Establishment of these three national parks, under Congressional enactments of the mid-twenties, pioneered the way for establishment of other areas in the East and Midwest, and eventually in the West itself. Under authority of these acts, establishment of the parks was to become effective when the lands necessary therefor were donated to the United States. State appropriations, donations from the citizens of the States concerned, and gifts from public-spirited people elsewhere have contributed in adding important segments of our scenic, historic, and cultural heritage to the National Park System, for permanent preservation.

FOREST-CLAD MOUNTAIN, Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Sometimes called the "cradle of vegetation" of eastern America, the park has more kinds of native trees than has all of Europe—some 130 species. Altogether there are more than 1,300 varieties of trees, shrubs, and herbs. Because of heavy moisture, plants grow to great size. "Thar's giants in the Smokies," the old mountaineers used to say. (Courtesy, Thompsons.)

"RUINS OF KARNAK," Mammoth Cave National Park. Massive and majestic, the Ruins of Karnak—named for the world-famous ruins of an ancient Egyptian temple—is composed of 6 great columns 25 feet in diameter and 80 feet high, grouped in an impressive semicircle. (Photograph by W. Ray Scott.)

HISTORIC COUNTRY UNROLLS BEFORE VISITORS AT BIG MEADOWS INN, Shenandoah National Park. This picturesque and historic Shenandoah country was explored in the 17th century. In 1716 Governor Spotswood and his Knights of the Golden Horseshoe crossed the Blue Ridge within what is now the park on their way to the West. Big Meadows Inn is a modern hotel. Other accommodations of the cabin type, are located at strategic points along Skyline Drive. (Courtesy, Chesapeake and Ohio Railway Co.)