13 Beautiful East Coast National Parks (Must Visit!)
The East Coast may not come to mind when you think of beautiful National Parks in the US. However, you’d be surprised since there are several East Coast National Parks that are absolutely breathtaking and a must-visit for anyone!
If you’re an East coaster looking to explore more of your beautiful area of the US, or if you’re a West Coaster looking to shake things up a bit, this is a great list for you.
One thing I’ve always appreciated about the United States is the diversity of terrain and landscapes. In one state, you’ll have desert for miles and miles, and in the next, you’ll have a beach paradise. This diversity lends itself to beautiful scenery and National Parks.
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I’ll cover what the best East Coast National Parks are to visit, when to visit, and what to see or do while you’re there. Stay tuned for a map at the end of this post to get a sense of where exactly these Parks are located.
Does the East Coast have National Parks?
Yes, the East Coast does indeed have National Parks! In fact, there are quite a few of them. East Coast National Parks span from Maine all the way down to Florida.
How Many National Parks are there on the East Coast?
There are a total of 12 East Coast National Parks. That’s a lot of Parks for the East Coast, right? To be fair, it does consider Parks that aren’t necessarily on the coast itself. So, this list doesn’t factor in whether it’s in a state touching the Atlantic Ocean, but rather where it falls on the map of the U.S.
The topic of what is considered the East Coast is a debate for another time I suppose, but we wanted to give you a heads up before diving into our list.
Let’s dive into each one a little so you can start planning your East Coast National Park adventure!
Must-See East Coast National Parks
In no particular order, here is the list of East Coast National Parks. All of them are beautiful and unique in their own way, and we’ve listed out some of the best things to do while visiting.
Of course, this is just a brief overview of these National Parks and what they offer – stay tuned for more in-depth posts for individual parks later (sign up for our newsletter if you don’t want to miss these future posts).
1. Acadia National Park
If you love the outdoors, then Acadia National Park should be at the top of your list. This East Coast National Park is located in Maine, and it’s known for its rocky coastline, beautiful hiking trails, and stunning views.
There are plenty of things to do while visiting Acadia National Park. One popular activity is hiking Cadillac Mountain, which is the tallest mountain on the East Coast of the United States.
If you love being in the water, you can go kayaking or canoeing around the many waterways in Acadia National Park. There are also plenty of opportunities to go fishing, whale watching, and birdwatching.
In terms of when to visit, the park is open year-round. Summer is great for outdoor activities but is usually the busiest. In our humble opinion, the best time to visit Acadia National Park is in the fall when the leaves are changing color. The foliage is incredible. A New England fall is unlike any other.
Related: Road Trip from Boston to Acadia National Park
2. Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park is located in Virginia, and is a popular East Coast National Park. The park is known for its stunning scenery, with mountains, waterfalls, and plenty of wildlife.
One of the best things to do while visiting Shenandoah National Park is to drive along Skyline Drive. This is a 105-mile-long road that takes you through the park. This road and the scenery is beautiful. As you drive along, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to stop and take in these stunning views, so factor in time for that.
Hiking is also a popular activity in Shenandoah National Park. There are over 500 miles of hiking trails, so there’s a little something for everyone. One of the most popular trails is Old Rag Mountain, a 9-mile hike that takes you to the top of the mountain.
The best time to visit Shenandoah National Park is spring or fall, according to most folks. In the fall, the leaves are changing color, and it adds to the magic of the Park. However, the park is also beautiful in the spring when the flowers are in bloom.
3. Congaree National Park
Congaree National Park is located in South Carolina, and it’s one of the newest East Coast National Parks. The park is known for its stunning giant hardwood and pine trees, which is the largest of its kind on the East Coast.
There are plenty of things to do while visiting Congaree National Park. One popular activity is hiking the many trails through the forest. You can also go canoeing or kayaking down the Congaree River.
Some of the most popular hiking trails include Boardwalk Loop (about 2.4 miles), Weston Lake Loop (about 4.4 miles), and Bates Ferry Trail (about 2.5 miles).
In terms of when to visit, the best time to visit Congaree National Park is in the Spring or Fall. The temperatures are mild, although you might run into rain during the Spring months.
4. Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is located in Florida, and it’s one of the most unique East Coast National Parks. The park is known for its clear blue waters, beautiful coral reefs, and stunning views.
