Skip to content

Top Navigation

Southern Living Southern Living
  • Food and Recipes
  • Culture and Lifestyle
  • Style
  • Holidays & Occasions
  • Home
  • Gardening Ideas
  • News
  • Video

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Southern Living

Southern Living Southern Living
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The Best New Haircuts to Try in 2022

      The Best New Haircuts to Try in 2022

      Here are the haircuts you'll be seeing everywhere this year. Read More
    • How to Season a Cast-Iron Skillet

      How to Season a Cast-Iron Skillet

      Learn how to season this Southern kitchen staple in five easy steps. Read More
    • 50 Thoughtful Messages for a Meaningful Thank You Note

      50 Thoughtful Messages for a Meaningful Thank You Note

      Not sure what to write in a thank you card? Here's how to show your gratitude with a handwritten note. Read More
  • Food and Recipes

    Food and Recipes

    See All Food and Recipes
    4 Easy Ways to Tell if an Egg Has Gone Bad

    4 Easy Ways to Tell if an Egg Has Gone Bad

    It’s not all in the senses, but they sure can help.
    • Recipes
    • Quick and Easy Dinner
    • Kitchen Assistant
    • Casserole
    • Holiday and Occasion Food
    • Slow Cooker Recipes
    • Desserts
    • Healthy and Light
    • Side Dishes
    • Party Food and Drink
    • Appetizers
    • Meat
    • Breakfast
    • BBQ
    • Drinks
    • What's Cooking
  • Culture and Lifestyle

    Culture and Lifestyle

    See All Culture and Lifestyle
    70 Cute and Funny Nicknames For Your Best Friends

    70 Cute and Funny Nicknames For Your Best Friends

    Let your besties know how much they mean to you with one of these unique nicknames.
    • Quotes and Sayings
    • Biscuits and Jam Podcast
    • Travel
    • Pets
    • Healthy Living
    • Coastal Living
  • Style

    Style

    See All Style
    The Coziest Winter Nail Colors for January 2022

    The Coziest Winter Nail Colors for January 2022

    The beginning of a new year often has us all feeling like starting off fresh by taking on better habits, getting rid of old ones, and—most commonly—changing up our look. While others are hitting the squats and going into the salon for a pixie cut, why not start slow and steady with a cozy winter manicure in a color that feels new to you? It takes only a little courage to step outside your usual OPI Lincoln Park After Dark or Essie Bordeaux, which is all you need to kick 2022 off on a fanciful foot.  From new wintry takes on classic dark nail colors to unique pops of color that'll have you feeling the opposite of boring, these are the best nail colors to try this January and tick off all the way into spring. 
    • Beauty
    • Hair
    • Fashion
    • Short Hairstyles
    • Nails
    • Medium Hairstyles
    • Skincare
    • Long Hairstyles
  • Holidays & Occasions

    Holidays & Occasions

    See All Holidays & Occasions
    • Thanksgiving
    • Gifts
    • Christmas
    • Mother's Day
    • Hanukkah
    • New Year's
    • Easter
    • Mardi Gras
    • 4th of July
    • Weddings
  • Home

    Home

    See All Home
    16 Kitchen Design Trends Southern Designers Predict Will Be Everywhere in 2022

    16 Kitchen Design Trends Southern Designers Predict Will Be Everywhere in 2022

    There's no denying how the pandemic fundamentally changed the world—including how we live (and work) inside our homes. An overall trend toward celebrating the history and originality of our homes is displacing ultramodern aesthetics and sharp lines as we all look to create cozier, colorful, more personalized spaces that better suit our lifestyles. We're turning away from big-box stores and toward vintage items—first, out of necessity due to supply-chain issues, and now, for design reasons—to add charm and character to every room in the house, including the kitchen. Here, interior designers from around the South share their predictions for what's trending in kitchen design for 2022 and beyond.
    • Home Decor Ideas
    • Idea Houses
    • Kitchen Design
    • Before & After Photos
    • Bathroom Design
    • Curb Appeal
    • Bedroom Design
    • DIY Home Decor
    • Color Palettes & Paint
    • House Plans & Builders
    • Inspired Communities
  • Gardening Ideas

    Gardening Ideas

    See All Gardening Ideas
    If You Keep Finding Ladybugs in Your House, Here's What You Need to Know

