Best National Parks on the East Coast | 2024 Guide
When talking about the national parks in the United States of America, everyone has western national parks (Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Zion) in their minds.
However, the east coast also offers several magnificent national parks with countless falls, underground caves, and breath-taking foliage. Due to this reason, we had selected several of the best national parks on the east coast of the USA that are worth visiting.
Technically speaking, every national park which is east of Michigan can be classed as the east coast’s national park. The majority of guides mention that there are only seven national parks on the east coast, however, it is not entirely true. You will see that there are more.
If you look at the national parks on the east coast map, you will notice that the eastern national parks are smaller than western parks and located further from the main cities. This is the reason why some of the east coast’s parks aren’t much visited by tourists.
This article is going to focus on the 10 best national parks on the east coast of the USA. Whether you are an American looking for a quiet natural hideaway or a simple traveller touring around America’s east coast, every park offers a stunning natural beauty that can’t be missed.
1. Shenandoah National Park
Established in 1935 and Virginia’s first national park, Shenandoah National Park is one of the most beautiful national parks on the east coast of the USA. It is located just 75 miles from Washington, D.C. and offers stunning nature. The park is also one of the most known parks on the east coast due to its convenient location.
Park visitors are able to enjoy the breath-taking panorama, cascading waterfalls, fields of wildflowers, forest trails, and magnificent mountains. Shenandoah covers an area of 200 000 acres, making it a perfect home to deer, songbirds, and black bears.
The most well-known park’s attraction is scenic Skyline Drive (sometimes called Skyline Dr Virginia) which runs for 105 miles down and offers fascinating views of different kinds of fauna, flower fields, Blue Ridge Mountains, deep forests, and freely roaming wild animals.
Before your trip to the park, make sure you are familiar with the bear safety guidelines, especially if you plan on camping within the park.
Location: Virginia
When to visit: The best time to visit Shenandoah National Park in spring and from June to October.
Points of interest: Skyline Drive, Old Rag Mountain, Dark Hollow Falls, Hawksbill Mountain, Mary’s Rock, Rose River Falls, Appalachian Trail, South River Falls, and Limberlost Trail.
Where to stay: Skyland Lodge, Big Meadows Lodge, or Lewis Mountain Cabins
Duration: 2 days (3-4 days if you want to see all the park and do some longer hikes)
What to pack: Don’t forget your cap like this one
2. Acadia National Park
Home to the most stunning landscapes, Acadia National Park sits on the coast of Maine and occupies half of the Mount Desert Island and parts of the Schoodic Peninsula and Isle au Haut. It covers an area of 49 075 acres and welcomes more than 3 mln visitors each year.
Originally, established in 1916 as National Monument, Acadia became the first national park on the east coast. The park offers rugged forests, high mountains, museums and visitor centres, caves, stunning coastal cliffs, and fascinating wildlife.
Visitors can enjoy various kinds of activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, biking, and walking. Acadia National Park’s visitor centre also provides guided tours with a horse-drawn carriage ride experience along the park’s carriage roads.
The park is suitable for families, couples, group of friends, and solo travellers, making it a perfect place for a short break away from the city.
Location: Maine
When to visit: All year round, but fall months are the best for seeing the most beautiful fall foliage in the USA.
Points of interest: Cadillac Mountain, Park Loop Road, Jordan Pond, Schoodic Point, Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, Sand Beach, Precipice Trail, Thunder Hole, and Carriage Roads.
Where to stay: Harbour Cottage Inn, The Inn on Mount Desert, Balance Rock Inn, or Asticou Inn
Duration: 3-4 days (7 days if you plan on exploring the surrounding villages)
3. Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Located in Ohio and named as state’s only national park, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is one of the smallest national parks in the USA. It was named after the Cuyahoga (‘Crooked River’) that runs through the park, which covers an area of 33 000 acres.
Established in 1974, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park has green hills, deep forests, open fields covered in wildflowers, stunning waterfalls, and numerous walking trails. Park’s visitors are welcomed to enjoy scenic train rides, biking, hiking, kayaking down the Cuyahoga River, and learning about sustainable farming.
The park is a perfect location for a short break while travelling in Ohio. Everyone will find something fun to do, including families with kids, couples, and group of friends.
Location: Ohio
When to visit: Spring (for waterfalls and wildflowers) and fall months (October for beautiful foliage).
Points of interest: The Ledges Trail, Blue Hen Falls, Brandywine Falls, Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, Beaver Marsh, Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, and Everett Covered Bridge.
