While it’s true, the majority of the national parks are located in the western USA, the national parks on the east offer a great variety of landscapes from intricate cave systems, coral reefs, marshy wetlands, to majestic mountain tops. Just look out for the raccoons, skunks, coyotes, and bats which call the valley home. This New England national park is nature’s playground, whether you’re a “leaf peeper” looking for the technicolor fall foliage, an avid hiker looking to test your endurance, or a water lover romping in the frigid waters of Sand Beach. You need to take a boat or seaplane(!!!) The combination of the springs, the mountains, the bathhouses, and it’s rich history make it definitely worthy of a spot on the best national parks on the east coast list. Best Time to Visit: Mid-spring to fall, since Isle Royale (and it’s surrounding islands) are entirely closed from November 1st through April 15th. East Coast “dudes” began this homestead in 1922, back when there were just two cabins. Highlights of Congaree National Park include exploring the swamplands of the park on a kayak or canoe. There is no water, electricity, wifi, or amenities on the island, so you must bring everything with you. Led by our own journey, join us in learning about new destinations, helpful travel tips, amazing hikes, family travel hacks, and of course living a wilder life. Chase some waterfalls: Hike to Overall Run Falls (the tallest waterfall in the park, showcasing an impressive drop and view) and Dark Hollow Falls Trail (most popular waterfall in the park). Here, a mountainous landscape converges with the Atlantic Ocean, creating a rugged and rocky shoreline, reminiscent of what you might find out west. You can also spot waterfalls and take a dip in swimming holes along the way, on the Whiteoak Canyon hike. Small but mighty, Acadia National Park gives to its visitors some of the most dramatic and stunning scenery of any of the country’s parks. Sink your toes into the sand, wade in the warm water, relax under a shady palm tree. So that’s just 5, and five wouldn’t be a very thorough list (haha). From Sand Beach, you can opt to hike to Thunder Hole, where you can hear the ocean waves and their thunderous sounds, created by the waves filling up in the cavern below. Exact times can’t be known, but it generally happens from May to mid-June. Note there’s no camping within Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The absolute best time to visit is late August when the temps are moderate, the bugs are minimal, and the summer crowds have left. , so now I need to get back to the other side of the country to check these parks off! I'll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I'll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. The National Park consists of its main island, Isle Royale, and hundreds of adjacent islands → you definitely won’t see them all. A few recommended stays: The Inn on Mount Desert, The Harborside Hotel Marina & Spa, and The Bar Harbor Inn and Spa. Hi, I’m Jess. One thing is for sure; if you’re a water lover, this is the national park for you. Over the course of its winding, 460-mile course, it will provide some of the best views in the Blue Ridge … Why, you ask?! Happy exploring! Biscayne National Park is one of the hardest national parks on the east coast to access. While this is often touted as an activity for kids…I don’t see why adults can’t do it as well. You can stay in one of the communities surrounding the park (including Gatlinburg, Cherokee, and Pigeon Forge) and make the short drive into the park everyday. America’s Prettiest National Parks on the East Coast (Massive Guide), Christmas in California: 10 Places to Get Festive for the Holidays, One Day in Denver: How to (Easily) Plan A Super Fun Denver Itinerary, 300+ Things to Do in Northern California (Massive NorCal Bucket List), 2019 Year in Review: Life and Travels and Everything in Between, Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee and North Carolina), Mount Desert Island (MDI): the main region and where most people spend their time, Isle au Haut: a remote island only reached by ferry. You can see out more than 100 miles on a clear day! Expect amazing star gazing opportunities, stunning sunsets, and perfect snorkeling. Probably because it’s pretty tough and expensive to get to. It is... 3. Location: MaineInteresting Fact: For half of the year, Cadillac Mountain, the highest point in the park, is the first spot in the US to catch the rays of the rising sun. When To Visit: Autumn is generally considered the best time of year to visit the park for its incredible fall foliage and pleasant weather.Where To Stay: Inn at Brandywine Falls. Discover two... Vogel State Park | Southern Blue Ridge Mountains, Georgia. Cuyahogo Valley NP > Mammoth Caves NP > Great Smoky Mountains NP > Congaree NP > Shenandoah NP ( 14 -21 days). Great American Outdoors Act The act, signed by President Trump on August 4, will permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund and restore our national parks. Acadia National Park. One of the best ways to see the park is via the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, a Class III railroad operating on diesel-electric and steam! And unlike many other national parks on the east coast, Shenandoah allows rock climbing, fly-fishing, and road biking! Keep reading to discover places that should be at the top of your list of destinations as you plan your next vacation. Come mid-May to mid-June to see the synchronous fireflies. When thinking about the National Parks in the US, most people tend to think of the epic west coast national parks like Yosemite, The