Explore National Parks of the Northeast - United Van Lines

Tips on Visiting National Parks

Wonders of the Appalachian Trail

Verdant, tree-laden landscapes. Four glorious seasons, complete with vibrant fall foliage. Lobster-rich seas and wave-pounded shorelines. From mountains and valleys to lakes, rolling hills and the sprawling Atlantic Ocean coastline, the northeastern United States certainly holds its own intrigue.

Offering a wide variety of settings — woodlands, rocky beaches and glaciated granite peaks, like the East Coast’s highest point, Cadillac Mountain — it’s also home to moose, bears, whales and seabirds.

Whether you favor bustling cities, quaint, seaside villages or something in between, the northeastern U.S. is just waiting to be explored. And if you’re fortunate enough to live in the region, America’s breathtaking backyards — National Park Service-managed lands — are a hop, skip and a jump from home.

Considering a move to the northeastern United States? Already settled in? The mountains, surf-pounded shores and umpteen natural wonders are calling — and so much more.

Adventure Awaits in Your Own Backyard Tips for Visiting National Parks

PREP EARLY

Get a Lay of the Land

Whether you prefer a quick weekend jaunt or a full-on vacation, it’s important to get the lay of the land before visiting the Northeast’s national parks, as these destinations are among the remotest areas on Earth. As such, you’ll lack access to certain necessities; cell service can be spotty; and weather and road conditions can change in the blink of an eye.

Check the Park Website

Check the parks’ official website for things like road and trail closures before you go — otherwise you could be met with a closed road, entrance or trail that can derail an otherwise well-planned adventure. This is the wilderness, after all, and you’re at the mercy of mother nature every single day.

Plan Your Routes and Pack a Map

It’s often an hours-long drive through challenging — not to mention exhilarating — driving conditions when traveling from one end of most national parks to the other. Plan

your routes and map out everything in advance. It’s also a good idea to purchase hard-copy maps, like National Geographic’s waterproof trail map series. They not only include topography, but also roads and routes not detailed on regular maps — or, frankly, the ones you receive at the gate.

Time it Right

Because the parks are so vast, timing is everything. Acadia, for example, spans 49,075 acres. Group viewpoints and hikes by regions within the park; note the distance and time between destinations; and know how far it is to your must-sees in advance. No one wants to end up mid-mountain and crunched for time. Account for the fact that these drives can take longer than expected — mountain, unpaved and meandering roads are that way.

Consider, too, what time of year is right for your visit. In some parts of the country, the summer heat is oppressive, while winter brings seasonal road closures that render parts of the parks off-limits for months at a time. By contrast, off-season visits — spring and fall — prove more peaceful and less populated, while providing a beauty of their own. However, these can also be times when certain regions receive the most rain.

Get an annual national park pass

Buy a park passport — and stamp it at each visitor’s center

Book early — nearby accommodations fill up well in advance

TAKE SELF CARE

Bring proper gear — and prepare for weather changes

Dress in layers and bring a daypack

Drink water — and lots of it

Slather on sunscreen, regardless of the weather

Pack a picnic, as dining options are limited-to-non-existent

TIME TO GO!

Stop by the gift shop — they tend to be great

Gas up the night before — hours vary and options are few and far between

Combine camping with a stay in a historic lodge or Airbnb

Befriend park rangers for insider information

Download park, weather and GPS apps in advance

Check the park website for time entry requirements

Leave no trace

Acadia National Park

For all its natural beauty, the northeastern United States has but one full-fledged national park — Acadia National Park — in Maine. The 47,000-acre Atlantic coast recreation area, set mostly on the state’s Mount Desert Island, has been inhabited by Native Americans for more than 12,000 years.

Today, people from the Maliseet, Micmac, Passamaquoddy and Penobscot — collectively the Wabanaki “People of the Dawnland” — live throughout the state of Maine. The Wabanaki people once traveled overland, as well as by birchbark canoes. Setting up temporary camps, they hunted, fished, foraged and traded with fellow Wabanaki. Learn more at the native-guided Abbe Museum, a showcase of Wabanaki culture, history and art. In partnership with the Smithsonian Institution, it features Maine Indian basketry, plus a contemporary collection of presentday Wabanaki crafts.

