People travel for different reasons. Sometimes it’s for cultural experiences, other times it’s to learn about the heritage and history of a place. And sometimes it is for the simple reason of getting outdoors, where it’s a little easier to breathe. That’s good, because some places will take your breath away. Enter the national parks.

The United States has 63 officially designated national parks in 31 states (but 430 total protected sites that fall under the umbrella of the National Park Service; these include national battlefields, military parks, and historic sites, among many others). Of the named national parks, six of them are located in the Southeast region.

Not all national parks are created equal. Scenery and terrain at one park might be similar to other parks, or they might be completely different. No matter its offerings, each park is worth a visit and has its own attractions and characteristics, showcasing Mother Nature and her many talents and offering visitors a variety of experiences, from mountain recreation to oceanic exploration. Take a deep breath and plan a group trip to any one of the Southeast region’s immersive national parks. They are some of nature’s best playgrounds!

Congaree National Park, South Carolina;
Credit: Adobe/Jason Yoder
CONGAREE NATIONAL PARK

Described by the National Park Service (NPS) as having “astonishing biodiversity,” Congaree National Park in Congaree, South Carolina, has been dubbed the “Home of Champions” because of its plethora of state and national champion trees. They are fed, as they have been for many, many years, by waters from the Congaree and Wateree rivers “that nourish and rejuvenate” this indelibly unique ecosystem.

Once the site of a busy logging industry, here in the floodplain lies the largest remaining tract of southern “old-growth bottomland forest” in the U.S. People besides loggers have explored these forests for thousands of years, according to archaeologists, including the Congaree people from whom the area received its name. “Whether residents or visitors, positive or negative,” says the NPS, “humans have left their mark on this land and helped to make it what it is today.” The site, which was redesignated a national park in 2003, today covers some 26,000 acres of bottomland and upland forest—offering a pleasant getaway for adventurers, families, and groups.

Known for its trees and water, it makes sense that canoeing and kayaking are popular activities here, as are fishing, trail exploration, camping, wildlife viewing, and other activities. Come late spring, something fun to witness is the synchronous flashing of fireflies as they search for a mate. This phenomenon takes place annually between the middle of May and mid-June.

EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK

From several guided tour themes to spectacular wildlife and education programs, Everglades National Park in Florida is a marvel of nature, possessing an “unparalleled landscape” that many animal species call home. Among the creatures that inhabit this subtropical wilderness are the American crocodile, flamingo, Florida panther, manatee, and many others. According to the NPS, the Everglades also is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, a Wetland of International Importance, and a specially protected area under the Cartagena Treaty.

Not all national parks offer boating opportunities, but the Everglades does. The Forest Service says navigable waters cover a third of the park. Tours include the “Everglades Safari Park,” during which guests can explore the national park on an airboat; “Backcountry Boat Tour;”“Florida Bay Tour;” “Ten Thousand Islands Boat Tour;” the “Shark Valley Tram Tour,” and others. There also are ranger-led programs available to enrich group tours.

One of the activities that people who visit national parks typically like to do is view the local wildlife. But unlike some other destinations, the best time for wildlife viewing at the Everglades is during the winter. “Weather conditions are generally pleasant during the winter and standing water levels are low,” the NPS says, “causing wildlife to congregate at central water locations.” Some locations ideal for viewing alligators, birds, and freshwater species include the Anhinga Trail, Eco Pond, and Shark Valley. There’s also the Flamingo Visitor Center.

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

The national park called the Great Smoky Mountains is aptly named. With a foggy mist that often envelopes this scenic southern mountain range, it does indeed look like the mountains are “smoky.” But there is nothing about them that causes lung issues, except for maybe the elevation; instead, this vast wilderness is a pleasant and serene oasis where groups can breathe fresh air and explore the gems that lie beyond the smoky mist.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park encompasses 522,427 acres, which, according to the NPS, are divided almost evenly between Tennessee and North Carolina. With an abundant supply of wildlife and wild terrain, “the park offers myriad opportunities for exploring and discovering both the natural and cultural history of these ancient mountains.” This “world-renowned preserve of wildflower diversity” has more than 1,500 species of flowering plants, giving color and variety to this mystical place all year long.

