NYC's Surrounding National Parks within Reach
Neat National Escapes within a Spin from NYC
Under the radar, NYC has some fabulous nature hubs and magnetizing historical sites just outside the city limits. Let's dive into the top national parks and historic sites that are an easy drive away from the Big Apple!
Top-Notch National Sites Within a Shot from New York City
- NYC National Treasures: This collection incudes federal sites like Gateway National Recreation Area, Statue of Liberty National Monument, and Federal Hall National Memorial. They offer a combo of historical and recreational activities.
Gateway National Recreation Area, the closest to NYC, spans parts of Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and Sandy Hook, New Jersey. Offering beaches, hiking, birdwatching, and historic sites like Fort Tilden and Floyd Bennett Field, it's the perfect spot for a quick nature escape while staying close to the city.
- Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area: Approximately a 2-hour drive from NYC, this area is nestled along the Pennsylvania-New Jersey border. It features stunning waterfalls, hiking trails (including parts of the Appalachian Trail), and the Delaware River for kayaking and fishing.
- Morristown National Historical Park: About 45 minutes from NYC, this park preserves the site of the Continental Army's winter encampment during the Revolutionary War.
- Valley Forge National Historical Park: Located about 2.5 hours from NYC in Pennsylvania, this park commemorates the Continental Army's winter of 1777-78.
Crave More National Parks? Go on a Longer Adventure!
If you're excited to venture a bit further, you can consider these national parks within a longer drive:
- Acadia National Park, Maine: While it's approximately 7.5 hours from NYC, Acadia offers stunning coastal scenery, hiking trails, and a variety of outdoor activities.
- Shenandoah National Park, Virginia: Approximately 5.5 hours from NYC, Shenandoah offers beautiful mountain vistas, hiking trails, and waterfalls.
Key Features
- Gateway National Recreation Area: Packed with beaches, hiking trails, and historical forts.
- Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area: Renowned for its scenic river views and outdoor recreation.
- Morristown National Historical Park: Steeped in Revolutionary War history.
- Valley Forge National Historical Park: Commemorates a turning point in U.S. history.
Armed with this insight, you can easily plan a fun day or weekend trip, satisfying your thirst for a nature fix, even when you're still in the city that never sleeps!
Want to dig deeper? Check out these relevant reads:
- List of National Parks in the US
- Most Visited National Parks in The US
- The Largest National Park in The US
Or take a peek beyond the US:
- List of National Parks in Australia
- The Gateway National Recreation Area, on the outskirts of NYC, combines historic forts with beaches and hiking trails, making it a perfect destination for a quick nature escape.
- After a 2-hour drive from NYC, adventurers will find the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, offering scenic river views, hiking trails, waterfalls, and opportunities for kayaking and fishing.
- Morristown National Historical Park, just 45 minutes from NYC, is rich in Revolutionary War history and preserves the site of the Continental Army's winter encampment.
- Valley Forge National Historical Park, approximately 2.5 hours from NYC, commemorates a significant turning point in U.S. history and provides visitors with both historical and recreational activities.
- If you're eager to explore beyond the nearby parks, consider a longer drive to Acadia National Park in Maine to immerse yourself in stunning coastal scenery, hiking trails, and diverse outdoor activities.
- Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, approximately 5.5 hours from NYC, invites visitors to explore beautiful mountain vistas, hiking trails, and waterfalls.
- For those interested in expanding their knowledge of national parks, the List of National Parks in the US or the List of National Parks in Australia are great starting points.
- The Most Visited National Parks in The US can be a helpful resource for planning popular destinations, while learning about The Largest National Park in The US may spark curiosity about exploration possibilities.
- Incorporating a visit to national parks into your lifestyle is a fantastic way to escape from the city, and they also provide a perfect setting for home-and-garden or travel photography enthusiasts.
- Enthusiasts of sports, nature, and historical sites will find that local national parks offer a welcome escape to breathtaking landscapes, rich wildlife, and captivating pieces of history.
