Where To The Find The Best National Parks In The South

The South is known for their charm and hospitality, and that extends to the natural elements found in this U.S. region as well. Some of the most beautiful mountains, monuments, and rivers can be found down south and the National Parks Service is responsible for conserving and preserving some of the best natural and built landmarks found here. From mountain ranges that have been the inspiration of many country songs to significant historical markers that represent important moments in American culture, the South is home to sites that everyone should lay eyes on at least once in their life.

Whether you are used to life in the city or you reside in another part of the country, taking a break to surround yourself in some of the beauty the South's national parks have to offer will, at the very least, offer a refreshing and revitalizing vacation. Set out on a road trip to hit multiple of these amazing southern designated wonders or plan a trip to explore just one, no matter how you choose to see this part of the world, just make sure to include some of the best national parks it has to offer.

While Yellowstone certainly steals all the thunder when it comes to hot springs in the United States, Arkansas' Hot Spring National Park is no consolation prize. Not only does the park contain 47 hot springs, but it was also the first area protected for its natural elements in the United States, becoming a reserve some years before the national parks system was established.

Two of the eight bathhouses within the park allow for visitors to experience the hot springs, however, there is no outdoor access to the park's titular features. For outdoor adventurers, there are trails that allow you to admire springs like Hot Water Cascade and navigate the park on foot. Those interested in the healing properties that are thought to exist within the springs and the park can either take a dip in one of the available bathhouses or simply exist in the calming atmosphere the park provides — they don't call it the "American Spa" for nothing.

If you've ever taken a beach trip, spotted a sandy coastal hangout spot, or even observed a beach scene on TV, you probably have a good idea of what most destination beaches are like. Georgia's Cumberland Island is a far cry from what you may be accustomed to, though, as the 17 miles of coastline are only accessible by boat or ferry, making them far less crowded and touched by beachgoers.

This lack of foot traffic makes it possible for wildlife to flourish there, including a species of endangered sea turtles and more than 100 wild horses. If you are respectful to the land, animals, and plant life that live there, Cumberland Island National Seashore makes for an amazing day at the beach. With fewer people and a far more natural atmosphere, the seashore offers an experience unlike any other beach you may have enjoyed — keep a sharp eye out for alligators and bobcats, as it's not unusual to see the predators in their natural habitat here.

Poverty Point in Louisiana offers an important North American heritage site from the ancient world. The National Parks Service protected monument was once a thriving city and hub that flourished with trade. The monument of the site uses mounds and rocks to look similar to an amphitheater, with rows of semi-circles seeming to look toward the center of the half-circle.

Much like Stonehenge, Poverty Point National Monument has historians scratching their heads on exactly why such a structure was built, as the energy expended on it must have been extreme. The sheer size of the structure is enough to make it quite a spectacular feat for ancient times. Though not nearly as well known or as old as Stonehenge, the monument is a much closer option for Americans and an ancient marvel that they can see in the comfort of their own country.

Oklahoma may not have any official national parks, but that doesn't mean they are lacking nature and beauty. The Chickasaw National Recreation Area has a little bit for everyone, with a popular swimming hole, a lake for boating and fishing, hiking and walking trails, and plenty of wildlife to observe. If you find yourself in Oklahoma, the recreation area makes for a day of fun, especially if you need a long pitstop while road tripping and need to recover from a long stretch behind the wheel — the area offers camping sites and trailer parking for overnight stays as well.

South Carolina's Cowpens National Park is the site of a Revolutionary War battle that made history as the only successful double envelopment in the war. The military tactic involved an army attacking an enemy from both sides and its success at Cowpens was a win for the patriots. It's a point of great pride at the park and battle reenactments as well as park ranger-led history walks are common here. History and military buffs would find great joy in the national park, making it a must-see attraction if passing through the area.

The two national parks in Texas are absolutely breath-taking. Both have mountains that are total stunners, but it's Big Bend National Park's diverse terrain and habitats that bring it the title of best national park in its state. Besides a backdrop of shapely mountain ridges, the park is a surprisingly lush desert with various types of blooming cacti and yucca with a number of species roaming. The Rio Grande runs through Big Bend and offers life to the land and the wildlife found here, making the combination of mountain, river, and desert a holy trinity of natural beauty.

As gorgeous as meadows, mountain peaks, and canyons are, sometimes all you really need is the river. As simple as that sounds, West Virginia's New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offers views that are just as stunning as some of the more dramatic national parks. Lush greenery, cascading falls, and a huge iron bridge that compliments the surrounding nature perfectly make New River Gorge one piece of West Virginia that should not be missed out on. Whether you spend part of a day or many days here, you will not have a lack of sights to take in. Visitors can head out on the river in a raft or kayak, hike the many trails, or take a scenic drive in order to take advantage of what nature has to offer here.