© NPF

The National Park Foundation (NPF) has announced over $200,000 in grants to be awarded to the thirteen national parks that have been selected to participate in the 2012 Active Trails program. Now in its fourth round of grants, the NPF's Active Trails program promotes national parks as a place to not only engage a community, but also to encourage healthy living.

The 2012 Active Trails Grantees include:

• Antietam National Battlefield
• Catoctin Mountain Park
• Golden Gate National Recreation Area
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• Gulf Islands National Seashore
• Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
• Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
• Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
• Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
• Mesa Verde National Park
• New River Gorge National River
• River Raisin National Battlefield Park
• Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

"Maintaining over 18,000 miles of trails is no small task," said Neil Mulholland, President and CEO of NPF. "The Active Trail funds help parks across the country create or expand vital trail related projects, improving the visitor experience and encouraging engagement opportunities with each parks' gateway community."

© The U.S. Army via Flickr

The National Park Service's latest program has been designed to show appreciation for military personnel by issuing free admission passes for members of the military on active duty and their dependents. The passes will be valid at all 397 national parks and good for a year from the month obtained.

The pass also provides free entry to scenic areas and preserves managed by the U .S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Reclamation. It can be obtained, in person, with a current military identification card at entrances to those locations as well as the parks.

© the tahoe guy via Flickr

If you can't make it to Yosemite National Park, have no fear. Thanks to the park's webcam, you can view the park in all its glory from the comfort of your home!

The HD camera went live pointed on Yosemite Falls last week, allowing anyone with computer access to watch in stunning detail. It's updated every 30 seconds through a high-speed DSL connection. Its the fourth webcam the Yosemite Conservancy has set up -- three others include cameras pointed towards Half Dome and El Capitan.

So check it out now. Click here to view the Yosemite Falls live webcam! Click here to view Yosemite Falls live webcam!

© respres via Flickr

Memorial Day is just a few weeks away! Check out the top parks to visit over the holiday weekend and start planning your getaway now.