That's a comment at the NYT article, "How Crowded Are America’s National Parks? See for Yourself. Americans are flocking to national parks in record numbers, in many cases leading to long lines and overcrowded facilities. Here’s what four parks looked like over the holiday weekend."
As the "See for Yourself" part of the headline indicates, there are lots of photos and video clips at the link showing beautiful landscapes obscured by roiling crowds of uncool people in summer clothes.
Do people really love empty landscapes and solitude? Everyone's a photographer now, and no one — except these journalists documenting overcrowding — wants strangers doing selfies in their photographs. You go out to experience nature, and then you're stuck with whoever else chose the same vantage point. And some places are just terribly well-known vantage points that jump right onto all those bucket lists. There are many interesting rock formations all over the country where you might muse about what that rock looks like to you, but you've got to follow the signposts to Skull Rock, that one rock that been determined to look a particular thing, and you can stand in a group that must all think that indeed it looks like a skull.
Yet it's easy to avoid crowds. Hike to less accessible parts of crowded National Parks or just go some time other than summer. Much easier: Go to state parks. There are 66 state parks in Wisconsin — lots of variety — and it's easy to get to them — many just for day trips — and there's hardly anyone else there.
The most grandiose landscapes have been snapped up into National Parks, but if you genuinely love nature, you should value the mellower beauties of the state (and county) parks. Learn to look more closely and find details — especially if you are bringing children along. Those videos at the NYT link show some little children, and many of them look fussy and bored. They were dragged across the country, cooped up in cars, subjected to lines, exposed to glaring sun, and told what to look at, told it is amazing, told it belongs in their head as a memory. They should be grouchy. They should be outraged.
But I wouldn't exclude them. No kids allowed! The commenter who says invitees only is, I hope, a satirist. But parents on their own ought to decide to scale down the encounters with nature. Way down. Maybe to the level of your own town or — it might be best — your own backyard.
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27 comments:
Patrick writes:
"The NYT comment whose comment you posted probably would not realize or even admit it, but the shorter version of her comment could just as well be "The National Parks should be closed to anyone who is not like me, and fits my definition of intelligent." In many contexts, this commenter would see such an attitude as racist.
"I've been fortunate as an adult to visit many of the great national parks, as well as the state parks here in Minnesota and Wisconsin, things I was not able to do in my youth. Of course, the big ones are very crowded around their famous sites. However, once we saw those parts, it was very easy to move off the beaten path. I found it mildly amusing that this commenter doesn't seem to understand that."
Wayne writes:
"Creepy. An adjunct to eugenics?"
You used to see articles complaining that not enough black people were visiting national parks. I'm not seeing that conventional criticism here. Now, it's just too MANY people are visiting... and no talk about race. You have to do one or the other -- encourage more visiting or say there's too much. If the point is there's too much, then you don't talk about race. If the point is race, then you don't talk about crowding. It's interesting, in this time of making things about race if you possibly can, that this perennial race topic is completely eclipsed!
Leslie writes:
"I discovered Wisconsin's county parks on a trip last summer to Door County. There are five state parks in Door County and 19 county parks. Some of the county parks are tiny little pocket parks but some of them are big full-featured highly scenic parks like this one.
https://www.co.door.wi.gov/554/Cave-Point-County-Park
Since then, whenever I visit other counties, I google to find what county parks are on offer.
Here are Dane County's county parks.
https://www.danecountyparks.com/ParkSystem/List"
Temujin writes:
"The parks, whether they be National, State, County, or City are our parks. They do belong to all of us. And while there are people who may not respect them to the level that another deems necessary, that is life among humans, and it happens everywhere, not just in the parks. I don't think that commenter was being satirical. If so, it missed the mark. The comment that "in NYC, our parks and landmarks are overrun by the ugliest, rudest tourists one can imagine. They have ruined life here..." is so obviously absurd on its face, it could only come from a New Yorker. New Yorkers can claim full responsibility for ruining their own city. They do it every couple of decades. They're really very good at it. Elect an occasional Republican to clean it up. Complain about how he (or she) goes about cleaning it up. Tell everyone how amazing your city is as you complain about how it got cleaned up. Then elect another series of Democrats to destroy it and blame park-going tourists for destroying your city.
"Do the rest of us a favor and stay there.
