National Parks are wonderful places to experience the outdoors and get close to nature – on a budget! There are some incredible National Parks on the East Coast of the United States, so I brought together the best tips and recommendations from my fellow travel bloggers for how to visit the 10 National Parks in East Coast USA, as well …The two best areas to explore on a stop here are Sulphur Works and Bumpass Hell Hydrothermal Area. 6. Yosemite National Park. Yosemite National Park is the crown jewel of California's nine National Parks, and is many people's favorite park in the whole country.Full description. Enjoy an in-depth, off-road adventure in Cyprus that takes you to the easternmost point of Konnos National Park. You'll have breathtaking views throughout this 4.5-hour adventure from Ayia Napa. Visit numerous secluded caves and natural bridges and discover forgotten churches. Enjoy an exhilarating swim in the crystal clears ...Hoodoo 'garden' in the Grand Staircase-Escalante national monument. Location: Southern Utah, about 200 miles north-east of Las Vegas Best places to camp: Anywhere in the backcountry (with a ...Shenandoah is my favorite by far, have been there a zillion times and it was a great option to GTFO of DC when living there. Smokies #2, there are also a number of good state parks in the area as well. Everglades #3. Interesting, beautiful, not a ton to do though. Haven't been to Acadia yet but someday soon.Canaveral National Seashore is a protected area located on a barrier island on the east coast of Florida, near the city of Titusville. The seashore was established in 1975 to preserve the unique natural and cultural resources of the area, including over 24 miles of pristine Atlantic Ocean beach, dunes, marshes, and pine flatwoods.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 …The Appalachian Trail is a 2,190+ mile long public footpath that traverses the scenic, wooded, pastoral, wild, and culturally resonant lands of the Appalachian Mountains. Conceived in 1921, built by private citizens, and completed in 1937, today the trail is managed by the National Park Service, US Forest Service, Appalachian Trail Conservancy ...Click on individual points to learn a park's name and the year it was established. Canada's national parks and national park reserves are protected areas established under federal legislation. They aim to preserve Canada's natural heritage. There are 48 national parks and national park reserves in Canada. (See also National Parks of Canada.)Mount Rainier National Park is located in Washington, about a 2.5-hour drive (107 miles) from Seattle. Mount Rainier is a stunning western U.S. National Park and a hiker's paradise. Nice trails are the short but sweet Alta Vista trail (1.8 mile) and the more challenging Skyline Trail (8.4 miles round trip).Kumana National Park, Eastern Province Best alternative to the crowded parks. A great alternative to crowded Yala and Minneriya, and easily reached from the east coast, Kumana National Park offers swampy grasslands and large, salty villus (natural lakes) where elephants wade and storks and ibis gather. On the edge of this watery landscape, the forest harbors spectacular hornbills, colorful ...Aug 26, 2022 · Dry Tortugas National Park. Dry Tortugas National Park, Fort Jefferson, Florida. Also situated in Florida, the Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the more exceptional places to visit. Lying approximately 70 miles to the west of Key West island city, the park is strictly accessible by boat or seaplane. Overview. This route combines two of the United States’ greatest qualities: spectacular natural beauty and world-class cities. This East Coast road trip covers fantastic scenic locales of the Northeast region as well as urban hubs of American culture, politics and history. Begin in Boston, and make your way across the states of New York ...Acadia National Park. Situated along the rugged coast of Maine, Acadia National Park is a captivating blend of rocky shorelines, lush woodlands, and majestic mountains. This park offers stunning vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, picturesque islands, and the iconic Cadillac Mountain, the tallest peak on the East Coast.The cradle of national parks on the east coast, Shenandoah National Park is a forested area located 75 miles away from Washington DC. With the enthralling backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains and quiet wooded hallows encompassing the trail, a drive through the woodlands is a treat to the eyes. The drive takes around 2-3 hours and …Many of America's national parks are in the western United States. Parks such as Yosemite, Yellowstone, and Grand Canyon overshadow the parks east of the Mis...4. Dollywood's Splash Country - Pigeon Forge, TN. Dollywood. Dollywood's Splash Country is a water park with more than 35 rides, slides, and attractions. Highlights include the Tennessee Twister, the Daredevil Drop, and the