From the pristine coastlines of Acadia Nationwide Park to the charming valleys of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the East Coast has infinite unbelievable landscapes. Whether or not you’re into historical past, the colourful underwater world, expansive caves, quiet forest trails, or a bit of every, these 20 Greatest East Coast Nationwide Parks have the right journey.
Lose monitor of time as you stroll amongst Congaree Nationwide Park’s expansive old-growth forests, set out for an journey of a lifetime on the Appalachian Path, or see for your self the hype of the Statue of Liberty. Set foot on distant islands and spend days immersed in nature, or take a break from town and fill your afternoon with tree-lined trails and playful wildlife.
It doesn’t matter what your best Nationwide Park trip could also be, the East Coast Nationwide Parks will shock you with their peaceable nature, pristine lakes, and pleasant rangers all the time blissful to share their data. If you happen to’re eager to place some miles in your mountaineering footwear whereas discovering fascinating historical past, look no additional than these awe-inspiring East Coast Nationwide Parks.
US Nationwide Parks
20 Nationwide Parks – East Coast
1- Acadia Nationwide Park
Location: Maine
Identified For: Rugged coastlines
The crown jewel of Nationwide Parks on the East Coast, Acadia Nationwide Park options 64 miles (102 kilometres) of beautiful shoreline, numerous wildlife, pristine seashores and miles of mountaineering and biking trails.
Cadillac Mountain is the most well-liked path within the park, and for good motive.
Not solely are the 360-degree views unbelievable, however for half the yr between October and March, the summit is the primary place within the U.S. to see the solar.
Or, in case you want one thing much less difficult, drive the 27-mile (43-kilometre) Park Loop Highway to see lots of Acadia Nationwide Park’s highlights.
Handle: Hulls Cove Customer Middle, the principle customer centre to Acadia Nationwide Park, is at 25 Customer Middle Highway, Bar Harbor, ME 04609.
2- Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park
Location: Tennessee & North Carolina
Identified For: Spectacular waterfalls and autumn colors
From the cascading waters of Abrams Falls and picturesque Fontana Lake to the jaw-dropping views atop Mount Guyot’s 6,621 toes (2,018 metres) summit, Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park has no scarcity of journey.
Phrase has undoubtedly received out because the Nationwide Park sees over 10 million guests yearly.
Nonetheless, with 800 miles (1287 kilometres) of mountaineering trails, you possibly can simply discover your individual slice of paradise – simply make sure you keep off the principle Cades Cove Loop Drive in the summertime!
Handle: The most effective place to start your Nice Smokey Mountain journey is on the Oconaluftee Customer Middle, situated at 1194 Newfound Hole Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719.
3- Congaree Nationwide Park
Location: South Carolina
Identified For: Magnificent old-growth forest
In the course of South Carolina, in Congaree Nationwide Park, you’ll discover the most important old-growth forest in North America.
Hike alongside the 20 miles (32 kilometres) of backcountry trails, or follow the shorter 2.4-mile (3.7-kilometre) boardwalk, which meanders by way of the charming forest.
One other nice strategy to expertise the park is with a canoe journey down the Congaree River, the place you’ll have one of the best likelihood to identify deer, otters, turtles, bobcats and plenty of kinds of fish.
Handle: Begin your Congaree Nationwide Park journey on the Harry Hampton Customer Middle, at 100 Nationwide Park rd, Hopkins, SC 29061.
4- Mammoth Cave Nationwide Park
Location: Kentucky
Identified For: World’s longest recognized cave system
Above floor, lush forests, light rivers, and prolonged mountaineering and biking trails wait to be found in Mammoth Cave Nationwide Park.
But, the unbelievable world under floor is what attracts guests from close to and much to this Kentucky Nationwide Park.
Discover the world’s longest-known cave system with a guided tour and see the wonderful chambers and rock tunnels Mammoth Cave is thought for.
Guide your tour prematurely because it’s extremely popular, particularly in the course of the summer season.
