and 1395 during a dispute between the Hisatsinom who lived in this building and the Apache and Yavapai, but some of the stonework and caveate rooms are still visible along the cliff. Due to the sensitivity of these sites, tours inside Montezuma Castle were discontinued in 1951 and access to Castle A was discontinued in 1978. Please respect the dwellings here by remaining on the trail and not sitting on or climbing them. A five minute video tour of the inside of Montezuma Castle plays on loop in the museum during operating hours. Montezuma Castle is not visible from any roads. Safety Bring water on your walk. Although the trail is mostly shaded, summer high temperatures range from 95 ° to 115 ° F (35 ° to 46 ° C). The park does not sell bottled water, but water bottles can be purchased from the bookstore and a water bottle refill station is available at the visitor center. From spring through fall, rattlesnakes are seen in the park and may be present on the trails. If you encounter a rattlesnake during your visit, please let a staff member know immediately. Park rangers are specially trained to safely relocate rattlesnakes. Never attempt to handle or move a snake yourself and give all snakes at least six feet of space. Please remember that we are visitors in their home; rattlesnakes and all other park wildlife are protected from harm or harassment by law. Check the forecast ahead of time. From July through mid-September, heavy rainstorms called monsoons are common in the afternoon. The trail is closed for 30 minutes following any lightning strikes within five miles of the park. Regulations Never climb or sit on the dwellings or structures. Please stay on the paved trail at all times. Drones and other unmanned aircraft are not permitted in the park. Please leave all plants, animals, rocks, artifacts, bones, and other items where you find them for others to enjoy. If you find something interesting on the trail, take a photo to share with a ranger. Pets are welcome on the trails but must be on a leash no more than six feet at all times. Always clean up after your pet. Never leave your pets in the car. Pets are not permitted in the visitor center except during check-in.

Join a Park Ranger and explore the Blackstone River Valley. During the months of June, July, and August, park staff offer specialty tours at varying locations across the Blackstone River Watershed. These programs begin at 6:30 PM and are 60-minutes long. Please wear comfortable footwear and bring water. Most tours are outside and often include walking on uneven surfaces on varying types of terrain with no access to bathroom facilities. Bug spray and sunscreen are also highly suggested. Please Note: There will be no Walkabout on July 2. June 4: From Forge to Fortune in Northbridge Location: 50 Douglas Rd, Whitinsville, MA How did the Revolutionary generation in Northridge set the stage for the future of American industry? Learn how a small forge along the Mumford River gave rise to a textile giant and a blueprint for American innovation. Tour will begin near the historic forge building, located within the Open Sky complex. June 11: Seeds of Success in Slatersville Location: 101 Green St, North Smithfield, RI Why was this location, along the Branch River, chosen for a mill village? How did financiers, workers, ministers, and farmers make this a thriving industrial community? This walk will take us through the well-preserved core of the country’s first planned mill village. Tour begins at Heritage Hall—parking is available in a small adjacent lot and by the Town Hall. June 18: "Owning Our History" with Peter Laarman Location: One Benevolent Street, Providence, RI Gather at the First Unitarian Church to explore the historic church and neighborhood and learn how slavery built dynastic wealth in Rhode Island. This tour will begin at the First Unitarian Church (corner of Benevolent and Benefit streets). June 25: Stepping Out to Skull Rock Lock Location: 300 Quaker Hwy, Uxbridge, MA Discover the history of Skull Rock Lock and take a walk with a ranger from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Meet in the parking lot of Uxbridge High School in Uxbridge, MA. Meet the rangers at Uxbridge High School. July 9: The Transportation Revolution in the Valley Location: Plummer's Landing Parking Area, Northbridge, MA Explore Plummer’s Landing and learn about the enterprising people of the Blackstone Valley who built the infrastructure for a transportation revolution. Meet at the Plummer’s Landing parking area (bit.ly/plummerslanding). Expect to walk about two miles on rugged terrain with moderate inclines. Led with a ranger from Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Look for a small lot located off Church Street Extension in Northbridge. July 16: Heritage and Landscape in Hopedale Location: 2 Peace St, Hopedale, MA What defines a commune or a company town? How have the residents of Hopedale built lives in each of these types of communities? Take an evening stroll through Hopedale, a town with centuries of history. Look for a ranger by the statue of Adin Ballou - on-street parking is available. July 23: Prosperity in Providence - A Tour of Lippitt House Location: 199 Hope St, Providence, RI Step into Providence’s Golden Age during a guided tour of Lippitt House Museum. A National Historic Landmark, Lippitt House has one of the best-preserved Victorian-era interiors in America. Following the Lippitt family’s example of public service, today the Museum is a place where art, history, and community converge. Presented with Preserve Rhode Island. Seek on-street parking and meet in front of Lippitt House. July 30: The Rockdale Mill - A Historic Tribute to Centuries of Manufacturing Location: 10 Sutton St, Northbridge, MA In the 19th century, the Whitins of Northbridge, Massachusetts built a formidable family enterprise. In the 1860s, matriarch Betsey Whitin divided the then multi-faceted