Today, Acadia National Park also protects the highest rocky headlands along the Atlantic, supporting an abundance of habitats. Whether you putter along its 27 miles of historic, scenic roads; tackle the 158 miles of hiking trails; or explore 45 miles of carriage roads, the allure is undeniable and on full display.

THE FLORA AND FAUNA

Spanning nearly 50,000 acres along the coastal mid-section of Maine, Acadia offsets the eastern seaboard’s tallest mountains with a rugged coastline and craggy, subalpine summits.

Situated in a transition zone between southern and northern forests, the park’s plant communities reflect that fact in its mountainous regions; amid newt and frog-frocked lakes, ponds and streams; through wetlands and forests; across meadows; and, of course, along the sea. The result is rich and varied biodiversity.

Given Acadia is situated along the Atlantic flyway, it also serves as a migration route and resting place for birds and bats. The latter have declined in population by as much as 80% here due to climate change. As a result, ongoing conservation efforts are underway.

As you explore, watch for loons dotting lakes, silent-winged owls and the fastest animal on Earth — the peregrine falcon — overhead. Meanwhile, snails cling to jagged rocks;

TODAY, ACADIA NATIONAL PARK PROTECTS THE HIGHEST ROCKY HEADLANDS ALONG THE ATLANTIC, SUPPORTING AN ABUNDANCE OF HABITATS. WHETHER YOU PUTTER ALONG ITS 27 MILES OF HISTORIC, SCENIC ROADS; TACKLE THE 158 MILES OF HIKING TRAILS; OR EXPLORE 45 MILES OF CARRIAGE ROADS, THE ALLURE IS UNDENIABLE AND ON FULL DISPLAY.

burrowing mussels keep hidden in the mud; and the ocean floor harbors lobsters, crabs and other crustaceans , hiding beneath rocky ledges, growing their shells hard and strong.

Never wanting for interest, there are also opportunities to go tide pooling, seeing the seaweed and marine algae rise and fall with the ocean’s pull. Glimpse, too, low-lying mosses, lichen, ferns, mushrooms and grasses; gorgeous wildflowers; and fragrant

evergreens depending on what part of the park you land.

THE WEATHER

Privy to all four seasons, spring in Acadia tends to be foggy, with temperatures ranging from around 30-70 F. Summer temps climb between 45 F and 90 F, though ocean temperatures remain a chilly 55 F-70 F. Fall, meanwhile, ranges from cool to comfortable. Winter weather is variable, on average reaching 14 F-35 F. Whenever you visit, remember that weather changes can and do occur quickly — so, always be prepared.

THE HIKES, DRIVES AND VIEWPOINTS

OCEAN PATH

From the Sand Beach parking lot, catch the flat, out-and-back, 2.2-mile Ocean Path, which takes you from Sand Beach to Otter Point. En route, marvel at the cliffs, swelling sea and pink granite that comprise soaring Cadillac Mountain. Also, keep watch for the honorary plaque for John D. Rockefeller, a nod to his role in preserving Acadia.

CADILLAC NORTH RIDGE TRAIL

Want to ascend to the highest point in Acadia National Park — the Eastern Seaboard, in fact? Take the Cadillac North Ridge Trail, a 4.2-mile, out-andback journey with panoramic views of Bar Harbor, the Schoodic Peninsula and Frenchman Bay.

BEEHIVE LOOP TRAIL

The popular, 1.5-mile Beehive Loop Trail features some incredibly challenging rung and ladder sections as it journeys along steep granite staircases free of railings and up 450

feet of exposed cliff faces. Tough as it may be, incredible, sweeping vistas of Thunder Hole, Sand Beach and the Gulf of Maine await.

PRECIPICE LOOP

For another heart-thumping adrenaline rush, take on the steep, rugged, nontechnical, 2.1-mile Precipice Loop up steep cliffs using iron rungs and ladders on open cliff faces. You’ll be met with spectacular views of the park. A level of fitness is required given the trail ascends a whopping 1,000 feet in .9 miles.