white-water rafting adventure, Smoky Mountain River Rampage.The East coast drive route is one of the most picturesque drive routes of not only Tasmania but truly is one of the best in the world. The beautiful Bay of Fires, one of Lonely Planet’s top 10 regions in the world, striking national parks including the stunning Freycinet National Park with its pink granite mountains, white beaches and crystal clear sea.6. Dry Tortugas National Park. Location: Monroe County, Florida. Located about 70 miles due west of the Florida Keys, this group of seven small islands represents the westernmost portion of the Keys. Fortunately for you, these islands are also one of the best spots for snorkelling and diving.Maine's Acadia National Park. Maine is known for its rocky shorelines and wooded mainlands, both of which are on full display within Acadia National Park. The park also includes a number of ...Feb 25, 2024 · California and all the amazing National Parks there. The Pacific Northwest, Florida and the East Coast National Parks. What’s the recommended route or itinerary for a National Park road trip? Below we share specific itineraries for some of the National Parks along with 6 different National Park Road Trip Itineraries. 74.1 Shoreline Miles. 72.1 Marine Water Acres. People have been drawn to the rugged coast of Maine throughout history. Awed by its beauty and diversity, early 20th-century visionaries donated the land that became Acadia National Park. The park is home to many plants and animals, and the tallest mountain on the U.S. Atlantic coast.Original Map of the East Coast National Parks crafted by the award-winning artists at More Than Just Parks. This custom national parks map features 11 East Coast National Parks. The clean map design is perfect for any setting whether it be the home, office, living space, bedroom, and more. This National Parks Map is printed on museum-quality ...Situated in the heart of West Virginia, New River Gorge National Park is one of the country's newest national parks and easily stakes its claim as one of the best national parks on the east coast. The park features the mighty New River, known for its white-water rafting, and the majestic Appalachian Mountains, providing a stunning backdrop to ...8. Yosemite National Park, California. Yosemite National Park has 1,200 sq miles of grand meadows, deep valleys, massive immemorial sequoias, and world-famous waterfalls. It's one of the best West Coast national parks to visit if you're a fan of waterfalls, with the 2,425 ft. Yosemite Falls is the main attraction.6. Scotts Bluff National Monument - Nebraska. Absolutely don't miss: Hiking the Saddle Rock Trail up to the summit of Scotts Bluff and photographing the sunset. Scotts Bluff National Monument preserves around 3,000 acres of geological and paleontological history and heritage in trails, bluffs, prairies, and badlands. Overview. This route combines two of the United States’ greatest qualities: spectacular natural beauty and world-class cities. This East Coast road trip covers fantastic scenic locales of the Northeast region as well as urban hubs of American culture, politics and history. Begin in Boston, and make your way across the states of New York ... East Coast national parks are often overshadowed by the Rocky Mountains and West Coast national parks. No one can dismiss the majestic views and thrilling outdoor recreation at Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and Joshua Tree. But at the same time, the national parks from Maine to Florida offer their own grandeur that should not be dismissed simply ...Jul 19, 2023 · Walter Bibikow. 2. Acadia, Maine. Acadia National Park protects areas of coastal Maine, including 19 of its outlying islands and the highest rocky headlines of the Atlantic Coastline. The majority ... Along the way, you might be lucky enough to spot nurse sharks, sea turtles, eels, and octopuses. Related read: 9 Exciting Weekend Road Trips from Miami. 5. Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Photo: Sean Pavone. Why you should go: See what all the fuss is about at the most popular park in the United States.Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky. The Mammoth Cave National Park was established in 1925, and it's among the oldest parks in the U.S. Situated near Jackson, Kentucky, this park covers about 740 square miles and was also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981.Explore the East Coast with Us. Curated by Massachusetts-born Amanda and avid US road-tripper Gemma, browse an extensive catalog of travel guides packed with city itineraries, outdoor activities, and road trip routes at Hey! East Coast USA. Our professional writers hail from beautiful Maine down to lively Miami, providing expert local advice on ...Shenandoah National Park Association has a great selection of park hiking books, maps, and nature guides. ... Camp. Hike. Learn. Park footer. Contact Info. Mailing Address: Shenandoah National Park 3655 