business between her sons. Paul Whitin Jr. took control of the Rockdale and Riverdale Mills. Join us as we take a closer look at the legacy that is the Rockdale Mill. Special note: this tour will meet at the corner of Rte. 122 and Central Turnpike (Curtain Factory Outlet is on lower level). Gather at the entrance to Mill at 5 Points – parking is available. August 6: Navigating the Blackstone Canal, Past and Present Location: Collyer Street Gate, North Burial Ground, Providence, RI Enjoy a guided walk through North Burial Ground with Annalisa Heppner. Learn about the flow of the Blackstone Canal through a trench running through North Burial Ground. Visit the gravesites of industrialists whose fortunes depended on the canal, and other local residents. Look for the gate to enter North Burial Ground on Collyer Street. August 13: Holocaust Education and Memorial Walk Location: 282 N. Main St., Providence, RI Walk to Memorial Park with Dr. Laura Auketayeva, Director of Education and Programs at Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center. This tour will include a guided exploration of the Rhode Island Holocaust Memorial in Providence, RI. Meet at Roger Williams National Memorial. Limited, off-street parking is available in the Roger Williams National Memorial lot. August 20: Revolutions in Ashton Location: 51 Front St., Cumberland, RI In 1820, a small mill village was constructed in present-day Lincoln, Rhode Island. Over the next forty years, Ashton expanded into a large community that experienced revolutions in transportation and industry. Join a ranger for a guided walk through this well-preserved Rhode Island system mill village and learn about the many changes experienced by this community and the people who lived and worked there. Please use parking provided for the Blackstone River Bikeway. August 27: Commemorations and Community in Pawtucket Location: 67 Roosevelt Ave., Pawtucket, RI In August 1824, the Marquis de Lafayette traveled through Pawtucket. Lafayette’s very popular tour through the United States was an early commemoration of the country’s War for Independence. This walk will explore Revolutionary history in Pawtucket and discuss Lafayette’s extensive tour. Meet at Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark in Pawtucket. Parking is available in a lot next to the historic Slater Mill.

This twenty mile section is a popular hiking and equestrian corridor for visitors south of Nashville in Tennessee. Bicycles are prohibited on this trail. You can view a basic map of the Highland Rim section of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail here. Camping is not permitted along this section of trail. All camping must take place in designated campgrounds. For more information about camping check Camping Along the Natchez Trace Parkway. See Alerts & Conditions and Road and Site Status for additional information. Areas on the Highland Rim Section of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail Northern Terminus Trailhead at Garrison Creek (Milepost 427.6) : The Garrison Creek Trailhead is popular for both horseback riders and hikers alike. There is a designated parking area for horse trailers on the North end of the parking lot. Picnic tables and hitching posts are found near the Creek. Visitors will find drinking water near the restrooms. Hikers can start their walk from the trailhead near the restrooms, or at the trailhead near the picnic tables. As the northern terminus for the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail, it is a great location to start a hike or trail ride. War of 1812 Memorial (Milepost 426.3) : The War of 1812 Memorial, Milepost 426.3, honors the service and sacrifice of all brave volunteers who marched on the Natchez Trace during the War of 1812 especially those that are buried in unmarked graves up and down the Old Natchez Trace. You can hike a roughly 1.3 mile section of the Old Natchez Trace here. This section is relatively flat through the shaded forest until you start to descend to the Garrison Creek trailhead. Burns Branch (Milepost 425.4): This trailhead has parking for vehicles but not trailer parking and is not a staging area for horses. The site offers a hitching post and a picnic table to take a break if you would like. Tennessee Valley Divide (Milepost 423.9): This trailhead parking is open to hikers only. As the scenic trail passes the parking lot, riders and hikers are rewarded with views of the Parkway, including vibrant blooms in the spring, and spectacular colors in the fall. Carter Lane Picnic Area (Milepost 422.9): This picnic area is not accessible from the Natchez Trace Parkway. A hitching post and picnic table is available at this area. The large grassy area can become very muddy after rainfall. Fly Trailhead on Highway 7 (Near Milepost 416): The Highway 7 Trailhead provides a small parking area for one or two horse trailers. If space is available, this will be a great starting point for just a few people. If there are numerous people riding together, the Highway 50 trailhead may be a better option. There is no water available at this trailhead. One hitching post is available here. To reach the trailhead north of TN Hwy. 7, exit the Parkway at Milepost 416, turn left on Hwy. 7, then turn left on Old Natchez Trace Road. The trailhead is at the top of the hill on the left. Shady Grove Trailhead on Hwy. 50, Southern Terminus (Near Milepost 408): This trailhead is a great place for hikers and horseback riders alike to start their journey on the Highland Rim Section of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail. There is ample parking for horse trailers, two hitching posts, and water available for horses. Visitors will need to get drinking water at the Gordon House, milepost 407.7. This trailhead is located west of the Parkway on Totty Lane. Totty Lane is a gravel lane and ample parking is on your right once you pull onto Totty Lane.

