The 12 best national parks in the Eastern and Central United States
The best national parks on the East Coast and Centre of the US
The United States is home to some of the world’s most beautiful natural scenery and majestic parks. For travelers looking to explore the country’s most iconic sights, there is no better place to start than on the East Coast.
From Virginia to Maine, the East Coast has some of the country’s most popular national parks. In this article, we’ll take you through a guide to the 12 best US national parks on the East Coast – and some could even make the list of best national parks in the world.
Whether it’s the rolling hills of Shenandoah National Park or the sweeping vistas of Acadia National Park, we’ll help you plan the perfect adventure.
We’ve also included a few parks further inland if you have enough time for a trip westward!
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Acadia National Park
Located on the rugged coast of Maine, Acadia National Park is home to some of the most spectacular scenery on the East Coast. The park offers a variety of activities and is known for its stunning views, hiking trails, and wildlife.
One of the highlights of visiting Acadia is Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak in the United States east of the Mississippi River. The peak is popular with photographers and hikers alike for its beautiful sunrises and sunsets.
Visitors can also explore picturesque sand beaches, forests, ponds, and lakes. There's also plenty of opportunity for birdwatching, kayaking, biking, and camping. With its stunning natural beauty, Acadia National Park is a must-visit destination for any nature lover.
If you’re hiring a car to explore Acadia National Park, then a self-guided driving tour is a cheap and easy way to see the key landmarks.
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White Mountain National Forest
Spanning both Maine and New Hampshire, White Mountain National Forest is one of the most popular east coast parks. Covering over 750,000 acres, this forest is filled with gorgeous mountainous views and great hikes.
The forest is a popular place for skiing, snowmobiling, mountain biking, and camping. It also has several historic sites, such as the Lonesome Lake Hut, that can be explored.
Take advantage of wildlife-viewing opportunities, including bear, moose, and porcupine sightings. Whether you're looking for a nature-filled adventure or a peaceful escape, White Mountain National Forest is sure to satisfy.
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Congaree National Park
Located in South Carolina, Congaree National Park is a vast 22,200-acre park with a diversity of ecosystems. It is home to old-growth hardwood trees and the largest tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the United States.
Explore the 20+ miles of hiking trails and kayak or canoe along Cedar Creek, a designated National Wild and Scenic River. The park also contains multiple ecosystems, from ancient bald cypress trees and floodplains to swamps and upland forests.
Wildlife such as deer, beavers, otters, and birds are all present in Congaree. The park offers an amazing opportunity to explore the unique beauty of the American southeast.
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park
One of the most famous national parks on the East Coast, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a top destination for travelers. Spanning over 500,000 acres in North Carolina and Tennessee, this breathtaking park offers stunning vistas, miles of trails, and amazing wildlife.
One of the best ways to explore the Great Smoky Mountains is with a self-guided driving tour. Explore the wilderness and see wildlife from the comfort of your own vehicle!
You can take in views of cascading waterfalls, or explore the ancient forests. The park is home to more than 1,500 species of plants, 200 species of birds, and dozens of mammals. There's something for everyone here - from fishing and camping to horseback riding and picnicking. Make sure you take time to explore this majestic park!
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Shenandoah National Park
Located in Virginia, Shenandoah National Park is a beautiful and diverse park, famous for its spectacular views. With over 500 miles of trails, the park offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing.
From the lush forests to the rocky peaks, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, deer, foxes and more. The park also features several waterfalls, meadows, and cascading creeks.
A great way to take in Shenandoah’s breathtaking landscapes is by taking in a scenic drive along Skyline Drive. You can also explore some of the historic sites scattered throughout the park while you make your way around.
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Isle Royale National Park
Located in Michigan, Isle Royale National Park is a secluded and isolated archipelago of islands. It’s the perfect destination for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy some of the most breathtaking views in the US.
The park features ancient copper mines, rugged terrain, and miles of pristine shoreline, as well as unique wildlife such as moose, wolves, and foxes. Plus, there are plenty of activities such as fishing, kayaking, hiking, and camping. If you're looking for an adventure, Isle Royale National Park is the perfect place to explore.
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Cuyahoga Valley National Park
This park stretches along the Cuyahoga River in Ohio and is known for its diverse range of wildlife and beautiful landscapes. Visitors can explore 33,000 acres of parkland and a variety of trails, including the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.
Cuyahoga Valley is the only national park in Ohio and is home to a variety of plant and animal life, including over 200 species of birds. It's also a great spot to view fall foliage and witness breathtaking sunsets. There are plenty of opportunities to explore the unique history of the area, including stops at the stations of the Ohio & Erie Canal.
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Mammoth Cave National Park
Located in Kentucky, Mammoth Cave is the world's longest known cave system. Stretching over 400 miles, it is one of the most extensive cave systems in the world and is a popular tourist attraction. The park has many trails and offers guided tours, allowing visitors to explore the cave system and its beautiful natural formations.
An interesting fact about Mammoth Cave National Park is that it was the first National Park established for the protection of a cave system. With a rich history and unique geological formations, this park is a must-see for any nature lover.
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Gateway National Recreation Area
Located near New York City and the surrounding area, Gateway National Recreation Area is a great place for those looking for outdoor recreation opportunities in the city. This national park is made up of nearly 27,000 acres of land that include wetlands, beaches, and recreational areas.
Here, visitors can enjoy activities such as bird watching, boating, camping, fishing, hiking, and swimming. It is also home to numerous historic sites, including the New Dorp Beach Shipwreck and the Floyd Bennett Field. Wildlife found here include shorebirds, ducks, deer, and even dolphins. This national park is sure to be a memorable outdoor experience for any visitor.
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Cape Cod National Seashore
This national park is a 40-mile stretch of shoreline on the east coast of Massachusetts. The park offers a variety of activities like hiking, swimming, boating and fishing. The dunes along the shore provide stunning views, while the beaches are great for relaxing and enjoying nature.
In addition, there is an abundance of wildlife here, with over 300 species of birds and many other animals like deer, foxes, and turtles. It is also home to some of the oldest lighthouses in America, which were first lit in 1797. Cape Cod National Seashore is a truly special place that is perfect for a peaceful outdoor escape.
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Dry Tortugas National Park
Situated in the southern tip of Florida, Biscayne National Park is the perfect destination for a nature-filled holiday. Offering a unique blend of tropical and temperate climates, this park is home to some of the most fascinating wildlife species. It also boasts the longest stretch of mangrove forest in the continental United States.
Within its 180,000 acres, visitors can explore four distinct ecosystems: the mangrove forest, coral reef, barrier island and keys. From snorkeling and fishing to camping and bird watching, there is no shortage of activities to be enjoyed at Biscayne National Park. It also features a number of historic sites that provide an important window into the past.
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Biscayne National Park
Situated between Miami and the Florida Keys, Biscayne National Park is a special place for wildlife and humans alike. The park features mangrove forests, coral reefs, and seagrass beds that are home to a variety of marine life, from sea turtles and manatees to tropical fish and rays.
Try out kayaking, snorkelling, and fishing, all while exploring the diverse ecosystems. In addition, you can also explore the many historic shipwrecks scattered throughout the park. The park is also a great spot for bird-watching, with over 200 species of birds having been spotted in the park.
Make your trip to Biscayne a memorable one – 200-foot Biscayne yacht charter anyone?
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