U.S. Highway 211 East Luray, VA 22835 Phone: 540 999-3500 Emergency Phone: 1-800-732-0911 Contact Us Tools. FAQ; Site Index; Español; Stay ...Location: Virginia Where to Stay: The Inn and Tavern at Meander Shenandoah is a must-visit national park on the East Coast, especially if you’re in the Washington, DC area.It’s a short drive from DC or Virginia, located in the dreamy Blue Ridge Mountains, and perfect for a day trip or weekend stay.. Best Time to Go to Shenandoah …New York is home to many national parks, historical sites and monuments - some of the most notable including Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. But up in the North Country is the beginning of national scenic trail that spans seven states. The New York region of the North Country Trail is breathtaking, especially in autumn.Apr 4, 2023 · 14. Statue of Liberty & Governors Island National Monuments. These East Coast National Park Sites offer a unique combination of history, culture, and natural beauty. Located in New York Harbor just off the coast of Manhattan, these two monuments are accessible by ferry or private boat. If You’re Exploring the East Coast, Visit These National Parks 1. Acadia National Park. A marquis park on the east coast, and one of the most visited national parks in the country, Acadia National Park is a shining jewel in New England. Situated on a few gnarly islands off the coast of Maine, it’s a beacon of misty mountains, pristine lakes, …Gros Morne National Park. #6 in Best National Parks in Canada. Gros Morne National Park's geography is so special, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated on the island of ... Highlights for your east coast national parks road trip itinerary: Hike iconic Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the Great Smokies. Drive the incredibly scenic Skyline Drive in Shenandoah. Tour Mammoth Caves (get tickets in advance; they sell out!) Raised wooden boardwalk trails in Congaree. The catwalk of the New River Gorge Bridge. 2. Apr 7, 2023 · Decide which of these national parks along the East Coast should be your next destination. 1. Everglades National Park (Florida) America’s tenth largest national park has no mountains, no glaciers, and no geysers. A vast, shallow watershed, it flows quietly, imperceptibly, for 100 miles, emptying into Florida Bay. December - 75° / 55°. January - 72° / 51°. February - 75° / 54°. Central Florida's pleasant, dry winters are ideal for a warm winter vacation on the East Coast — and Orlando is a great spot to explore. See a rocket launch from the Kennedy Space Center, go for an airboat tour, and stroll around Lake Eola Park.1. Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, Alaska. With no roads or trails and a landscape carved by glaciers, Alaska's Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve is for the traveler ...Flatwoods KOA Journey. 2. Acadia National Park. Of all the bucket list-worthy parks on the east coast, one requisite has gotta be Acadia. A crown jewel on the Maine coast, this oceanic gem is the oldest park east of the Mississippi, and also one of the most visited. A mecca of beachside mountains, misty islands, craggy sea cliffs, and pristine ...About Death Valley National Park. Death Valley is one of the most incredible west coast national parks. The largest park in the contiguous United States at over 1.6 million acres, Death Valley embodies every aspect of epic. Sci-fi landscapes fill the mind with wonder as superlatives are the name of the game here.New River Gorge became a national park in 2021, and is a popular destination for thrill-seeking families who love rafting (Photo: Adventures on the Gorge) West Virginia's New River Gorge was elevated to national park status in 2021, focusing national attention on the beauty of one of the East Coast's most beloved natural playgrounds.Kennesaw, GA. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park is a 2,965 acre National Battlefield that preserves a Civil War battleground of the Atlanta Campaign. Opposing forces maneuvered and fought here from June 19, 1864 until July 2, 1864. Although most famous as a Civil War battlefield, Kennesaw Mountain has a much richer story.1. DakshinaChitra Museum. This is the first of the three attractions to be reached after crossing the Uthandi Toll Plaza. The different types of homes of the …We're now to the largest national parks by size in the Lower 48 that made the Top 10 list of largest national parks. The Everglades take the third spot on the Lower 48 list. Everglades National Park was established in 1947, fearing development from nearby Miami and the west coast of Florida communities.Apr 13, 2024 · Acadia National Park protects the natural beauty of the highest rocky headlands along the Atlantic coastline of the United States, an abundance of habitats, and a rich cultural heritage. At 4 million visits a year, it's one of the top 10 most-visited national parks in the United States. Visitors enjoy 27 miles of historic motor roads, 158 miles of hiking trails, and 45 miles of carriage roads. Great Smoky Mountains National Park- Tennessee. Everglades National Park- Florida. Shenandoah National Park. Mammoth Cave National Park. Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Cape Cod National Seashore- Honorable Mention. Our Favorite West Coast National Parks. East Coast National Parks – An Abundance of Beauty and Nature. It has an audio guide, park map, and other tips to help you make the most of your scenic drive in this incredible East Coast National Park. Acadia National Park Fee: Acadia National Park fees are $30 per vehicle and $15 per person (on foot). The entry tickets are valid for a week. Permits can be pre-arranged online.National Parks are wonderful places to experience the outdoors and get close to nature – on a budget! There are some incredible National Parks on the East Coast of the United States, so I brought together the best tips and recommendations from my fellow travel bloggers for how to visit the 10 National Parks in East Coast USA, as well …This attention to detail surely makes Mount Rainier National Park one of the best West Coast national parks for kids! Besides hiking, you'll also discover gorgeous wildflowers blooming in late-July through mid-August. This picturesque sight is sure to leave the whole family in awe. Finally, Tipsoo Lake is a magical place for the kids to explore.1. Acadia National Park, Maine. Rocky coastlines, unbeatable hikes, trekking to mountains, and insanely beautiful scenic drives are just a few of the staples that make Acadia one of the best national parks to visit on the East Coast. Known for being one of the best places in the United States to see fall foliage, the park is a treat to visit ...America's Prettiest National Parks on the East Coast (Massive Guide) last Updated: March 22, 2023. arkansas florida kentucky maine michigan national park north carolina ohio South Carolina virginia. FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below.A Journey To Parks Beyond The Capitol. Welcome to National Capital Parks-East. We invite you to journey to the parks east of the Capitol of Washington, D.C. National Capital Parks-East consists of 14 park sites, parkways and statuary covering more than 8,000 acres of historic, cultural, and recreational parklands from Capitol Hill to the nearby Maryland suburbs.East coast national parks do not get the same hype as west coast and Rocky Mtn national parks do. And there are definitely some spectacular gems on the east coast. For me, it would have to be Acadia National Park in Maine or the Everglades as my favorite east coast picks.It connects with 16 National Wildlife Refuges, 12 National-Parks, and three other National Trails. Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail: With this group of 4th graders from Wrightsville Elementary School, CAJO visitor contact station at the Zimmerman Center for Heritage has sworn in over 1,000 Junior Rangers for the trail …New River Gorge became a national park in 2021, and is a popular destination for thrill-seeking families who love rafting (Photo: Adventures on the Gorge) West Virginia's New River Gorge was elevated to national park status in 2021, focusing national attention on the beauty of one of the East Coast's most beloved natural playgrounds.Dec 25, 2023 · First up is New River Gorge National Park, one of the best east coast national parks. It’s located in Glen Jean, West Virginia, established in the 1970s. This park spans more than 70,000 acres and is filled with great outdoor activities, like camping, hiking, and even rock climbing, for those who seek an adrenaline rush. 6. Dry Tortugas National Park. Location: Monroe County, Florida. Located about 70 miles due west of the Florida Keys, this group of seven small islands represents the westernmost portion of the Keys. …15 Most Beautiful Places to Visit on the West Coast — From Charming Small Towns to National Parks The Best Cross-country U.S. Road Trip Itinerary: Northern Route 10 Charming Small Towns to Visit ...Lake Compounce - Bristol, Connecticut. DelGrosso's Amusement Park - Tipton, Pennsylvania. Quassy Amusement Park - Middlebury, Connecticut. Morey's Piers - Wildwood, New Jersey. Six Flags New England - Agawam, Massachusetts. Island Waterpark - West Haven, Connecticut. Best Amusement Parks On The East Coast.Acadia National Park, Maine. Recommended by Kriszti from She Wanders Abroad. …These are some of the best American National Parks to visit in October: 1. Acadia National Park. Location: Maine Suggestion by Josh and Sarah from Veggie Vagabonds; Where to stay: There are some nice accommodations inside the park - check out the Atlantic Oceanside Hotel or Bar Harbor Inn and Spa. Situated in Maine, Acadia National Park is known as the crown jewel of the North Atlantic Coast.Mammoth Cave National Park. Biscayne National Park. Everglades National Park. Dry Tortugas National Park. The East Coast is home to