Medano Creek is a popular seasonal stream enjoyed by all ages. On this page you'll learn what to expect month-by-month in an average year, and how the rare phenomon 'surge flow' works. You can also link to current and forecast creek conditions, and a video about the creek showing surge flow waves. Medano Creek Month-by-Month in an Average Year April is the second snowiest month of the year at Great Sand Dunes, but there are also some sunny days with highs in the 60s. Spring is the windy season throughout the southwestern United States, especially afternoons, though mornings are usually calm. The creek begins to trickle down as the snow on the Sangre de Cristo Mountains melts. By late April the creek may be a few inches deep. Cottonwood trees and willows along the creek are not yet leafed out. Late May is near the peak of Medano Creek's annual flow. While it is still springtime and winds may arise, especially in the afternoon, May temperatures are generally moderate, with highs in the 60s-70s F. However, snow is still possible at this elevation in May! Trees and bushes along the creek leaf out. There may be some "no-see-ums" (tiny biting gnats), but mosquitoes are rarely out in May. Late May and early June are the best opportunity to experience "surge flow", where waves up to about 20 inches (50 cm) high flow down across the sand. In wet years with good peak runoff, children can float down the waves on flat inflatable toys. Water comes out of the mountains cold, but warms up significantly when the sun shines on it for a few hours as it spreads across the sand. Because of the creek's popularity, late May and early June weekends are extremely crowded, with long lines of traffic, overflowing parking lots, a crowded beach, and full campgrounds. If possible, plan your visit on a weekday this time of year. June brings warmer temperatures for water play and generally pleasant conditions the first week of June. But as the creek becomes much lower and warmer around the second week of June, mosquitoes emerge in large numbers. Move away from vegetation, to the far side of the creek to avoid the worst of the mosquitoes: they don't like open sand, but prefer to be near shady bushes and trees. By late June, the water level will be fairly low, only 1 or 2 inches (1-5cm). Because of the creek's popularity, late May and early June weekends are extremely crowded, with long lines of traffic, overflowing parking lots, a crowded beach, and full campgrounds. If possible, plan your visit on a weekday this time of year. In July , unless there are significant ongoing rains, the creek will begin to retreat back toward the mountains, drying up at the main visitor area near the Dunes Parking Lot. It will continue to gently flow (1/2" - 1" deep) along the eastern edge of the dunefield, near the Castle Creek picnic area. Castle Creek is accessible by high clearance 4WD vehicle on the Medano Pass Primitive Road . Visitors without 4WD may also access the creek in late summer by hiking approximately 2 miles (3.5 km) up the creekbed from the Dunes Parking Lot, or approximately 0.7 miles (1km) from the Point of No Return parking area. Mosquitoes usually disappear after the water retreats. July is the warmest month at the park, with average highs in the low 80s F. In August and September , the creek will likely be completely gone from the main visitor area near the Dunes Parking Lot. It may continue to gently flow (1/2 to 1 inch or 1-2cm deep) along the eastern edge of the dunefield, near the Castle Creek Picnic Area. Castle Creek is accessible by high clearance 4WD vehicle on the Medano Pass Primitive Road . Visitors without 4WD may also access the creek late summer by hiking approximately 2 miles (3.5 km) up the creekbed from the Dunes Parking Lot, or 0.7 miles (1km) from the Point of No Return parking area. Mosquitoes typically disappear along with the creek. Surge Flow - A Rare Phenomenon Medano Creek is one of the few places in the world where one can experience surge flow , a stream flowing in rhythmic waves on sand. Three elements are needed to produce the phenomenon: a relatively steep gradient to give the stream a high velocity; a smooth, mobile creekbed with little resistance; and sufficient water to create surges. In spring and early summer, these elements combine to make waves at Great Sand Dunes. As water flows across sand, sand dams or antidunes form on the creekbed, gathering water. When the water pressure is too great, the dams break, sending down a wave about every 20 seconds. In wet years, waves can surge over a foot (30 cm) high!