FLYING MOUNTAIN

For something more kid and novicefriendly, try climbing the 284-foot-high Flying Mountain, a granite gobbet at the mouth of Somes Sound. The 1.5mile loop traverses a treeless ridge for breathtaking views along a long, narrow fjard (less steep and less deep than a fjord) before heading south to

island-studded Frenchman Bay, down to Valley Cove at the base of a sheer cliff favored by nesting peregrine falcons; and back to the trailhead via Valley Cove Fire Road, where the forest floor is blanketed in woodland flowers, including bunchberries, starflowers and lily of the valley.

LOWER HADDOCK POND LOOP

Gentler still is the 2.4-mile Lower Haddock Pond Loop. Hiked clockwise, you come upon a small dam at the water’s southwest edge and a small waterfall to the north, where Hadlock Brook tumbles down.

JORDAN POND

Encircle the shores of pristine, glaciercarved Jordan Pond on a 3.1-mile path from the Hulls Visitor Center. A popular choice for canoeing and kayaking, you can also opt to explore nearby carriage roads or pause for tea and popovers at

the Jordan Pond House.

PARK LOOP ROAD

For a beautiful drive, be sure to follow 27-mile Park Loop Road. Beginning at the Hill Visitor Center, it takes you past Acadia’s lakes and mountains and along its shoreline, with access to Sieur de Monts, Sand Beach, Otter Point, Jordan Pond and Cadillac Mountain.

ABOUT THE PARK

LOCATION

Mount Desert Island, on Maine’s Atlantic Coast

ESTABLISHED

February 26, 1919

AREA

49,075 acres

WEI ZENG

The Appalachian Trail

Stretching almost 2,200 miles from Mount Katahdin in Maine to Springer Mountain in Georgia, the Appalachian Trail passes through 14 states and is said to be the world’s longest hiking-only trail — and a grueling one at that. Taking between five and seven months to complete in its entirety, only about one in four people who hike the trail make it all the way.

Featuring mountainous terrain the entire way, the elevation gain and loss along this National Scenic Trail is equal to hiking Mount Everest from sea level and back 16 times.

Planning for it is likewise intense. You’re asked to let friends and family know where you are, what your itinerary is and the section of the trail you’re on. Given it passes through many managed and public lands, it’s important to note that some require permits or charge fees to stay overnight, be it in shelters or campsites. Adding to the complexity, those rules can vary for long-distance hikers. For example, a backcountry permit must be secured for the leg through Great Smoky Mountains National Park prior to arrival.

ELIJAH MEARS

THE FLORA AND FAUNA

What to know

Additional things to remember before heading outdoors

The trail is well-marked in most places; however, in some federally designated wilderness areas, signage is far less prominent and storms may render the trail hard or impossible to find.

A map and compass are essential and potentially your most reliable source of information to find help,

find an alternate route or identify your location and access points to rescuers.

Cell phones and navigation apps, while helpful, depend on battery life and electricity is hard to come by.

Cell service is not available in many locations along the trail; satellite messengers and personal locator beacons with two-way communication are crucial in case of emergency when cell service is

From red spruce and balsam fir to buckeye, beech, birch, sugar maple, ash, red, white and chestnut oak, sycamore, poplar, walnut, and eastern hemlock, there are a multitude of trees species along the trail. Also abundant? Grasses, mushrooms, moss and ferns. There are many edible plants, too, including blackberries, ramps, mulberries, huckleberries and dandelions.

Most hikers do end up seeing a few black bears during a trek across the Appalachian Trail, along with (mostly) non-venomous snakes. A bigger threat? Ticks, which can transmit Lyme disease and other pathogens. However, most encounters will be of the spider, mosquito and white-footed or deer mouse variety.

