25 Best East Coast National Parks & Park Sites

Are you looking for the best East Coast National Parks? If so, you’re in the right place.

I’m based in North Carolina and have visited many National Parks and other park sites up and down the East Coast.

From Maine’s Acadia National Park to Florida’s Dry Tortugas National Park, there are plenty of places for you to explore.

Whether it’s taking in breathtaking panoramas from mountaintops or strolling along sandy beaches, each park offers something special that will make your trip unforgettable.

It always seems like the West Coast gets all the hype. Don’t get me wrong, I know that the Tetons and Pacific Northwest offer some of the most stunning scenery in the US but don’t dismiss the natural beauty here on the East Coast.

Visiting these National Parks might help you appreciate it even more!

Table Of Contents

Best National Parks on the East Coast
Other East Coast National Park Sites
Tips for Visiting East Coast National Parks
East Coast National Parks Road Trips
Map of National Parks on the East Coast
National Parks on the East Coast by State

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Best National Parks on the East Coast

Here are the best East Coast National Parks with what to do in each one, the best hikes, and when to visit.

1. Acadia National Park

sunrise over the ocean beyond the treeline in one of the best East Coast National Parks — Photo by Ran Ding on Unsplash

Situated on Maine’s rugged coastline, this park is one of the most beautiful and diverse places to explore in all of New England. From hiking to camping to kayaking, there are plenty of activities here that will make your trip unforgettable.

Take in a sunrise at Cadillac Mountain (must have a reservation), visit Bass Harbor Head Light Station, or take a walk along Sand Beach. Park Loop Road connects many of the scenic points of interest in Acadia.

If you love to hike then take the Beehive Trail, South Bubble Trail, Cadillac Summit Loop, or Jordan Pond Path.

For some of the best kayaking around, rent a kayak from the National Park Service or take a tour with Maine State Sea Kayak. There are a variety of tours you can take and you’ll have the chance to see lots of wildlife like seals, porpoises, and bald eagles.

The best time to visit Acadia is in late June or September but if you want peak fall foliage then you’ll want to visit in mid-October. Some park facilities close from late fall into early spring and they see the most visitors in July and August.

2. Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Cuyahoga Valley NP is one of the underrated East Coast National Parks though some people do consider it to belong to the Midwest. From biking on the Ohio and Erie Towpath Trail, visiting Beaver Marsh, and hiking to all the waterfalls, there are tons of unique things to do here.

Some of the most popular trails are the Ledges Trail, Brandywine Gorge Trail, Blue Hen Falls, and Pine Grove Trail.

You can also take a ride on the beautiful Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad which takes about 3.5 hours round trip.

The best time to visit is late spring through early fall but there are still plenty of activities available in winter such as cross-country skiing and sledding.

3. Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah is a must-visit National Park on the East Coast for anyone who loves to hike. From spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains to wildlife spotting and more, there are plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy at this park.

Popular things to do include driving Skyline Drive, going on hikes such as Old Rag and Stony Man, and checking out the nearby small towns.

Other great hikes in Shenandoah are Hawksbill Mountain, Doyles River Falls, Rose River Falls, Compton Peak, and Dark Hollow Falls. Spring is the best time for waterfall hikes.

When I visited Shenandoah, I spent some time in Front Royal, Luray, Elkton, Sperryville, and just a couple of hours in Waynesboro. This led to me creating the perfect Shenandoah National Park itinerary.

Make sure to stop by Skyland Resort or Big Meadows Lodge and try the Blackberry Ice Cream Pie.

The best times to visit are spring and late summer/early fall before the leaf peepers come. My trip was in September and the weather was absolutely perfect. Warm days and cool nights and there were no crowds.

If you do want to see the fall foliage then I highly recommend visiting on weekdays in October.

4. New River Gorge National Park

This is one of the best National Parks on the East Coast for adventure junkies. Here, you can go whitewater rafting, drive the scenic Fayette Station Road, and visit Sandstone Falls.

If you love to get a different perspective on things, then be sure to go on the Bridge Walk Tour to walk the catwalk under the New River Gorge Bridge. You’ll be fastened to safety cables 25′ under the massive bridge on a 24″ wide catwalk. You don’t get a better view of the gorge than this!

For some of the best hikes, check out Endless Wall, Long Point, and Kaymoor Mine Trail. I already mentioned Sandstone Falls, but it’s a great short hike but leads to the largest waterfall on the New River. It’s one of the best hikes in the southeast.

The best time to visit is April through October but if you want peak fall foliage then come in mid-October. Gauley Season also begins on the first weekend after Labor Day and ends in mid-October. This is the best time to raft the famous Gauley River.

I’ve done the Gauley once on a private trip (not a commercial raft) and that was enough for me. Like I said, if you are an adrenaline junkie though, you’ll be in heaven.

Don’t miss the adorable town of Fayetteville where you can eat at Pies & Pints and grab a drink from one of their breweries.

5. Mammoth Cave National Park

This is a unique East Coast National Park as so much of it is located underground! One of the best things to do here is to take a cave tour and there are multiple tours to choose from.

You can also go kayaking on either the Green or Nolin River and hike or bike the Mammoth Cave Railroad Trail.

The best hikes in the park are the River Styx Spring Trail, Echo River Spring Trail, and Sinkhole Trail, all of which offer peaceful walks through the forest.

Memorial Day through Labor Day is the best time to visit and you’ll find the most tours offered during the summer months. The Visitor Centers and cave are still open in the winter though.

6. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Smoky Mountains really are something to behold. I still remember the first time I visited when I saw that iconic “smoke” hugging the mountain tops.

A few must-dos: drive the loop in Cades Cove but check when it is closed to motor vehicles, waterfall hikes, climb Clingman’s Dome, and take in a sunrise at Newfound Gap.

We hiked Abrams Falls and absolutely loved it. If you’re on the Tennessee side, you can also rent UTVs to drive through the park. Another iconic hike here is Alum Cave to Mount LeConte.

This is where you’ll find some of the best hikes on the East Coast so if you can get out on the trail definitely do!

Note that they are implementing a paid parking system this year so make sure that you get your parking pass!

Spring is the perfect time to visit the Great Smoky Mountains so you can miss the summer crowds as it’s the most visited National Park in the country. Late summer and early fall are also good times but during peak leaf season it gets CRAZY.

7. Congaree National Park

Congaree is a bit controversial as many people actually aren’t a fan of this park. However, if you really want to experience this park, then you need to get out in a kayak or canoe.

The Cedar Creek Canoe Trail is the most popular water trail in the park and if you don’t have your own kayaking or canoe equipment, you can book a guided tour.

For hiking, you’ll want to do the Boardwalk Loop Trail, Weston Lake Loop, and Oakridge Trail. Make sure that you bring insect repellent no matter what you are doing in the park.

Birding is a popular activity here and the Kingsnake Trail is one of the best places to do that. Fishing is also popular but you need a valid SC fishing license.

Spring and Fall are the best times to visit but winter isn’t bad. You’ll want to avoid the summer months because it’s very hot and humid and the mosquitos are terrible.

8. Biscayne National Park

Biscayne National Park is unique because it’s made up of 95% water so you really have to get out on a boat to experience the park.

With that said, taking a boat tour, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, and snorkeling are some of the best things to do in this East Coast National Park.

The park also encompasses the northernmost area of the Florida Keys so head out to Adams Key, Elliot Key, or Boca Chita Key via boat of course. There are trails out here and the Boca Chita Lighthouse is pretty iconic.

Winter brings the best weather and fewer bugs but summer offers calmer and clearer water if you are looking to snorkel.

9. Everglades National Park

The Everglades is home to an incredible variety of wildlife and birds, with alligators, crocodiles, and manatees being some of the most iconic animals in the park.

One of the best things to do in the Everglades is to take one of the airboat tours for a chance to witness gators up close. Tyler and I did a private tour with Mack’s Fish Camp and I cannot recommend it enough.

Yes, it is expensive but I wanted a real airboat experience and didn’t want to be packed into a huge one with 50 other people.

Other activities include kayaking, fishing, birding, and biking in different areas of the park. You can even see the Nike Missile Base which was completed during the Cold War.

The best hikes are Anhinga Trail, Pinelands Trail, and Pahayokee Overlook. Another great trail is the Tram Road in the Shark Valley section of the park. You can ride the tram or bike on the road.

Don’t forget that there are different sections of the park that you must use different entrances to reach. They are not connected within the park.

There is the Homestead section with the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center that leads to the Flamingo Visitor Center. Then the Shark Valley and Gulf Coast sections.

March through April is the best time to visit as it’s the dry season and this is when you’ll find the most ranger-led tours available. This is also when the park is the most crowded.

10. Dry Tortugas National Park

Dry Tortugas National Park is a remote and beautiful destination located 70 miles off the coast of Key West, Florida. It can only be reached by seaplane, ferry, or private boat making it a unique experience for those looking to explore an untouched paradise.

The park offers many activities such as snorkeling, fishing, viewing wildlife, and exploring historic Fort Jefferson.

If you’re brave enough you can even go camping here for a few nights – it’s an absolutely unforgettable adventure!

You’ll want to plan your trip to Dry Tortugas well in advance because both the ferry and seaplane book up months ahead of time. The only way you can get last minute transportation is if someone cancels their reservation.

You can get on the wait list for the seaplane or you can try to get on the ferry as a standby passenger. This means you must get to the dock as early as possible the day you want to go.

A sign-up sheet is available at 6:30am but I’ve heard of people getting there as early as 5am to line up. This is completely dependent on whether there are no-shows that day.

In the winter months the seas are rough but the weather is nicer. May through October it is very hot but the water is much clearer.

11. Virgin Islands National Park

If you are looking for paradise then Virgin Islands National Park is it. Located on St. John in the US Virgin Islands, it features stunning white sand beaches, historic structures, and incredible seaside views.

Some of the most popular things to do are snorkel along the Trunk Bay underwater snorkel trail, visit plantation ruins, and lounge on beautiful beaches.

There are also several hikes available and some of the best are the Cinnamon Bay Trail, Reef Bay Trail, and Ram Head Trail.

On our honeymoon, Tyler and I did the Cinnamon Bay Trail and this was in 2019 before they had rebuilt from hurricane damage. We had the beach entirely to ourselves for a few hours and it was magical.

Now there is a campground and restaurant here so I’m sure it’s much busier.

To get here you must fly into St. Thomas then take a ferry to St. John. Many people make St. John a day trip on their St. Thomas itinerary, but you can always opt to stay on St. John.

The park is open year-round but high season is November through March when the temperatures are cooler. You may want to avoid hurricane season which is August – November. Summer is hot but not unbearable.

Other East Coast National Park Sites

While there are currently 63 National Parks that get most of the attention, there are 424 total National Park units in the system. Here is a list of a few of those that are on the East Coast.

You can find the full list by state below but I’ve chosen these based on my personal preferences and love of beautiful outdoor spaces.

Abbreviations include National Monument (NM), National Recreation Area (NRA), National Seashore (NS), National Historical Park (NHP), National Memorial (N MEM), National Military Park (NMP), and National Preserve (N PRES).

12. Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument

This National Monument is a beautiful outdoor space located in northern Maine but it often gets overlooked due to its remote location and lack of traditional tourist attractions.

Despite this, the area has so much to offer for those willing to take the time to explore it. With miles of hiking trails, numerous lakes and ponds, incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, and stunning views of Mount Katahdin itself, there’s no shortage of things to do here.

Drive the Katahdin Loop Road, go fishing (with a valid license), or take a hike – there are many trailheads off of Katahdin Loop Road.

Be aware when driving because logging trucks use these roads as well.

13. Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

The Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area offers a unique combination of natural beauty and historic sites. Located just off the coast of Massachusetts, this park system contains 34 islands and peninsulas that are accessible by ferry or private boat.

Visitors can explore beautiful forests, Civil War-era forts, tide pools, and lighthouses while taking in stunning views of the harbor.

This is a very popular destination for families as you’ll find a wide variety of things to do here from swimming at various beaches to hiking to exploring the historic structures.

This is also a unique park because in addition to being part of the National Park System it is also a State Park.

14. Statue of Liberty & Governors Island National Monuments

These East Coast National Park Sites offer a unique combination of history, culture, and natural beauty. Located in New York Harbor just off the coast of Manhattan, these two monuments are accessible by ferry or private boat.

Visitors can relax, play in the green spaces on Governors Island, or take a guided walking tour and explore Fort Jay.

Liberty Island and Ellis Island make up the Statue of Liberty NM where you can visit the famous statue, the Statue of Liberty Museum and the Museum of Immigration on Ellis Island.

15. Assateague Island National Seashore

Assateague Island National Seashore is a beautiful barrier island off the Maryland and Virginia coast. It’s known for its white sand beaches, wild ponies, and diverse wildlife.

The island is accessible by car or boat and visitors can enjoy things like swimming, fishing, kayaking, camping, bird watching, horseback riding, and more!

There are also several historic sites to explore, including Assateague Lighthouse which is on the Virginia Side in Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach day or an adventure-filled weekend getaway camping at the beach, this is the perfect spot.

16. Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park

This is a great destination for visitors looking to experience nature and history in one place. Located in Paterson, New Jersey, it’s a beautiful spot just outside of Newark.

One of the main features of the park is the stunning 77-foot waterfall on the Passaic River. Visitors can explore trails that offer breathtaking views of the falls and surrounding area.

You can also take a free guided walking tour with one of the park rangers where they explain the role of the Falls in the city’s history and how Paterson was the first planned industrial city in the US.

17. Flight 93 National Memorial

If you are even remotely in the vicinity of this park, I highly recommend you make a stop here. This is one of the most moving National Park sites on the East Coast.

The Visitor Center contains a museum about what happened to Flight 93 with many personal accounts. Bring tissues – I had to leave halfway through because I knew I was going to start crying.

From the Visitor Center, you can drive or hike to the Memorial Plaza which is near the crash site. The Tower of Voices is close to the entrance of the park and is an amazing place of reflection.

The tower stands 93 feet tall and is made of 40 wind chimes representing the 40 passengers and crew members on the plane.

18. Gettysburg National Military Park

This is probably one of the most well-known battlefields in the United States. It’s located in Pennsylvania and is the site of a major battle during the Civil War and home to many monuments, memorials, and historic buildings that commemorate it.

When visiting Gettysburg National Military Park, visitors can take guided tours of the battlefields, explore over 1,300 monuments and markers that tell stories from both sides of the war, visit museums dedicated to soldiers who fought at Gettysburg, or attend living history demonstrations.

You can also take a self-guided auto tour if you prefer. The Military Park surrounds the town of Gettysburg which is also cute to explore.

19. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

This gorgeous park is located in West Virginia but right at the border of Maryland and Virginia. It sits right on the intersection of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers.

Harpers Ferry was home to the second armory in the US, the site of John Brown’s raid, and the location of a Civil War battle so history buffs will love it here.

You’ll want to explore the exhibits and museums of Lower Town, cross the Potomac River on the pedestrian bridge, and hike one of the gorgeous trails.

We only had a couple of hours to explore this East Coast National Park but I could have stayed for a couple of days.

20. National Capital Region Parks

How can you pick just one of the sites in the Washington DC area? It’s impossible! This region includes sites like the Lincoln Memorial, World War II Memorial, the National Mall and so much more.

When I was younger, I had no interest in visiting DC and seeing the memorials and museums but now I really enjoy them. You could plan a trip here for a few days and spend the entire time visiting National Park sites.

21. Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

Located on the border of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia at the intersection of the Appalachian Mountains and Cumberland Plateau, this is an area filled with stunning views and rich history dating back centuries.

Visitors can take advantage of over 80 miles of trails that offer breathtaking views from ridge tops as well as explore historic sites including the Hensley Settlement—an abandoned mountain village.

You can also take guided tours of Gap Cave from mid-April through September. This is a great park for nature and wildlife enthusiasts.

22. Blue Ridge Parkway

As the number one most-visited National Park site, this one had to be included on the list of best East Coast National Parks.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic parkway that connects Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the south to Shenandoah National Park in the north.

The stunning mountain vistas in North Carolina lead to rolling farmland through Virginia and there are many great hikes along the parkway where you can stop and stretch your legs.

You’ll also find many cute small towns (especially the small towns near Asheville) where you can stop and stay the night if you want to stretch out your trip.

Popular stops in NC along the Parkway are near Asheville and Boone.

23. Cape Hatteras & Cape Lookout National Seashores

Both of these are absolutely gorgeous stretches of the North Carolina coastline where you can enjoy a relaxing day on the beach and see two iconic NC lighthouses.

Getting the Cape Lookout does require taking a ferry but that’s part of the fun – make your reservation in advance! You can also stop by Shackleford Banks which is famous for the wild ponies.

You can drive to Cape Hatteras National Seashore and the lighthouse there so it’s easier to get to.

24. Little River Canyon National Preserve

Little River Canyon is an incredible natural wonder located in northeastern Alabama. With its stunning cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests, this park provides a unique experience for visitors of all ages.

There are plenty of activities to enjoy such as hiking trails with spectacular views, fishing spots along the Little River (with the correct license), and picnic areas perfect for a family lunch.

Visitors can also go kayaking, bicycling, or horseback riding depending on their interests. If you aren’t that adventurous then just drive the scenic Little River Canyon Rim Parkway.

25. Cumberland Island National Seashore

Cumberland Island is an incredible destination off the coast of Georgia. It’s Georgia’s largest barrier island and home to pristine beaches, stunning wildlife, and a rich history.

The area has been inhabited by Native Americans for thousands of years and was once owned by wealthy families like the Carnegie family who built lavish mansions on the island.

Today it’s a popular spot for visitors looking to experience nature in its purest form and the white sand beaches, marshes full of birds, wild horses roaming free, and plenty of trails that take you back into history.

You can also explore the Dungeness Ruins, Plum Orchard Mansion, and First African Baptist Church on the island.

