Leave Only Footprints

My Acadia-to-Zion Journey Through Every National Park

By: Conor Knighton

Narrated by: Conor Knighton

New York Times Best Seller

"A delightful sampler plate of our national parks, written with charisma and erudition." (Nick Offerman, author of Paddle Your Own Canoe)

From CBS Sunday Morning correspondent Conor Knighton, a behind-the-scenery look at his year traveling to each of America's National Parks, discovering the most beautiful places and most interesting people our country has to offer.

Named One of the Best Books of the Year by Outside

When Conor Knighton set off to explore America's "best idea", he worried the whole thing could end up being his worst idea. A broken engagement and a broken heart had left him longing for a change of scenery, but the plan he'd cooked up in response had gone a bit overboard in that department: Over the course of a single year, Knighton would visit every national park in the country, from Acadia to Zion.

In Leave Only Footprints, Knighton shares informative and entertaining dispatches from what turned out to be the road trip of a lifetime. Whether he's waking up early for a naked scrub in a historic bathhouse in Arkansas or staying up late to stargaze along our loneliest highway in Nevada, Knighton weaves together the type of stories you're not likely to find in any guidebook. Through his unique lens, America the Beautiful becomes America the Captivating, the Hilarious, and the Inspiring. Along the way, he identifies the threads that tie these wildly different places together - and that tie us to nature - and reveals how his trip ended up changing his views on everything from God and love to politics and technology.

Filled with fascinating tidbits about our parks' past and reflections on their fragile future, this audiobook is both a celebration of and a passionate case for the natural wonders that all Americans share.

©2020 Conor Knighton (P)2020 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Conor Knighton is not only blessed with Charles Kuralt's peripatetic curiosity and John Muir's reverence for nature, he shares their all-too-rare gift - his writing makes you want to hit the road and see for yourself what truly makes America great." (Mark Adams, New York Times best-selling author of Turn Right at Machu Picchu)

"A touching, funny tour of the weird and wonderful in the American wild. If you love our national parks, you'll love visiting them all with the thoughtful, always entertaining Conor Knighton as your witty, energetic guide. His enthusiasm is contagious and shines on every page." (Steve Hely, author of The Wonder Trail)

"I am crazy about this book. It's a delightful sampler plate of our national parks, written with charisma and erudition and leavened by a healthy dollop of humor. When Conor Knighton tells you to take a hike, you'd do well to pay attention." (Nick Offerman, author of Paddle Your Own Canoe)

Beautiful National Parks!

Enjoyable listen after returning from national park vacation :)
Descriptive story, informative, and good audio performance.

History Lessons of National Parks

The book was honestly less about his year adventure and more about the history of each national park. I enjoyed the book and will refer back to it whenever I head off to one of the Parks. He adds humor and some pretty interesting facts about each location.

enjoyable

Enyoyable experience, both the travelogue and the personal observations, though perhaps a little too much of the personal story.

Loved it!

Recommended for all nature lovers! A reminder of what inspires me in this great world God created! Fun to hear of adventures of others! Enjoyable personal story and park history too!

Perfect for Parks Fans!

As an NPS Nerd, I loved this trip through the parks. I learned new interesting stories and enjoyed the travelogue aspects too. This is a new favorite in my library!

You’re gonna want to pack your bags

I’ve been to many of the NPs. But Conor’s observations are fresh and accurate. I highly recommend this book

I wish it were longer

Wets your whistle for something like Ken Burns.
A little too much airing out dirty laundry

A must read for those with wanderlust

What a terrific read. With the author hitting so many parks you are able to enjoy listening to places you have already been, while planning to discover the new ones he suggests

A Travel Gem

Knighton hits this one out of the park! Experience “America’s Best Ideas” +delightful, insightful stories. Must read.

A bit too personal

I didn’t expect so much personal backstory and wanted more about our national parks. Okay.