THE WEATHER

Weather conditions change on a dime along the Appalachian Trail, regardless of the time of year. Seeing potential snowfall into April, you can expect wintery conditions in late spring or early fall in the southern Appalachians — especially above 5,000 feet, when deep snowfall is possible. Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine also experience winter weather during this time. The highest peaks in Tennessee, North Carolina and southwest Virginia experience their fair share of harsh conditions, too, with an average 100 inches of snowfall each year.

Snow can linger until June in Maine and New Hampshire, especially in the most remote areas.

Hot, humid conditions are typical along the trail during summer, especially in the Virginias, the midAtlantic and at lower elevations of the South and New England.

Whatever the season, cold, hypothermia-inducing rain and snow are potentially dangerous for hikers

who find themselves caught unaware. In fact, hypothermia can even creep in during a light rain on a 60-degree afternoon, or any time weather conditions — be it rain, snow or water temperatures — lower a person’s core body temperature below 95 F.

THE HIKES, DRIVES AND VIEWPOINTS

It’s all but impossible to narrow down the most scenic and spectacular vistas along the Appalachian Trail — but some certainly stand out.

PINNACLE SUMMIT PENNSYLVANIA

Along the Blue Mountain Ridgeline in Pennsylvania, find the Pinnacle Summit, with its views of the state’s picturesque, rolling farmlands.

CLINGMAN’S DOME TENNESSEE

For 360-degree views above Great Smoky Mountain National Park’s tree line, pause at Clingman’s Dome, situated at an elevation of 6,643 feet.

Weather Resources

Stay prepared and keep these weather resources at the ready

The National Weather Service’s snowfall analysis for current and archived snow maps

ATWeather.org for weather forecasts at Appalachian Trail shelters

The Mt. Washington Observatory for weather info at the summit of the highest peak on the trail

The Higher Summits forecast for elevations of 4,000 feet and above in the White Mountains

Great Smoky Mountains National Park weather

Snow maps on the CARROT weather app

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s online health and safety page

CLINGMAN’S DOME / GETTY

MCAFEE KNOB

VIRGINIA

McAfee Knob is situated in Virginia’s Jefferson National Forest, where a 4.5-mile hike to 1,740 feet in elevation provides panoramas of the Shenandoah Valley.

Dragon’s Tooth in Virginia has you crisscrossing creeks and gaining an elevation of 1,505 feet.

MAX PATCH

NORTH CAROLINA

Take in views of the Smokies to the west and Black Mountains to the southeast from Max Patch in North Carolina.

MOUNT MOOSILAUKE

NEW HAMPSHIRE

structures and a wooden ladder, the west peak and the east peak views at Baldpate in Maine are not to be missed.

ABOUT THE TRAIL LOCATION

Extending from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount

Katahdin in Maine

ESTABLISHED

DRAGON’S TOOTH / GETTY

DRAGON’S TOOTH

VIRGINIA

Offering a lookout atop Cove Mountain,

Hit the bare summit of New Hampshire’s 4,802-foot Mount Moosilauke for sweeping tableaus of the New England peaks.

BALDPATE

MAINE

Featuring a network of boardwalk-like

October 2, 1968

LENGTH

2,194 miles

HISTORICAL SITES AND SPOTS IN

COLTSVILLE

A National Historic Park, Coltsville in Hartford, Connecticut, reveals how Samuel Colt and Elizabeth Hart Jarvis Colt changed the landscape and history of Hartford and impacted the United States.

CONNECTICUT

Four Historical Gems in the Constitution State

Rich in maritime history and boasting part of the culturally resonant Appalachian Trail, Connecticut’s ever-scenic portion of the trek ranges from wooded and wild to pastoral. As for the rest of its National Park Service-managed lands, you’ll no doubt find a spot to suit your speed.

WASHINGTON-ROCHAMBEAU REVOLUTIONARY ROUTE

A National Historic Trail, the Washington-Rochambeau

Revolutionary Route, runs through Maine, Road Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. It is where George Washington’s Continental Army and General Rochambeau’s French Army joined forces to fight the British Army, leading to a victory

at Yorktown — and, ultimately — American independence.

