Best Park: Harpers Ferry. In a region known for great historic sites, Harpers Ferry is exceptional. At the confluence of the Potomac & Shenandoah Rivers, where the C&O Canal, Potomac Heritage and Appalachian NSTs all merge, scouted by Jefferson and taken by Grant, martyred by John Brown and lifted up by WEB Du Bois, this park is essential for Civil War and Civil Rights history.

Best National Park: New River Gorge, with whitewater rafting, scenery, wildlife, hiking and coal mining historic heritage, this gorgeous new national park is more vibrant and exciting than its beautiful 100 year old competitor, Shenandoah.

Best State: Virginia has many Civil War sites, presidential birthplaces, and many other important historic sites, including world heritage Monticello, plus scenic mountains, rivers, valleys and coast.

Best City: Philadelphia is chockablock full of history and museums, mostly in world heritage Independence NHP.

The Mid-Atlantic specializes in history, exemplified by these best-in-class parks.

• Best colonial history from start to finish: Colonial
• Best living history/ preservation: Appomattox Court House
• Best (paid) guided tour/ affiliated museum: Gettysburg
• Best ranger tour: Hampton
• Best scientific history: Edison

Best Affiliate: Patrick Henry’s Red Hill

Best Anthem/ Flag: McHenry

Best Culture: Wolf Trap

Best Drive: Shenandoah

Best Heritage Area: Journey through Hallowed Ground from Monticello to Gettysburg

Best Wildlife: Assateague Island

Best World Heritage Site: Fallingwater

Favorite Hero: Clara Barton

Hidden Gem: Maggie L. Walker

Smallest Park: Koscuiszko, the smallest park in the country

Worst Civilian Tragedy: Johnstown

Read more about all parks in the Mid-Atlantic region.