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National Parks
From oceanside cliffs to fall foliage hot spots, here’s a top-down look at the best national parks east of the Mississippi.
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Though their West Coast counterparts get much of the fanfare, the East Coast has its share of gorgeous national parks. There are a whopping 13 national parks east of the Mississippi, and each one is chock-full of history and ecological wonders. From Acadia National Park with its photogenic lighthouses, to Shenandoah's scenic mountain drives, all the way to the subtropical marine ecosystem of Biscayne, this side of the country is as varied as it is magnificent. And where better to appreciate that natural beauty than in a protected national park?
Emily Pennington
If you're on the East Coast and looking for the best destinations to visit, I have you covered. Consider this your guide to East Coast national parks—including information on just how many the region can claim (it's complicated), and other burning questions answered in the FAQ section. From there, I've chosen nine favorite national parks on the East Coast—and this is coming from someone who has visited every single US national park—offering a bird's-eye view of what each has to offer, whether you're looking for coastal hikes or stand-up paddleboarding. East Coasters, consider this your ultimate guide to your next national park trip.
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View of the Jordan Pond in Acadia National Park
Getty1. Acadia National Park, Maine
Go for: Oceanside hiking, cycling, history
Easily one of the most stunning of the East Coast parks, Maine's Acadia is a beacon for nature lovers seeking tide pools, cliff-edge hikes, awe-inspiring fall foliage, and a fantastic gateway town to unwind in (Bar Harbor) after a day spent in nature. Don’t miss the famous popover pastries at Jordan Pond House, an antique teahouse surrounded by some of the park’s best hiking and cycling trails.
Where to stay: For the quintessential Bar Harbor seaside experience, it doesn’t get much better than the sunny decor at the Claremont Hotel. For a historic stay on the quiet side of Mount Desert Island, the forested, coastal views of the Asticou Hotel won’t disappoint. Or read our full guide on the best Airbnbs and hotels near Acadia.
Everglades National Park at sunset
Getty2. Everglades National Park, Florida
Go for: Alligator viewing, boating, birdwatching
Situated on 1.5 million acres of sawgrass slough, Florida’s Everglades might not look like a standard-issue national park at first glance, but it is a wonderland of wildlife and ecologically significant marshlands. Rent a kayak in the Flamingo area to explore its many marked canoe trails, or get up close and personal with the park’s most notorious residents—the alligators—on an airboat tour.
Where to stay: For funky parkside lodging that feels equal parts chic and Floridian, check out Port of the Islands Resort. Alternatively, you could opt to stay inside the park at the just-renovated Flamingo Lodge for modern rooms with water views.
The boardwalk at Congaree National Park
Getty3. Congaree National Park, South Carolina
Go for: Forest bathing, accessible trails, paddling
South Carolina’s Congaree National Park is home to the largest remaining expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest, making it a veritable Eden for tree lovers of all ages. Stroll the accessible 2.6-mile Boardwalk Loop Trail for glimpses of bald cypress knees and the seemingly infinite shady swamp.
Where to stay: Columbia is the nearest town, and Graduate by Hilton offers a colorful, central, and pet-friendly stay. For modern decor in a historic brick building and mornings full of locally-roasted coffee, check out Hotel Trundle.
Shenandoah National Park
Getty4. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Go for: scenic drives, epic leaf peeping, great trails
Tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains, just an hour and 20 minutes from Washington, DC, Shenandoah offers mountain views with thinner crowds than you'll find at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Motor your car along the 105-mile Skyline Drive or hike the formidable Old Rag Mountain for the best views of rolling Virginia farmlands.
Where to stay: For rustic, dog-friendly, in-park lodging, Big Meadows Lodge is a historic favorite that’s right on Skyline Drive. In nearby Huntley, Glen Gordon Lodge offers old-world quarters in a pastoral setting. Check out our comprehensive lodging guide for more options on where to stay in Shenandoah.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Getty5. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina & Tennessee
Go for: Mountainous hiking trails, scenic drives, wildlife photography
As the most visited park in the US, Great Smoky Mountains earns its reputation thanks to wilderness hiking paths, fiery fall foliage, roaring waterfalls, and a view-studded scenic drive. Though the park is free to enter, a new parking tag system aims to make recreation easier for the roughly 12 million folks who visit each year.
