Key Parks in the Southeast Region
Buffalo National River | Congaree National Park | Great Smoky Mountain National Park | New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park
Currently all of our featured Regional Parks are part of the first round of project proposals for the National Park Services 2016 Centennial Initiative.
Click here for a complete listing of national parks in the southeast region.
Buffalo National River
Buffalo River is America’s first National River and one of the last un-dammed rivers in the United States. The National River boasts many outdoor activities including canoeing, camping, hiking, horseback riding, and fishing. In addition to camping, small groups can rent either rustic or modern cabins for their enjoyment. World-class wildlife viewing is also possible along the Buffalo River, including trumpeter swans and elk.
Not only does the Buffalo National River excel for outdoor recreation, but cultural resources abound as well. Interpretive opportunities include historic buildings, sites, and even several historic districts highlighting past farming and mining communities. The Park Service, in conjunction with the State Highway and Transportation Department, Game and Fish Commission, National Wild Turkey Foundation, and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, plans to restore habitat and reintroduce native species. To learn more about the Buffalo National River, visit the National Park Service's website.
Congaree National Park
The Congaree National Park is home to the largest old-growth floodplain forest in North America. Trails, both hiking and canoeing, abound in this Park. The park also offers Butterfly Identification Training, as well as an Annual Butterfly Count that are lead by local rangers. Some visitors enjoy viewing the abundant wildlife including barred owls, flying squirrels, and river otters.
Throughout the year, the Congaree National Park usually experiences 10 flooding events. Two of the hiking trails are on raised boardwalks. While the elevated boardwalk trail rises over 6 feet above the ground, this trail can disappear under high waters 4 to 5 times a year. Although floods are often viewed as damaging, the natural processes that cause the Congaree to flood help replenish soil nutrients that support the diverse habitat and wildlife of the area.
For a truly unique experience, take a 4-hour ranger guided tour through the swamp. Tours are offered every Sunday and Saturday; reservations can be made by calling 803-776-4396.
To learn more about the Congaree National Park, visit the National Park Service's website.
Great Smoky Mountain National Park
The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is an icon of the national park system. Over 10,000 different species of flora and fauna have been identified within the Park’s boundaries. The large number of species in the park is due to the diverse habitats, ranging from spruce-fir forests to temperate deciduous forests. The diversity of the Park has also lead to it being designated as an International Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site .
Recreation opportunities are numerous in the Great Smoky Mountains. Visitors can hike on over 800 miles of trail, explore the many cultural heritage sites, take self-guided auto tours, or view the abundant wildlife of the park. Because of the popularity of the Park and the proximity to major urban areas, the Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited National Park with over 9 million visitors every year. To learn more about the Great Smoky Mountains, please visit the National Park Service's website.
New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park
The New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park is located within the Louis Armstrong Park while the headquarters are located nearby in the French Quarter District of New Orleans. The Park celebrates the origins and evolution of jazz music. Live music is the overarching appeal of the Park, with daily concerts and monthly jazz festivals. Interpretive programs are impressive and include ranger led music demonstrations, as well as local volunteer musician demonstrations.
The Park continues to grow with both local financial support and increased cultural richness. In the near future, the Park Service plans to create a world class New Orleans Jazz Museum in partnership with the Louisiana State Museum. To learn more about the New Orleans National Historical Park, visit the National Park Service's website.
