Challenge
Eastern and Heartland National Parks
Eastern and Midwestern United States
About this challenge
The national parks east of the Rockies, from the Great Smoky Mountains and Acadia to the Everglades and the caves of Mammoth and Wind Cave. The most accessible parks in the system.
Journey guide
overview
This set collects the national parks of the eastern United States and the heartland, including the Great Smoky Mountains, Shenandoah, Acadia, the Everglades, New River Gorge, Mammoth Cave, Cuyahoga Valley, Badlands, and more.
why it matters
The eastern and midwestern parks are the ones most people can reach without crossing the country. They are spread across forests, wetlands, caves, and prairie, and grouping them turns a scattered set into a reachable regional goal for the majority of the population that lives east of the Rockies.
who its for
It is for hikers and families who want a national park project that fits weekend and road-trip travel from the eastern half of the country, without needing a flight west.
Quick facts
- Best Season
- Spring, Summer, Fall
Eastern and Heartland National Parks: common questions
When is the best time to do Eastern and Heartland National Parks?
The best season for Eastern and Heartland National Parks is Spring, Summer, Fall.
How many checkpoints does Eastern and Heartland National Parks have?
Eastern and Heartland National Parks has 18 checkpoints to log on the way to finishing it.