Links to the Great Outdoors

Here are some helpful sites that might help you plan your next hike, backpacking trip, or just get involving in preserving out great outdoors.

Maps & Places to Go

MapQuest will help you find out how to get you where you want to go.
National Park Service gives information on all the National parks. Great site to get information on outdoors and historical areas.
Backpacker Magazine is a great site to get backpacking and camping information. They have a very good bulletin board to post questions and they have a service for suggestions for weekend trips.
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources is a great place to get information on hikes, rail to trails, and Pa. state parks. They also have a good kids page.

Education

USDA Forest Service. See what the federal government is doing to protect our forests. You can find a fair amount of information on conservation issues.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agenecy is a good place to get information on what is happening to the world around us. I cant say that I always agree with the EPA (they can be alittle neutral when protecting the environment), but it is a start.

Organizations To Get Involved In

The Sierra Club - National is the one organization that I focus on. It has some great publications to keep you informed of various issues and does a fair amount of lobbying to help pass legislation benefitial to the environment and to help stop the legislation which is harmful.
A local chapter in southeastern Pennsylvania is active in both local and national issues. They have a site, but it is not always up to date.