WEIR FARM

A National Historical Park in Ridgefield and Wilton, Connecticut, Weir Farm lets you walk in the footsteps of America’s most beloved Impressionist, J. Alden Weir, exploring his home and studio, as well as 60 acres of woods, fields and waterways that inspired countless artists across generations.

NEW ENGLAND TRAIL

The 215-mile New England Trail — a National Scenic Trail — extends from Long Island Sound to Connecticut and Massachusetts’s soaring mountain summits, revealing historic villages, traprock ridges, rambling farmland, untouched forests, trickling streams, thunderous waterfalls and sheer river valleys. Check out interactive newenglandtrail.org to get informed, find a hike and hit the trails.

GETTY

HOUSATONIC RIVER / GETTY

CHRISTOPHER LUTHER

HISTORICAL SITES AND SPOTS IN

Delaware

Discovering the First State

Just 95 miles long and less than 35 miles wide, Delaware is much more than its tax-free shopping and proliferation of chicken coops lead you to believe. Whether it’s exploring a stretch of white, sandy beach or a quaint colonial village, there are surprises at every turn — including when it comes to the state’s public lands.

FIRST STATE NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK

The first state to ratify the Constitution, Delaware’s First State National Historical Park highlights how it was the product of conflict between three world powers seeking to dominate the Delaware Valley.

VISIT

CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH CHESAPEAKE NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL

The Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Scenic Trail retraces the steps of the

Englishman, who documented Native American communities when he explored the bay in 1608. The Chesapeake Bay Watershed proper is the largest estuary in North America, giving way to major league cities and colonial towns, as well as farmland, fishing villages and other quintessential landscapes. There are countless opportunities to kayak, go crabbing, explore lighthouses and slurp fresh-shucked oysters.

WHITE CLAY CREEK STATE PARK / GETTY

HISTORICAL SITES AND SPOTS IN

Maryland

Chesapeake Bay

History Meets Nature in the Old Line State

A locale where a street-smart meets down-home charm and anglers coexist in harmony with office types, Maryland — “America in Miniature” — is chock-full of fascinating, National Park Service-managed sites, seashore, trails, battlefields and parks.

ASSATEAGUE ISLAND

Declared a National Seashore, Assateague Island’s coastal bays, sandy beaches, salt marshes and maritime forests are one thing, the extraordinary, two main herds of wild horses — one on the Virginia side, one on the Maryland side — are another thing entirely.

FORTE FOOTE

Located in Oxen Hills and built atop Rozier’s Bluff in 1863 in an effort to strengthen the ring of fortifications around Washington, D.C., Forte Foote

offers a chance to view two 15-inch Rodman Cannons mounted to protect from an unwelcome river approach.

CHESAPEAKE & OHIO CANAL

The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal was pivotal to America’s early transportation history, operating for nearly 100 years as a passage for lumber, coal and agricultural products for communities along the Potomac River; today, it offers a wealth of natural, historic and recreational treasures.

VISIT

ANTIETAM NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD

For a dose of war history, head to Antietam National Battlefield. Here, 23,000 soldiers were wounded, went missing or died after the brutal Battle of Antietam on September 17, 1862, ending the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia’s first invasion into the North and leading Abraham Lincoln to issue the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation.

ASSATEAGUE ISLAND / GETTY

ANTIETAM NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD / GETTY

DEEP CREEK LAKE / AUSTIN KIRK

CAMPING ON ASSATEAGUE ISLAND / DYLAN SAUERWEIN

HISTORICAL SITES AND SPOTS IN

Massachusetts

The Berkshires

MASSACHUSETTS

Five Highlights in the Bay State

Home to six national historical parks, three national scenic trails, seven national historic sites, a national recreation area and a national seashore, Massachusetts has something for both history buffs and outdoorsy types. Here are a few of the highlights.

CAPE COD OUTER BEACH

Detailed by Thoreau in the 1800s, the protected Outer Beach of Cape Cod is set within a national seashore comprised of pristine, sandy beaches, along with ponds, marshes and uplands.