Where to stay: Shady Oaks B&B, Inn At Brandywine Falls, Cuyahoga Valley Inn, or Quality Inn and Suites
Duration: 1-2 day
4. Congaree National Park
Covering a little bit more than 20 000 acres, Congaree National Park is a perfect place to experience the real wildness in the United States of America. It covers an area of 20 000 acres of natural beauty, including deep forests and green swamps. The park can be explored by walking, kayaking, or canoeing.
Congaree National Park offers fun attractions for everyone. The most popular thing is canoeing down to Cedar Creek and exploring one of the oldest forests east of the Mississippi.
Park’s visitors can enjoy fishing, camping, numerous miles of hiking and walking trails, and ranger-led programs suitable for kids and adults. It is also one of the best parks to visit with kids since there are various activities tailored just for kids.
Location: South Carolina
When to visit: Spring and autumn months offer the best weather to explore the park.
Points of interest: Boardwalk Loop Trail, Fireflies Trail, Congaree Swamp, Cedar Creek Canoe Launch, Congaree River Blue Trail, Bluff Trail, Fork Swamp Trail, Bates Ferry Trail, and Oakridge Trail.
Where to stay: Hotel Trundle, Sleep Inn near Ft. Jackson, Hampton Inn & Suites Columbia/Southeast-Ft. Jackson, or Americas Best Value Inn Fort Jackson
Duration: 2 days (3-4 days if you plan on exploring hiking trails)
5. Everglades National Park
Created in 1947, Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States and the third-largest park in the lower states after Yosemite and Death Valley. It occupies an area of 1.5-million acres of wetlands.
The park is home to American crocodiles, West Indian manatees, leatherback turtles, a big variety of birds, and Florida panthers. Due to its unique ecosystem, Everglades National Park is listed as a World Heritage Site.
Everglades is known for never-ending coastal mangroves, sawgrass marshes, pine woods, and river, making it a fun place for a short break out of city buzz. The park also offers various campgrounds for visitors who aren’t afraid of insects and humid weather!
Location: Florida
When to visit: From November to March or winter months for wildlife. Avoid visiting in summer since it is hot, humid, and full of thunderstorms and mosquitoes.
Points of interest: Anhinga Trail, Pay-Hay-Okee Lookout Tower, Shark River Slough, Mahogany Hammock, Paurotis Pond, Flamingo Visitor Centre, Gumbo Limbo Trail, and Shark Valley.
Where to stay: Travelodge by Wyndham Florida City/Homestead/Everglades, Captains Table Lodge and Villas, Glades Haven Cozy Cabins, Everglades International Hostel, or Redland Hotel
Duration: 1-2 days
6. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Established in 1934, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the United States. It is well-known for its diversity of plants, the stunning beauty of ancient mountains, and rich wildlife, including a large population of black bears.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is usually called the ‘mecca for outdoor lovers’ because of countless hiking trails, waterfalls, and walks. It is also known for having the biggest bear population in the USA, more than 1500 bears live in the park.
The national park is located within the Blue Ridge Mountains (a subrange of Appalachian Mountains) that are a popular destination for fall foliage viewing. If you are adventurous, you can take a 72-mile hike on Appalachian Trail.
Location: Between borders of North Carolina and Tennessee
When to visit: From June to November for the great weather and stunning nature.
Points of interest: Cades Cove, Clingmans Dome, Newfound Gap, Mount Le Conte, Grotto Falls, Chimney Tops, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Sugarlands Visitor Centre, Abrams Falls Trail, and Laurel Falls.
Where to stay: Dancing Bear Lodge Townsend, Tremont Lodge & Resort, Sidney James Mountain Lodge – Downtown Gatlinburg, Hampton Inn Gatlinburg Historic Nature Trail, or Two Rivers Lodge
Duration: 3-4 days (5-6 days if you plan on hiking)
What to pack: Take a drone with you like this one
7. Mammoth Cave National Park
Named as one of the most unique national parks in the United States, Mammoth Cave National Park is a magnificent natural wonder. It has the longest cave system in the world. Thousands of tourists visit the park every year and take breath-taking underground cave tours.
Park’s visitors have a chance to take several cave tours which last for a bit more than 2 hours and take them through the maze of the cave system. The most popular tour is Historic Tour which includes Bottomless Pit and Mammoth Dome. Be aware that the cave is cold year-round, so pack an extra layer.
If you are spending there more than 1 day, the national park offers great walking trails through the hills and along deep river valleys. You can also enjoy a Green River ferry ride.
Location: Kentucky
When to visit: To avoid crowds, visit during winter, early spring or late fall.
Points of interest: Hades’ Realm, Bottomless Pit, Frozen Niagara, the Great Onyx Cave, River Styx, Demeter’s Realm, Mammoth Cave Railroad, Cedar Sink Trail, Sand Cave, Green River Ferry, Heritage Trail, and Sloan’s Crossing Pond.
