National Parks are wonderful places to experience the outdoors and get close to nature – on a budget! There are some incredible National Parks on the East Coast of the United States, so I brought together the best tips and recommendations from my fellow travel bloggers for how to visit the 10 National Parks in East Coast USA, as well as some of the most beautiful protected areas on the East Coast, including National Seashores, National Forests and National Monuments.
Tips for Visiting National Parks
Buy the “America The Beautiful” Pass
If you plan on visiting several of these incredible East Coast National Parks or any others in the US, then buying a pass is definitely worth it. America the Beautiful National Parks Pass is an $80.00 Annual Pass that provides access to more than 2,000 recreation areas managed by five Federal agencies.
It is honored at sites managed by the Forest Service, National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation and Army Corps of Engineers so will cover all of the places mentioned in this article.
Each pass allows free entrance for a driver and all passengers in a personal vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas or up to 4 adults at sites that charge per person. Kids 15 & under get in free so there is no need to buy any additional passes for them.
The pass is valid for 1 year from the month of purchase and covers park admission only. It does not cover Expanded Amenity or Concessionaire fees such as parking, RV hookups, camping, shuttles, boat launches and guided interpretive tours
National Parks Money Saving Tip
If you plan to visit several parks in a year, don't forget to buy your National Parks Pass, which can save you a lot of money and gives you access to all National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands in the USA.Check Which Sites Require Permits
Some National Parks in the Eastern US may require you to register in advance of your visit, to ensure visitor numbers are controlled. Over the past few years with more people than ever visiting National Parks, it is important to manage how many people access the parks in order to preserve and protect these special places.
Others may require you to book transport in advance (such as Dry Tortugas National Park) or get camping permits if you want to stay overnight in the park. The bottom line is to do your research to make the most of your visit!
When to Visit the National Parks on the East Coast
There is no bad time to plan your national parks trip. Whether you visit in Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter there is something for everyone to enjoy!
Some of the parks in the north may get snow if you plan to visit the National Parks in winter, so trails may be closed but the parks are likely to be much quieter!
If you visit any of these National Parks in spring you can enjoy nature as it starts to wake up after winter, with spring flowers blooming. It may still be chilly on the northern East Coast, but the National Parks in Florida would be great to visit in spring.
Summer is the most popular time of the year to visit any of the National Parks in the US, so trails will be busier and you will need to reserve any permits well in advance to guarantee a place.
Fall is the best time to visit the National Parks in New England, thanks to the stunning fall foliage. It will be busy, but worth it for those gorgeous fall colors!
Plan an East Coast National Parks Road Trip
If you’d like to visit several of the National Parks on the East Coast, a road trip is a great way to see more of the US along the way, and some of the best East Coast road trips pass through these incredible parks. The below map can help to plan your route!
East Coast National Parks Map
Click the below image to open up the East Coast National Parks map in a new window. Each map item has more information about the parks, or scroll down to learn more about each of the National Parks on the East Coast of the US.
The 10 National Parks on the East Coast
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
One of the most incredible east coast national parks is definitely the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With the sprawling Appalachian Mountains, stunning cascades, and various hiking trails, a visit to the Smoky Mountains is a delight.
It also just happens to be the nation’s most visited national park!
While many people do visit and explore popular spots like Cades Cove, there are also ample opportunities to enjoy the stunning mountains, waterfalls, and wildlife without the crowds. For a challenging day hike, opt for the Mount Cammerer hike. This difficult trek is well worth it for the chance to have a mountain top practically empty and to spot the old fire tower at the top.
Baskins Creek Falls is another off-the-beaten-path hike with few people, meaning you can enjoy the brisk rushing waterfall all to yourself!
Aside from hiking, you can also explore the towns of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville nearby. And a visit to the Smoky Mountains feels even better if you stay in a cozy cabin with a mountain view.
For those on a strict budget, there are also ample campgrounds in the national park. Cades Cove and Cosby Campgrounds are great places to stay to be near some of the best parts of the park, namely the famous Cades Cove and the hidden gem Mount Cammerer.
Overall, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a fun place to visit year-round for those near the east coast!
By Kat, World Wide Honeymoon
Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is a spectacular place to visit. Situated at the western end of the Florida Keys, the park is home to an abundance of plant and animal life, as well as a rich history.