There are plenty of things to do while visiting Dry Tortugas National Park. One popular activity is snorkeling or diving around the coral reefs. You can also go fishing, birdwatching, or simply relax on the beach.
Top places to visit include:
- Fort Jefferson – a 19th-century fort
- Garden Key – home to a lighthouse and amazing snorkeling or scuba diving
- Bush Key – a bird sanctuary and a 1-mile loop with stellar views of the rest of the Park
Another popular spot to visit is Loggerhead Key, the largest island in the park and also home to a museum about the history of the area. Loggerhead also offers some of the best camping opportunities in the park.
The best time to visit Dry Tortugas National Park is between October through April. The temperatures are warm but not too hot. Bush Key is open during the October through January timeframe making that a great time to visit.
Read More: Amazing Places to Visit in Florida
5. Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park is located in Florida, and it’s one of the most popular East Coast National Parks. The park is known for its stunning scenery, wetlands, forests, and plenty of wildlife.
There are plenty of things to do while visiting Everglades National Park. One popular activity is taking an airboat tour through the wetlands. You can also go hiking, kayaking through the mangrove tunnels, or camping in the park.
Some of the most popular hiking trails include Anhinga Trail (about 0.8 miles), Gumbo Limbo Trail (about 0.5 miles), and Long Pine Key Nature Trail (about 2.4 miles).
Things to do in the Everglades National Park include biking through Shark Valley (which isn’t really full of sharks), stopping at Bobcat Boardwalk, hiking at the Royal Palm Visitor Center, or even seeing alligators at Big Cypress National Preserve.
Some of the coolest species that live here include the American crocodile, the Florida panther, and the manatee. This is the only place in the world where you’ll find the alligator and crocodile together!
The best time to visit Everglades National Park is between December and April due to this being the dry season. Better temperatures and fewer mosquitoes make this a much more pleasant time to visit than the rest of the year.
6. Biscayne National Park
Biscayne National Park is located in Florida. The park is known for its coral reefs, shoreline mangrove forest, and clear blue waters. Most of the park is covered by water, so it’s good to note that this park is only accessible via boat.
Biscayne National Park is located north of the Florida keys and close to Miami. Don’t let that fool you though, as the Park feels like a world away from the bustling city. You’ll discover beautiful lighthouse coastal views, shipwreck sites, and even dolphins, turtles, and pelicans.
There are plenty of things to do while visiting Biscayne. One popular activity is snorkeling or diving around the coral reefs. You can also go fishing, birdwatching, or simply relax on the beach.
Things you absolutely must do include hiking Elliot Key, exploring Adam’s Key as well as Boca Chita Key. These are all great spots for camping, picnicking, or just taking in the stunning views.
The best time to visit Biscayne National Park is between November through May. The temperatures are mild, there is far less rain, and this time is not during hurricane season.
7. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in Tennessee and North Carolina, and it’s one of the most visited East Coast National Parks. The park is known for its stunning scenery, with mountains, streams, and waterfalls. It straddles both Tennessee and North Carolina, making it a great place to visit if you’re looking to explore both states.
There are plenty of things to do while visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. One popular activity is hiking to see the waterfalls. You can also go camping, horseback riding, or fishing in the park. The park also is home to some beautiful wildflowers, so it’s a great place to visit in the spring.
Some of the most popular hiking trails include Laurel Falls (about 2.6 miles), Grotto Falls (about 2.6 miles), and Abrams Falls (about 5 miles).
Must-visit spots in the park include Clingman’s Dome (which has an incredible 360-degree view), Cades Cove (a historic valley with plenty of wildlife), and Newfound Gap (a scenic mountain pass with great views). You can also paddle Fontana Lake or check out the Sugarlands Visitor Center for more information on the park.
The best time to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is spring or fall. The temperatures are mild, the wildflowers are out in the spring, and foliage is at its peak during the fall. Summer is also a popular time to visit due to the outdoor activities.
8. New River Gorge National Park
New River Gorge National Park is located in West Virginia. The park is known for its stunning scenery, mountains, cliffs, and rivers. It’s a great place to go hiking, camping, or climbing.
There are plenty of things to do while visiting New River Gorge National Park. You can start with the Canyon Rim Visitor Center to learn more about the park.
