If you’re history lover or an outdoor recreation enthusiast, you’ll love the national parks, monuments, parkways and battlefields of Virginia, Tennessee and Kentucky. From the ancient Appalachians to the Blue Ridge Mountains, from the whitewater of the Potomac to Civil War battlefields, the national parks in this area of the country have a huge diversity of attractions to offer. Here are the best national parks in Virginia, Tennessee and Kentucky.

Virginia

While you’re checking out Virginia’s wealth of history, culture and arts, make time in your itinerary for these fantastic national parts.

Shenandoah National Park

A peaceful oasis just 75 miles from bustling Washington, DC, Shenandoah National Park is one of the most-visited parks on the East Coast. The best way to appreciate the rolling hillsides, verdant valleys and impressive peaks is to hike throughout the Blue Ridge Mountain Range. You might even be lucky enough to glimpse a deer or black bear in your exploration of these 200,000 acres of protected lands.

Assateague and Chincoteague Island

Well known by young-adult readers who devoured the award-winning book Misty of Chincoteague, the Chincoteague and Assateauge Islands are particularl famous for their wild ponies. The islands, off the Atlantic Coast of Virginia and a portion of Maryland’s coast, boast white-sand beaches, refreshing water – and a welcome lack of high rises and boardwalks. The protected Chincoteague Ponies run wild on the windswept beaches, making for an almost magical nature experience.

Great Falls National Park

Another gem even closer to Washington, DC (15 miles), Great Falls National Park is popular with urban dwellers in seek of peace and fresh air. The Potomac River is the star here, careening over rocks and cascading down pretty waterfalls. There are various trails leading to overlooks of the falls, the Mather Gorge and the Patowmack Canal.

Blue Ridge Parkway

In the running for America’s favorite scenic drive, the famous Blue Ridge Parkway follows the Appalachian Mountains for 469 miles through Virginia and North Carolina. The views are simply mesmerizing, especially in the autumn when the turning foliage creates a cacophony of red, gold and orange. There are countless overlooks where you can pull over and just gape at the beauty unfolding before you.

Kentucky

From whitewater rafting and horseback riding to Abraham Lincoln’s boyhood home and a park that played a significant role in westward expansion, Kentucky national parks offer myriad adventures and insights.

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park

Find these historic park that pays homage to President Lincoln 50 miles south of Louisville. Within the 344 acres, you’ll find the former president’s birthplace at Sinking Springs and his boyhood home at Knob Creek. At the birthplace site, see a one-room log cabin similar to the one President Lincoln was born in – the cabin itself is set inside a massage memorial building. The Lincoln family bible is kept here, as well. The boyhood home unit of the park was a private tourist attraction before being gifted to the National Park Service in 2001. Visit the log cabin and walk along the overlook trail and Knob Creek, where Lincoln played as a child.

Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area

This area actually encompasses some of Kentucky and Tennessee and protects the “Big South Fork” of the Cumberland River. This is the place for outdoor recreation, from hiking and rock climbing to camping and mountain biking. Learn about the mining era in the region at several museums and visitor centers set in both states.

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

Cumberland Gap was the first great gateway to the west for the Native American, the longhunter and the pioneer. All passed through these parts as they traveled through the mountains into Kentucky. Today, many miles of scenic trails define the 24,000-acre historical park in southeastern Kentucky, southwestern Virginia and northeastern Tennessee. Tour historic settlements, take a scenic drive, hike or camp – all while dreaming of the brave and courageous souls who came before you in search of what was out there in the vast wilderness. Oh, and don’t miss the guided tour of Gap Cave, a majestic underground cathedral of stalagmites and flowstone.

Tennessee

Although Tennessee shares several of its national parks with bordering states, that only speaks to the vast coverage and diversity of landscapes of this area of the country. From the Great Smoky Mountains to historic Civil War battlefields, here are the ones you’ll want to visit.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

One of America’s most-visited national parks, Great Smoky Mountains straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. The vast outdoor mecca is known for its biodiversity of flora and fauna, ancient mountainscapes and reminders of Southern Appalachian culture of bygone days. Walk, bike or drive to enjoy the scenery, watch for wildlife and visit historic homes and churches, all in the same visit. Don’t miss stunning Grotto Falls or a scenic drive along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Avid hikers love Clingmans Dome and Chimney Tops and history buffs enjoy seeing historic structures from early settler times, like those found at Cades Cove.

Natchez Trace Parkway

This national parkway is a 444-mile recreational road and scenic drive through three states, including Tennessee. The road follows the historic “Old Natchez Trace,” a travel corridor used by American Indians, “Kaintucks,” European settlers, soldiers and slave traders. The Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail follows alongside the parkway, offering more than 60 miles of foot trails for those who want a more close-up view of the area’s wetlands, overlooks, swamps, hardwood forests and rock outcroppings.

Shiloh National Battlefield

Civil War buffs go back in time at Shiloh National Military Park, which preserves one of the most pristine Civil War battlefields. Pay homage to the more than 23,000 who lost their lives in this epic struggle in the Western Theater of the war. The park was established in 1894 and today welcomes visitors to the interpretive center to learn more about the tools of war, the soldiers who used them and the effects of their use. Award-winning, educational films play in the interpretive centers as well. Take the 12.7-mile auto tour route to stop at 22 sites, such as the surviving Civil War fortifications, homes used by Civil War Generals and portions of the Corinth Battlefield.