The park can be reached by boat ride or seaplane from Key West; though you need to reserve transport in advance as the park is extremely popular. Don’t forget to bring your National Parks Pass to get free entry into the park.
A highlight of the Dry Tortugas National Park is the historic Fort Jefferson. The fort is one of the largest masonry forts in the US and was built to protect the Gulf of Mexico from naval invasion.
The fort saw action during the Civil War when it was used as a prison for Union soldiers. Visitors can tour the fort, see its barracks, as well as understand its history.
The clear turquoise waters and coral reefs surrounding the Dry Tortugas are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. You can spot a variety of marine life, including sea turtles, stingrays, tropical fish, and even dolphins.
Hiking the moat around the fort and bird watching are other popular activities. There are no hotels on the island, but you can camp overnight to make the most of your stay, no reservations are required. Bear in mind that in order to camp you’ll need to come by ferry or private boat as the seaplane doesn’t offer transport for campers.
Kay of Dotted Globe
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Head to West Virginia’s New River Gorge National Park and Preserve for an outdoor adventure that offers white water rafting, rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, and a chance to take the thrilling Bridge Walk.
You’ll want to spend at least two days exploring this scenic park, spread out along 53 miles of the New River in southern West Virginia. See the Sandstone Falls area, hike the Grandview Rim or Endless Wall Trails, go rafting, or sign up for the Bridge Walk, to enjoy a unique perspective from over 850 feet above the gorge!
The trails and activities are clustered in different areas of the park, so it’s important to allow for driving time in between key attractions.
Accommodations include cabins and rentals along with hotels like the Quality Inn New River Gorge in Fayetteville (closest to the popular Grandview Area trails). Additional lodging/camping options can be found at Hawks Nest and other state parks.
The national park itself offers primitive camping. Staying just north of Beckley for two nights worked well for us to access the different sections of the park. For a bit of nostalgia, stop for a bite to eat at the King Tut Drive-In in Beckley!
I highly recommend using the National Park App and downloading the park for offline use before you go. As of April, 2022, there are no entrance fees to get into the park.
by Kath at familyTravelsUSA.com
Acadia National Park
Acadia is a beautiful coastal island park in Maine that is great for hiking, sightseeing, biking, and scenic drives.
The most popular season to visit Acadia is in the mid-summer months (June to August), although autumn can be very nice as well. The fall foliage here is stunning in October, just like many other places in New England.
Some of the best hikes in Acadia National Park include the Precipice trail, Beehive trail, Jordan Pond loop, and the Ocean Path. All of these Acadia hikes have stunning scenery of the ocean, cliffs, ponds, and more.
Acadia has hikes for all types and abilities. There are thrilling and hazardous cliff trails where you climb mountains with the help of metal rungs, but there are also many tame hikes that are great for kids and older folks.
Nearby lodges at Acadia include the historic Asticou Inn, which dates back to 1883 and was recently restored. There are also two campgrounds on Mount Desert Island (where the national park is located), and a third campground on the nearby Schoodic Peninsula.
By David & Intan, The World Travel Guy
Congaree National Park, South Carolina
Congaree National Park lies hidden in plain sight in central South Carolina, 30 minutes from Columbia. Away from the bustle of the capital lies one of the last hardwood bottomland forests in the country.
Come see state champion trees, towering above as you hike through the forest. There’s a hiking trail for everyone at Congaree, with something new to see around every turn.
Or, explore the park from the water. Bring your own kayak and paddle down Cedar Creek through the heart of the park.
Day trippers love the easy and accessible Boardwalk Loop Trail for a quick introduction to Congaree. Learn about water tupelo trees and cypress tree knees, admire the tallest loblolly pine tree in South Carolina, and watch turtles swim in Wise Lake.
Looking for a long weekend away? Set up camp at one of the two tent-only campgrounds in the park (you’ll need to reserve a camping permit), and take time for a longer hike out to the Congaree River.
If you prefer a more comfortable bed after all that hiking, head for the Holiday Inn Express or Hampton Inn on nearby Garners Ferry Road, just 20 minutes from the park entrance. Both include breakfast!
Check the river gauges and the weather before you head out for the day. This bottomland forest floods several times a year, a necessary and natural occurrence in this ecosystem, but it could put a damper on your hiking plans.
By Rachel, Means to Explore
Mammoth Cave National Park
Mammoth Cave National Park is known primarily for its massive cave, but also offers a lot of above-ground activities as well. The park is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve.