Another popular thing to do is to take the New River Gorge Scenic Drive, a 3 hour trip or about 83 miles of roadway that offers incredible views. You can also drive the Fayette Station Road, a 10-mile road that takes you past some of the most popular attractions in the park.
Other fun activities include exploring the New River Gorge Bridge, the longest steel arch bridge in the U.S., hiking, or going whitewater rafting on New River.
Some of the most popular hiking trails (there are about 100 miles of hiking trails available) include the Fayetteville Trail, the Bridge Buttress Trail, and the Endless Wall Trail.
The best time to visit New River Gorge National Park is Spring through Fall months. Spring and fall are great for the weather and if you’re looking for foliage, while the summer months are better for whitewater rafting and other fun outdoor activities.
9. Mammoth Cave National Park
Mammoth Cave National Park is located in Kentucky and is known for its stunning cave system, which is the longest known cave system in the world (over 400 miles worth).
There are plenty of things to do while visiting Mammoth Cave National Park. You can explore the caves on a guided tour, go hiking, camping, horseback riding, fishing, and even kayaking. Of course, that’s just the short list of things available.
There are plenty of hiking trails available, and some of the most popular trails include the Great Onyx Trail, the Echo River Trail, and the Cedar Sink Trail.
All entry into the caves is with a guided tour, so you’ll need to book a tour in advance. Some popular tours include the Historic Tour, the New Entrance Tour, and the Frozen Niagara Tour.
The best time to visit Mammoth Cave National Park is Spring through Fall. The temperatures are milder during Spring and Fall, but the Summer offers more in terms of tours offered and other outdoor things to do. Winter is a quieter time to visit.
10. Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs National Park is often nicknamed the “American Spa” because of the hot springs that flow through the park. The park is located in central Arkansas, and it’s a great place to go for a relaxing and unique vacation.
It is one of the oldest parks managed by the National Park system, and it’s a tad unconventional since it’s located right in the middle of a city. We’re not kidding either, as there isn’t an official parking lot. Rather, parking is available on the streets of the town of Hot Springs or in a parking garage.
This park is well known for its hot springs, mountain views, forested hikes, and even some beautiful creeks. There are over 40 hot springs that run through the park to enjoy and over 20+ miles of trails to hike or explore.
Some must-see sites include the Hot Springs Mountain Tower, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area, the trail to Overlook Tower, Bathhouse Row, Fordyce Bathhouse, and even camping at Gulpha Gorge Campground.
The best time to visit Hot Springs National Park is during the Spring or Fall. The temperatures are mild, and you’ll be able to take advantage of the warm hot springs during this time. There are more crowds during the summer than in Spring or Fall.
11. Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is located in Ohio between the cities of Cleveland and Akron and runs along the Cuyahoga River. The Park is a great place to go for a vacation or to explore the outdoors in all of its glory.
You can take a scenic drive through the park, go hiking, camping, bicycling, fishing, or even just explore the many trails and scenic overlooks available.
The park is known for its waterfalls (there are over 100 waterfalls here!), so if you’re looking to see some beautiful scenery, that’s definitely something to add to your list. There are also over 125 miles of trails to explore, and some of the most popular include the Ledges Trail (2 miles), the Beaver Marsh Trail (2.2 mile loop), and the Pinegrove Trail (2 miles).
Must-see sites in the park include Brandywine Falls (a 60 ft. waterfall), the Everett Covered Bridge, and the Cuyahoga River. Another cool activity is the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad which runs through the park. You can take a 3-hour train ride for some prime sightseeing.
The best time to visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park depends on what you’re interested in seeing or doing while there. The Spring is a beautiful time with temperatures in the 40s or 50s where you can enjoy all of the wildflowers, while the fall is beautiful for its fall foliage.
Summer attracts the largest crowds since temperatures are in the 80s or 90s, and many things are open for the season. This includes the farmers market, live music in the amphitheater, and of course, the ability to hike and other outdoor activities that are often too cold in other seasons.
12. Gateway Arch National Park
Gateway Arch National Park is located in Missouri and is known for, you guessed it, the Gateway Arch. The Arch stands at a whopping 630 ft. and is the tallest man-made monument in the US.
The park is located on the west bank of the Mississippi River in downtown St. Louis and is a great place to explore if you’re interested in American history or just want to see some beautiful architecture.
