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Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail

Most Overlooked National Park System Units

There seem to be countless national park stories in the media about "best this" or "best that," or "most underrated" park. More often than not, those stories revolve around the 63 "national parks" that go into the 428 units of the National Park System. What about the remaining 365 units? Let's take a look at some of the most overlooked parks in that universe (and we hope you'll help!).

Life On The Bay, Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail

A fisherman sits on a beach with his fishing pole in the sand. A large suspension bridge and sailboats are in the background along the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail.

"People first arrived in the Chesapeake Bay during the last ice age. As glaciers melted, diverse societies learned to thrive in a world of water. When Englishman Captain John Smith explored the Bay in 1608, he documented hundreds of American Indian communities. Today, sites on his map are archeological treasures and sacred sites for tribal citizens."

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Rappahannock Tribe Regains Fones Cliffs, A Sacred Site Overlooking Captain John Smith Trail

Four-hundred-and-sixty-five acres along a four-mile stretch of sandstone bluffs along the north bank of the Rappahannock River in Virginia, a place where Captain John Smith first encountered the Rappahannock Tribe in 1608, has been regained by the Rappahannock Tribe.

The Overlooked Promise Of The National Trails System

When we think about the National Park System, we don't always think of National Scenic Trails being part of the system, which is a huge mistake. Some of the country's greatest hiking trails are part of the system. Trails such as the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, the North Country National Scenic Trail, even the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail.

National Parks Traveler Episode 91: Chesapeake's Bald Eagles And National Parks

national parks traveler

Having just gone through the 2020 presidential election, what better time to talk about the symbol of American democracy – the bald eagle. The bald eagle first appeared on the Great Seal of the United States in 1782 – holding in its talons an olive branch and 13 arrows. Less than 200 years later, the national bird of the United States was nearly extinct.

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

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