    If You Keep Finding Ladybugs in Your House, Here's What You Need to Know

    Plus a few strategies for keeping them out-of-doors
    • Container Gardening
    • Gardening Flowers
    • Fruit, Vegetable & Herb Gardens
    • Garden Pests
    • Plant Guides A-Z
    • Indoor Plants
    • Fall Plants
    • Landscaping Ideas
    • The Grumpy Gardener
  • News

    News

    See All News
    • Celebrities
    • Local News
  • Video

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Southern Living
  2. The South's Best 2022
  3. The South's Best Parks 2021

The South's Best Parks 2021

Katie Strasberg Rousso, Digital Editor for Southern Living
By Katie Strasberg Rousso March 09, 2021
Skip gallery slides
FB
Boardwalk Loop Trail Congaree National Park
Credit: Zach Holmes/Alamy

From coasts to peaks, the South is blessed with a bounty of scenes that will take your breath away. The region's natural features offer such range—whether it be rich, marshy waterways, dramatic canyons, or famed hardwood forests—one might wonder how you could scratch the surface in one lifetime. But the true beauty in what Mother Nature bestowed in our backyard is the immersive spirit that lies in every landscape of the South. No matter how varied, the South's protected lands unite in igniting a sense of wonder; they draw us deep into the depths of discovery while relieving us of reality's hustle and bustle. With just one visit, they can restore our sense of place in the world.

While you'll find this inspiration in every corner of the South, our favorite spaces exemplify the especially scenic diversity of our region. Some are off the beaten path while others are among the most visited public lands in our nation, but all of the South's Best parks promise some of the most spectacular landscapes you'll ever see.

Start Slideshow

1 of 11

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests

Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests
Credit: Alamy

Georgia

Spanning more than 867,000 acres in North Georgia, this medley of mountains and dense, tree-lined hikes is the gateway to the Appalachian Trail. Winding routes climb the state's highest peak, Brasstown Bald; others lead to the cascading waters at Amicalola Falls. These paths also offer glimpses into one of the country's first gold rushes, the Native American experience, and Civil War battles.

Learn more about the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests.

1 of 11

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 11

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Congaree National Park

Boardwalk Loop Trail Congaree National Park
Credit: Zach Holmes/Alamy

South Carolina

This floodplain forest just outside Columbia is known for its majestic trees. Home to the largest expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwoods in the Southeast, Congaree's lush backcountry is specked with ancient elms, oaks, cypresses, maples, and more, earning the park its nickname, "Redwoods East." Paddle among the tupelo trees, with trunks that stretch wide into the water, or stroll through the park's network of boardwalks and trails to best experience this untouched ecosystem.

Learn more about Congaree National Park. 

2 of 11

3 of 11

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park
Credit: Getty Images

Florida

A seemingly endless expanse of subtropical wilderness, this 1.5 million-acre park is wild at heart. Its tangled waterways, mangrove forests, and saw grass marshes are a humid haven for tremendous biodiversity that extends far beyond Florida's iconic alligators. From wading birds and bobcats to manatees and flamingos, the Everglades are a sanctuary for seawater, freshwater, and land-dwelling wildlife. Meander through this sluggish "River of Grass" by kayak or boat to better acquaint yourself with its complexities.

Learn more about Everglades National Park. 

3 of 11

Advertisement

4 of 11

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Grayson Highlands State Park

Shetland Pony in the landscape on Grayson Highlands State Park.
Credit: Getty Images

Virginia

Just north of the North Carolina border, Grayson's windswept pastures and high alpine meadows offer a breath of fresh air from the surrounding Appalachian landscape. They're also home to a population of wild ponies that help control brush along the highlands and delight visitors. Spruce-fir forests, wild trout streams, and trails to the summit of Mount Rogers offer something for everyone

4 of 11

5 of 11

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

The South's Best Parks

5 of 11

6 of 11

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Great Smoky Mountain National Park

Green Mountain Tops of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Credit: Andy Anderson

Tennessee / North Carolina

America's most-visited national park boasts mist-cloaked ridges and world-renowned wildlife along the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. Scores of waterfalls and forested hills await sightseers along the park's scenic roadways and trails, and as you wander further in, the crowds will fall away. Off-the-beaten-path adventures towards the North Carolina side of the park offer a retreat for solitude seekers, even during peak seasons. Known for tremendous array of animal and plant life, the Smokies host the most biological diversity in the world's temperate zone. Many visit hoping to catch a glimpse of a black bear, but more than 100,000 species have been identified within the park's gates.