FREDERICK LAW OLMSTEAD

Honoring the American landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead, this national historic site delves into the visionary’s design ideals, philosophy and legacy.

JOHN F. KENNEDY BIRTHPLACE

A national historic site, the birthplace of John F. Kennedy was recreated to showcase the former president’s early life, ideas and principles.

SALEM MARITIME

The nation’s first national historic site, Salem Maritime park preserves and interprets over 600 years of New England’s maritime history in 12 historic structures, set along the Salem waterfront.

VISIT

MINUTE MAN NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK

Minute Man National Historical Park is the site of the opening battle of the Revolution, offering a chance to explore the battlefields and structures associated with April 19, 1775.

HISTORICAL SITES AND SPOTS IN

New Hampshire

Enrichment in the Granite State

A study in contrasts — from jagged mountains and idyllic valleys to loonladen lakes dotted with islands — New Hampshire ranges from small town to sophisticated in feel. Whether you trek the peaks of Mount Washington or a portion of the Appalachian Trail, tackle the slopes in the winter, or kayak hidden coves, adventure awaits.

AUGUSTUS SAINT-GAUDENS HISTORIC PARK

Among America’s most prolific sculptors, Augustus Saint-Gaudens lived where this national historic park now lies, seasonally starting in 1885, and year-round 1900 until his death in 1907. See his works and hike the trails wind through the woods.

5 NOTABLE WORKS OF ART BY SAINT-GAUDENS

WILLIAM TECUMSEH SHERMAN, 1903

Grand Army Plaza

Manhattan, New York

THE PURITAN , 1887 Merrick Park

Springfield, Massachusetts

ROBERT GOULD SHAW MEMORIAL, 1897

Grant Park

Chicago, Illinois

ADAMS MEMORIAL, 1891

Grand Army Plaza

Rock Creek Cemetery, Washington, D.C.

SEATED LINCOLN 1908

Grant Park, Chicago, Illinois

NEW HAMPSHIRE

HISTORICAL SITES AND SPOTS IN

New Jersey

Delaware Memorial Bridge

Landmarks in the Garden State

Like many states along the Eastern Seaboard, New Jersey features a leg of the Appalachian Trail, along with two national recreation areas, Gateway and the Delaware Water Gap. The state also contains part of Ellis Island, Great Egg Harbor River, several national historical parks and more, ensuring there is so much to see and do.

NATIONAL WILD AND SCENIC LOWER DELAWARE RIVER

The National Wild and Scenic Lower Delaware River — the largest freeflowing river in the eastern U.S.—

gushes past forests, farmlands, villages and some of the most major cities.

MORRISTOWN NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK

Morristown National Historical Park commemorates four key sites during the American Revolutionary War: Jockey Hollow, Fort Nonsense, the Ford Mansion and the New Jersey Brigade Encampment.

NEW JERSEY PINELANDS

A United States Biosphere Reserve, the New Jersey Pinelands was the country’s first national reserve, established in 1978 and now

encompasses 56 communities, from hamlets to populous suburbs.

THOMAS EDISON’S HOME AND LABORATORY

Take a step back in time at Thomas Edison’s home and laboratory, a national historical park where everything was run by belts and pulleys and music was played on phonographs.

HISTORICAL SITES AND SPOTS IN

New York

Central Park

Five Sights Only Found in the Empire State

Offering something for all tastes, New York state brims with historic and outdoor destinations. Whether you want to delve into America’s early beginnings, challenge yourself with a scenic trek or take in peaceful ocean vistas alongside historic structures and cultural landscapes, you’ll surely find your match.

FIRE ISLAND

Marked by high dunes, ancient maritime forests and landmarks galore, Fire Island National Seashore has been a refuge for diverse plants, wildlife and people for centuries.

NATIONAL MEMORIAL FEDERAL HALL

Located on Wall Street, National Memorial Federal Hall is where George Washington took the oath of office as the nation’s first president; the site was also home to the first Congress, Supreme Court and Executive Branch offices.

