Discover the best on the for outdoor enthusiasts, from scenic trails to under the stars and spotting . Explore Acadia, Cape Cod, Congaree, Everglades, and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks.
Overview of National Parks on the East Coast
Are you looking for an outdoor adventure that showcases the beauty of the East Coast? Look no further than the that dot the region. From Acadia National Park in Maine to Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, there is something for everyone to explore.
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park, located on Mount Desert Island in Maine, is known for its stunning coastal views and rocky terrain. The park features over 120 miles of trails, including the Cadillac Mountain Loop Trail and the Beech Cliff Trail. Visitors can also take a scenic drive along Park Loop Road, which offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Cape Cod National Seashore
Cape Cod National Seashore, located in Massachusetts, is a popular destination for beachgoers and nature enthusiasts. The park features over 40 miles of pristine beaches, including Marconi Beach, as well as numerous and biking trails. Visitors can also explore the historic lighthouses that dot the coastline.
Congaree National Park
Congaree National Park, located in South Carolina, is a unique destination for those looking to explore the great outdoors. The park features the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States, as well as the Congaree River Trail for and canoeing.
Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park, located in Florida, is a vast wilderness that is home to a variety of , including alligators, manatees, and panthers. Visitors can explore the park’s diverse ecosystems by along the Anhinga Trail or taking a scenic drive along Shark Valley Loop Road.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, is the most visited national park in the United States. The park features over 800 miles of trails, including the Clingmans Dome Trail, as well as scenic drives like the Cades Cove Loop Road. Visitors can also spot black bears and other throughout the park.
In summary, the on the East Coast offer an abundance of outdoor activities and breathtaking views for visitors to explore. Whether you’re looking to hike, camp, or simply enjoy the natural beauty of the region, there is something for everyone to discover. So pack your bags and get ready for an adventure you won’t soon forget.
- Acadia National Park
- Cape Cod National Seashore
- Congaree National Park
- Everglades National Park
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Best Hiking Trails in East Coast National Parks
If you’re someone who enjoys , then the East Coast National Parks have some of the best trails in the country. From the Cadillac Mountain Loop Trail in Acadia National Park to the Clingmans Dome Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, these trails offer breathtaking views and a chance to explore some of the most beautiful parts of nature.
Cadillac Mountain Loop Trail in Acadia National Park
The Cadillac Mountain Loop Trail is a 3.5-mile loop trail located in Acadia National Park. This trail offers some of the most spectacular views of the park, including views of the Atlantic Ocean and Frenchman Bay. The trail is rated as moderate and is suitable for hikers of all skill levels. Along the way, hikers will come across beautiful wildflowers and stunning rock formations.
Beech Cliff Trail in Acadia National Park
Another great trail in Acadia National Park is the Beech Cliff Trail. This trail is a 1.6-mile out-and-back trail that offers stunning views of Echo Lake and the surrounding mountains. The trail is rated as moderate and is suitable for hikers of all skill levels. Along the way, hikers will come across beautiful wildflowers and unique rock formations.
Ocean Path Trail in Acadia National Park
The Ocean Path Trail is a 4-mile out-and-back trail located in Acadia National Park. This trail offers some of the best ocean views in the park, including views of Thunder Hole and Sand Beach. The trail is rated as easy and is suitable for hikers of all skill levels. Along the way, hikers will come across beautiful wildflowers and unique rock formations.
Marconi Beach Trail in Cape Cod National Seashore
The Marconi Beach Trail is a 1.5-mile out-and-back trail located in Cape Cod National Seashore. This trail offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding sand dunes. The trail is rated as easy and is suitable for hikers of all skill levels. Along the way, hikers will come across beautiful wildflowers and unique bird species.
Congaree River Trail in Congaree National Park
The Congaree River Trail is a 2.4-mile out-and-back trail located in Congaree National Park. This trail offers stunning views of the Congaree River and the surrounding forest. The trail is rated as easy and is suitable for hikers of all skill levels. Along the way, hikers will come across beautiful wildflowers and unique bird species.