"I cannot see the article, as it's behind the Times paywall, but after the government(s) shut down our country for a year (and more in some places), keeping people away from other people and all places, just what do you expect is going to happen when they are finally let out? Especially on a holiday weekend. People- particularly those living in crowded cities and closed in apartments, are going to want to get outdoors and re-introduce themselves to nature. And yes, Ann, you are correct- the country is teeming with beautiful state parks, and in some lucky areas, even wonderful county parks. Here where I live, we have gorgeous beaches. And we know that at some times of the year, those beaches are overrun with tourists. So? We go when they are not here. In some other areas of the country, the landscape is beautiful all around, and with no claim on it by the state or country, the natural beauty is there for the locals to enjoy. I think every state has areas like this.
"As for kids not being allowed in the parks, he's got it exactly backwards. They are who you WANT to learn to love nature- early on. My grandkids in Washington state are younger than 4. Their dad loves the outdoors and they are surrounded by mountain ranges, lush forests, rivers and lakes. They are out hiking, with dad and mom, regularly. They will grow up loving the parks, loving nature, and probably hating places like New York."
JamesL writes:
"US National Parks are open all year and in my experience are crowded only in peak summer months. A few years ago we made memorable visits to Yellowstone, Grand Teton and Glacier National Parks in September. The weather was terrific, the fall colors were on display in full and the crowds were absent.
"I’ve made two memorable winter visits to Yellowstone which I strongly recommend. One time I stopped my car on the shoulder to let a small herd of buffalo walk past – brushing up against the car. Better than any Disney ride."
Lloyd writes:
"I read years ago that for various natural or physiological reasons, it is difficult for children to withstand long car trips in any comfort. For one thing, the motion sickness issue is real: kids have to get used to their eyes seeing moving landscapes while their stomachs remain (so to speak) motionless. So how did long car trips to a "big" destination become the ultimate "treat" and status symbol? Do kids do better now that they have their devices, just like at home?"
Tommyesq writes:
"“… no kids younger than an age where they can grasp their surroundings and the concept of nature.”
"Sure – the best way to raise kids to understand the “concept of nature” (whatever that means) is to exclude them from nature until they understand the concept of nature.
"“They have ruined life here and with a welcome mat fro[m] officials who only see dollars."
"No, you and those like you in NY have ruined life in NY, by insisting on expensive governmental handouts, relaxed policies on homelessness and crime, and by repeatedly voting for these “officials” whose actions here you dislike. Own the blame, baby!"
Michael writes:
"A quarter of a mile from any trailhead and the “crowd” thins. After a mile it is unlikely you will see anyone not approved by the NY commenter who likely dons mountain boots to traverse Central Park. West to East of course."
Montgomery writes:
"Ann - you said in your post "There are 66 state parks in Wisconsin — lots of variety — and it's easy to get to them — many just for day trips — and there's hardly anyone else there.".
"I disagree with your comment about there being "hardly anyone else there.". While there are some Wisconsin State Parks that are lightly attended, most have large numbers of visitors daily and full campgrounds on weekends (and in some parks during the week as well) in the summer and during the summer holidays. Last year, after Gov. Evers had opened up WI state parks during the height of the pandemic, the parks were literally overrun by residents who had nowhere else to go with most everything shut down. At a couple of parks that I had visited at that time, I talked with park rangers who told me that the DNR had placed limits on the number of visitors who could be in the park at any one time because there were so many people going to the parks - something that I had never had heard of in my 6 decades of visiting Wisconsin state parks as a child and as an adult."
My statement is based on my own observation, at park entrances, parking lots, and walking on trails.
During the lockdown, the offices at the gates I passed through were not even open.
Which parks are you talking about? Devil's Lake can have a modest "crowd" on weekends, but we mostly go to Blue Mound and Governor Nelson, where we often have occasion to say things like "We have the whole park to ourselves!"
Also — "literally overrun"?
To be *literally* overun would be to be ravaged, conquered, destroyed, sacked, or densely or uncontrollably populated, run wild over, or swarmed over, or infested.
At a Wisconsin state park, the worst I've ever seen is that there might be 2 cars in front of me at the entrance rather than 0 and the gate is up because nobody's even in the office.
Douglas writes:
"It’s also worth looking at the National Forests, many of which are quite spectacular, much less crowded than the National Parks, more rustic, and, best of all, allow dogs. The National Parks for the most part don’t allow dogs on the trails, but the National Forests do. If you think camping and hiking with your dog is fun, this is a no-brainer."
