Wild ponies on Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, Virginia

This 14,000-acre refuge is home to the Chincoteague Pony, a breed of wild horse which legend claims swam ashore after escaping a shipwrecked Spanish galleon.

Little Stony Man Mountain in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Shenandoah National Park includes 500 miles of hiking trails. This mountain, the second highest peak, has some of the best views.

Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia

Noted for its beauty, this 469-mile National Scenic Byway runs along the Blue Ridge mountain chain, which is part of the Appalachian Mountains.

Douthat State Park near Clifton Forge, Virginia

Near the Allegheny Mountains, this park is one of the original six state parks in Virginia. Today, it’s a popular spot for hiking, biking, boating, fishing and swimming.

Great Falls Park, Virginia

This small but strikingly scenic park runs along the banks of the Potomac River, falling over steep, jagged rocks and creating beautiful waterfalls.

Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad, Maryland

Officially designated as a national monument in spring 2013, this 125-mile scenic drive pays tribute to the legendary abolitionist who helped slaves escape north along this route.

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Maryland

Created as a sanctuary for migrating birds, this park on Maryland’s Eastern Shore hosts more than 250 bird species and 35 reptile and amphibian species.

Rocky Gap State Park, Maryland

This 3,200-acre park encircles a large manmade lake and is popular with golfers, hikers, boaters and swimmers.

Deep Creek Lake State Park, Maryland

This park surrounds the largest inland lake in Maryland and is a popular leisure destination with golfing, boating, water skiing and hiking.

Patapsco Valley State Park, Maryland

This 16,000-acre park borders 32 miles of the Patapsco River and includes five distinct recreational areas for hiking, fishing, camping, canoeing, horseback riding and mountain biking.

Rock Creek Park, Washington, DC

This urban park runs through Washington, DC and offers many recreational facilities, including a golf course, equestrian centre, nature centre, planetarium, picnic facilities and outdoor concert venue.

Anacostia Park, Washington, DC

One of DC’s largest parks, it includes aquatic gardens, four boat clubs, a public boat ramp with access to the Anacostia River and areas to play baseball, basketball and tennis.