There are several ranger-led programs offered at the park, and you can take a tram to the top of the Arch for awesome views and a cool experience. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can go on a riverboat cruise or take a helicopter tour of the city and Park.
Some of the must-visits at the Park include the tram to the top of the Arch, the museum at the bottom of the Arch, and the Old Courthouse, which holds an extensive amount of history in the United States for civil rights. Another popular attraction is taking a paddle-wheel riverboat on the river nearby.
While you can enjoy this park year-round, the temperatures might be a bit chilly in the winter. There are several indoor activities to enjoy though, so don’t let the temperatures prevent you from visiting. The best time to visit is probably Spring through Fall for more off-season visiting. Summer is great for those willing to deal with crowds.
13. Indiana Dunes National Park
Indiana Dunes National Park is located in Northwest Indiana and is known for its (not surprisingly) sand and solitude. The Park takes up 15 miles of the southern shore of Lake Michigan and has a lot to offer visitors. This park was recently made into a National Park back in 2019, reclassified from a National Lakeshore.
It might seem like your average beach area, but there is a lot to do at the Indiana Dunes. This includes hiking, birding, swimming, picnicking, visiting historic areas, and much more. The Park was rated #7 among National Parks as the most diverse plant life, which is pretty impressive!
Some must-visit sites include the Dunes Succession trail (1 mile) and the West Beach 3-Loop Trail (about 3.5 miles). The Dunes Succession trail is a great place with boardwalk steps and beach views to see how the dune ecosystem changes over time (ecology lesson 101). If you’re interested in how a beach can become a forest over time, this spot is exceptionally interesting.
The best time to visit Sand Dunes National Park depends on what you want to do while you’re there. The Spring and Fall offer milder temperatures which are great for hiking, picnicking, and exploring.
The Summer is the most popular time to visit because of the warmer temperatures and the option to go swimming in Lake Michigan and other outdoor activities. The winters can get pretty cold, so it’s not recommended to visit at that time – but go at your own risk!
Grab a National Park Pass and Save Money
If you’re looking to start collecting visits from multiple National Parks, you might want to check out a National Park Pass. The most popular pass is the America the Beautiful Pass. These are great because they offer access to more than 2,000 Federal recreation sites.
You can purchase an annual pass for $80, which gives you access to all the National Parks for one year. There are also senior passes (age 62+) for $20, military passes (free), and several other types of pass options that could grant you a free pass (definitely check out the details of that here).
The National Park Pass is a great way to save money if you’re planning on visiting multiple sites because it pays for itself after just a couple of visits (depends on the regular park cost you visit). The passes can be purchased online or at any National Park that charges an entrance fee.
Tip: A National Parks Pass may not work on every activity within the Park itself, but it will grant you access to the Parks.
East Coast National Parks Map
I’ve put together a Google Maps of all of the East Coast National Parks for you to use in your planning. Hopefully, it gives you a good picture of where the parks are located and helps you decide which parks you want to see and how you want to see them.
Some people enjoy taking an East Coast National Parks road trip, while others prefer to choose one or two Parks and spend several days there to soak up all that the area has to offer. Up to you!
Our Recommended National Parks Book
There are a lot of great books about the National Parks, but the book we recommend is Your Guide to the National Parks by Michael Joseph Oswald.
This guide is the book we recommend because it has several incredibly helpful tools:
- A superlatives section with different categories like best trails, best for backpacking, best for horseback riding, best for waterfalls, etc.
- Parks are broken up by region for easy to find the right Park for you
- Several maps for hiking or trying to gauge distance between different areas
- Highlights of the best things to see and do in each Park
- History and background on each Park
📚 Grab yourself a copy by clicking here!
Summary of the Best East Coast National Parks
The East Coast National Parks are a great way to see some of the most beautiful areas in the United States. The parks offer a variety of activities and attractions, so there’s something for everyone. This ranges from camping, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, or even scenic rides (for a stellar sunset and views). National Parks are a wonderful way to truly appreciate the incredibly diverse geography of the U.S.
Whether you’re looking for a road trip destination, a place to hike and explore, or a place to relax and enjoy the scenery, the East Coast National Parks are a great option. Enjoy!
What is your favorite East Coast National Park? Which do you recommend that people must visit?