Where to stay: Grand Victorian Inn, The Lodge at Mammoth Cave, Serenity Hill Bed & Breakfast, Hickory Cabins, Cottages at Briar Creek, or Sunset Terrace Rooms
Duration: 1-2 days
8. Biscayne National Park
One of the most famous national parks in Florida, Biscayne National Park is well-known among locals and tourists. Established in 1980, the park has now become the most popular location for a day trip from Miami.
Biscayne National Park is home to coral reefs, mangrove forests, and stunning marine wildlife, including colourful reef fishes, stingrays, moray eels, and sea turtles. It is the most known for the beauty of Biscayne Bay and the third-largest offshore reef in the world.
Unlike other USA’s national parks, Biscayne is more than 90% underwater. Due to this reason, the park offers countless diving and snorkelling tours which allow everyone to see the real beauty of Biscayne.
The national park is perfect for families, couples, friends, and solo travellers.
Location: Florida
When to visit: Avoid June to November (hurricane season), and visit cooler months (spring and winter).
Points of interest: Coral Reef, Sands Key, Dante Fascall Visitor Centre, The Wall dive, Spite Trail, Wreck snorkelling, Boca Chita, Convoy Point, Jones Lagoon, Jones Family Historic District, Adam’s Key, and Elliott Key.
Where to stay: Boca Chita Key Campground, Andy Resort, Homestead Inn, Quality Inn Miami South, La Quinta Inn & Suites, or Gables Inn
Duration: 1 day (2 days if you plan on taking diving/snorkelling tours)
What to pack: Lightweight camera like this one
9. Dry Tortugas National Park
The most remote national park in the United States of America, Dry Tortugas National Park offers visitors exceptional natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and fascinating history. Most of the tourists visit Dry Tortugas for a day trip from Key West.
Located on the remote islands, the national park is famous for stunning octagonal Fort Jefferson, clear blue waters, colourful coral reefs, 300 species of birds, a white sandy beach, and vast marine wildlife.
Park visitors can enjoy the sight of sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins, and turquoise fishes. If you are brave enough, you can book a snorkelling or diving tour. You will be able to explore countless shipwrecks and see the beauty of the third-largest barrier reef in the world.
Just be aware that you can only reach Dry Tortugas with a ferry or plane depending on the weather conditions.
Location: Florida
When to visit: November to April is the best time to visit; avoid going between October and January.
Points of interest: Coral Reef, Sands Key, Dante Fascall Visitor Centre, The Wall dive, Spite Trail, Wreck snorkelling, Boca Chita, Convoy Point, Jones Lagoon, Jones Family Historic District, Adam’s Key, and Elliott Key.
Where to stay: You can’t stay in the Dry Tortugas National Park. The closest area with hotels is Key West (about 70 miles away) which offers several hotels: Sunset Key Cottages, Santa Maria Suites Resort, Parrot Key Hotel & Villas.
Duration: 1 day
10. Isle Royale National Park
Isle Royale National Park is the least visited national park in the United States because of its remote location – on Lake Superior. You can only reach the park by ferry or seaplane. You will need to pack everything that you need as it has very limited services.
Isle Royale National Park is the true paradise for hikers, backpackers, scuba divers, and adventure seekers. It is definitely not a family-friendly place.
The park consists of the main island, Isle Royale, and hundreds of other islands (some of them can’t be reached without a park ranger). It offers historic lighthouses, strenuous hiking trails, guided cruises, and unique wildlife.
Location: Michigan
When to visit: Late August is the best month to visit the park since the weather is still good, fewer insects, and not many visitors. Park is completely closed from November until mid-April.
Points of interest: Rock Harbour, Minong Ridge, Scoville Point, The Stoll Memorial Trail, Suzy’s Cave, Greenstone Ridge Trail, Rock Harbour Lighthouse, Menagerie Island Lighthouse, Passage Island, Lake Superior, Hidden Lake, and Edisen Fishery.
Where to stay: Rock Harbour Lodge is the only lodging facility in the national park. You can also stay at one of the camper cabins in Windigo (June through September) or at the campsites if you are hiking.
Duration: 3-4 days
Conclusion
The east coast of the United States has several magnificent national parks which boast of natural beauty and rich wildlife. These parks offer numerous activities, including hiking, kayaking, canoeing, diving, snorkelling, and more. They are definitely worth your time.
This article introduced you to the most stunning parks on the east coast. Some of them can be easily reached from the main cities, others will require a long ferry ride (or even a seaplane!). While visiting these national parks you will learn about their history, importance, and wildlife.
We hope you will be able to visit at least a couple of the east coast’s national parks and enjoy what they offer. Have fun during your trip!
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