many outstanding National Parks that deserve a visit. For visitors living along the East Coast, these National Parks are easy to visit and explore.Acadia National Park. Situated along the rugged coast of Maine, Acadia National Park is a captivating blend of rocky shorelines, lush woodlands, and majestic mountains. This park offers stunning vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, picturesque islands, and the iconic Cadillac Mountain, the tallest peak on the East Coast.1. Acadia National Park, Maine. Acadia National Park. Main Attraction: Coastal highs. Best Time To Visit: July and August for warm weather. Entry cost: $30 for a whole week excluding other amenities. When it comes to US national parks on the east coast, Acadia National Park is one of the top tourist attractions.Don't Miss: Boca Chita Key, Convoy Point Jetty Trail, Adams Key, Maritime Heritage Trail. Best Time To Visit: November to May (outside of hurricane season) Biscayne is another unique East Coast national park. While the word "park" is often associated with trees and greenery, Biscayne is 95% underwater.Flatwoods KOA Journey. 2. Acadia National Park. Of all the bucket list-worthy parks on the east coast, one requisite has gotta be Acadia. A crown jewel on the Maine coast, this oceanic gem is the oldest park east of the Mississippi, and also one of the most visited. A mecca of beachside mountains, misty islands, craggy sea cliffs, and pristine ...11 Mount William National Park another one of Tasmania's east coast national parks. While the 184.39 km 2 (71.19 sq mi) park is not well known nor spectacular as Freycinet, the pristine white sands give you impressions that are not commonly affiliated with a state that is more known for its mountains. 12 Narawntapu ...The Eastern Corridor is an 18 km route comprising park connectors that have been progressively completed since it was first announced in 2021. Half of the route is located along waterways, including those enhanced under national water agency PUB's Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC Waters) Programme, offering park visitors a scenic cycling ...22. Blue Ridge Parkway. As the number one most-visited National Park site, this one had to be included on the list of best East Coast National Parks. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic parkway ...Mammoth Cave National Park Entrance Fee: Entry to Mammoth Cave National Park and its surface features is free of charge. However, there is a fee to tour the cave, stay in campgrounds, or reserve picnic shelters. Cave fees range from $8 through to $66 depending on length and complexity of the tour.Walter Bibikow. 2. Acadia, Maine. Acadia National Park protects areas of coastal Maine, including 19 of its outlying islands and the highest rocky headlines of the Atlantic Coastline. The majority ...The Shenandoah National Park is another one of the national parks on the east coast known for its forested terrain, waterfalls, and the abundant wildlife that lives in them. Black bears call this place home along with numerous deer and other animals. It's one of the best national parks to go hiking in the country due to the 500 miles of ...Here are four national parks not to miss on an East Coast trip. Shenandoah National Park The Shenandoah National Park is a great way to kickstart the East Coast experience. People who like hitting the road and enjoying beautiful sceneries are treated to a good one here. Skyline Drive is a dominant mention when pursuing the …Aug 14, 2023 · Sandy beaches, rocky shores, forested mountains, and historical cities are what awaits you when visiting the East Coast's national parks. Each state on this coast has something unique and special to offer visitors, and the very best national parks make for one educational and enlightening road trip for travelers who have some time to spare. Gros Morne National Park. #6 in Best National Parks in Canada. Gros Morne National Park's geography is so special, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated on the island of ...Aug 26, 2022 · Dry Tortugas National Park. Dry Tortugas National Park, Fort Jefferson, Florida. Also situated in Florida, the Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the more exceptional places to visit. Lying approximately 70 miles to the west of Key West island city, the park is strictly accessible by boat or seaplane. The 10 must see National Parks on the East Coast. When most Americans think about National Parks they think about the western United States and big parks like Yellowstone, Zion’s and the Grand …What makes Cape Cod one of the Best East Coast National Parks? Cape Cod is one of the best National parks on the East Coast because it has a diverse landscape that includes sandy beaches, rolling hills, and dense forests. The park also offers plenty of recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and swimming.Determining which national park site is the farthest east is surprisingly complicated. Point Udall, a stone sundial monument on Saint Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, is the easternmost point in the United States. It is not part of a national park site, though Buck Island Reef National Monument is located a few miles northwest of Point Udall.