Anhinga Trail in Everglades National Park
The Anhinga Trail is a 0.8-mile out-and-back trail located in Everglades National Park. This trail offers stunning views of the Florida Everglades and unique , including alligators and anhingas. The trail is rated as easy and is suitable for hikers of all skill levels. Along the way, hikers will come across beautiful wildflowers and unique bird species.
Clingmans Dome Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Clingmans Dome Trail is a 1-mile out-and-back trail located in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This trail offers stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains and the surrounding forest. The trail is rated as moderate and is suitable for hikers of all skill levels. Along the way, hikers will come across beautiful wildflowers and unique rock formations.
Camping in East Coast National Parks
Camping in is a great way to experience the beauty and serenity of nature. The East Coast is home to some of the most picturesque in the country, each with its own unique experience. In this section, we will explore the best campgrounds in five of the East Coast .
Blackwoods Campground in Acadia National Park
Located on Mount Desert Island in Maine, Acadia National Park is a popular destination for enthusiasts. The Blackwoods Campground is one of the best campgrounds in the park, offering over 300 sites for tents, RVs, and trailers. The campground is open from May to October and provides easy access to the park’s trails, lakes, and mountains.
The Blackwoods Campground is a wooded area that provides a peaceful and serene experience. The sites are well-spaced, and each site comes with a picnic table and fire ring. There are also restrooms with showers, a dump station, and a camp store that sells firewood and other essentials.
Salt Pond Visitor Center Campground in Cape Cod National Seashore
Cape Cod National Seashore is a 40-mile stretch of pristine beaches, dunes, and marshes in Massachusetts. The Salt Pond Visitor Center Campground is one of the best places to camp in the park. The campground has 100 sites, including 4 group sites, and is open from late May to early October.
The Salt Pond Visitor Center Campground is located in a wooded area and provides a peaceful and quiet experience. The sites are well-spaced, and each site comes with a picnic table and fire ring. There are also restrooms with showers, a dump station, and a camp store that sells firewood and other essentials.
Longleaf Campground in Congaree National Park
Congaree National Park is a hidden gem in South Carolina, home to some of the oldest and tallest trees in the country. The Longleaf Campground is the only campground in the park and offers a unique experience. The campground has 10 walk-in sites and is open year-round.
The Longleaf Campground is located in a pine forest and provides a rustic experience. The sites are walk-in only and are well-spaced, providing a sense of privacy and seclusion. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring, and there are restrooms with showers available.
Flamingo Campground in Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park is a vast wilderness area in Florida, home to a diverse array of and plant life. The Flamingo Campground is one of the best places to camp in the park, offering over 200 sites for tents and RVs. The campground is open year-round and provides easy access to the park’s trails, waterways, and viewing areas.
The Flamingo Campground is located near the park’s visitor center and provides a comfortable experience. The sites are well-spaced, and each site comes with a picnic table and fire ring. There are also restrooms with showers, a dump station, and a camp store that sells firewood and other essentials.
Elkmont Campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a stunning wilderness area that straddles the border between Tennessee and North Carolina. The Elkmont Campground is one of the best places to camp in the park, offering over 200 sites for tents and RVs. The campground is open from late March to late November and provides easy access to the park’s trails, waterfalls, and scenic drives.
The Elkmont Campground is located in a wooded area and provides a peaceful and serene experience. The sites are well-spaced, and each site comes with a picnic table and fire ring. There are also restrooms with showers, a dump station, and a camp store that sells firewood and other essentials.
*Note: This table is created using Markdown language
| National Park | Campground Name | Open Dates | Number of Sites | Type of Sites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acadia | Blackwoods | May – October | 300+ | Tents, RVs, trailers |
| Cape Cod | Salt Pond Visitor Center | Late May – Early October | 100 | Tents, RVs |
| Congaree | Longleaf | Year-Round | 10 | Walk-in |
| Everglades | Flamingo | Year-Round | 200+ | Tents, RVs |
| Great Smoky Mountains | Elkmont | Late March – Late November | 200+ | Tents, RVs |
Wildlife in East Coast National Parks
When it comes to , the East Coast National Parks have some of the most fascinating and diverse creatures in the country. From puffins to alligators, these parks offer visitors a chance to experience a wide range of up close and personal.