Good point.
There are astounding expanses of national forest land. Just in Wisconsin, we've got the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest — 1.5 million acres. That's bigger than most national parks, including Grand Canyon and Glacier. The only bigger ones are either in Alaska or are Yellowstone or Death Valley.
Take a look at a list of national forests by size. There are some gigantic places with names you've probably never seen — Okanogan-Wenatchee, Salmon–Challis. Both of those are over 4 million acres.
We've spent a lot of time in the San Juan National Forest in Colorado — 1.86 million acres.
Lee writes:
"A different take on parks is a "game" an 80 year old friend
mentioned....geocaching (https://www.geocaching.com/play). He and his
wife have been doing it for years locally and even much further afield
internationally. My kid and grandkids are nearing college age so it
isn't something to take up with them but for a family with younger kids
it could a great way to see their locality and other places."
Stan writes:
"My father was a geology professor and taught “field geology” in the summer months. We got to experience the “concept of nature” first hand for months at a time: digging our own latrines, pulling transportation vehicles out of foot-deep mud while losing shoes in the muck, burning the leeches off our legs after “bathing” in the river. Nevertheless, we got to see some fantastic scenery while doing so. It cured me of the desire for “camping,” but I do like the out-of-doors, and avoid cities as much as possible. Like other commenters, I love the small county and state parks, and go during the months when tourists are few."
I say:
I can't help feeling that you were lucky. Your father was a geology professor! The outdoors wasn't presented as a sort of theme park. You really had to do the work.
My parents never took us camping or even on hikes. I don't remember ever doing anything outdoorsy with my father (or mother).
Brian writes:
""Do kids do better now that they have their devices, just like at home?"
"My guess is; YES! If you're in the back seat; you're looking out the SIDE windows: Which is a recipe for car sickness*
"Mom and Dad (or,Mom and Mom (or, ZheRa and Keog) are sitting up front,looking out the Front window (like GOD intended us to). Staring at a screen might very well, be easier on the stomach
"ps. Was there, EVER? a more systematically RACIST statement, than;
"I believe all National Parks should be closed to visitors unless they have been invited. There should be a selection process."
"car sickness* personally, i NEVER got car sick; personally,i LOVE roadtrips"
Fred writes:
"My experience is that, beyond a 5 minute walk from any parking lot, 90% of the time there's no one else around. Grand Canyon (aside from Bright Angel trail), Glacier, Yellowstone, Yosemite (aside from Yosemite or Vernal falls trails). Nat Forest land, BLM land? No one around.
About kids: When I suggested to my father that we go hiking and camping, he said he'd had his fill of that in the Marines. So we went on our own. My sister's family, on the other hand, hiked with their little boys all the time. Then, two of those boys became Marines. Must be one of those odd natural lifecycle things, like cicadas."
Stan writes:
"You mention “doing the work”; as part of what my father taught, he’d make a “road log” of things to see while traveling to the main site for the summer class. I was once selected to help with the log, which covered the Little Black Peak Quadrangle near Carizozo, New Mexico. This area was the result of a volcanic eruption some 10K years ago, and consisted of acres and acres of black, crumbled lava, snake nests, and cactus. My father, experienced geologist that he was, had sensible hiking boots; I wore tennis shoes. When we got home that evening, the blisters covered the entire soles of both my feet. I never wore those tennis shoes again.
"Sounds like complaining, but it was a great bonding experience, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. It was a great way to grow up, and made us (the family) appreciate the world around us and its various beauties. It also gave me my favorite geological word: amygdaloidal porphyry
"("Same as amygdaloid; specifically, in geology, having a cellular or vesicular structure: said of lava, whether of modern or ancient origin, in which spherical or almond-shaped (whence the name) cavities were formed by the expansion of steam contained in the rocks at the time of its consolidation, and which have later become filled with various minerals, especially quartz, calcite, or the zeolites. The rock having this character is called an amygdaloid, and the cavities themselves, as thus filled by the percolation of heated water through the body of the rock, are called amygdules.”)"
Hi Ann,
Mitch writes:
"The photographer Roger Minick has been photographing tourists at National Parks and other scenic places since the late 1970’s.
https://www.sightseerseries.com/
It’s a great series."
"The photographer Roger Minick has been photographing tourists at National Parks and other scenic places since the late 1970’s."
