what national parks are on the east coast

Technically speaking, the only national parks on the actual east coast are Acadia

, Congaree, and the three parks in Florida (Biscayne, Everglades, and Dry Tortugas). So that’s just 5, and five wouldn’t be a very thorough list (haha). We’re all about comprehensiveness here over at A Passion and A Passport. Hiking Safety

Full Answer

What are the best national parks on the east coast?

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. Do note there’s 3 main sections of the park: Shark Valley, Flamingo area, and The Gulf Coast, so plan to see 1-2 if you’re short on time.

How many national parks are on the east coast?

Out of 423 National Park sites across the US, KIND OF strictly speaking, only 7 of those are on the East Coast. And yet, there are 13 on our list of East Coast National Parks that you need to visit.

What are the top 10 national parks in the United States?

1 Acadia National Park. 2 Shenandoah National Park. 3 Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 4 Congaree National Park. 5 Mammoth Cave National Park. 6 Biscayne National Park. 7 Everglades National Park. 8 Dry Tortugas National Park.

What is the difference between East and West Coast national parks?

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.

How many national parks are in the East?

Technically speaking, the only national parks on the actual east coast are Acadia, Congaree, and the three parks in Florida (Biscayne, Everglades, and Dry Tortugas).

Does east coast have national parks?

To many the term “east coast national park” may never have even crossed your mind, but I'm here to tell you that the U.S. east coast is teeming with adventure-worthy parks. Here at More Than Just Parks we've visited every single one and even created films on a few of them!

What is the ugliest national park?

America's worst national parksCongaree National Park, South Carolina. (iStock) ... Gates of The Arctic, Alaska. Blue Icy Portage Glacier Mountain Anchorage Alaska The blue is from the glacier. ( ... Badlands, South Dakota. (iStock) ... Wind Cave, South Dakota. (iStock) ... Death Valley, California and Nevada. (iStock)

What 5 states do not have a national park?

The list of states with no U.S. national park are: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachuesetts, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.

When should I go to Acadia National Park?

The best time to visit Acadia National Park in terms of pleasant weather is between late spring and fall. However, it's often crowded. A less busy time with great weather is the two weeks after Labor Day in September until mid-September, just before the leaf-peeping crowds arrive.

How many national parks are there in the Northeast?

121 national parksPost Summary: National Parks of the Northeast The mountains and ocean access play a strong role in the cultural landscape of the region. There are 121 national parks in the Northeast to explore.

What is the prettiest national park?

8 of the Most Beautiful National Parks in North AmericaGrand Canyon. The Grand Canyon is truly aptly named. ... Yosemite National Park. ... Rocky Mountain National Park. ... Zion National Park. ... Jasper National Park. ... Yellowstone National Park. ... Olympic National Park.

What is the most boring national park?

Hot Springs The smallest national park makes a case for being one of the most boring parks in the U.S. For one thing, it's not even close to being a wild retreat deep in nature since the town of Hot Springs goes right up to the edge of the park.

What is America's least visited national park?

Gates of the Arctic National Park1. Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska: America's least-visited national park contains no roads or trails. It's a true wilderness experience.

What is the only U.S. state without a national park?

Delaware is the only state in the country that does not have anational park, national monument, national historic site or anyother unit of the National Park Service.

Which state has only one national park?

Option 3 is the correct answer: The state of Punjab has no national Park. Punjab is a northwestern state of India with Chandigarh as its capital....Detailed Solution.StateNational ParkMizoramMurlen National Park Phawngpui National ParkHaryanaKalesar National Park Sultanpur national park1 more row

What is the newest national park in the US?

The New River GorgeThe New River Gorge in West Virginia was named the country's 63rd National Park as part of the December COVID-19 relief bill, and although always well-known regionally, it's quickly become popular nationally. "We have seen an uptick this year since the designation," Park Superintendent Lizzie Watts told ABC News.

How many national parks are there in Pennsylvania?