Handle: Mammoth Cave Customer Middle is at 1 Mammoth Cave Pkwy, Mammoth Cave, KY 42259.
5- Everglades Nationwide Park
Location: Florida
Identified For: Everglades tropical wilderness and plentiful wildlife
Welcoming over a million guests a yr, Everglades Nationwide Park is a must-visit in case you’re within the space and the USA’s largest tropical wilderness.
Guests can discover the infinite strolling trails, take a guided tram tour to study concerning the fragile ecosystem, or discover the right spot to look at for wildlife.
Everglades Nationwide Park is dwelling to the Florida panther, the American crocodile, and over 350 species of birds, so that you’ll wish to all the time have your digicam readily available.
Handle: Begin your Everglades Nationwide Park journey on the Ernest F. Coe Customer Middle at 40001 State Hwy 9336, Homestead, FL 33034.
6- Shenandoah Nationwide Park
Location: Virginia
Identified For: Skyline Drive and unbelievable mountaineering
For a number of the greatest mountaineering on the East Coast, head to Shenandoah Nationwide Park.
Dwelling to over 500 miles (800 kilometres) of trails, of which 101 miles (162 kilometres) make up a part of the Appalachian Path, you’ll be awestruck by the quite a few waterfalls, old-growth forests, expansive views and plentiful wildlife.
Even in case you want to discover from the consolation of a automobile, Skyline Drive travels over 100 miles (161 kilometres) by way of the park and gives 70 scenic overlooks to tug over and benefit from the view.
Handle: The Shenandoah Nationwide Park Headquarters is at 3655 US-211, Luray, VA 22835.
7- Cape Cod Nationwide Seashore
Location: Massachusetts
Identified For: Expansive sea views and numerous shoreline
Whereas Cape Cod could also be recognized for its scrumptious meals, upmarket shops, and sandy seashores, Cape Cod Nationwide Seashore is all about wild nature.
Stretching 40 miles (64 kilometres) alongside the coast and encompassing over 40,000 acres (16,187 hectares), guests can take pleasure in all the pieces from browsing and canoeing to mountaineering and wildlife recognizing.
Autumn is an particularly scenic time to go to Cape Cod, as purple and orange hues dot the shoreline and water temperatures are good for swimming.
Handle: Cape Cod Nationwide Seashore Salt Pond Customer Middle is at 50 Nauset Rd, Eastham, MA 02642.
8- Biscayne Nationwide Park
Location: Florida
Identified For: Dwelling coral barrier reef and thriving mangrove forests
An unbelievable 95% of Biscayne Nationwide Park is underwater, making it the most important marine sanctuary taken care of by the Nationwide Park Service.
If you happen to’re a fan of taking to the seas to discover by way of scuba diving, snorkelling, or boating – you’ll wish to add this East Coast Nationwide Park to your checklist.
The park has many endangered species, so going guided is the best way to go.
You’ll study concerning the many sharks, stingrays, turtles, and different wildlife discovered right here whereas making certain you’re not negatively impacting the atmosphere.
Handle: Dante Fascell Customer Middle is at 9700 SW 328th St, Homestead, FL 33033.
9- New River Gorge Nationwide Park
Location: West Virginia
Identified For: World-class mountaineering and white water rafting
Hidden within the forests of West Virginia, you’ll discover the scenic and hardly recognized New River Gorge Nationwide Park.
Someway this park has been stored out of the highlight, making it a paradise for individuals who wish to discover nature with out the crowds.
New River Gorge is particularly nice for climbers, with over 1,400 established climbs starting from 30 to 120 toes (9 to 36 metres) excessive.
Or, to see the expansiveness of the Nationwide Park, head out on a guided rafting journey to wind your means by way of dramatic cliffs and plush forests.
Handle: New River Gorge Nationwide Park headquarters are situated at 104 Principal Road, Glen Jean, WV 25846, United States.
