The park extends to cover much of the western part of the southern highlands, lying to the north of the Glasgow conurbation, and contains many mountains and lochs.

[3] The change in rock type can most clearly be seen at Loch Lomond itself, as the fault runs across the islands of Inchmurrin, Creinch, Torrinch and Inchcailloch and over the ridge of Conic Hill.

[4] The Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park lies close to Scotland's heavily populated Central Belt, and the area has long been popular with visitors.

Principal attractions are viewing scenery and wildlife, walking, climbing, water sports, and other outdoor activities.

[6] The national park extends to cover much of the western part of the southern highlands, lying to the north of the Glasgow conurbation.

[9] It is a popular leisure destination, and is surrounded by hills,[10] including Ben Lomond on the eastern shore, which is 974 metres (3,196 ft) in height,[11] and the most southerly of the Scottish Munro peaks.

A 2005 poll of Radio Times readers voted Loch Lomond as the sixth greatest natural wonder in Britain.

[13] The wooded hills and lochs of the area may be considered to represent a microcosm of a typical highland landscape,[13] and the woodlands are an important habitat for many species.

[17] The Arrochar Alps, a popular location for hillwalking and climbing, lie at the northern edge of Cowal, overlooking Loch Lomond.

The only railway in the national park is the West Highland Line, which follows the eastern shore of Loch Long as far as Arrochar, and thence runs close to the A82 as far as Tyndrum.

Human settlement and activity, including agriculture, historical deforestation, overgrazing by sheep and deer, and extensive 20th century afforestation with introduced tree species (particularly conifers) have resulted in landscapes which are best described as semi-natural.

[20] Despite the lack of true "wilderness" the idea that areas of Scotland having wild or remote character should be designated to protect the environment and encourage public access grew in popularity throughout the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

These waters support fish species such as salmon, trout, Arctic charr, powan and river, brook and sea lampreys.

[6] Beauty spots include the Falls of Dochart, the viewpoint at the Rest and be thankful, and Inchcailloch island in Loch Lomond.

There is a national park visitor centre in Balloch at the southern end of Loch Lomond, called Loch Lomond Shores, which includes a visitor information centre at the most popular gateway to the park, as well as an aquarium, shops and restaurants.

[10] The national park authority has tried to achieve a balance between land-based tourists and loch users, with environmentally sensitive areas subject to a strictly enforced 11 km/h (5.9 kn; 6.8 mph) speed limit, but the rest of the loch open to speeds of up to 90 km/h (49 kn; 56 mph).

[47] In 2017 the national park authority introduced byelaws restricting the right to camp along much of the shoreline of Loch Lomond, due to issues such as litter and anti-social behaviour that were blamed on some irresponsible campers.

It can, for example, acquire land, make byelaws and management agreements, provide grants, offer advice, and undertake or commission research.