Are you ready to embark on a thrilling amateur radio expedition like no other? Look no further than the captivating world of Parks on the Air (POTA). This exciting event combines the joys of amateur radio with the beauty and adventure of national/federal and state/provincial parks, giving operators a chance to explore stunning locations while making memorable radio contacts. So pack your gear, ignite your sense of adventure, and let’s amble, hike, and climb, into the captivating world of POTA!

Picture this, setting up your radio equipment next to a breathtaking waterfall, its cascading waters providing a symphony of nature’s music as you tune into the airwaves. Or imagine perching on a rock face, adrenaline coursing through your veins as you make contacts from a cliffside location that offers panoramic views of awe-inspiring landscapes. Perhaps you’re an avid hiker, and the Pacific Coast Trail beckons you to combine your love for backcountry destinations and you are looking for a fun way to ensure your emergency communication equipment and amateur radio gear is functionally working. Let’s not forget the thrill of overlanding adventures with your friends in your caravan of off road vehicles in the majestic Rocky Mountains, where you can find a home for the night in a remote location, set up camp ,and reach out to fellow radio enthusiasts while fully relaxing and totally immersed in nature’s embrace.

Parks on the Air (POTA) is all about taking your outdoor recreations to new heights, quite literally with the help of radio waves and the ionosphere! It’s an invitation to embrace the outdoors, explore national parks, and combine the magic of radio communication with the wonders of nature. This program encourages amateur radio operators to venture beyond their traditional shack setups and venture into stunning natural settings to make contacts from these picturesque locations. Simply imagine the joy of operating your radio while surrounded by the serene sounds of nature. The chirping of birds, the rustle of leaves, and the rush of creeks, streams, and rivers become your background soundtrack as you connect with fellow operators around the globe. Not only do you get to enjoy the camaraderie of the amateur radio community, but you also get to practice the potentially life saving skills of radio communication in a remote location all while you share the beauty and splendor of these outdoor locations with your on-air contacts.

POTA is more than just a thrilling adventure. It’s also an educational opportunity that deepens your understanding of how your equipment works and how it can work for you when you need it most. You also learn about our national parks and their significance. Each park has its own unique history, geology, and cultural heritage, waiting to be discovered and shared. As you explore these parks, you’ll learn about their environmental conservation efforts, wildlife habitats, and the stories that have shaped these natural wonders. Plus, you will be making far off friends from all over the globe with the amateur radio contacts that you make!

Getting started with POTA is easier than you might think, just go the POTA website (https://parksontheair.com) for signing up as the latest and greatest POTA Activator! Then you can begin by researching parks near you or those that you might have on your travel bucket list. The POTA website also hosts a comprehensive list of eligible parks to help you in your search and gives you the structure needed for operating within them. Next, gather your equipment, including a portable radio, antenna, batteries, and any necessary accessories. Plan your adventure, remember you can make voice, C.W., or digital mode contacts (Example: FT8). Also check out the awards page so you can obtain one of the many awards available to both activators and hunters in these event.

Once you’re in your favorite on-site location, set up your equipment and let the magic unfold. Reach out to fellow operators, share your location, and make contacts that bridge distances and unite radio enthusiasts from all walks of life. Immerse yourself in the adventure, the thrill, and the beauty of both amateur radio and the great outdoors. Take a photo and share it with ARRL at #ARRL or via https://www.arrl.org/library-submit-content or share it on your social media feed with the hashtag #parksontheair.

Just remember, POTA is not just about having a blast, and making contacts; it’s also about the important work to bring recognition to the parks, preserving, and respecting these national treasures. Leave no trace, follow park rules, and be mindful of the delicate ecosystems you encounter along your journey. As amateur radio operators, we have a responsibility to be stewards of both the airwaves and the natural world around us.

My fellow radio adventurers, it’s time to unleash your inner explorer, to push the boundaries of your radio hobbies, and to connect with nature in a whole new way. Pack your gear, embark on exciting quests, and let the allure of Parks on the Air (POTA) take you to new heights!

73,

N3DEZ

*The Wilderness Protocol suggests radio operators in the Amateur service should monitor standard simplex channels at specific times in case of Emergency or priority calls. The primary frequency monitored is 146.52 MHz; secondarily or alternatively 52.525, 223.5, 446.0 and 1294.5 MHz respectively.*

For more information on POTA information here are a few fun videos to showcase a few ways to experience it for yourself:

Astra Leah: POTA Activation With Elizabeth KD9ORR https://youtu.be/YRAArVfaGok

Ham Radio Adventures Club @ Ocean City State Park WA POTA: https://youtu.be/ukX98n2MeFE

K8MRD Radio Stuff – FT8 & Chill – or – My First Digital POTA Activation: https://youtu.be/iKxY5-dT7OI

KDØHBU First Time POTA Activation – New CW Operator: