Blessed with spectacular scenery and endless open space, the USA’s East coast National Parks are a must for anyone who loves nature. From intricate cave systems to whitewater rivers and stunning landscapes, the area is a paradise for hikers, cyclists and wildlife lovers.
From the rugged coastline of Acadia National Park in Maine to the majestic mountains of the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and North Carolina, these parks showcase a variety of landscapes, with many also steeped in American history. The changing seasons add an extra layer of charm, with vibrant fall foliage and blooming wildflowers in spring. Whenever you visit, you’ll discover endless opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences in the great outdoors.
For travel inspiration: USA destination guide
How many national parks are on the East Coast?
Talking about what constitutes the “East Coast” can vary depending on who you ask. Typically, it denotes the eastern shoreline of the United States. Yet, there are occasions when this description stretches to encompass parks in adjacent Midwestern states such as Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan. Although these parks aren’t directly along the coast, they are frequently associated with East Coast attractions because of their closeness and comparable natural environments.
When speaking geographically of states that touch the Atlantic Ocean, there are 7 national parks on the east coast – Acadia, Great Smoky Mountains, Shenandoah, Congaree, Everglades, Biscayne and Dry Tortugas. However there are many more that can be enjoyed when visiting this part of the US. To help you out, we’ve put together a selection of our favourites.
Shenandoah National Park
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Just 75 miles from the capital, Washington, D.C., the spectacular Shenandoah National Park is a haven for unforgettable vistas, cascading waterfalls, wildflower fields and wooded hollows. With over 200,000 acres of protected lands and 500 miles of hiking trails, there are endless ways to connect with nature. While once home to Appalachian farming communities, this east coast National Park is now a sanctuary for wildlife, including white-tailed deer, the black bear and numerous species of birds.
Running 105 miles along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the full length of the park, is the Skyline Drive. Famous for its stunning vistas, colors and foliage, the Skyline Drive is one of America’s National Scenic Byways. It takes about three hours to travel the entire length of the park and with 75 outlooks along the route there many vantage points from which you can enjoy spectacular views. Fabulous to visit at any time of year, spring offers the most colorful wildflowers along the drive, as well as blooming azaleas and mountain laurel, and the park is particularly impressive in the fall, when the leaves change to red and crimson.
Travel with Insight on Spectacular National Parks of Eastern USA and stay at the historic Skyland Lodge inside the park. Relax, reconnect with nature and sip cocktails whilst admiring views of the colorful Shenandoah Valley and one of the most beautiful national parks on the east coast. Enjoy a gentle hike on the Stony Man via Appalachian Trail for some of the best vistas and guests can also choose to take an optional Skyland Trail horseback ride.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, the vast Great Smoky Mountains National Park is considered one of the most biodiverse places in the world and a highlight in the national parks of the Eastern USA. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 525,000-acre park is home to nearly 20,000 species of plants, fungi and wildlife. The park also offers stunning waterfalls along wooded trails, and extensive hiking from easy trails to strenuous climbs, along with scenic drives such as the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.
On Spectacular National Parks of Eastern USA discover the importance of agriculture to the park’s ecosystem with a visit to the Mountain Farm Museum. This unique collection of farm buildings has been assembled from locations throughout this great national park of Eastern USA. Highlighting the importance and culture of agriculture within the park, explore a log farmhouse, barn, apple house and working blacksmith shop, to see how families may have lived 100 years ago. Then head to the secluded Collins Creek picnic site to savor a delicious and picturesque picnic lunch while overlooking the Smoky Mountains. Relax, enjoy tasty delights and bask in nature’s beauty.
Everglades National Park
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Everglades National Park, located in southern Florida, is a unique UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. Established in 1947, the park was created to protect the remarkable ecosystem of the Everglades, which has been threatened by draining and development throughout the 20th century. It is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including the endangered Florida panther, American crocodile, and numerous bird species such as the roseate spoonbill.
Stretching over 1.5 million acres, the park encompasses a variety of habitats, including sawgrass marshes, mangroves and hardwood swamps. Visitors can explore via hiking, canoeing and airboat tours. The park features several hiking trails and visitor centers, including the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, which provides valuable information about the park’s history and ecology.
Congaree National Park
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Established as a national park in 2003, Congaree protects one of the last remaining old-growth bottomland hardwood forests in the country. Waters from the Congaree and Wateree Rivers flow through the floodplain, delivering essential nutrients and sediments that revitalize the ecosystem and foster the growth of these impressive trees, (some over 1000 years old). Located in central South Carolina and spanning approximately 26,000 acres, the park is perfect for a range of activities from hiking and kayaking to birdwatching and is over 200 bird species.
Acadia National Park
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A stunning national treasure on the coast of Maine, Acadia National Park offers some of the most picturesque landscapes and diverse wildlife on the Eastern Seaboard. At approximately 50,000 acres, it contains the tallest mountains on the east coast and subalpine rocky summits. Mont Desert Island, where the park can be found is also home to the attractive town of Bar Harbor.
Attractions in the park include the Carriage Roads, a network of 45 miles of crushed stone paths, Thunder Hold, a natural inlet that creates dramatic crashing waves and Somes Sound, a deepwater fjord known as the only true fjord on the East Coast. You can also enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from Cadillac Mountain.
Biscayne National Park
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Encompassing over 172,000 acres, primarily water, Biscayne National Park was established in 1980. The park protects coral reefs, mangrove forests, Biscayne Bay, Florida Keys and 10,000 years of human history. Activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking and birdwatching provide opportunities to interact with the abundant marine life, including colorful fish, dolphins and sea turtles.
In the late 19th century, the area began to attract settlers and tourists due to its stunning beauty and rich marine life. In 1968, the area was designated as a national monument to protect its unique marine environment. This was a significant step in conservation efforts as increasing development and pollution threatened the fragile ecosystem. Biscayne National Park now plays a crucial role in preserving and protecting this fragile ecosystem for future generations.
New River Gorge National Park
Whilst not touching the Atlantic, America’s newest National Park, New River Gorge, is well worth a visit. Characterized by scenic mountains and breathtaking gorge views, with a whitewater river that winds dramatically through deep canyons, spanned by magnificent bridges. West Virginia’s New River is amongst the oldest on the continent and one of only a few in the world that flows northwards.
Spanning over 70,000 acres, rich in cultural and natural history and offering an abundance of scenic opportunities, this vast national park in northeast USA is the perfect destination for whitewater rafting, cycling, hiking and climbing. A standout feature is the New River Gorge Bridge, the longest single arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere. Visitors can stroll a picturesque boardwalk trail for magnificent bridge views.
Join us on Spectacular National Parks of Eastern USA and stay at the Resort at Glade Springs, set just outside the park. More than a hotel, the luxurious resort offers many amenities for you to enjoy during your stay, including a golf course and relaxing spa. Whilst at the park, guests can choose an optional guided Bridge Walk to learn all about the history of this engineering marvel.
Mammoth Cave National Park
Located in central Kentucky, Mammoth Cave National Park is one of the most unique East coast national parks and features the longest known cave system in the world. Home to rolling hills, deep river valleys, and thousands of years of human history and a rich diversity of plant and animal life, the park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve.
The park boast a limestone labyrinth cave system, with more than 400 miles explored, and estimates a potential for another 600 miles in its system. Beautiful, with lots of different formations and colors, the caves feature massive chambers with towering rock formations creating vast underground cathedrals. As well as the caves there is plenty more to do and explore while visiting this beautiful wilderness area, such as hiking, camping, horseback riding, fishing and kayaking.
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