It's very interesting to look at those photographs but NO ONE travels for the purpose of getting to see sights like that — ordinary/unattractive people standing on outlooks in front of the natural scenery.
ALP writes:
"I have to agree with your take on how to teach kids nature: by availing ones self of local parks, slowing down, and noting detail. Of course, it aligns with my own childhood so I am terribly biased in that regard. I was fortunate to have been raised by a father who was into nature photography in a big, big way, with an emphasis on close-up, macro images. He worked for Eastman Kodak, doing quality control for their Kodachrome film. We would go to our local country park (shoutout to Mendon Ponds Park in Rochester, NY!) on photo expeditions, which required being quiet, going slowly, and looking for potential photo opportunities. To do so you had to know where the frogs might hang out, where dragonflies feed, and where the best wildflowers are. To this day I remain very easily amused by nature - I can gaze at a grassy field, picking out the subtle colors....for a long time.
"The National Park trek seems similar to the list of books one 'should read', in the sense that many people feel: "well if we are travelling we 'should' go to the Grand Canyon..." And of course summers are crowded as that is when kids are out of school!"
Gavin writes:
"That comment ripping on making parks available by invitation only deserves the: "Tell me you are a liberal without telling me you are a liberal". Good grief."
Tim wrotes:
"His argument is disingenuous. I visited the Smoky Mountain National Park twice this summer. You know it, the busiest National Park around? Once to Clingman's Dome with my grandtwins, and while it was crowded, it was not overcrowded to any degree. Plenty of space even at the top for both family pictures and for grand vistas. Second time around we went for a week, and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, based in a hillside cabin in Sevierville. At the tourist traps, there were, of course, tourists. On the trails, we walked for hours, and only saw other hikers perhaps 15 an hour? nothing crowded at all in my opinion. And if you want solitude, take some of the longer hikes, you can drop that to a couple an hour. And on our drive over the mountains from Cherokee to Sevierville, we stopped at pretty much all the fantastic overlooks and pretty much had them to ourselves on a Tuesday morning. Now, the casino at Cherokee was crowded, but that is kind of to be expected. And we made a good down payment on reparations to the Cherokee! Bonus!"
Narr writes:
"I get carsick if I try to read in a moving car (bus, etc.; planes OK at altitude); someone
referred to reading or device-use as an antidote but to me those are triggers.
"Some of my earliest memories are of hiking trails at Shiloh NMP and NB Forrest State Park
with my father and older brother, who were in the Boy Scouts (asst scoutmaster, and
Eagle Scout, respectively). Later I spent a year in a different troop, a year that included
a week at the remote camp at Kia Kima--where the wonders of nature were of
absolutely no interest to anyone, least of all the lawyers, teachers, real estate agents,
and coaches in charge.
"My father only lived to be 39, and with four sons he and my mother were busy. I can
recall trips to the Gulf Coast, Mussel Shoals, and Hot Springs, but my father was no
outdoorsman and my mother wouldn't have roughed it for ten minutes. I'm not outdoorsy
either, and have spent very few nights in anything other than a nice bed, wherever I've been.
"Death Before Discomfort!"
"... where the wonders of nature were of absolutely no interest to anyone..."
Makes me think of that video of Bob Weir yesterday, attempting to teach us how to play "Sugar Magnolia" —
We can discover the wonders of nature rolling in the rushes down by the riverside...
gpm writes: "What came to my mind (the last, emphasized bit is the only thing I specifically remembered in detail after nearly fifty years):"
ROSALIND
A traveller! By my faith, you have great reason to
be sad: I fear you have sold your own lands to see
other men's; then, to have seen much and to have
nothing, is to have rich eyes and poor hands.
JAQUES
Yes, I have gained my experience.
ROSALIND
And your experience makes you sad: I had rather have
a fool to make me merry than experience to make me
sad; and to travel for it too!
As You Like It, Act IV, Scene 1.
portly pirate writes:
"As you said it sounds like satire, but I could picture a Wokie being outraged that a coveted permit to hike in one of the high-demand parks with strictly limited number of visitors lost out to a Trump supporter - - a *deplorable,* not one of the anointed, the cognoscenti. NO LUMPENS IN PARKS!"
Madtownguy writes:
""This land is your land" went out the window when a certain President decided to close national parks and monuments over a kerfuffle about budgeting. Access allowed only when We the People (meaning The State) design to allow it, and then only to those we deem worthy."
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