The Story Board: September 2021

Fall is the perfect season for incredible outdoor experiences. From apple picking and hiking trails lined with vibrant colors to relaxing around cozy campfires, fall activities are right around the corner.

With cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and scenic vistas, autumn in also the perfect time for a mountain biking adventure. Whether you’re an experienced rider or want to try something new, check out our recommendation for mountain bike trails across the country and enjoy the beauty of the season with Recreation.gov.

Get Outdoors for Hispanic Heritage Month

Today is the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, which is celebrated annually from September 15 to October 15! Along with our friends from Latino Outdoors, join us as we learn about the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

Did you know the Trujillo Homesteads located close to Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve in Colorado, represents a time when many Latino’s settled in homesteads throughout the Southwestern U.S?

Learn more about Latino contributions to our public lands and check out our recommendations for Top Outdoor Places to Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month.

More Ways to Connect With Nature

Mark your calendars for National Public Lands Day, the nation's largest single-day volunteer event for public lands, is happening on Saturday, September 25!

As a way to commemorate this national event, Recreation.gov is introducing “Chapters of Gratitude”, a collection of inspirational travel experiences from the Share Your Story writing adventure contest, particularly those that express a heartfelt message of gratitude for all that our public lands provide. We hope these personal accounts will inspire you to get outdoors for your own adventures!

For inspiration on how to volunteer your time on National Public Lands Day, check out “We cleaned it up!”, a personal account of how cleaning up a campsite led to a life-changing experience.