Tips for Visiting East Coast National Parks

It’s always a good idea to check out the official National Parks website and the specific pages for the park that you plan on visiting.

This is where they will have information for any closures or other important announcements.

Leave No Trace

When visiting our National Parks please be aware of the Leave No Trace Principles! There are seven principles:

Plan Ahead & Prepare
Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces
Dispose of Waste Properly
Leave What You Find
Minimize Campfire Impacts
Respect Wildlife
Be Considerate of Others

Pack out what you bring in, don’t venture off trail, keep a respectful distance from wildlife, and don’t take anything out of the park are major things to know. Check out their website, linked above, for more information.

Get Necessary Permits

This could be timed entry permits, backpacking permits, or commercial photography and videography permits.

Off the top of my head, you’ll have to get a permit to drive up Cadillac Mountain at sunrise in Acadia National Park. A permit is also required to hike Old Rag in Shenandoah National Park.

You can find permit requirements for all parks on the National Park Service’s website.

Consider Weather When Planning

Photo of my sister and I at the waterfall before we started hearing thunder.

Check, double-check, and triple-check the weather! I am the world’s worst at this and my sister and I got caught out in a thunderstorm while hiking in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Thankfully, nothing bad happened to us and it’s one of the funniest stories now but it could have turned out much worse.

Checking the weather is especially important if you’re visiting a mountainous region because weather can change so quickly. Make sure to bring layers and rain gear just in case.

Research Dangerous Wildlife

Some people may think that animals on the East Coast aren’t as dangerous as those on the West Coast but that’s not the case. Bears here are black bears instead of grizzlies so they typically aren’t as aggressive but still dangerous.

Venomous snakes are one of the major concerns – if you’re out hiking, you can use a trekking pole or stick to tap rocks or move brush back.

In the northeast, moose are common and very dangerous. Make sure to research the specific park you’ll be visiting and know what to keep an eye out for.

Make Peak Season Reservations Well in Advance

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited National Park in the country and the Blue Ridge Parkway is the most visited National Park Site.

There are long lines to get into Shenandoah in the fall and Acadia gets very crowded in summer and fall. You absolutely need to make reservations if you plan on visiting during the busy season!

East Coast National Parks Road Trips

Many of the National Parks on the East Coast are so spread out that it can make it difficult to plan a road trip. Especially if you only have a week to visit.

Here are three ideas for the easiest National Parks road trips on the East Coast.

Florida National Parks Road Trip

You can hit three different National Parks at the southern end of Florida pretty easily. The hardest one to visit will be Dry Tortugas so I recommend making plans for that one first and then planning the rest of the trip around that.

The Everglades and Biscayne would be the other ones to visit on this trip so you can head down to Key West to check off Dry Tortugas and then come back up to knock out the other two.

For the best weather, you’ll want to do this trip in the winter months but the shoulder season will bring fewer crowds. Shoulder season here is spring and fall though fall is also hurricane season too.

Shenandoah, Blue Ridge Parkway, Great Smoky Mountains

This is the perfect road trip for mountain-lovers. Start at the northern end of Shenandoah in Front Royal and make your way down Skyline Drive. While you’re at it, check out some of the breweries near Shenandoah National Park.

At the southern end of the park, you can pick up at the northern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Drive the parkway all the way from Afton, VA down to Cherokee, NC where you come out on Highway 441 right next to the Oconoluftee Visitor Center for Great Smoky Mountains NP.

You can then drive 441 through the National Park and over to Gatlinburg, TN. Check off three of the most popular National Park sites plus three gorgeous states!

New River Gorge, Snowshoe, Davis

West Virginia is one of the best states for road trips and honestly an underrated road trip destination in my opinion. This suggestion will only feature one National Park but it’s one of the newest in the system and there are plenty of other beautiful state parks to visit.

Start at the New River Gorge National Park and check out the adorable town of Fayetteville. Next make your way up to Snowshoe but stop in the town of Lewisburg on the way. There are some great places to stay in Snowshoe.

Cass Scenic Railroad State Park is a neat park close to Snowshoe where the Greenbrier River Trail begins. After Snowshoe, head up to Davis, WV where you can see West Virginia’s most photographed waterfall at Blackwater Falls State Park.

Canaan Valley State Park and the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area are two other must-visit places here. There are some really fun things to do in Davis!

Map of National Parks on the East Coast

This map includes all National Park sites on the East Coast – not just the ones mentioned in this article. See a full list below by state if you prefer that layout.

National Parks on the East Coast by State

Please note that this list and the map above are accurate to the best of my knowledge at the date of publishing. East Coast National Parks that span multiple states will only be mentioned once on the list.