Learn more about Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

6 of 11

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 11

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Gulf State Park

Gulf State Park
Credit: Photo by Billy Pope via Flickr/Outdoor Alabama

Alabama 

Serene white sands meet woodlands, wetlands, and wildlife at this 6,150-acre coastal preserve. Even with 2 miles of shoreland, Gulf State Park offers more than sand and surf. A well-maintained maze of 28 miles of trails weaves through hardwood swamps, sun-kissed dunes, and freshwater lagoons. A bird-watcher's paradise, the park is also known for its feathered treasures, from great blue herons to loons.

Learn more about Gulf State Park.

7 of 11

8 of 11

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Credit: Shutterstock

Texas

Cutting into the rugged landscape for 120 miles, Palo Duro's 800-foot-deep canyon, carved by the Red River and the weather, is the second largest in the country. Dramatic features are the draw of this Panhandle retreat, which you can explore on horseback or foot. Painted layers of rock pour out into "Spanish skirt" formations as splendid as the garments they're named for, while towering rock pedestals known as hoodoos seem to defy gravity. Hike the 5.75-mile trail to the park's 310-foot-tall Lighthouse structure to see for yourself.

8 of 11

9 of 11

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Pisgah National Forest

Looking Glass Falls in Pisgah National Forest
Credit: Shutterstock

North Carolina 

Pisgah's western North Carolina mountain ranges are blanketed by hardwood forests, white water rapids, and streams prime for outdoor recreation. Home to the first designated wilderness areas in the Eastern United States, Shining Rock and the Linville Gorge, Pisgah National Forest was created in 1916 when the Vanderbilts sold a significant portion of Biltmore estate to the U.S. government to be managed as public lands. Today, visitors can splash down the 60-foot natural granite water cascade at Sliding Rock, hike to the summit of Mount Pisgah, admire spring's splendor among the wildflowers at Craggy Gardens, or cast a line on the Davidson River. On or off the trail, this 500,000-acre landscape provides boundless exploration.

Learn more about Pisgah National Forest. 

9 of 11

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 11

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Red River Gorge Geological Area

Red River Gorge Geological Area in Kentucky
Credit: Art Meripol

Kentucky 

Whittled away through the ages by wind and water, the sandstone arches and towering cliffs here rival what you'd find out West. After traveling through the historic Nada Tunnel on the way into the preserve, visitors are greeted by a rugged landscape. This canyon system is a climber's dream, but its miles of unique rock formations offer equally impressive views from area trails or rapids. Be sure to see Red River Gorge's best-known fixture, the Natural Bridge, before checking out more than 100 arches and other features.

Learn more about the Red River Gorge Geological Area.

10 of 11

11 of 11

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park
Credit: Jay Dickman/Getty Images

Virginia 

Not just a scenic drive, Shenandoah National park is rich with panoramic views, history, and adventure. The pastoral wilderness along the Blue Ridge Mountains is an extraordinary stretch of gentle peaks, trout-filled waters, and hike-worthy waterfalls. The park's 105-mile Skyline Drive may be the simplest way to sightsee, but the route's milepost system makes it easy to find spots where you can swap the road for a path. Nearly 100 miles of the Appalachian Trail may entice thrill seekers to throw on a pack and stay awhile. Don't miss the fall foliage or spring wildflowers.

11 of 11

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Katie Strasberg Rousso

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 11 Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests
    2 of 11 Congaree National Park
    3 of 11 Everglades National Park
    4 of 11 Grayson Highlands State Park
    5 of 11 The South's Best Parks
    6 of 11 Great Smoky Mountain National Park
    7 of 11 Gulf State Park
    8 of 11 Palo Duro Canyon State Park
    9 of 11 Pisgah National Forest
    10 of 11 Red River Gorge Geological Area
    11 of 11 Shenandoah National Park

    Share & More

    Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print
    Southern Living

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Books from Southern Living
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    MeredithSouthern Living is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. Southern Living is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporationthis link opens in a new tab All Rights Reserved. Southern Living may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Southern Living. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.southernliving.com

    Sign in

    View image

    The South's Best Parks 2021
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.