This natural wonder also has many waterfalls that add to its beauty and mystique—Abrams Falls, Baskins Creek Falls, Grotto Falls, Laurel Falls, Rainbow Falls, and Ramsey Cascades. And then there is its wildlife, including the park’s iconic black bear. According to the Gatlinburg Convention & Visitors Bureau, biologists estimate some 1,500 black bears call the park their home.

Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas;
Credit: Unsplash/Durul Dalkanat
HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK

Waterfalls, rivers, pathways, rolling hills, lush green scenery, and hot springs make Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas seem a little like heaven on Earth. Besides the wealthy supply of nature, the park also has a rich cultural past. For hundreds of years, people have come to the thermal springs for healing and other medicinal purposes, and they continue to draw thousands of people every year to experience this oasis in the Ouachita Mountains. Among the things to experience is Bathhouse Row, where visitors can learn the history of these unique venues and what they offer for visitors today.

The park also features 26 miles of hiking trails, opportunities for birdwatching and other nature viewing, educational programs, and ranger led programs. The Hot Springs Mountain Tower, built in 1877, is an iconic 266-foot-tall emblem of the area that today offers an observation deck where adventurers can take in the scenic views of the area. Don’t worry about a hike up a stairway, because an elevator will take visitors to the top. Within vicinity of the tower are picnic tables and more hiking trails.

Outside the park, visitors can experience any number of other activities and sites: Garvan Woodland Gardens, Gangster Museum of America, Mid-American Science Museum, and thoroughbred horse racing at Oaklawn. The city also plays host to several events throughout the year. Among them are the Hot Springs Blues Festival, Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival, Hot Springs Jazz Festival, Hot Springs Music Festival, Valley of the Vapors Independent Music Festival, and the downtown Bathtub Races.

MAMMOTH CAVE NATIONAL PARK

Unique among national parks is Mammoth Cave, which has 52,830 acres and boasts the world’s longest cave system. Yes, it is mammoth. Located primarily in Edmonson County, Kentucky, the site was designated a national park in 1941 and was named a World Heritage Site in 1981 and an International Biosphere Reserve in 1990. More recently, in 2021 it was designated an International Dark Sky Park. When the night is clear and stars light up the otherwise dark sky, it seems that the entire universe is very close.

The park’s primary attractions, of course, are its caves. Here, members of your group can experience all the wonders of ancient caves as they take guided tours of these earthen vessels. A variety of tours are available, but you don’t need any expert spelunkers in your group to enjoy the national park. Guests enjoy the visitor center, scenic overlooks, and plenty of outdoor adventure.

Other places to explore in the vicinity are the four overlooks—Doyel Valley Overlook, Sunset Point, Green River Bluffs Overlook, and Turnhole Bend Overlook; and at least four historic churches and cemeteries, including the Old Guide’s Cemetery, located off Heritage Trail, described by the NPS as a small but significant cemetery because it is the final resting place of 19th-century African American cave guide Stephen Bishop and three tuberculosis patients who died in 1842.

SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK

Established in 1935, the expansive, 200,000-acre Shenandoah National Park stretches along the Blue Ridge Mountains of western Virginia and is a spectacle of waterfalls and wildflowers, wooded hollows, and spectacular views. Its protected lands help preserve habitat for black bears, deer, songbirds, and other wildlife that make this park their home.

Stop by Big Mountain, located near the park’s center, for wildlife and wildflower viewing. For another kind of view, Old Rag Mountain provides a 360-degree spectacle of the surrounding Shenandoah Valley. As with many of the parks, one day just isn’t enough to explore all of its offerings. Luckily, there are notable places accessible to Shenandoah that will provide your group with the opportunity to revel in the area.

No visit to the Shenandoah Valley is complete without learning about the Civil War battles that took place here. The “Shenandoah Valley Civil War Tours,” hosted by Battlefield Tours of Virginia, are a great place to get up to speed on all things Civil War in the area. The tour takes guests to battlefields and other Civil War sites. According to the tour operator, “The Shenandoah Valley is a place where natural beauty, charming towns, real Americana, and hallowed military ground abounds.”


By Andrew Weeks

Main Image: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee; Credit: Adobe/Vladimir Grablev