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These East Coast National Parks Are So Stunning You’ll Wonder Why Everyone Goes West Instead
The East Coast is home to some truly jaw-dropping national parks that prove outdoor adventures aren’t just for the western half of the country. And these places are teeming with diverse landscapes, fascinating history, and just enough wildlife to keep things interesting (but hopefully not too interesting… looking at you, overly curious raccoons).
From dramatic coastlines to serene forests that feel like stepping into another world, these parks offer a bit of everything for every type of traveler. Feeling adventurous? Perfect. Want to slow down and soak in the views? Even better.
Prepare to trade the distractions of daily life for trails, towering trees, and maybe a fresh perspective on what an East Coast getaway can look like. Because there’s no shortage of incredible places to explore; it’s just a matter of deciding which one to cross off your list first.
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
With over 200,000 acres of protected space that is a playground for deer, black bears, and birdwatchers, Shenandoah National Park is pretty much a real-life Narnia without the talking animals (or at least none that we know of).
Just picture yourself cruising down Skyline Drive, every turn a postcard-worthy view, with 105 miles of scenic views.
And here’s a fun fact for your trivia night: the park boasts more than 500 miles of trails, including a portion of the Appalachian Trail. So, if you’ve dreamt of hiking the Appalachian but can’t take six months off work, Shenandoah offers a compelling sneak peek you don’t want to miss.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Imagine a place where the ocean tries to kiss the mountains but ends up splashing around; that’s Acadia National Park for you. It’s not just a park; it’s like nature’s own amusement park, minus the long lines and overpriced snacks.
Here, you can climb Cadillac Mountain (the first spot to catch the sunrise in the U.S. during most of the year). And for those who thought Maine was just lobsters and lighthouses, Acadia’s 47,000 acres of stunning terrain will have you eating your words.
The park boasts over 158 miles of hiking trails, making it a playground for anyone with a pair of sturdy boots and a disdain for treadmills. Seriously, who needs a gym membership when you’ve got Mother Nature offering a full-body workout with views that can make you forget about the burning in your lungs?
Congaree National Park, South Carolina
Now, if you’re someone who thinks size matters, Congaree National Park will challenge your beliefs. This park is like the quiet kid in class who turns out to be a superhero. It’s not the biggest, but it packs a punch with the tallest trees on the East Coast and a biodiversity that could make a biologist weep with joy.
Walking through its famed boardwalk, you’re not just taking a stroll; you’re time-traveling through an ancient floodplain forest that’s been around longer than your favorite sitcom reruns.
And for those who think darkness is just for sleeping, Congaree’s firefly synchronization display in late May to early June is like a natural rave you didn’t know you needed. No glow sticks are required; these tiny light-up bugs put on a show that’ll definitely light up your life.
Everglades National Park, Florida
Think swamps are just for gators and mosquitoes? Think again! Everglades National Park flips the script, offering an epic expanse of wetlands that are more diverse than your uncle’s questionable stew.
Covering a vast area of over 1.5 million acres, it’s a sanctuary not just for gators but also for manatees, panthers, and a dizzying array of bird life. It’s like the ultimate episode of “Survivor,” except with fewer torches and more natural beauty.
And this park isn’t just about being big; it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasting landscapes so unique that you’ll forget you’re still in Florida. But don’t just take our word for it; over a million visitors each year wade through its wonders, probably making it the most popular swamp meet in the world.
Virgin Islands National Park, St. John
In the world of national parks, Virgin Islands National Park is the cool kid who doesn’t even try but still manages to blow everyone away.
Over 60% of the island of St. John is wrapped in this park’s lush, green arms, offering a royal flush of beaches, forests, and historical ruins. Here, the ruins aren’t from your last house party; they’re genuine sugar plantation relics telling tales from the 18th century.
And the beaches? They’re not your average sandy stretches but postcard-perfect paradises with clear turquoise waters that could make even the most overworked screen saver jealous. It’s a place where sea turtles chill, and cultural history stands as proud as the natural beauty surrounding it.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina & Tennessee
Brace yourself for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where the trees wear mist like a cozy blanket, probably because they’re fashion-forward and know it looks fabulous. Covering the boundary between North Carolina and Tennessee, this park boasts more species of trees than the entire European continent. Isn’t that a fun tidbit to share at parties?
And for all you hiking aficionados salivating for a challenge, the park doesn’t disappoint with its 800 miles of trails. Among these, the Appalachian Trail struts through the park for 70 miles, showcasing panoramic views that could very well make your followers swoon.
As for black bears, this has to be one of the best national parks to see them. Yep, our last visit was a bear-packed adventure, with 20 sightings in just three days! From protective moms with their fur babies to lone adolescents and even a few doing their best tree ornament impersonations, it was like a furry meet-and-greet out there.
New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia
New River Gorge National Park is where the rivers run wild, and the bridges are high enough to give acrophobia to an eagle. I mean, this place is so stunning that it’ll make your ex’s social feed look dull.
Here, the ancient New River, a misnomer that would make any geologist chuckle, winds its way through the gorge, creating a landscape that’s a feast for the eyes and a playground for the adventurous.
And did we mention the New River Gorge Bridge? It’s the poster child for engineering marvels in these parts, towering at an awe-inspiring 876 feet above the river, making it a hotspot for BASE jumpers and those who just like to feel their stomachs drop.
Not into adrenaline? The park’s 70,000 acres are a paradise for hikers, bird watchers, and anyone who appreciates scenery so beautiful it’s almost offensive.
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