19 national parksMany of the national parks in Pennsylvania are designated historical sites that offer walking trails and other outdoor activities as a unique way to experience the natural beauty in the state. Pennsylvania has 121 state parks, 19 national parks, and seven National Heritage Areas.

How many US national parks are there?

The National Park System encompasses 423 national park sites in the United States. They span across more than 84 million acres, with parks in each state and extending into the territories, including parks in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and Guam.

What is the most visited national park east of the Mississippi?

Great Smoky Mountains National ParkGreat Smoky Mountains National Park | North Carolina & Tennessee. What do you think is the most visited national park in the United States? Many people think Yellowstone or Zion, but the answer is actually Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With over 11 million annual visitors, this park definitely has a lot to offer ...

Which US national park is located east of the Mississippi River?

The first national park east of the Mississippi River, Acadia National Park offers hiking, biking, camping, breathtaking views of jagged coastlines, and pristine lakes.

How to commemorate visiting the East Coast National Parks?

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. While this is often touted as an activity for kids…I don’t see why adults can’t do it as well. I want cool stamps too!

What are the best books for visiting national parks on the east coast?

If you’re looking for more guidance and inspiration for visiting national parks on the east coast check out the following books:#N#1. National Geographic: Complete National Parks of the United States – National Geographic’s national parks guide is an in-depth guide book that can also be a beautiful coffee table book in your house. It’s National Geographic so you know the photos are stunning. It also offers comprehensive, useful advice. Win, win.#N#2. Leave Only Footprints – Rather than a conventional guide book, Leave Only Footprints: My Acadia-to-Zion Journey Through Every National Park, is an excellently written travel memoir through one man’s journey to every US national park. 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. Perfect for anyone looking to go deeper than a traditional guidebook.

Why is Dry Tortugas National Park named Tortugas?

Interesting Fact: The island is aptly named Tortugas (Spanish for turtles) for the five kinds of turtles that inhabit the island. If you’re looking for solitude while exploring the best parks on the east coast, then Dry Tortugas National Park is where you want to be.

How long is the park loop road in Acadia?

Highlights of the park include driving the 27 mile Park Loop Road. The road will take you to all the major sights, so it’s an easy add-on when planning your Acadia itinerary. 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. 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.

What is the name of the blue mountain that the Smoky Mountains are named after?

Once the isoprene is released, it interacts with other molecules in the air and creates that distinctive blue “smoke” that the mountains are aptly named after. 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.

Which national park has the most champion trees?

Congaree National Park is easily one of the most underrated national parks on the east coast. This is the park to visit if you’re a lover of BIG trees. Congaree has the distinction of being home to the most “champion” trees anywhere in the US. A champion tree is the largest individual tree of its species.

Where is Cadillac Mountain?

Located on the coast of Maine, most of the 47,000 acres of the park are located on Mount Desert Island.

What is the importance of visiting national parks in the East?

Visiting national parks in the east comes with a lot of adventure, but with a lot of adventure also comes a lot of responsibility. Things like always telling someone of your plans and what time you plan to return, whether you're going hiking, trail running, biking, or fishing, is essential.

What is the East Coast?

The "East Coast" is typically considered all the states east of the Appalachian Mountains that have some sort of a shoreline, but Vermont and West Virginia are included ...

How many campgrounds are there in Acadia National Park?

If you are looking for the total national park experience, you will most likely want to camp. There are four designated campgrounds located within Acadia National Park.

What are the only drive in campgrounds in the Everglades?

The only two drive-in campgrounds in Everglades National Park are the Longpine Key Campground and the Flamingo Campground. There is also wilderness camping available on beaches and elevated camping platforms. Most of these spots can only be reached by boat or kayak, and a permit is required.

What is the most visited national park in the world?

America's most visited national park, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, can be found binding the borders of Tennessee and North Carolina. This park is one of two national parks located within the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Great Smoky Mountains are known worldwide for their diverse flora and fauna.

