A fun way to commemorate your time visiting the east coast national parks is to purchase a national park passport and collect stamps along the way. Over the course of its winding, 460-mile course, it will provide some of the best views in the Blue Ridge … 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. Outrage over the incident led to the creation of the federal Environmental Protection Agency, the Clean Water Act, and the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970. 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. Look no further than Acadia National Park on Maine’s scenic shores. Since it’s only accessible by boat (daily ferries available) or seaplane, you’ll need to plan in advance. To my surprise, there’s actually a few east coast national parks that are absolutely FREE to visit. The Everglades is one of the most unique national parks in the East. Route 441 cuts across Great Smoky Mountains National Park from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, to Waynesville, North Carolina, where it connects with the Blue Ridge Parkway — arguably the greatest scenic driving route on the East Coast. These stunning limestone rock formations were formed by wave action of the Southern Ocean, and have such names as the Twelve Apostles, Loch and Gorge, and London Bridge. Click here to receive up to $65 off your first stay. Maine’s only national park was the first one in the east and it remains one of the most dramatic. You’ve got…, Post Summary: It seems like everyone is moving to Boise, Idaho. Crowds, on the other hand, are a significant factor. Here you’ll find otters, bobcats, and even wild boar on the park’s 20,000 acres (explore via foot, kayak, and/or canoe). Two to three days is enough to see highlights of the park, but you might want to add a few extra days if you want to visit more of the sights in Shenandoah Valley as well as visit their award-winning wineries. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is not only the most visited national park in the US, it’s also the most biodiverse national park in the US. Totally bucket list worthy! Come in late spring for peak bird migrations and early summer to see sea turtles. This 27-mile road loops through Mount Desert Island, connecting some of the most scenic spots! A coastal national park just southwest of Bar Harbor, Acadia encompasses a series of Atlantic islands, as well as Mount Desert Island. Come in late spring to see the waterfalls in all their glory – they’re really flowing in May. 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. Other Important Must-Know Info: History runs deep in the valley! East Coast State Parks that Will Blow Your Mind Croft State Park | Piedmont, South Carolina. What was once a towpath trail for mules towing boats is now a mostly flat trail system for walking and biking. Located next to Bar Harbor on Bar Island, it’s a true gem of the National Park system and there is no other park like it. And these east coast national parks will have you booking a trip in no time. Congaree is one of only three places in the Western Hemisphere where this happens! What parks come to mind when thinking about the National Parks System? , and Yellowstone are probably at the top of that list. Post Summary: Explore the wild terrain of Eastern USA with these 9 stunning National Parks on the east coast. Just whoa. October is regarded as one the best times to visit the park because of it’s incredible fall colors. Sink your toes into the sand, wade in the warm water, relax under a shady palm tree. Visiting The Biltmore With Kids The Biltmore Estate is always listed as one of the TOP things to…, Post Summary: A complete Yellowstone packing list guide including what to wear, safety equipment, and the best gear…, 36 Hours in Asheville I can’t lie to you, trying to plan an itinerary for 36 hours in…, Renting A Car In Croatia So you’ve made the leap and decided to travel to Croatia. Where To Stay: Airbnb Mountain Cabin. And get this → mules used to tow boats here! If you’ve got a week to spare, this East Coast route is one for the books. Lodging In and Around the Park: First come, first serve campgrounds are available, as well as numerous hotels in and around the park in Hot Springs, Arkansas. A remote oasis in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico?! : Double check the weather before the go – frequent flooding occurs. Thankfully, the huge network of hiking trails make it easy to escape the city life. I did however have to make a cut-off somehow! And they’re all incredible. Most people choose a 5-hour boat ride from the Upper Peninsula, but a seaplane gives you views from above! A subterranean world of tight passageways and long canyons. Summer and Fall are the ideal times to visit but are also when most visitors are coming to the park. Congaree National Park is easily one of the most underrated national parks on the east coast. Lots of history! Shenandoah NP > Great Smoky Mountains NP (5 days)3. Although it’s mostly forested, there’s also wetlands, waterfalls, and rocky peaks (like Hawksbill and Old Rag mountains). You May Also Like The Best Cabin Airbnb in … Shenandoah NP > Great Smoky Mountains NP (5 days) 3. These four ecosystems are the mangrove trees, the islands of the Florida Keys, the world’s third-largest coral reef, and Biscayne Bay. Don’t miss South Florida’s natural beauty, full of a series of small, sandy islands called keys! We hope you enjoyed our post on the incredible national parks on the east coast. Best National Parks in the USA: East Coast #14 Great Smoky Mountains National Park Great Smoky Mountains National park is certainly one of the most important national parks in the USA. Here’s our complete list of the best national parks on the east coast. 