Roadtrip with RVshare Orlando to Niagara Falls

Outdoor enthusiasts will love the possibilities that they find on an Orlando to Niagara Falls road trip. While you may be anxious to get to the three waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls, you will not want to miss the fantastic national parks along the way, like Congaree National Park, where you can go kayaking, hiking, and biking. There are also plenty of other fascinating things to do in state parks that you will pass, and you will want to stop and explore terrific attractions along the way. The memories that you make while traversing the East Coast will last a lifetime. 

Nearby National Parks

Congaree National Park  

Congaree National Park near Hopkins, South Carolina, contains the oldest and tallest forest east of the Mississippi River. There are many fantastic trails to follow at this park; they take you around oxbow lakes, to the Congaree River, and under stands of magnificent old-growth trees. Park rangers and volunteers often lead informative hikes, including the Big Tree Hike that runs by trees over 167 feet tall. A great way to explore this park is from a kayak. The Cedar Creek Canoe Trail winds its way through 15 miles of this park. If you did not bring your vessel on your Orlando to Niagara Falls RV road trip, several professional outfitters rent equipment and lead paddling adventures here. Anglers often catch 40-pound fish in the Congaree River on this park’s southern boundary. 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park  

There are many exciting things to do in North Carolina in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Entering the park near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center puts you a short distance from the Mingus Mill and Mountain Farm Museum. This museum contains a house, barn, apple house, springhouse, and smokehouse that are all built of logs and were moved to this site from other areas throughout the park. The Oconaluftee River Trail is an excellent place to go for a bike ride. You will also want to visit the Cataloochee Valley to see the historical buildings, go trout fishing, and see the elk herd. Fontana Dam forms the park’s southern border, and it is the largest dam east of the Mississippi River. This park is also a terrific place to go fishing in western North Carolina’s largest lake. 

Shenandoah National Park  

Shenandoah National Park covers more than 200,000 acres near Luray, Virginia. The 105-mile-long Skyline Drive is the only public road through this park, and most activities are near it. There are almost 275 climbing routes in the area. Old Rag is one of the best crag routes available, and it is easily accessible off the Old Ridge Trail. Head to the Skyline Stables to go on a guided horseback trail ride at this park, or bring your horses with you on your road trip from Orlando to Niagara Falls. This park is home to over 500 miles of hiking trails. A 101-mile portion of the Appalachian Trail runs through the area.

Nearby State Parks

Stephen C. Foster State Park  

Stephen C. Foster State Park near Fargo, Georgia, contains America’s largest blackwater swamps. Launch your kayak to see the cypress trees rising upward from the swamp’s glass-like surface, or join one of the guided boat tours. This park is an awesome place to go fishing for bluegill, catfish, and warmouths. Consider staying in the campground so that you can enjoy seeing the stars twinkling in the extremely dark skies at night. 

Table Rock State Park  

Be sure to include a stop at Table Rock State Park near Perkins, South Carolina, on your road trip itinerary from Orlando to Niagara Falls. Climb to the top of Table Rock to see stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Head to the swimming hole with its high diving board to swim in the summer. Go fishing for bass, bream, and catfish on the 36-acre Pinnacle Lake or the 67-acre Lake Oolenoy. The ADA-accessible fishing pier at Lake Oolenoy makes it easy for everyone to get a fishing line in the water. You can rent canoes, pedal boats, and fishing boats near Pinnacle Lake. 

South Mountains State Park  

Stop at South Mountains State Park to enjoy the rugged beauty of this location near Connelly Springs, North Carolina. Miles of mountain streams make this a great place to go trout fishing. The 17-mile mountain bike loop is sure to provide everyone with a strenuous workout. Do not leave without seeing the 80-foot-tall High Shoals Falls on Jacob's Fork River. 

Cass Scenic Railroad State Park  

One of the United States' unique state parks is Cass Scenic Railroad State Park near Cass, West Virginia. Go on an 11-mile scenic railroad ride at this park. Then, stroll around the historic lumber company town. The artisans' coop is a fantastic place to go shopping. Make your way to the Last Run Restaurant and Soda Fountain for a meal. Learn more about the area by visiting the historical museum. Check the schedule to see if shows are performing in the Cass Historical Theater. 

Along the Way

Cumberland Island National Seashore  

Grab the ferry at St. Marys, Georgia, to explore Cumberland Island National Seashore. Go hiking, biking, and swimming on Georgia’s southernmost barrier island that covers more than 9,800 acres. 

Linville Gorge  

Often called the Grand Canyon of the Eastern U.S., Linville Gorge in Burke County, Georgia, is a federally designated wilderness area. This park is a fantastic place to go hiking through virgin forests as the lumber company deemed the area so rugged that they were not interested in harvesting here. The rock formations on Jonas Ridge are a fantastic place to go climbing. 

New River Gorge National River  

Located near Glen Jean, West Virginia, the New River Gorge National River is a terrific place to go whitewater rafting. The 70,000 acres of protected land on either side of the river is a great place to go hiking and biking. The African American Heritage Auto Tour starts in this park. Use a smartphone app to drive to 17 stops surrounding this park to learn about African Americans' role in this area’s development. 

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens  

You will want to stop at the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Schenley Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Frequent flower shows occur inside the 14-room Victorian conservatory that first opened in 1893. 

Main Cities You Will Pass Through

Jacksonville, Florida  

If you want to start your trip with a little water fun, Jacksonville is the perfect place to stop. Many campgrounds in Jacksonville offer swimming pools or splash pads, including Flamingo Lake RV Resort, Inc., Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park Campground, and Riverfront RV Park & Marina. Find Jacksonville RV dump stations at Gold Head Branch State Park, Little Talbot Island State Park, and Crooked River State Park. These spots will help you keep your RV clean and sanitary for the journey ahead. 

Charlotte, North Carolina  

If you love scenic camping spaces, then there are many outstanding campground choices in Charlotte. Consider Lake Myers RV & Camping Resort, Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort, and Midway Campground & RV Resort. There are no shortages of RV dump stations in Charlotte. You can find some of the best at McDowell Nature Preserve Campground, Lakeside Lodges & Campground, and Tom Johnson Camping Center Campground. 

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania  

Pittsburgh is an exciting city to explore as it is home to world-class attractions like the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and the Pittsburgh Zoo. Smith Grove Campground, Mountain Top Campground, and Fox Den Acres Campgrounds are terrific campgrounds in Pittsburgh. You can also find RV dump stations in Pittsburgh at RV Village Camping Resort and Rocky Springs Campground. 

Buffalo, New York  

You are almost to Niagara Falls when you reach Buffalo. There are many campgrounds in Buffalo near the iconic falls, including Niagara Falls Campground & Lodging, Niagara’s Lazy Lakes Camping Resort, and Branches of Niagara Campground & Resort. You can find Buffalo RV dump stations at Colton RV, Lockport Wastewater Department, and Niagara Falls Campground. 

Find Adventure from Orlando to Niagara Falls

Find your One-Way Rental

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Orlando to Niagara Falls, you will enjoy historic locations and beautiful scenery along the way. If you want to travel in comfort and style, consider an RV rental from RVshare. From large motorhomes to compact campervans, there is a rig that will meet your travel and budget needs. Once you hit the road, you are protected by our renter guarantee and 24/7 roadside assistance. Find the perfect vehicle for your travel needs in Orlando or Niagara Falls.