The Eastern U.S. has always been famous for its autumn foliage and George Washington & Jefferson National Forest does not disappoint. Comprised of nearly 1.8 million acres of land in Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky, George Washington & Jefferson National Forest represents one of the largest blocks of public land in the eastern United States.

George Washington & Jefferson National Forest is made up of has approximately 2,000 miles of hiking trails for visitors to explore its woodlands, mountains, rock formations, and streams. The most famous of these trails is the world-renown Appalachian National Scenic Trail which extends over 330 miles of the winding forest. Each autumn, as the seasons change, the forest transforms into a bold tapestry of color that only a poet could describe. It is no surprise that these picturesque settings are ones that park visitors want to capture on film - or disk - and take home. 

CASIO PHOTO TIP: Fall colors pop best in evening light. Try shooting on a cloudy day for contrast.

The “Top Ten Parks and Public Lands Photo Tips” range from capturing the rich history of Jamestowne, Virginia, to watching alligators glide through the swamps of Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. Whether you’re a professional or new to photography, these tips will help you discover some of the hidden gems that often get overlooked within the nation’s diverse parks and public lands system.

In recent years the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation had teamed with sponsors like CASIO and Ford Motor Company for the official “Share the Experience” photo contest.  Amateur photographers are encouraged to enter their favorite photos taken in America’s national parks and public lands.  Winners are eligible for a variety of prizes and vacations to federal recreation areas. 

The “Share the Experience” photo contest benefits America’s Federal Recreational Lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Forest Service. We hope these tips are helpful, and inspire you to get out and explore some of America’s hidden gems hidden within the nation's public parks and recreation lands.