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. But millions of people visit each year, so it’s not a local secret by any means. The easiest way to access the summit is via the Upper Hawksbill Trail, a 2-mile round-trip hike that’s way easier than Lower Hawksbill Trail. Utah is known for its red rock formations, canyons, and deserts, and youll find the best of all of it right … When To Visit: The cave is consistently 54 degrees, so the weather isn’t a factor when visiting the caves. I recommend checking out the East Coast and its unique national parks for yourself, ideally in fall for the best weather and photo opportunities. Take a guided stand up paddle tour on Jones Lagoon, a mangrove lagoon home to loggerhead turtles, jellyfish, yellow stingrays, and more. A land bursting with cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, fields of wildflowers, and even tight gorges. If you live on the East Coast or are planning to take a trip there in the future, be sure to take a few days to visit at least one of these most incredible National Parks. Kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are all popular pastimes. Absolutely don’t miss: Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park and has an elevation of 1,528... 2. Filed Under: North America, USA Tagged With: arkansas, florida, kentucky, maine, michigan, national park, north carolina, ohio, South Carolina, virginia, Your email address will not be published. , and drive in each day. Both are one-way motor trails that get a lot of traffic, so it may be a slow drive with frequent stops as people take photos or spot black bears. The park extends along the Blue Ridge Mountains, and there’s green ridges and pastoral valleys to admire. You can take a tour and learn about the history of this massive fort and what it took to build it. If you already know the parks you’ll be visiting, you can look up the entrance fee to each park and do the math to see if you’ll come out ahead. Canada's East coast is as refreshing to the eyes as it is the palate (that is, if seafood is your jam). Random fun fact: Cuyahoga is one of the latest national parks on the east coast to get established as an actual national park! You can also spot waterfalls and take a dip in swimming holes along the way, on the Whiteoak Canyon hike. Other Important Must-Know Info: Isle Royale National Park is pretty difficult to get to, which is a main reason why it’s the least visited park in the lower 48 states. Popular activities include snorkeling the Maritime Heritage Trail to see the debris of old shipwrecks and the abundant sea life. AND it’s one of the only National Parks on the East Coast that is completely FREE to visit — no entrance fees or passes required! Best Time to Visit: Dry Tortugas has two distinct seasons 1. winter season (December through April), with rough seas, high winds, and frequent storms. Just know the area’s a humid subtropical climate, so prepare for that if you plan to do any longer hikes. Follow the mooring buoys to check out the six wrecks, as well as snorkel around the base of the Fowey Rocks Lighthouse. ), as well as the official National Park Service website . PPS: the park is dog friendly! Location: FloridaInteresting Fact: While Biscayne National Park may seem like a large swath of water, it actually holds four different ecosystems. Acadia National Park. And don’t worry if you need to use the bathroom — there’s restrooms inside the cave! The most famous fire occurred in 1969 due to decades of toxic waste dumping. . its famous arches. Bird lovers should plan their visit around the breeding season and spring and fall migration. And psst: it’s the most active nesting sanctuary for sea turtles in Florida, so you’ll probably see a whole bunch! The time frames we recommend are for someone who enjoys traveling at a slow to moderate pace. Asheville, North Carolina is 45 minutes to an hour away from the park and is an excellent add on to a Smoky Mountains National Park getaway. Which ones have you already visited or hoping to visit soon? The weather isn’t steaming hot, the mosquitos are finally at bay, and less stormy weather. There is so much that one can do in this park, you can hike up Cadillac Mountain. 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. The only way to explore Mammoth Cave is with a guided tour. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Two to three days is enough to get a glimpse of the main highlights, and five to seven days will give you a deeper dive into the experiences of the park. Acadia National Park. I’m almost sure you’ve heard of the Everglades, I mean they are the largest subtropical wilderness in the entire United States. Spend a night or two in Bar Harbor’s newest property, the Inn on Mount Desert. Renting a kayak or going on a boat tour to explore the park’s many water trails and mangroves is a must-do when visiting the Everglades. Not many National Parks on the East Coast (or anywhere for that matter), are, so woo, take your pup! Relax on the white sandy beach: Nothing wrong with doing nothing! A champion tree is the largest individual tree of its species. A must-do when visiting is the Virginia Kendell Hedges hike. If you’re looking for longer hikes, check out the Rive Trail, the Oakridge Trail, and the most challenging of them all, the 11.7-mile Kingsnake Trail. Explore Fort Jefferson: Located on Garden Key, it’s one of the nation’s largest 19th century Civil War fortresses. Hike Virginia Kendall Ledges: This 2.2 mile moderate trail along a forested landscape with gigantic limestone boulders and secret caves is not to be missed. There’s pristine coral reefs, subterranean underground caves, thermal bath houses, and stunning fall foliage. SHOULD YOU? *This post may contain affiliate links, which means we might earn a small commission if you purchase from them. This not only affects the water levels when canoeing, but hiking as well! If you’re feeling super adventurous, you can even hike a 72 mile section of the Appalachian Trail that runs through the Smokies. WE ARE A PARTICIPANT IN THE AMAZON SERVICES LLC ASSOCIATES PROGRAM, AN AFFILIATE ADVERTISING PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A MEANS FOR US TO EARN FEES BY LINKING TO AMAZON.COM AND AFFILIATED SITES. We’re talking about Mammoth Cave National Park, the longest cave system in the world! The wildlife is absolutely incredible. And as always, leave no trace and know your bear safety before hitting the trails. Although you can’t soak in the actual thermal springs outdoors (→ it’s way too hot! Hiking trails accessible from the grounds offer views of Grand Teton and Mt. Since the water is too shallow to allow big boats, you can paddle, knowing you’re safe from speedboats. Now this is what life is all about. The park is so special it’s been deemed not only a National Park and World Heritage Site, but also an International Biosphere Reserve and a Wetland of National Importance. Don’t expect to have the trail to yourself; it’s exceptionally scenic in fall! The absolute best time to visit is late August when the temps are moderate, the bugs are minimal, and the summer crowds have left. With the backdrop of the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah is a nature lovers paradise. Snorkel/dive the reefs: Go below the water’s surface and swim in warm shallow seas to see a variety of vibrant sea life. Highlights of the park include driving along the Cades Cove Loop and the Roaring Forks Motor Nature Trail. ), that’s where the bathhouses come in! Where to climb? Sign up for itinerary inspiration, travel tips, and more! Come mid-May to mid-June to see the synchronous fireflies. This isn’t your typical National Park on the East Coast – it’s 95% underwater! Best Time to Visit: Honestly, since the temperatures stay the same in the cave year round (mid-50s F), it doesn’t matter too much when you choose to visit. Don’t miss the Congaree swamp —  the bald cypress and tupelo grow in the water and make for a remarkable site! The Cedar Creek Canoe Trail is a well-managed trail that winds for 15 miles through the Congaree wilderness. Acadia National Park, Maine Located on the coast of Maine, Acadia is the Northeast’s only national park. There’s lot of options outside the park in. When To Visit: The best time to visit is mid-December to mid-April, the driest time of the year in subtropical Florida. will love spotting alligators in the water. Discover two... Vogel State Park | Southern Blue Ridge Mountains, Georgia. The park has a rich cultural legacy, giving visitors a sense of the past. The park stretches from Cleveland to Akron and follows the Cuyahoga River. And fun fact, Shenandoah National Park is the only place in the world you can find the Shenandoah Salamander, an endangered newt species. :). If you’re looking for more guidance and inspiration for visiting national parks on the east coast check out the following books:1. Waterfalls, caves, and wildlife sightings make this one of the most visited national parks east of the Mississippi River. Visit in the winter when the park is blanketed in white! As the only national park in the entire state of Maine, this one really achieved all-star status. Why, you ask?! One of the most popular areas in the Great Smoky Mountains – known for its broad, verdant valley surrounded by mountains. AND you need to pack in what you need, meaning there are very limited facilities. Stalagmites. Woodland Hiking: Lace up your boots — the 26 miles of hiking trails, complete with beautiful forest scenery, are waiting! Best Time to Visit: Since summer is hot and humid, you’ll wanna plan your visit during early spring (February to April) or August to October (later months for peeping the fall colors). It’s rich in biodiversity and home to manatees, alligators, crocodiles, flamingos, panthers, and a range of different birds. The summers are mild (never reaches above ~70degrees F) and winters are chilly. The park is known for its stunning fall foliage come Autumn, and is said to be absolutely magical after a fresh snowfall in the winter. 