How many miles of hiking trails are there in Acadia?

Acadia has over 158 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage trails, with hundreds of other activities to do all year round. Fishing, stargazing, climbing, boating, and sailing are just some of the other things to do.

What is Charlotte's famous for?

Legendary for more than just her food, Charlotte's is known for high-end lobsters, good vibes, and fun times. There are picnic tables and benches, beach chairs, and even yoga mats to spread out and eat. There are also pet goats on the property for a little extra entertainment.

How many national parks are on the East Coast?

There are 7 National Parks on the east coast of the US. All of them are included in our list above, but we’ve pushed the envelope slightly by highlighting our favorites on the eastern side of the US.

Where is Isle Royal National Park?

Close to the Canadian border and situated in Lake Superior, you’ll find Isle Royal National Park, which is actually a cluster of islands in the north-west of the lake.

How many miles of beach is Cape Cod?

The Cape Cod National Seashore is one of our not-so-obvious East Coast National Park claims. Okay, so park-wise it’s actually 40 miles of (spectacular) sandy beach protected by the National Park Service, but let us make our case!

How many acres are there in the Everglades?

This is the home for biodiversity. The Everglades comprises 1.5 million acres of wetlands — it’s nearly all water here folks! — and it’s the only place ON EARTH where alligators and crocodiles live together.

What is a National Park Passport?

If you’re into collectibles and are looking for a way to keep track of the different parks you’ve visited, the National Park Passport is a booklet that acts as your own personal travel document and memory keeper.

When did New River become a national park?

Say hello to the baby of the group — New River only became a National Park in December 2020.

Who created the Cape Cod National Seashore?

The Cape Cod National Seashore was created by President John F. Kennedy in 1961, when he signed a bill to create it. His mission was clear — conserve the area, but still allow people to use it for recreation. And who are we to argue with a president?

Which national park is the most scenic?

Acadia National Park. It may be one of the smaller national parks, but Acadia is by far one of the most scenic and picturesque parks in the U.S. Whether you come in the fall to enjoy the stunning foliage or visit in the summer to swim in the Atlantic Ocean, Maine is a beautiful area to tour.

Which national park attracts the most people per year?

The national parks in the eastern United States are generally smaller and more obscure than their western kin, but there are stand-outs. Great Smoky Mountains National Park attracts more people per year than any other park in the system.

Why are the Everglades so endangered?

Everglades National Park remains one of the most endangered national parks in the country. Build up of southern Florida has intensified diverting the water with levees and canals. And this creates a problem as watery habitats in the park are shrinking because not enough water is getting into the Everglades.

How many lakes are there in Voyageurs National Park?

Scattered throughout are forest areas which, from the sky, almost look like a giant jigsaw puzzle. With over 30 lakes and more than 900 islands, Voyageurs is definitely a unique park experience.

How many miles of land does the Smoky Mountains have?

Great Smoky Mountains is the nation’s busiest park with more than nine million visitors every year. It covers 800 square miles of mountainous land and preserves some of the world’s most stunning deciduous forests.

What is the ecosystem in the East?

The East offers a wide variety of ecosystems, from the rocky coastline of Maine to the sandy shores of the Virgin Islands. (The stuff in between includes a vast tropical swamp and a 356 mile-long cave system.) The national parks in the eastern United States are generally smaller and more obscure than their western kin, but there are stand-outs.

How to contact Hot Springs National Park?

Phone +1 501-620-6715. Web Visit website. While most national parks span hundreds of miles and feel far removed from cities and an industrial lifestyle, Hot Springs National Park challenges the status quo.

What are the only national parks on the east coast?

Technically speaking, the only national parks on the actual east coast are Acadia, Congaree, and the three parks in Florida (Biscayne, Everglades, and Dry Tortugas). So that’s just 5, and five wouldn’t be a very thorough list (haha). We’re all about comprehensiveness here over at A Passion and A Passport.

