Northern and Southern trees meet peacefully at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, a National Park Service area that includes the states of New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

CNN: When autumn leaves fall

Those tours were on a 1.5-mile section in a 2, 000-acre park called the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area, and the permits sold out in a matter of hours, denying large numbers of river lovers a legal chance to ply the waters.

CNN: SHARE THIS

The stylish development has a bit of a resort-like feel, with a pool area, outdoor barbecue grills and a sand volleyball court behind a spacious student recreation center with towering glass walls enclosing a fitness center, ping pong tables and a video game-playing area (on huge flat-screen TVs), among other amenities.

FORBES: Largest U.S. 'Zero Net Energy' Community Opens In California At UC Davis

"In the Delaware Gap I think we have some of the best fall foliage, " says Kathleen Sandt, a park ranger in the national recreation area.

CNN: When autumn leaves fall

Officials at the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in Arizona started a Graffiti Removal and Intervention Team, and this year are recruiting volunteers to scrub off graffiti with water and wire brushes, according to the Glen Canyon website.

WSJ: Outbreak of Graffiti Defaces a Beauty Spot

Many people start their journey at the Uncommon Homestead, which has a sundeck, hot tub, library, greenhouse, recreation room and dining area.

CNN: Mush! Five places to go dog sledding

Results from the tagging project will help the government decide whether a Marine Protected Area should be put in place to safeguard the sharks and balance environmental interests with industry and recreation.

BBC: Scottish basking shark tagging project to be extended