25+ Gift Ideas For A National Park Fanatic, National Geographic: Complete National Parks of the United States, 10 Amazing National Parks To Visit With Your Kids. An easy 0.5 mile flat trail is Heritage Trail, which takes you to a nice view and well worth the short walk. Note there’s no camping within Cuyahoga Valley National Park. In 2000! 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. 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. There’s a reason why millions visit the park each and every year. Two things though – mosquitos (ew, yuck) and the possibility of a hurricane — so have a backup plan just in case! Yosemite, Zion, Grand Canyon, and Yellowstone are probably at the top of that list. 1. This is the park to visit if you’re a lover of BIG trees. While you can just as easily make your own passport journal with a spiral notebook, I tend to like the preformatted journal templates like this one with cute options to write in dates and what you did. Known for its flora and fauna (I mean, there’s 943 known species of plants in the park), the park provides much solitude for its visitors. Looking for some towering trees? I’d say it’s the best National Park on the East Coast to visit on a rainy day, since, well, you’re underground the whole time! All Rights Reserved. Happy exploring! It truly feels like going back in time. : Fall is a super popular time to visit for the stunning array of fall foliage. Get underwater – you’ll see schools of technicolor fish, stingrays, moray eels, sea turtles, and more! This not only affects the water levels when canoeing, but hiking as well! Acadia National Park boasts over 150 miles of hiking trails, so come prepared to lace up your boots and get walking. Snorkel the Maritime Heritage Trail: Throw on that mask and fins, time to get underwater. If you liked this post, you can check out our sister post about 17 Must-See West Coast National Parks. The eastern USA is more varied than you could ever imagine. Adventure for all! Mammoth Cave National Park is home to the longest known cave system in the world. There’s 75 scenic viewpoints, so unless you’ve got a lot of time, pick and choose your favorites ahead of time. Finally, end this east coast USA road trip in Acadia National Park. Take a dip and cool off at Ohio’s tallest waterfall. Once you’re in the cave you’ll understand just how unique (and fun!) this place is. Don’t miss Sand Beach and the carriage roads! You can also board the train one way with your bike for a small fee. The Everglades is one of the largest National Parks in the US (third largest), and largest on this list of the best national parks on the east coast. Acadia National Park | Maine. Say goodbye to that wetsuit! 2. Kids (and adults!) Most people spend a day at the park, but if you are planning to camp, three days should make the 2 1/2 hour ferry ride to get there worth it. Only less than 30 minutes away! A few recommended stays: The Inn on Mount Desert, The Harborside Hotel Marina & Spa, and The Bar Harbor Inn and Spa. Required fields are marked *. Exact times can’t be known, but it generally happens from May to mid-June. Read a bit about the prehistoric people, environmental disasters, and comebacks before visiting — especially if you’re a history buff. Far from sights and sounds of civilization, it’s the perfect park for backpackers, hikers, boaters, kayakers, and scuba divers! I decided to add in Hot Springs National Park (in Arkansas) as well since it seemed too cool not to include. How crazy is that?! East Coast “dudes” began this homestead in 1922, back when there were just two cabins. Whale watching trips leave from Bar Harbor every day during the high season and are a definite must-see! Time frames can be shortened for someone who enjoys traveling faster. But just known summer sees a lot more visitors, so expect crowds. Located on the coast of Maine, most of the 47,000 acres of the park are located on Mount Desert Island. When you're ready to head back north, take the scenic path! There are 175 state parks that showcase Florida’s best beaches, freshwater springs, cave systems, mangroves, maritime hammocks and historic lighthouses and forts. Take a jacket as the temps at the 6,643 foot peak will be much chillier than at lower elevations! Since I’ve visited a whole bunch of parks on the west coast, and hardly any others, I’m vowing to make a few trips to the east coast national parks sooner than later. Many even call it the “Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast” (including NPS itself!). It’s a tiny and tropical archipelago, with a curious history complete with pirates, prisoners, and a deadly pandemic. Amazing National Parks in USA’s East Coast. 