From beautiful, rugged mountain terrain to astonishing marine wonderlands, the parks of America’s southern states are a sight to behold. Discover some of the best natural beauty the region has to offer with stops like Great Smoky Mountains National Park, America’s most visited destination, and majestic Mammoth Cave National Park, home to the world’s longest cave. .
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Straddling the North Carolina-Tennessee border, Great Smoky Mountains National Park encompasses more than 500,000 acres of southern Appalachian natural beauty, wildlife, and culture. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, rightly the most visited national park in the United States, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 for its biodiversity and historical significance. More than 1,300 miles of trails span breathtaking mountains, ridges, and forests, including Mount Le Conte, the park’s third-highest peak, and Cades Cove, the historic home of the early people. There are an estimated 1,500 black bears living along this scenic scenic spot. European settlers can also be seen.
Part of the fountain and boardwalk at Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas | Photo by Shelby Cohron on Unsplash
Located around the spa town of the same name, Hot Springs National Park is home to 5,550 acres of rolling forest, scenic hiking trails, and, of course, the park’s namesake hot springs, whose healing powers are said to be numerous. It has been used for thousands of years. Downtown Hot Springs’ Bathhouse Row, a National Historic Landmark, is home to a collection of early 20th century bathhouses, including the beautiful Renaissance Revival-style Fordyce Bathhouse, which now serves as the park’s visitor center. there is. For beautiful views, head to Hot Springs Mountain Tower, which overlooks the park, the Ouachita Mountains, and the surrounding Arkansas countryside.
Mammoth Cave National Park
Mammoth Cave National Park, located in the foothills of south-central Kentucky, was designated in 1941 with the mission of protecting a labyrinthine cave system. This cave system is the longest known cave system in the world, with more than 400 miles of explored passageways mapped, and is located in the rolling woodlands of the Green River Valley. Exploration of Mammoth Cave dates back nearly 4,000 years to when European settlers first arrived in the area in the late 17th century and when Native Americans first entered its impressive but eerily beautiful depths. Cave tours are also available to explore subterranean landmarks such as the vast Rotunda Room and the frozen Niagara Dripstone.
Talulah Valley State Park
Talulah Gorge Rim Trail, Lakemont, Georgia, USA | Photo by David Hunter on Unsplash
Arguably one of the most beautiful canyons in the southern states, Georgia’s Talulah Canyon State Park features three miles of waterfalls, pools, and the Talulah River. Hurricane Falls Bridge is a swinging suspension bridge that hovers 80 feet above a rocky canyon, offering breathtaking views. It also overlooks the upper reaches of the tower that was built to help daredevil tightrope walker Karl Wallenda cross his 40-minute-wide mile-long valley. This can still be seen today while the Jane Hart Yarn Interpretive Center provides information about the history and ecology of the area.
biscayne national park
Even though downtown Miami is visible on the horizon, Biscayne National Park feels like another world. Situated between Bysian Bay in southeast Florida and the northern Florida Keys, this park is actually 95% water. A crystal-clear marine ecosystem home to a wide variety of wildlife, including tropical fish, manatees, and sea turtles, as well as several shipwrecks that can be explored with scuba diving, a testament to the region’s marine heritage. His key to idyllic Boca Chita, north of Biscayne National Park, includes a campground and a picturesque ornamental lighthouse with stunning views of the park, Biscayne Bay, and Miami Beach.
shenandoah national park
As you traverse the rugged mountains, gentle hollows, and beautiful waterfalls of Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park, it’s hard to believe that Washington, D.C. is less than 100 miles away, but this Blue Ridge Mountain wilderness offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of the nation’s capital. It’s a world. The park is easily explored by car on Skyline Drive, a scenic road that runs the entire length of the park and part of the Blue Ridge Parkway, but more intrepid visitors can venture into the natural beauty of Shenandoah National Park and take a breather. You can see a breathtaking sight. – Views from the top of Stonyman Lookout and the enchanting Dark Hollow Falls.
Fall Creek Falls State Park
Fall Creek Falls State Park, Spencer, USA | Photo by Will Swann on Unsplash
Fall Creek Falls State Park, Tennessee’s largest and most beloved state park, consists of 26,000 acres atop the rugged terrain of the Cumberland Plateau. The park’s vast natural landscape includes lush pristine forests, babbling streams, dramatic canyons, and one of the highest waterfalls in the eastern United States at 256 meters high, which gives the park its name. There are beautiful waterfalls such as Fall Creek Falls. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views from observation decks like Buzzard’s Roost, and watch the rapids of Cane Creek Cascades leading to beautiful Cane Creek Falls from a quaint suspension bridge that swings over the stream.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park, United States | Photo by Brian Goff on Unsplash
Located in the Gulf of Mexico approximately 110 miles west of Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park is one of America’s most remote national parks, accessible only by boat or plane, and a marine park rich in wildlife and history. It’s a wonderland. Above the water, small, idyllic islands dot the park, with landmarks like the beautiful 19th-century coastal fortification Fort Jefferson and Loggerhead Key Lighthouse, and beneath the waves, miles of coral reefs. and coral reefs filled with abundant aquatic life await divers. Sea turtles, nurse sharks, staghorn corals, reef fish and more.
everglades national park
Everglades National Park, which holds the title of the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, was established in 1947 with a mission to protect the unique and diverse ecosystem of wetlands and includes the southern portion of the Everglades region. The park’s 1.5 million acres of beautiful wetlands, swamps, and mangrove forests were designated a UNESCO International Biosphere Reserve in 1976, and the area remains a rich site for ecological research. Everglades National Park is home to an awe-inspiring array of animals, from wading birds like great egrets and storks to Florida leopards and American alligators.
congaree national park
One of the nation’s newest national parks, Congaree National Park was designated in 2003 as a means to protect the South Carolina region’s beautiful floodplain forests and the unique ecosystems they support. Spanning more than 25,000 acres, Congaree National Park’s floodplain is fed by the nutrient-rich waters of the Congaree and Wateree Rivers, and is home to the southeastern region’s remaining lowland hardwoods, along with an entire fauna of wild pigs. It has the largest area of forest. From armadillos to catfish and snakes. Visitors can explore enchanting wetlands and Spanish moss-covered trees from the park’s many scenic trails.
Now that you’re here, we’d like to talk to you about our vision for the future of travel and the direction in which Culture Trip is heading.
Culture Trip was launched in 2011 with a simple but passionate mission. It’s about inspiring people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. And this is still in our DNA. For over 10 years, we’ve been providing millions of people like you with our award-winning recommendations, by people with a deep understanding of what makes specific places and communities special. I’m proud to have trusted you.
Increasingly, we believe the world needs more meaningful and real connections between curious travelers who want to explore the world in a more responsible way. That’s why we offer premium small groups as an invitation to meet and connect with new like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: cultural travel, rail travel, and private travel. We have intensively curated our travel collection. . Our trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5- to 16-day itineraries that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities, and 4- to 5-star accommodations that you’ll look forward to at the end of each day. Our train travel is the most earth-friendly itinerary, allowing you to travel scenic routes and relax while soaking up the atmosphere of your destination. Our private trips are fully customized itineraries hand-picked by our travel experts specifically for you, your friends, and your family.
We know that many of you are concerned about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways to expand your horizons in ways that minimize harm and may even bring benefits. . We are committed to working as much as possible to plan our trips with the planet in mind. That’s why all our trips are fully carbon offset, with no flights at the destination, and we have ambitious plans to become net zero in the near future.
