Death!

Death Valley National Park

August

What is the name of this famous stark and arid valley?

In spite of (or perhaps because of) its harsh, arid environment, this national park has been used as the backdrop for many television and movie productions, including Star Wars. Located in California and Nevada, it is the hottest and driest of all the U.S. national parks, with 95% of it being a designated wilderness area. It is also the largest national park in the lower 48, featuring the second-lowest point in the Western Hemisphere, Badwater Basin, which sits 282 feet below sea level.

It was declared a national monument in 1933 but did not become a national park until 1994, when it was substantially expanded. It got its rather grim name from a group of European-Americans who were stranded there in 1849 while looking for a shortcut to the California gold fields.

Liberty!

Statue of Liberty National Monument

July

Is there a more recognizable dame in the Western Hemisphere?

OK, so this one is an ABSOLUTE no-brainer, but did you know:

-- It is made of copper 3/32 in. thick, equivalent to two U.S. pennies placed together.

-- Its internal structure is made of stainless steel and cast iron.

-- Its official name is "Liberty Enlightening the World."

Holy Smokes!

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

June

What's the name of this crowded and smoggy national park?

Chartered in 1934 and officially dedicated by FDR six years later, this park straddles the border between Tennessee and North Carolina. Elevations in the park range from a low of 876 feet to a height of 6,643 feet. In fact, 16 mountains within the park exceed 6,000 feet.

Did you know:

-- This is America's most visited national park, averaging more than 9 million visitors a year.

-- It is also considered the most polluted national park, recording approximately 150 unhealthy air days between 1999 and 2003.

Glaciers Galore!

Glacier National Park