Many if not most countries of the world, of course, set aside choice pieces of territory to protect and often showcase precious natural environments. But thanks to its size and a conservationist ethos dating back to the mid-19th century (though these days under increasing threat politically and environmentally), few countries offer the number and diversity of natural parks – state and national – as the United States of America, from “sea to shining sea”, as its national anthem poetically puts it. And its 400 national parks are particularly spectacular for all sorts of different reasons. Furthermore, this coming month begins the summer “drive season” of family road trips. Those still looking for... keep reading