Grand Canyon, and Yellowstone. This is the highest point on the Atlantic coast. And, while it has a smaller number of national parks, the east still has plenty of national monuments, national seashores, national historic sites, and more. Lodging In and Around the Park: You’ll find cozy hotel rooms at Rock Harbor Lodge (the only full-service lodge in the park) if you’re not down for roughing it while camping. The Cuyahoga River is named for the Mohawk word meaning “crooked river,” and it is the central feature at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Highlights of the park include driving the 27 mile Park Loop Road. The Everglades is a massive wetland encompassing 1.5 million acres. While no one would argue at the grandeur of those parks, there’s a lot of wild beauty and terrain to be explored in the east coast national parks. We’re talking about Mammoth Cave National Park, the longest cave system in the world! A unique eco-adventure on the clear, calm waters. I want cool stamps too! The biggest attraction of the park and a real gem is the Cades Cove scenic drive. What parks come to mind when thinking about the National Parks System? When To Visit: The most popular time to visit the Everglades is during the dry season from December to April when the weather is temperate, and the insect population (mosquitoes) is significantly reduced. It’s rich in biodiversity and home to manatees, alligators, crocodiles, flamingos, panthers, and a range of different birds. November to February is the slowest time of the year with fewer people and lower hotel costs. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Stay away from June through September – it’s hot and muggy with tons of annoying insects and spiders (the mosquito meter is lower other times of year). Come in late spring to see the waterfalls in all their glory – they’re really flowing in May. You’ll want to stop by Sand Beach to splash in the (ice-cold) waves or try one of the short hikes that start at the beach. SHOULD YOU? And these east coast national parks will have you booking a trip in no time. State park destinations in East Coast of USA. It’s easily one of the most popular national parks on the east coast. You need to take a boat or seaplane to get there, which is an activity in and of itself! Hiking enthusiasts will have their pick of easy to hard hikes, whether it’s to hike to the park’s tallest waterfall, Rainbow Falls, or to take on the challenging and diverse, Alum Cave hike. I almost guarantee that you’ve never heard of this east coast national park unless you live nearby. The weather isn’t steaming hot, the mosquitos are finally at bay, and less stormy weather. Do note it rains pretty frequently during the summer in Florida, so plan to pack a poncho if that’s the only time you can fit in a visit. Make sure to stop at Range View Overlook, Hogback Overlook, Spitler Knoll, Big Run, and Crimora Lake Overlake. The park spans 51 square miles and claims the land along the river between Akron and Cleveland. And crown jewel it is — there’s woodlands, rocky beaches, glacier-scoured granite peaks, and even a sandy beach (complete with tide pools!). We’ve also included a short guide to the national parks and suggested itineraries if you want to embark on your own east coast national parks road trip. All Rights Reserved. Rock Climbing: There’s so much granite here, it’d be a shame for climbers to miss out on this. You’ll wanna carry water, a flashlight, a trail map, and possibly a windbreaker with you in your day bag. Here you’ll find otters, bobcats, and even wild boar on the park’s 20,000 acres (explore via foot, kayak, and/or canoe). Haven’t had enough? To make the most of your vacation time and explore a park thats perfect for you, check out our favorites in the American West! Top 10 national parks on the East Coast Acadia National Park. There’s lots of shady trees to walk under — oaks, maples, hickory, beech, pine, and spruce are all common here! Kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are all popular pastimes. Many even call it the “Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast” (including NPS itself!). One day is enough to hit the highlights, but you can easily spend three days doing several hikes and activities. The Cedar Creek Canoe Trail is a well-managed trail that winds for 15 miles through the Congaree wilderness. When To Visit: The best time to visit is September to mid-October when summer crowds will have diminished, but the weather is still pleasant, and fall foliage is on display.Where To Stay: The Inn On Mount Desert. Our blog is here to inspire travel and adventure. Many even allow visitors to disembark on remote islands for ranger-led hikes. Lodging In and Around the Park: Stay right in the middle of all the park action at Big Meadows or Skyland lodges, or nearby in the town of Front Royal. But don’t worry if you’re not an avid hiker, the park is packed with scenic drives! One day is enough to do a guided ranger tour and a small outing, but a long weekend will allow you to enjoy the park and all it’s water activities fully. Sign up now to receive our FREE travel hacking tips, wanderlust photography, and exclusive content just for our WILDER LIFE community. Written within the backdrop of a painful breakup with his fiance, Conor Knighton takes readers on a journey to America’s national parks peppering in fascinating history about the parks and his own personal stories. Location: KentuckyInteresting Fact: Mammoth Cave is one of only 13 natural US sites to be honored with the distinction of being a UNESCO world heritage site. 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