What are the trees that are on the East Coast?

Looking for some towering trees? The massive cypress, pine, champion, and loblollies are the East Coast’s answer to the west coast redwoods. There’s plenty of hikes to choose from to view these gentle giants, including strenuous hikes and leisurely strolls down the Boardwalk.

What parks come to mind when thinking about the National Parks System?

What parks come to mind when thinking about the National Parks System? Yosemite, Zion, Grand Canyon, and Yellowstone are probably at the top of that list. And they’re all incredible.

What to pack for hiking on the east coast?

Remember, whenever you’re hiking in the national parks on the east coast (or anywhere for that matter), don’t forget to pack properly! You’ll wanna carry water, a flashlight, a trail map, and possibly a windbreaker with you in your day bag. Of course sturdy hiking shoes or boots are a must.

How big is the swampland in Miami?

This 1.5 million-acre swampland just outside of Miami is filled with coastal mangroves, sawgrass marshes, and pine flatwoods.

Is Hot Springs a national park?

Hot Springs is by far one of the most unique national parks on the east coast! I mean, what other national park has historic bath houses from the early 20th century to soak in?!

Is the east coast of the USA considered the east coast?

Well, I ’m counting the eastern part of the USA as the “east coast”. So, that’s basically anything east of Michigan. I decided to add in Hot Springs National Park (in Arkansas) as well since it seemed too cool not to include. I did however have to make a cut-off somehow!

Where is the northern end of Shenandoah National Park?

Paul Siegfried - Share the Experience Photo Contest. Start your national park road trip at the northern end of Shenandoah National Park, at Front Royal, Virginia, near routes 66 and 340. Easily accessible from Richmond, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and other major East Coast cities, the northern entrance to Shenandoah marks the beginning ...

Where to go on the second day of a trip?

The best way to approach the second day of your trip is to go where the wind takes you, just as long as you end up somewhere around Gatlinburg, Tennessee, by day's end. One of the most popular gateways to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg is home to some truly great dining options, and is surrounded by campgrounds, RV parks, hotels, ...

What are the best national parks on the east coast?

The 8 Best National Parks on the East Coast are: Acadia National Park. Shenandoah National Park. Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Congaree National Park.

What animals live in the park?

The park is home to puffins, peregrine falcons, seals, whales, bears, and moose. Many private tour companies operate boats that will take you offshore. Here you will have the best chance of viewing the puffins, whales, and seals. Moose and bears live in the park, but visitors rarely see them.

What are the activities in Congaree National Park?

Popular activities in Congaree National Park include canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and camping. The Congaree and Wateree Rivers flow through the park, supporting the ecosystem and providing opportunities for adventure. Exploring the park by canoeing or kayaking is a great way to see the old-growth forest of Congaree, home to some of the tallest trees in the eastern United States. You can take a quick paddle or an overnight trip along the waterways.

How many acres are there in the Everglades?

Everglades National Park. One of the largest national parks on the east coast, Everglades National Park, spans 1.5 million acres in southern Florida. The park includes a variety of ecosystems, from freshwater sloughs to pinelands, cypress, and mangrove forests. Most visitors come to the Everglades to catch a glimpse of the alligators ...

What river runs through the park?

The Green and Nolin Rivers wind their way through the park and are perfect for boating, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and swimming. Local outfitters can provide you with the correct gear that you need for these activities.

What to see in the Anhinga Trail?

The famous Anhinga Trail is a great place to view alligators, turtles, and birds, including the anhingas that make their home in the area.

How long is the Skyline Drive in the park?

The park is accessible only from the 105-mile long Skyline Drive. This scenic drive features beautiful vistas from the many overlooks along the road. With a speed limit of 35 miles per hour, a drive along Skyline is all about slowing down. Be sure to watch for wildlife such as deer, black bears, wild turkeys, and more as you explore this scenic area.