A Symbol of the Fragility of our National Parks

Our national parks have developed a reputation forAmerica.
several appealing features. Incredible monuments,At 8000 feet from its highest point to the Kings
gorgeous scenery, and intriguing wildlife are but aRiver cutting through its middle, it is deeper than
few of the many attractions of our parks.even the Grand Canyon though it lacks the sheer
The unspoiled majesty of our national parks is a livingwidth that makes the Grand Canyon more
treasure and it could be difficult to choose one orimpressive.
two to visit at any given time. Why not start withThe only way to fully enjoy most of the attractions
two of the more popular sites; The General Grantat the Kings Canyon National Park is by hiking. It is
Tree and Kings Canyon.the only mode of transportation that is allowed. Cars
The General Grant Tree towers over 260 feetwill never get in your way, so plan on thoroughly
above the Grant Grove, the largest remaining naturalenjoying the exquisite Zumwalt Meadow and Cedars
Sequoia grove in the world. The circumference of itsGrove, two of the most appealing attractions found
trunk at its widest is over 90 feet alone.in the park.
The true size is difficult to imagine but, to put it inOther notable places to visit in the Kings Canyon
perspective, the General Grant Tree is a little shorterNational Park include the Roaring River Falls, a section
than the Statue of Liberty standing on her pedestalof the Kings River that tumbles down the rocky side
and the trunk is bigger than the Oval Office at theof the Kings Canyon.
White House.Big Stump Basin is another location to visit, where
This two thousand year old Sequoia tree also has theremnants of fallen giant Sequoia trees lay dead from
designation of being the third largest Sequoia in thetimber operations from the early 1900's as a reminder
world, the second largest of all our national parksof mankind's lasting effects on our environment.
(the largest found also found in the Sequoia andAll of our national parks teach us valuable lessons.
Kings Canyon National Park but not nearly asBoth the Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks
picturesque), and our nation's Christmas Tree.show us how mighty our forests can be - when
The General Grant Tree can be found at the northhumans do not negatively affect them.
entrance of the park along Route 180 leading toIt would be a shame to lose these magnificent trees
Grant's Grove Village.and have our future genteration only read about
Despite the impressive size of the General Grantthem in books. Protecting the environment is a must
Tree, the true centerpiece of the Kings Canyonfor all of us today, so that we may sustain nature
National Parks is Kings Canyon. Kings Canyon has theand beauty for as long as we can.
distinction of being the deepest canyon in North