10- Isle Royal Nationwide Park
Location: Michigan
Identified For: Distant nature and pristine lakes
An island Nationwide Park discovered on northern Lake Superior and reachable solely by ferry or seaplane, Isle Royal is without doubt one of the least visited Nationwide Parks in the USA.
Nonetheless, for these prepared for an journey, they received’t quickly neglect, Isle Royal Nationwide Park guarantees quiet trails, beautiful vistas and full immersion into nature.
As it could take 1.5 to 5 hours to succeed in the island by ferry, you’ll wish to keep for a number of nights in one of many distant campsites or e book a cabin far prematurely.
For a grand journey, pack a backpack and tent and traverse the 43-mile (69-kilometre) Greenstone Ridge Path.
Handle: Isle Royal Nationwide parks mainland headquarters is at 800 East Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI 49931.
11- Scorching Springs Nationwide Park
Location: Arkansas
Identified For: Thermal Springs and wealthy historic previous
Established in April 1832, Scorching Springs Nationwide Park is the nation’s oldest Nationwide Park and nonetheless, as we speak, is dwelling to plentiful sizzling springs, plentiful creeks, and charming forests.
All through the park, 9 historic bathhouses awe guests with their grand structure and quite a few trails set within the Ouachita Mountains present day hikes for novices and professional hikers.
To benefit from the park to its fullest, head out for a hike to see the pure sizzling swimming pools up shut, then spend the afternoon at one of many two bathhouses accessible for soaking.
Handle: Fordyce Bathhouse Customer Middle is at 369 Central Avenue, Scorching Springs, AR 71901.
12- Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park
Location: Florida
Identified For: Fort Jefferson, nice snorkelling and scuba diving
Like Biscayne Nationwide Park, Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park is principally open water and protects the numerous coral reefs and marine life.
Nonetheless, the Nationwide Park additionally gives a singular glimpse into America’s previous, together with the picturesque Fort Jefferson used within the Civil Conflict and even imprisoned Dr Samuel Mudd for his involvement within the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln.
The easiest way to find the island’s pure delights is to e book a ship tour, which can take you across the seven islands.
Or, in case you’d wish to discover the underwater world, the blue waters and bustling coral reefs make for glorious scuba and snorkelling.
Handle: Fort Jefferson Customer Middle is at Fort Jefferson, Key West, FL 33040, United States
13- Appalachian Nationwide Scenic Path
Location: Maine to Georgia, crossing 14 states
Identified For: Longest hiking-only path on the planet
Whereas not technically a Nationwide Park, it will be incorrect to not embody the Appalachian Nationwide Scenic Path on this checklist of one of the best East Coast Nationwide Parks.
Stretching 2,180 miles (3,500 kilometres) from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katharine in Maine, the Appalachian Path brings hikers by way of forests, over mountain passes, alongside rivers and thru farms and cities.
Whereas about 3,000 individuals try to traverse the path every year, solely a mean of 25% full it.
Even in case you’re not ready to spend a number of months out mountaineering, it’s effectively value exploring one of many many smaller sections dotted alongside the East Coast.
Handle: The Appalachian Nationwide Scenic Path headquarters is at 799 Washington St, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
14- Cumberland Hole Nationwide Historic Park
Location: Border of Kentucky, Tennesse and Virginia
Identified For: Wealthy historical past because the gateway to the west
As soon as utilized by Native People and settlers as a gateway to the west, Cumberland Hole is wealthy in historical past and nature, with stunning overlooks, thundering waterfalls and plentiful wildlife.
The easiest way to discover the park is by foot on the 70 miles (112.6 kilometres) of interconnected trails winding by way of Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia.
There’s one thing for everybody, from simple 20-minute walks to all-day hikes.
Additionally, make sure you e book a tour of Hole Cave to see the unbelievable world just under floor.
Handle: Cumberland Hole Nationwide Historic Park is at 91 Bartlett Park Highway, Middlesboro, KY 40965.