ELLIS ISLAND

Over two million immigrants who passed through Ellis Island from 1892 to 1954 arrived to begin a new life, an opportunity represented by the Statue of Liberty; the island straddles the states of New York and New Jersey.

GOVERNORS ISLAND

Long part of the tapestry of New York City, Governors Island is a seasonal summer art, culture and performance venue, amid a centuries-old backdrop military heritage, one with unforgettable skyline views.

GENERAL GRANT NATIONAL MEMORIAL

Visit the final resting place of President Ulysses S. Grant and his wife, Julia, at the General Grant National Memorial, North America’s largest mausoleum.

HISTORICAL SITES AND SPOTS IN

Pennsylvania

Stroudsburg

Must-Sees in the Keystone State

From historic battlefields to national historic sites, a portion of the Delaware Water Gap and parts of the Appalachian Trail and Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historical Trail, the state of Pennsylvania is rich with beauty and fascinating history.

ALLEGHENY PORTAGE RAILROAD

Discover the first railroad to circumvent the Allegheny Mountains, Allegheny Portage Railroad, a national historic site in Gallitzin, which dates back to 1834.

EDGAR ALLAN POE’S PHILADELPHIA HOME

See Edgar Allan Poe’s humble Philadelphia home, a national historic site.

EISENHOWER NATIONAL HISTORICAL SITE

Adjacent to the Gettysburg battlefield,

Eisenhower National Historic Site preserves the farm of General and 34th President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

LEWIS & CLARK NATIONAL HISTORICAL TRAIL

Extending approximately 4,900 miles from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the mouth of the Columbia River, near Astoria, Oregon, the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail traces the historic, outbound and inbound routes of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, in addition to the preparatory section from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Wood River, Illinois.

VISIT

BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG

Observe the place where the Battle of Gettysburg occurred; now a national military park. It’s here that the Civil War hit a turning point and the Union’s victory ended General Robert E. Lee’s second invasion of the North.

SHREYAS SANE

EISENHOWER NATIONAL HISTORICAL SITE / GETTY

HISTORICAL SITES AND SPOTS IN

Rhode Island

Castle Hill Lighthouse

Getting to Know the Ocean State

As the United States’ smallest state, Rhode Island packs a punch when it comes to beauty. Offering 400 miles of coastline, some of the nation’s most historic architecture and plenty of worthwhile, enriching attractions, it’s also a friendly place where people are raring to explore and hit the outdoors.

BLACKSTONE RIVER VALLEY

Ushering America into the Age of Industry, the Blackstone River Valley — a national historical park — reveals how

Samuel Slater’s cotton spinning mill in Pawtucket revolutionized how people worked and where they lived.

Among the most historically significant Jewish buildings in America, exquisitely designed Touro Synagogue remains an active congregation, one that welcomes over 30,000 visitors annually.

ROGER WILLIAMS NATIONAL MEMORIAL

The Roger Williams National Memorial commemorates the life of the state founder and advocate of religious freedom.

TOURO SYNAGOGUE

RHODE ISLAND

WATCH HILL BEACH / RICK MONTEIRO

HISTORICAL SITES AND SPOTS IN

Vermont

What to See in the Green Mountain State

There are many reasons — and opportunities — to embrace the great outdoors in the state of Vermont. Whether you favor wildlife viewing, appreciate a good hike or simply seek solitude, Vermont has that and more. Offering a strong locavore culture and ample outdoor activities — including skiing and snowboarding in winter — Vermont also features scenic drives through pastoral landscapes dotted with covered bridges.

NORTH COUNTRY NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL

Intersecting eight states, from Vermont to North Dakota, the North Country National Scenic Trail is a trek through hills and valleys, with chances to take in glacial lakes and learn how America grew as a nation en route.

MARSH-BILLINGSROCKEFELLER NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK

If the Appalachian Trail seems too tough to tackle, instead stroll through one of the state’s most picturesque landscapes at the MarshBillings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, learning about stewardship while marveling at 400-year-old hemlocks and crossing covered bridges.

Check out the National Parks Service website to learn more and download park maps.

VERMONT

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