After all, the east coast is packed with amazing natural scenery that will keep you exploring year after year. Once you’re in the cave you’ll understand just how unique (and fun!) Being the longest trail in the park, hikers typically take 4-5 days to complete it. Remember, whenever you’re hiking in the national parks on the east coast (or anywhere for that matter), don’t forget to pack properly! Follow the mooring buoys to check out the six wrecks, as well as snorkel around the base of the Fowey Rocks Lighthouse. Don’t miss Sand Beach and the carriage roads! The stately 15-room inn is pretty darn nice, too. It’s one of the most accessible national parks on the east coast since it’s a straight shot from DC on I-66. A few recommended stays: The Inn on Mount Desert, The Harborside Hotel Marina & Spa, and The Bar Harbor Inn and Spa. 2. Many even call it the “Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast” (including NPS itself!). November to February is the slowest time of the year with fewer people and lower hotel costs. Grab popovers at Jordan Pond House: Because who doesn’t deserve a mid-day treat — hiking or not! Acadia National Park. Explore the Everglades via kayak: Head over to The Gulf Coast (the other side of the park) for the best spot to paddle! A gravel path leads you to mangroves and a bird sanctuary. Hope this helps you plan an east coast national parks trip! If you stay at the nearby lodge, except spectacular sunrises and uninterrupted nature. The road will take you to all the major sights, so it’s an easy add on when planning your Acadia itinerary. Spend a night or two in Bar Harbor’s newest property, the Inn on Mount Desert. :). 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. Best Time to Visit: There’s two distinct seasons here – the dry season and wet season. AND it’s third largest offshore reef IN THE WORLD. 9 Must-See National Parks On The East Coast. Don’t miss the Mahogany Hammock Trail, aPa-Hay-Okee Lookout Tower, and Anhinga Trail. There’s plenty of hikes to choose from to view these gentle giants, including strenuous hikes and leisurely strolls down the Boardwalk. Keep reading to discover places that should be at the top of your list of destinations as you plan your next vacation. Or, why not fill up a gallon jug or two and take home your own fresh spring water. 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. There’s a lot of tours to choose from, but you can take a self-guided tour into the caves if you’re tight on time. I’ve got you covered! 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. A true and authentic experience. Franconia BEST FOR: Geologic Formation, State Park, Mountain Stone Mountain BEST FOR: State Park, Ski Area, Golf Course Shenandoah National Park BEST FOR: Scenic Drive, Hiking Trail, Waterfall Acadia National Park BEST FOR: Mountain, Hiking Trail, Scenic Drive Watkins Glen BEST FOR: State Park, Scenic Drive, Brewery. If you’re looking for more guidance and inspiration for visiting national parks on the east coast check out the following books:1. Meaning, you won’t find many crowds. I decided to add in Hot Springs National Park (in Arkansas) as well since it seemed too cool not to include. 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. It doesn’t mean it’s impossible, though. Location: VirginiaInteresting Fact: Shenandoah is home to the densest population of black bears in the United States. ), so bring along your water bottles! 2. Thankfully, the huge network of hiking trails make it easy to escape the city life. : History runs deep in the valley! Plan to visit during the week during autumn. By far the biggest highlight of the park, occurring between mid-May and mid-June. Exact times can’t be known, but it generally happens from May to mid-June. Looking to visit one of the most popular national parks on the east coast?! 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. Hike to the top of Hawksbill Mountain: Being the tallest mountain in the park, you can’t miss this when visiting Shenandoah. Best Time to Visit: Dry Tortugas has two distinct seasons 1. winter season (December through April), with rough seas, high winds, and frequent storms. A new pass program grants U.S. military veterans and Gold Star Families free access to national parks. Best Time to Visit: There’s no horrible month to visit, but note that the water is warmest during the summer. The park spans 51 square miles and claims the land along the river between Akron and Cleveland. 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. Also, check ahead of time for area closures due to flooding and recent rains. You can even do some yoga under the trees! Finally, end this east coast USA road trip in Acadia National Park. Shenandoah National Park With its plentiful waterfalls, rolling hills, and fertile valleys, the aptly named Skyline Drive traversing Shenandoah National Park offers up … It is... 3. Location: OhioInteresting Fact: Before it was a national park, the Cuyahoga River had caught fire more than a dozen times since the 1800s. Hi, we're Christina and Brad, full time travelers, photographers, writers, and proud parents to our wildling toddler and ornery cat. The absolute best time to visit is late August when the temps are moderate, the bugs are minimal, and the summer crowds have left. Shenandoah NP > Great Smoky Mountains NP (5 days)3. The summers are mild (never reaches above ~70degrees F) and winters are chilly. We hope you enjoyed our post on the incredible national parks on the east coast. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. 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. These two campgrounds are renowned for … If you liked this post, you can check out our sister post about 17 Must-See West Coast National Parks. Of course sturdy hiking shoes or boots are a must. Just something to be aware of if they’re not your favorite. Drive Park Loop Road: Scenic drive, anyone?! Lodging In and Around the Park: Unless you’re planning to camp within park grounds, you’ll likely be grabbing accommodations in Bar Harbor. Random fun fact: Cuyahoga is one of the latest national parks on the east coast to get established as an actual national park! Not many National Parks on the East Coast (or anywhere for that matter), are, so woo, take your pup! 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. 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. This isn’t your typical National Park on the East Coast – it’s 95% underwater! Best Time to Visit: Fall brings the most gorgeous fall foliage, with leaves bright reds, oranges, and yellow, but the colors also bring crowds. Perfect for anyone looking to go deeper than a traditional guidebook. The massive cypress, pine, champion, and loblollies are the East Coast’s answer to the west coast redwoods. Don’t even attempt an outdoor soak. You need to take a boat or seaplane(!!!) But don’t worry if you’re not an avid hiker, the park is packed with scenic drives! Just whoa. Location: FloridaInteresting Fact: The island is aptly named Tortugas (Spanish for turtles) for the five kinds of turtles that inhabit the island. The park is known for scenic drives, black bears, and those spectacular autumn colors come fall! So that’s just 5, and five wouldn’t be a very thorough list (haha). Biscayne offers a complex ecosystem full of brightly colored fish, uniquely-shaped coral, and... Congaree National Park. Drive through Cades Cove Valley: Don’t miss this scenic drive – drive extra slow and take it all in. The park is home to hundreds of animal species, including the Florida panther (yes, really), the endangered leatherback turtle, and West Indian manatee. Acadia National Park. I want cool stamps too! here to receive up to $65 off your first stay. And as always, leave no trace and know your bear safety before hitting the trails. You’ll wanna spend a night or two in Homestead (~20 minutes away), or take day trips to the park from Miami. 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. It truly feels like going back in time. This remote cluster of islands in Lake Superior is an absolute gem of the National Parks System, and one for true adventurers. That’s where the bathhouses come into play! Breezy summits, mountain streams, and craggy granite peaks await. 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. Top 10 national parks on the East Coast Acadia National Park. While the park is primarily a water destination, there is a short nature walk (.75 miles round trip) near the visitors center that is perfect if you’re visiting with kids or if you have limited mobility. Some moose ( you ’ re looking for more Great views local secret by any means that for! 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