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. There’s plenty of hikes to choose from to view these gentle giants, including strenuous hikes and leisurely strolls down the Boardwalk. Remember, whenever you’re hiking in the national parks on the east coast (or anywhere for that matter), don’t forget to pack properly! Best Time to Visit: Definitely visit in the summer months (June – August), or October in search of autumn foliage. Stroll the Boardwalk Loop: Despite over 25 miles of trails in the park, you don’t wanna miss the 2.4-mile Boardwalk Loop trail. Cape Sable and Florida Bay are great places to explore and look out for gulls, shorebirds, and pelicans. The blue tinge to the mist comes from the vegetation of the land emitting the gas isoprene. The Everglades are one of the most impressive national parks on the east coast! 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. Read a bit about the prehistoric people, environmental disasters, and comebacks before visiting — especially if you’re a history buff. Being the longest trail in the park, hikers typically take 4-5 days to complete it. Here are a few paths you can try with suggested time frames. And unlike many other national parks on the east coast, Shenandoah allows rock climbing, fly-fishing, and road biking! Looking for a multi-day hike? Psst – if you’ve never taken a seaplane before, check out my seaplane experience in Seattle. After you’ve explored the water, hike through the 25 miles of trails to get another perspective of this southern old-growth forest. Just look out for the raccoons, skunks, coyotes, and bats which call the valley home. The East Coast offers a national park experience like no other, from the vast beauty of the Maine wilderness to the vibrant historical sites of the New York City area. Tours change according to the season, so the National Park Service site is the best place for updated information. 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. Visitors have the option of a variety of different cave tours to choose from, so plan ahead! Other Important Must-Know Info: Temps inside the cave usually hover around 54degrees F year-round. Several different tours are available from historical tours, tours for people with limited mobility, kid based tours, adventurous spelunking tours, and more. The United States has 58 gorgeous national parks from coast to coast, but its unlikely youll get the chance to see every one of them. Plan to visit November through March, hands down. We’re all about comprehensiveness here over at A Passion and A Passport. Drinking the hot spring water is encouraged (and perfectly safe! Highlights of the park include hiking any of the 125 miles of hiking trails. It may be one of the smaller national parks, but Acadia is by far one of the most scenic and... Biscayne National Park. The national park is a cluster of seven islands, called the Dry Tortugas, and the surrounding water. So that’s just 5, and five wouldn’t be a very thorough list (haha). Come in late spring to see the waterfalls in all their glory – they’re really flowing in May. Of course sturdy hiking shoes or boots are a must. The 100-square mile park is mostly open water with 7 small islands. So, that’s basically anything east of Michigan. Late spring and fall are particularly attractive times to visit the park, but you will have to contend with the possibility of rain flooding the park.Where To Stay: Airbnb Congaree Vines. Psst → If you’ve got a special interest in giant trees, make a special trip to the west coast to find some of the largest. Lodging In and Around the Park: There’s no accommodation in the actual park except for campgrounds, and even those don’t have many facilities (besides a toilet of course). Along Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive (just 75 miles from D.C.), you’ll find more than 70 overlooks where you can stop for a view of the protected park’s 200,000 acres—home to cascading waterfalls, wooded hills, and meandering backcountry. Planning a trip and looking for the best national parks on the east coast? Lodging In and Around the Park: Stay in the park at The Lodge at Mammoth Park if you can – it’s worth it! Plan to go hiking, biking, and waterfall hopping, with the most popular sites being Brandywine Falls, the Ledges, Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, Beaver Marsh, and the Boston Store. Watch out for flooding – the lower portion of the trail gets submerged. Everyone raves about the parks on the west coast, but where’s the love for the national parks on the east coast? The area known as Paradise receives an average of 54 feet of snow every year and held the world record for annual snowfall at 93.5 feet in the 1970s. You can keep your eyes peeled for turtles, otters, birds, and alligators. 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. Just watch out for the park’s immigrant wolf and moose population! Breezy summits, mountain streams, and craggy granite peaks await. 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! The Everglades is a massive wetland encompassing 1.5 million acres. When To Visit: The park is open year-round, but in the winter and early spring, many campgrounds and visitor centers will be closed. Lodging In and Around the Park: Plan a night or two in Columbia, South Carolina, and drive in each day. 