Summary
- Cummins Falls State Park in Tennessee is an idyllic retreat close to Nashville with a beautiful waterfall. Bring a swimsuit to swim in the base of the waterfall.
- Congaree National Park in South Carolina is a peaceful and easy-to-explore park with sky-high trees and a lovely boardwalk. Get there early for the best parking.
- Blackwater Falls State Park in West Virginia offers miles of hiking trails, amazing waterfalls, and stunning views. Plan to spend several hours exploring.
The Southern United States is full of unique things to do and see, and if one is in the mood to truly get off the grid, these peaceful southern spots are down to delight. From gorgeous parks in the Smoky Mountains to idyllic hot springs surrounded by bathhouses and winding hikes, there’s truly something for everyone.
Plus, there’s something to be said for taking a diversion from the norm and treating oneself to some seriously good self-care in one of the most beautiful parts of the US. Putting these off-grid vacation spots in the South on one’s “must-visit” list is an intelligent way to disconnect and have a memorable vacation full of peace and quiet (as well as natural beauty away from the crowds).
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Tennessee: Cummins Falls State Park
Waterfall in Cummins Falls State Park, Tennessee, one of the most beautiful natural pools in the US to hike to
Cummins Falls State Park is one of the most beautiful places to go off-grid in the South on a getaway; it’s an idyllic little retreat close to the bustling city of Nashville. One can hike through the park and relax near Cummins Falls itself.
Hike, swim, and enjoy splendid nature in this park. It’s an incredible way to escape the big city, get off the grid, and unplug.
- What Makes it Special: The massive Cummins Falls waterfall
- Tip: Bring a swimsuit to swim in the base of the waterfall
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South Carolina: Congaree National Park
Congaree National Park, South Carolina, USA
This fabulous South Carolina park is one of the most peaceful places in the South for a vacation; it has plenty of towering old-growth trees and a lovely boardwalk that allows one to explore the park easily on foot.
Plus, it’s easy to plan a trip to Congaree National Park, and the hikes are easy enough to enjoy with the entire family.
- What Makes it Special: Its sky-high trees and easy-to-navigate boardwalk
- Tip: Get there early for the best parking
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West Virginia: Blackwater Falls State Park
Blackwater Falls State Park, West Virginia
This West Virginia park has some of the best hiking in the state (but swimming at Blackwater Falls State Park is not advised).
Plus, the views are absolutely beautiful, and there are plenty of paths to explore. Delve into the gorge, or lose oneself in the rugged deep forest and get back to nature.
- What Makes it Special: The miles of hiking trails and amazing waterfalls
- Tip: Plan to spend several hours exploring
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Arkansas: Hot Springs National Park
Hot springs in Hot Springs National Park in the Zig-Zag Mountains, a section of the Ouachita Mountains, Arkansas, USA
This Arkansas gem has some of the most fascinating natural features in the Southern United States: ancient hot springs, gorgeous bathhouses, and plenty of hiking nearby.
One can learn so much about the history of this region and experience the magic of the hot springs themselves, which are what makes Hot Springs National Park so special.
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Florida: Ginnie Springs
The calm waters of Ginnie Springs in Florida
Florida’s Ginnie Springs is one of the top spots in the Sunshine State. One has the opportunity to bask in the hot springs or engage in all kinds of water sports like tubing or scuba diving.
There’s plenty of great swimming as well. Visiting in the spring or fall can help one avoid many crowds if looking for a more off-grid, tranquil experience.
- What Makes it Special: The hot springs and all the water sports one can engage in
- Tip: Visit off-season for fewer crowds
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Georgia: Providence Canyon
Providence Canyon in Southwest Georgia
This gorgeous state park has a bevy of different colored soils, including orange and red, making this spot a unique place to get off the grid in the South and see a landscape that one might not have the opportunity to see anywhere else.
There are tons of fantastic foliage, great views, and plenty of tremendous trails to hike.
- What Makes it Special: The multicolored soil and incredible views
- Tip: If one has the time, camping out is a great option
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Texas: Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Salt Flats in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a Texan treasure where one can truly go off-grid in the South (and off the beaten path) and see a Permian fossil reef and some of the Lonestar State’s top peaks.
It’s an otherworldly place to visit and definitely one that can give one a brand-new perspective.
- What Makes it Special: The sky-high peaks and Permian fossil reef
- Tip: Stay in El Paso and head out to this park in the morning
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Georgia: Driftwood Beach
Driftwood Beach on the Atlantic Ocean on Jekyll Island, Georgia, United States
One of the most unique beaches in Georgia, Driftwood Beach is among the most interesting spots in the state. Also, one can get there quickly from the mainland.
Visitors will find sprawling vistas of pristine sand and plenty of driftwood, making it the ideal spot to relax, enjoy an off-grid Southern vacation, and truly unwind.
- What Makes it Special: It’s relaxed coast and scenic driftwood
- Tip: Go at low tide to see as much of the beach as possible
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Tennessee: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
A historic log barn in a hardwood forest in the fall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, USA
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a highly popular option, but the sheer size of this place will help one get off the grid and find some serenity no matter when one visits.
There’s ample camping, gorgeous trails, and cute little nearby towns where travelers can experience Southern hospitality on the cusp of one of the best natural places in the South.
- What Makes it Special: It’s a massive park that looks great in the fall months
- Tip: Camp in the park or stay in one of Tennessee’s lovely, serene nearby towns
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Alabama: Little River Canyon National Preserve
Little River Falls in the Little River Canyon National Preserve, Alabama
This excellent Alabaman green space is one of the jewels of South Appalachia; Little River Canyon National Preserve is a stunning space full of pristine nature and gorgeous scenery, earning it a place among the places to go off-grid in the South.
In addition to being naturally beautiful and peaceful, it’s also a great place for water sports like whitewater rafting, wildlife spotting, and trekking.
- What Makes it Special: Ample whitewater rafting and swimming opportunities
- Tip: Bring fishing gear and binoculars for birdwatching