The best national parks on the East Coast of the United States can range from crisp, cold, rocky mountain terrains to hot, tropical sandy beaches, peculiar bewitching swamps and marshes, to endless expanses of entrancing forests. The national parks below showcase all the very best that the East Coast has to offer, and you definitely don't want .... Smart and final close to me
Highlights for your east coast national parks road trip itinerary: Hike iconic Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the Great Smokies. Drive the incredibly scenic Skyline Drive in Shenandoah. Tour Mammoth Caves (get tickets in advance; they sell out!) Raised wooden boardwalk trails in Congaree. The catwalk of the New River Gorge Bridge. 2. ARTICLE OVERVIEW: East Coast National Park Road Trips An East Coast road trip to national parks mixes the beauty of nature with some of the largest cities, best beaches, and most impressive Appalachian Mountains views. This side of the country holds the most popular National Park Service site of them all, Blue Ridge Parkway, running… Read MoreFlatwoods KOA Journey. 2. Acadia National Park. Of all the bucket list-worthy parks on the east coast, one requisite has gotta be Acadia. A crown jewel on the Maine coast, this oceanic gem is the oldest park east of the Mississippi, and also one of the most visited. A mecca of beachside mountains, misty islands, craggy sea cliffs, and pristine ...How Many National Parks Are On The East Coast. While the world has many amazing national parks (Serengeti, Banff, Komodo) the US can boast 63 areas of protected land and hundreds more as part of the National Park System. But of the 63 parks, only a small number are on the East Coast while there are over 30 on the West.Mar 12, 2024 · Indiana Dunes National Park is your place if you seek sand and solitude. Wind and waves from Lake Michigan formed unique habitats along 15 miles of the Indiana coastline to explore. The park delivers more than 50 miles of trails to hike along peaceful woodlands, rolling dunes, boggy wetlands, and sunny prairies. Full description. Enjoy an in-depth, off-road adventure in Cyprus that takes you to the easternmost point of Konnos National Park. You'll have breathtaking views throughout this 4.5-hour adventure from Ayia Napa. Visit numerous secluded caves and natural bridges and discover forgotten churches. Enjoy an exhilarating swim in the crystal clears ...While I've set off on a number of epic road trips, including a massive west coast National Park road trip (twice, actually), and another cross-country road trip, and yet I've only managed to visit a total of 32 of the 63 National Parks. That means I've still got a lot of ground to cover, especially those parks that lay east of the Rockies.Astonishing biodiversity exists in Congaree National Park, the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States. Waters from the Congaree and Wateree Rivers sweep through the floodplain, carrying nutrients and sediments that nourish and rejuvenate this ecosystem and support the growth of national and state champion trees.Getting Started. This end-to-end itinerary follows a linear route along the American East Coast. Our route begins at the southernmost destination and travel north, but you could easily reverse directions. The nearest airport to our starting point in Florida is Orlando International Airport. Our route ends closest to either Boston, Massachusetts ...Day 1: Las Vegas to Zion National Park. Day 2: Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park. Day 3: Bryce Canyon to Moab. Day 4: Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Day 5: Moab to Monument Valley to Page. Day 6: Page to Grand Canyon North or South Rim. Day 7: Grand Canyon to Las Vegas.Mammoth Cave National Park. Best for: going underground. We know that the above ground area of this national park is some 80 sq miles (129 sq km) - we have no idea how big the underground area is. That's because we're still exploring it: this limestone labyrinth is the world's longest known cave system, at at least 365 miles (587 km) in ...Redwood National Park is great to visit all year round; it depends on what you’re looking for. Summer has the best weather, spring greets you with the best wildflowers, fall sees thinner crowds, and winter means few mosquitoes. 3. Death Valley National Park. Location: Death Valley, California. View from Zabriskie Point.For hiking, you have your choice of 150 miles of trails, including the popular Bear Valley trail (10 miles), Muddy Hollow/Coast trail (12 miles) and the Mount Whittenberg trail (4 miles). Getting There: It's located 40 miles and a 1:15 drive north of San Francisco on Highway 1..