Our national parks are places for all to explore and find inspiration in. To highlight this, we partnered with Yellowstone Bourbon to capture country, folk and Americana musicians exploring parks that serve as inspiration for them while writing and touring, and as places of relaxation when they return home. From the banks of the mighty New River, the striking cliffs of the Black Canyon and the winding trails of the Great Smoky Mountains, we're bringing to you a video series that exemplifies the inspiration found in and the importance of protecting our national parks – each featuring a song performed in a single take that underscores the artist's connection to these special places.

We hope this series inspires you to learn more about the more than 420 parks in our National Park System. You never know, a park not too far from you might be the perfect place to connect with the outdoors and inspire you to create something of your own.

Charles Wesley Godwin performing “Headwaters” in New River Gorge National Park

From the stage of the Grand Ole Opry to playing arenas, Charles Wesley Godwin’s music has taken him across the United States – and to many national parks. At the heart of it all for Charles is West Virginia, his birthplace and the state where he raises his family. We met up with Charles in New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, where he shared why the protection of the park is important to him as an outdoorsman, West Virginian and father. He also spoke to how he drew from his love for the nature found in his home state for his song “Headwaters,” from his newest album Family Ties, released September 22, 2023.

Gabe Lee Performing “Drink the River” in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, Gabe Lee grew up with two constants in his life – music and trips to national parks. From a young age, Great Smoky Mountains National Park was a playground for Gabe, hiking the trails with his family during the summers and winters. Today, national parks remain a source of inspiration, refuge and recreation for Gabe. Under a canopy of trees on one of the park’s trails, Gabe shared how the outdoors served as inspiration for the titular track of his latest album, Drink the River, and the importance of ensuring parks – like the one he grew up visiting – remain protected.

Emily Scott Robinson Performing “Westward Bound” in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

While Emily Scott Robinson was born in North Carolina, touring out West for the first time changed her life – and her appreciation for the outdoors – forever. After exploring the country in an RV and calling national park campsites home, Emily relocated to western Colorado to be closer to the mountainous and desert landscapes that inspired her. We descended into the canyon with Emily to learn about why she considers herself a national park advocate, her love for backcountry exploring and how her experiences traveling from shows to national parks inspired her song “Westward Bound.”

Yellowstone Bourbon’s Commitment to National Park Protection

Limestone Yellowstone Whiskey Logo b/w

Partnered with NPCA since 2018, Yellowstone Bourbon has donated nearly $500,000 in support of protecting parks that are places for exploration and inspiration – for all. Founded in the same year that the park it shares its name with was designated a national park, Yellowstone Bourbon is one of NPCA’s largest annual corporate partners and a dedicated advocate for parks, from video series like this one to stepping in when parks need support most. To learn about the myriad ways Yellowstone Bourbon has supported NPCA and our mission to ensure parks remain protected for all to explore, click here.

Learn about the challenges and opportunities facing national parks, then use your voice to advocate on their behalf.

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