Puffins in Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is famous for its beautiful landscapes, but it’s also home to one of the most unique animals in the world – puffins. These small, black-and-white birds are a rare sight in the United States, but you can see them in Acadia during the summer months. Visitors can take a boat tour to see them up close or hike out to some of the islands where they nest.
Seals in Cape Cod National Seashore
Cape Cod National Seashore is known for its beautiful beaches and stunning coastline, but it’s also home to a thriving seal population. Visitors can often spot seals swimming near the shore or lounging on the sandbars. The best place to see them is at Chatham’s Lighthouse Beach, where hundreds of seals gather at low tide.
Otters in Congaree National Park
Congaree National Park may not be as well-known as some of the other parks on the East Coast, but it’s a hidden gem when it comes to . One of the most exciting animals to spot in Congaree is the river otter. These playful creatures can be seen swimming or fishing in the park’s many waterways.
Alligators in Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park is famous for its alligators, and for good reason. These prehistoric creatures can be found all over the park, from the swamps to the rivers to the open grasslands. Visitors can take a guided tour to see them up close or hike the Anhinga Trail, where alligators are often seen sunbathing on the banks.
Black Bears in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to one of the largest black bear populations in the country. Visitors can often spot them foraging for food in the park’s many streams and meadows. For the best chance to see them, head out on a guided tour or hike the Cades Cove Loop Road, where they are often seen crossing the road.
Scenic Drives in East Coast National Parks
If you’re looking to explore some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the United States, you won’t be disappointed by the scenic drives in East Coast National Parks. These routes offer stunning views of mountains, forests, seashores, and , providing an unforgettable experience for any nature lover. Here are five of the best scenic drives in the East Coast National Parks that you won’t want to miss.
Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park, located in Maine, is known for its rugged coastline, granite peaks, and crystal-clear lakes. The Park Loop Road is a 27-mile long route that takes visitors through the heart of the park and offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, Cadillac Mountain, and the surrounding forests. Along the way, visitors can stop at various overlooks, picnic areas, and trails to explore the park’s natural beauty up close.
Cape Cod National Seashore Drive
Located in Massachusetts, Cape Cod National Seashore is a 40-mile long stretch of pristine beaches, sand dunes, and salt marshes. The Seashore Drive takes visitors along the entire length of the park, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and the surrounding landscape. Along the way, visitors can stop at various beaches, lighthouses, and trails to explore the park’s natural beauty.
Kingsnake Road in Congaree National Park
Congaree National Park, located in South Carolina, is a hidden gem that is often overlooked by visitors. The park is home to the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States and is a haven for enthusiasts. Kingsnake Road is a short, two-mile long route that takes visitors through the heart of the park and offers stunning views of the towering trees and the Congaree River.
Shark Valley Loop Road in Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park, located in Florida, is a vast wilderness that is home to a wide variety of , including alligators, panthers, and manatees. The Shark Valley Loop Road is a 15-mile long route that takes visitors through the heart of the park and offers stunning views of the sawgrass prairies, cypress swamps, and mangrove forests. Along the way, visitors can stop at various overlooks and trails to explore the park’s natural beauty up close.
Cades Cove Loop Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in Tennessee and North Carolina, is one of the most visited in the United States. The Cades Cove Loop Road is an 11-mile long route that takes visitors through a lush valley surrounded by towering mountains. Along the way, visitors can see historic buildings, , and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The road is also popular among cyclists, who can enjoy a scenic ride through the park.
In conclusion, the East Coast National Parks offer some of the most spectacular and diverse scenery in the United States. Whether you’re a nature lover, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for a scenic drive, these routes are sure to impress. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready to explore the beauty of the East Coast National Parks.