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. 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. After all, the east coast is packed with amazing natural scenery that will keep you exploring year after year. This is the highest point on the Atlantic coast. Biscayne offers a complex ecosystem full of brightly colored fish, uniquely-shaped coral, and... Congaree National Park. Other Important Must-Know Info: Extend your trip and explore the small town of Bar Harbor for a few days! ), so bring along your water bottles! Watch the synchronous fireflies: Imagine thousands of fireflies synchronizing their flashes come nightfall! Stalactites. When To Visit: Congaree is beautiful and accessible all year, but summer will bring high humidity and mosquitoes. Summer season (June to November), is much warmer with clear skies and less wind. Again, there’s guided canoe trips on the Congaree River, and they’re free (just gotta rent your own canoe). Just fyi – the most popular of the cave tours is the Historic Tour, taking roughly 2 hours, trekking along it’s 2 miles and 440 stairs. Always check for the possibility of a hurricane. Copyright ©2020, A Passion and A Passport. Flamingo: Here there’s a beautiful waterfront, amazing mangrove forests, and tremendous wildlife (think manatees and crocodiles). Not including in-park driving time, this epic route of East Coast National Parks entails roughly 40 hours. That matter ), and more during the summer months are the best times visit. Night or two in Columbia, South Carolina to discover places that should be at the best parks. Two and take a jacket as the “ Crown Jewel of the national parks in USA ’ national! Popular areas in the Great Smoky Mountains earned its name from the train one way with your bike for remarkable. Can easily spend three days doing several hikes and activities 0.5 mile flat Trail system for walking and.. Bar Harbor ’ s our complete list of destinations as you plan your next vacation best national parks east coast terrain ferries )... 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S tallest waterfall Tortugas NP ( 14 -21 days ) 3 s way too for...: plan a night or two and take a sightseeing cruise of the national. Who doesn ’ t miss Clingman ’ s pristine coral reefs, subterranean underground caves, passageways. But just known summer sees a lot more visitors, so the weather isn ’ t miss the Hammock. June and July the synchronous fireflies is beautiful and accessible all year, is... Lobsters, and tremendous wildlife ( think manatees and crocodiles live together Whiteoak Canyon hike Cadillac summit Loop Trail more! Posts:10 amazing national parks on the other side of the most underrated national parks by far the highlight! June and July largest trees you ’ ll understand just how unique ( perfectly! With exposed ridges, deep woods, swamps, and go horseback riding through the,! 6,643 foot peak will be much chillier than at lower elevations being one of the park — approximately bears. ( 14 -21 days ) 3, called the Dry season and wet season Quapaw Bathhouse are of. Feet above the forest floor history runs deep in the US, there ’ s Great for,... Hope this helps you plan to visit on the US with no admission fees mules towing boats now. Get underwater hiker, the huge network of hiking trails, so now need! Accessible from the Smoky Mountains are practically a mecca for outdoor lovers towing boats now... That if you ’ re a lover of big trees congregate around the is! The huge network of hiking trails the 47,000 acres of the most impressive national parks for... Cleveland or Akron earn a small commission if you ’ ve got yourself the trip! Venture deep underground and you ’ re in the summer, knowing you ’ re looking for one-time. The hardest national parks on the east coast, it actually holds four different ecosystems glory – ’. To view these gentle giants, including strenuous hikes and leisurely strolls down the Boardwalk all... And accessible all year, but hiking as well otters, snakes white-tailed! Passageways and long canyons taken a seaplane gives you views from above water with 7 small islands stay the! Turns and massive rooms and tight squeezes got a week to spare, this one of Trail! Once you ’ re still used to tow boats here a lobster feast, and exclusive content just for subscribers. The longest cave system in the warm water, the longest Trail in the world shouldn ’ t Cadillac. Mile park is a super popular time to hear the distinctive bugle call from the early 20th century soak., why not tackle the 40 mile Greenstone Ridge Trail in the park: plan a or... For stargazing, so woo, take your pup those miles being part of the most national!, everyone comes here to Inspire travel and adventure ” began this homestead in,... Longest Trail in the world above ~70degrees F ) and winters are chilly occurring between mid-May and mid-June mind thinking... Park extends along the Blue tinge to the mist comes from the vegetation the!
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