Have you ever wondered what life in the desert would have looked like thousands of years ago? Visitors to Tuzigoot National Monument can look into the lives of the Sinagua , the people who lived here and built the pueblo the park is named for by hiking the Pueblo Trail. The trail is a 0.3 mile (0.5 km) loop that encircles the dwelling and allows an up close look at this incredible testament to community and ancient engineering. Visitors can also walk into and stand on the roof of one of the pueblo rooms. The tower or citadel provides the opportunity to view the inner structure of a pueblo room and some relief from the intense sun. A set of stairs leads to the roof of the citadel which offers 360-degree views of Tuzigoot. The pueblo was constructed and expanded in four phases from approximately 1050 CE to 1380. By the end of construction, Tuzigoot held about 110 rooms, 23 of them built on the second story. It's estimated about 225 people could have lived in the pueblo at its peak. It's very likely that women in the community constructed most of the structure while men gathered materials. Tuzigoot was just one of many Sinagua villages in the Verde Valley at the time; there were at least three other villages that were built within sight of Tuzigoot. This was home to a vibrant, thriving community until the Sinagua left the Verde Valley by about the early 1400s. It's not known exactly why the Sinagua left the area, but it may have been for multiple reasons such as climate change causing hotter, drier conditions in the southwest, competition for resources with other peoples, collapse of trade routes, or disease. Traditional knowledge from some descendants of the Sinagua say the pueblos in the Verde Valley like Tuzigoot were never meant to be permanent settlements and it was just time for their people to move on. However, Tuzigoot is not abandoned and forgotten; it remains a place where people come to connect with their culture and heritage. It is remembered and honored. Although most of Tuzigoot was reconstructed between 1933 and 1935, the reconstruction was built on the original foundation of the pueblo. Park staff continue to maintain the structure using natural materials and building techniques very similar to what the Sinagua would have used. If you're lucky, you may see cultural resources staff hard at work on this important project. Safety Bring water on your walk. The Pueblo Trail does not have shade and summer high temperatures range from 95 ° to 115 ° F (35 ° to 46 ° C). The park does not sell bottled water, but water bottles can be purchased from the bookstore and a water bottle refill station and drinking fountain are available at the restrooms. From spring through fall, rattlesnakes are seen in the park and may be present on the trails. If you encounter a rattlesnake during your visit, please let a staff member know immediately. Park rangers are specially trained to safely relocate rattlesnakes. Never attempt to handle or move a snake yourself and give all snakes at least six feet of space. Please remember that we are visitors in their home; rattlesnakes and all other park wildlife are protected from harm or harassment by law. Check the forecast ahead of time. From July through mid-September, heavy rainstorms called monsoons are common in the afternoon. Park trails are closed for 30 minutes following any lightning strikes five miles or less from the park. Regulations Never climb or sit on the dwellings or structures. Please refrain from touching dwelling walls. Please stay on the trail. Drones and other unmanned aircraft are not permitted in the park. Please leave all plants, animals, rocks, artifacts, bones, and other items where you find them for others to enjoy. If you find something interesting on the trail, take a photo to share with a ranger. Pets are welcome on the trails but must be on a leash no more than six feet at all times. Always clean up after your pet. Never leave your pets in the car.

One of the best places to experience the Chesapeake Bay is from the deck of a sailboat. Chronic Sailing's expert crews know the Bay’s winds and waters, and their charters explore historic downtown Annapolis and the Bay beyond. As a Chesapeake Gateways Experience, Chronic Sailing provides hands-on instruction and chartered excursions that invite guests to explore the Bay’s natural beauty and maritime heritage from the water. Sail under the Bay Bridge, pass the U.S. Naval Academy, view the historic Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse, or find your way to the quieter coves and waterfront towns that most people only ever see from shore. Along the way, crews share the stories behind the Bay's rich maritime heritage, from its role in early American history to the communities that have depended on these waters for generations. Out on the water, the Bay's ecology comes to life in a unique and immersive way. Learn about the grasses, the wildlife, and the watershed that make the Chesapeake one of the most ecologically significant estuaries in the world. Experience the Bay as it was meant to be experienced, from the deck of a working sailboat, guided by wind, water, and the rhythms of the bay. Chronic Sailing also offers sailing instruction for all experience levels, from first-time sailors to seasoned boaters looking to build confidence on the Chesapeake. Lessons emphasize time on the water and practical experience, helping participants better understand how wind, weather, tides, and navigation have shaped life on the Bay for generations. From the rhythmic pull of the sails to the quiet movement of water along the shoreline, sailing offers a deeper connection to the Chesapeake and its maritime traditions. Seen from the water, the Bay becomes more than a landscape, it becomes a living system shaped by history, ecology, and the communities that continue to depend on it today. To learn more or plan your experience, visit the website. This location does not accept the America the Beautiful—National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass . Entrance fees and ticket policies are set independently by the managing partner, as detailed on their website.