Where to stay: There are a myriad of bucolic gateway towns that will spoil you for choice. I recommend the homey cabins of The Swag, as well as the second-to-none dining and service at Blackberry Farm.
The Boca Chita Lighthouse at Biscayne National Park
Getty6. Biscayne National Park, Florida
Go for: Boating, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, scuba diving
It’s tough to find great scuba diving in the lower 48, but Biscayne National Park is a rare marine-based swath of public land that offers ocean recreation in spades. The park is more than 95% water, so water sports are the name of the game. Travelers can book guided scuba, paddleboard, and snorkeling expeditions to explore the salty depths.
Where to stay: For avid pointsmaxxers, the Home2Suites by Hilton in Florida City is a no-frills location nearby. For an elevated beach stay in the Keys, head to Reefhouse Resort to feel the sand between your toes.
New River Gorge National Park
Getty7. New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia
Go for: River rafting, hiking, fall foliage, rock climbing
New River Gorge is a perfect national park for those of us with short attention spans. In a single day, you could tackle an adrenaline-stoking rock climb, wind through lush forests on a scenic drive, and hike through a historic mining town that ends with sweeping vistas of the New River Gorge Bridge, the longest steel-span arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere. But if you go for the bridge, you'll stay for the world-class whitewater rafting.
Where to stay: Families and multigenerational groups will love the glamping opportunities, pool, and cozy cabins at Adventures on the Gorge. Boutique hotel seekers should beeline for the just-opened Hill Hall Hotel, set inside a century-old Fayetteville landmark.
The Brandywine Falls waterfall in Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Getty8. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
Go for: Stunning waterfalls, amazing fall foliage, hiking, a historic railroad
Set smack dab between Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley is an unexpected location for a national park, but its top-tier fall foliage, forested hiking trails, misty waterfalls, and 20-mile-long cycling path make it a haven for urban nature lovers. Don’t miss the opportunity to hop aboard a vintage diesel train and explore the area via the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.
Where to stay: For a historic, in-park B&B, book a homey room at The Inn at Brandywine Falls. For a cooler stay in the heart of Cleveland, the Kimpton Schofield will have you covered.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Getty9. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
Go for: Boating, snorkeling, Civil War history
As a park that’s 99% water, Dry Tortugas, which is set roughly 70 miles from Key West in the Gulf of Mexico, is full of surprises. Book a ferry ride aboard the Yankee Freedom for an all-day adventure to secluded beaches, pristine snorkeling spots, and an expert-led tour of Fort Jefferson—a major strategic point during the Civil War.
Where to stay: Given the park’s tiny size, Key West is your best bet for lodging. I love the old-world aesthetic of the Kimpton Lighthouse Hotel, but we wouldn't blame you for leaning toward the colorful, beachy feel of Margaritaville Beach House Key West.
FAQ:
Are there any national parks on the East Coast of America?
Yes, there are a handful of national parks on the East Coast of the United States. Most notably, Acadia, Everglades, Biscayne, Dry Tortugas, Shenandoah, and Congaree are all on the oceanfront or a short drive away.
How many national parks are there on the East Coast?
It depends on what you mean by East Coast. While there are 14 national parks situated east of the Mississippi River, easily accessible to road trippers out east, only six are within day-trip distance of the Atlantic Ocean itself.
Who is the only US president to work as a park ranger?
President Gerald Ford is the only US president who has served as a park ranger. He notably spent a summer in a seasonal role at Yellowstone National Park when he was 23 years old, later describing it as a pivotal event in his life.
What are the best national parks on the East Coast?
While every national park site has something truly spectacular to uncover, Acadia, Everglades, and Great Smoky Mountains are often thought of as the crown jewels of the East Coast parks. Acadia is revered for its history and incredible seaside hiking, Everglades for its biodiversity and wildlife, and Great Smoky Mountains for its impressive expanse of wilderness and massive network of trails.