15- Fort Sumter & Fort Moultrie Nationwide Historic Park
Location: South Carolina
Identified For: Civil Conflict and Revolutionary Conflict historical past
Not like lots of the different East Coast Nationwide Parks on this checklist, Fort Sumter & Fort Moultrie Nationwide Historic Park is much less about nature and extra about its important function in the course of the Civil Conflict and Revolutionary Conflict.
In truth, the primary pictures of the Civil Conflict have been fired at Fort Sumter and nonetheless as we speak, you possibly can see artefacts from the lengthy Siege of Charleston.
If you happen to’re concerned about America’s early days, cease on the Fort Sumter Customer Schooling Middle, take a guided ferry, and tour out to Fort Sumter itself.
Handle: The park headquarters is at 1214 Center Road, Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482.
16- Cuyahoga Valley Nationwide Park
Location: Ohio
Identified For: Quite a few waterfalls and scenic railroad
Set between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio, Cuyahoga Valley Nationwide Park is the right getaway to flee metropolis life and reconnect with nature.
Whereas the Nationwide Park Service takes care of the park, quite a few non-public and public companies function inside the area, permitting for thrilling actions and distinctive applications.
The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is particularly enjoyable, and you’ll both experience your entire size of the railroad or hike or bike the Towpath Path, then catch the prepare as an alternative of mountaineering again.
Handle: Boston Mill Customer Middle is at 6947 Riverview Rd, Peninsula, OH 44264.
17- Harpers Ferry Nationwide Historic Park
Location: Alongside the border of West Virginia, Virginia and Maryland
Identified For: Website of John Brown’s Raid
Set within the charming city of Harpers Ferry, Harpers Ferry Nationwide Park combines historical past, nature, journey and tradition to create an ideal weekend getaway.
It might not supply the a whole bunch of miles of distant trails like different East Coast Nationwide Parks, however the 22 miles (35 kilometres) of simple to reasonable trails within the Blue Ridge mountains are effectively value exploring.
Or, head to one of many quite a few museums to study John Brown’s Raid, which partly ignited the Civil Conflict.
Handle: Harpers Ferry Nationwide Historic Park is at 171 Shoreline Drive, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425.
18- Wright Brothers Nationwide Memorial
Location: North Carolina
Identified For: Location of first profitable aeroplane flight
Step again in time and uncover Wilbur and Orville Wright’s ardour for flight on the Wright Brothers Nationwide Memorial.
On December 17, 1903, the brothers fulfilled their goals of flight and efficiently flew an aeroplane 120 toes (36 metres) alongside an open discipline.
A sturdy Customer Middle takes you on a journey with the brothers and showcases a duplicate of the airplane and different flight-related reveals.
Handle: Wright Brothers Nationwide Memorial is at 1000 North Croatan Freeway, Kill Satan Hills, NC 27947.
19- Huge South Fork Nationwide River and Recreation Space
Location: Border of Kentucky and Tennessee
Identified For: Spectacular gorges alongside Cumberland River
One other spectacular wilderness space that’s remained off the radar is the Huge South Fork Nationwide River and Recreation Space.
Sitting proper on the border of Kentucky and Tennessee, with 125,000 acres (50,600 hectares) of protected land alongside the Cumberland River, you’ll be spoilt for selection for stunning hikes to tick off.
Huge South Fork can also be a shocking whitewater rafting location, with a variety of flat water sections to Class IV rapids meandering throw cliff-lined gorges.
Handle: The Customer Middle is at 176 River Otter Dr, Crossville, TN 38571, United States.
20- Statue of Liberty Nationwide Monument
Location: New York
Identified For: Statue of Liberty
You’ve possible heard of the Statue of Liberty, however do you know the Nationwide Park Service takes care of it?
With a mean of 24,000 guests a day or 8.7 million guests a yr, it’s one of the recognised and most visited of all Nationwide Parks in the USA and contains of the Statue of Liberty, the Statue of Liberty Museum and the previous immigration station on Ellis Island.
We’re positive we don’t need to let you know twice to e book your tickets early for this tour!
Handle: Liberty Island, New York, NY 10004.
