A Brief Review of National Parks in the Southern United States

Imagine rolling hills, towering peaks, hot springs, and endless vistas. The United States is filled with beautiful natural locations like these. Millions of acres of land can be found in National Parks in the US' southern regions. Will you chose to start your day with a breathtaking sunrise over the desert mountains in Texas' Guadalupe Mountains National Park or to explore the unique wildlife and landscapes of Florida's Everglades National Park? Grivet Outdoors has rounded up a quick look at some of the most incredible, awe-inspiring locations to enjoy nature in the National Parks of the southern United States. 

Hot Springs National Park: Arkansas

The oldest of the National Parks, Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas is also the smallest. It encompasses 5,500 acres of land and features 47 geothermal heated springs. The hot springs flow from the ground that Native American tribes called "the Valley of the Vapors" or the Ouachita Mountains. 

Mammoth Cave National Park: Kentucky

At Mammoth Cave National Park, you can explore the world's most extensive known cave system. The park is comprised of more than 52,800 acres of land and features 400 miles of explored caverns.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park: North Carolina and Tennessee

The most visited of all parks in the National Park System, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is situated in North Carolina and Tennessee. It's the largest contiguous tract of wilderness on the east side of the Mississippi River. The breathtaking views of rolling mountains are enough to leave anyone in awe. 

Big Bend National Park: Texas

Situated along 188 miles of a bend of the Rio Grande, Big Bend National Park in Texas's great state is comprised of more than 801,163 acres of land. It's the vastest expanse of public lands in the state without any roads. Here, you'll find adobe homes and encampments of Native American tribes, fossils, and incredible views.

Shenandoah National Park: Virginia

Shenandoah National Park is home to the famous Skyline Drive, a 105-mile roadway that runs through Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. Waterfalls, swimming holes, and more than 500 miles of hiking trails, including more than 100 miles of the Appalachian Trail, are just some of the fantastic expanses of nature you'll be able to take in.

Dry Tortugas National Park: Florida

If you like isolation, you'll love Dry Tortugas National Park. It is an archipelago of seven islands located around 68 miles west of Florida's Key West. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, it features more than 64,000 acres of land, with 99% lying underneath the water. It's genuinely a scuba diver's paradise.

Everglades National Park: Florida

While you're in Florida, check out the gigantic Everglades National Park, featuring more than 1.5 million acres of land. It is the biggest subtropical wilderness you'll find in the country. It's also one of three locations globally that has been designated as the trifecta of (1) an International Biosphere Reserve, (2) a World Heritage Site, and (3) a Wetland of International Importance.

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