Summer may be the time for hitting the trail or rafting the gorge, but before heading out, the National Park Service is encouraging visitors to spend at least a little time planning an itinerary, negotiating routes, and researching the environs of where they're going. And, they have a new website to help out.

The National Park Service's 2010 Summer Adventure trip planning website connects visitors to travel resources, events and services at national parks across the country.

The website links visitors to sites of interest, lodging, upcoming events and tips to get the most out of the nation's parks. An interactive calendar makes it easier to search for special events by state, or by park.

Last year more than 285 million people visited national parks. The website is at www- dot-nps-dot-gov.