It is the world’s longest known cave system, and explorers have mapped over 400 miles of passageways in Mammoth Cave, with more being added each year.
The cave can only be entered on a guided tour, which must be reserved ahead. It can be chilly inside the cave, even in summer, so be sure to bring a light jacket. Choose your tour carefully as some include hundreds of steps and steep or slippery terrain.
The most popular tour through Mammoth Cave is the Extended Historic Tour. This 2 1/2 hour tour takes you down into the cave, where you’ll see massive limestone slab ceilings, deep pits, and squeeze through narrow passageways.
You’ll learn about the history of the cave, and see where some of the first European visitors left their names using candles hundreds of years ago. This tour includes some stairs, but is generally accessible to all ages without mobility issues.
There is no fee to enter the park or to use the hiking trails that pass above the cave. However, there is a charge for the cave tours which you will need to reserve in advance and a fee for using the campgrounds.
You can camp in the park at one of three campsites, or stay in nearby Cave City, Kentucky. For more details about visiting Mammoth Cave as a family, check out Underground Wonders: Mammoth Cave with Kids.
By Cynthia, Sharing the Wander
Shenandoah National Park
If you love mountain views, challenging hiking trails, or stunning waterfalls then Shenandoah National Park is the perfect East Coast National Park for you to visit.
Many people come to enjoy driving the winding Skyline Drive and stop at the overlooks to picnic or just absorb the view. The best time to get out is at dawn or dusk as that’s when you’re most likely to see wildlife.
The chance of seeing wildlife is even bigger on a hiking trail. You might see deer, turkey, or even black bears. Old Rag is the most iconic hike in the park, but it’s also one of the most strenuous. Other great hikes are Stony Man, Hawksbill, Doyles River Falls, and Blackrock. Waterfalls are best visited in the spring or after heavy rain.
Make sure to stop at the restaurants at Skyland or Big Meadows for the famous Blackberry Ice Cream Pie. If you love dessert, this is a must-do! Also, make some time in your schedule to explore the smaller towns nearby like Luray. Visit Luray Caverns to see the largest caverns in the eastern US.
The best place to stay is in one of the five campgrounds inside the park. You’ll be close to all the best trailheads as soon as you wake up. Big Meadows is the most centrally located campground but Mathews Arm or Loft Mountain have more secluded sites. Camping in Shenandoah really gives you the full experience of the National Park!
By Anna, Stuck On the Go
The Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park is the third largest park in the US just behind Death Valley and Yellowstone National Park it’s famous for its wildlife spotting opportunities, especially when it comes to alligators!
Located in southern Florida, the Everglades borders Big Cypress National Preserve and both are worth visiting via a self-guided Everglades tour where you can go at your own pace and spend as much time as you choose watching wildlife.
The best time to visit is in Florida’s dry season (November-March). During these months you’ll see the largest variety of wading birds and their predators as the animals tend to congregate in the small pools of water that remain. This creates prime animal watching spots for visitors. Aim to get out early in the day before it gets too hot for prime wildlife spotting opportunities.
Make sure to stop off at Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk. The boardwalk takes you out into the wetlands along a boardwalk where you can see alligators, crocodiles turtles and so many birds. Stopping off at Skunk Ape Headquarters is also a fun attraction. You can learn about the history (or myth!) of the Skunk Ape a kind of swamp version of Big Foot.
There are also several companies offering kayak tours where you can paddle down narrow lakes and creeks and even through incredible mangrove tunnels as you keep an eye out for a variety of unique birds, fish, and reptiles.
By Hannah, That Adventurer
Biscayne National Park
Biscayne National Park is 95% water and is home to the northernmost coral reef in the US and several sunken shipwrecks. Add in a scattering of small islands that are home to mangroves and picturesque lighthouses and there is plenty to explore.
The most popular way to experience the national park is on a snorkeling or diving trip. However, there are loads of other options. You can kayak around the mangrove estuaries and seagrass meadows, hike the trails and beaches, explore the famous Boca Chita Lighthouse, take a heritage boat cruise around the islands, discover historic Stiltsville Houses, or enjoy a sunset sail to see dolphins and manatees.
The national park is just 20 miles south of Miami. Boats leave from the main dock at Convoy Point, which is where the Dante Fascell Visitor Center is located.
There are two basic campgrounds in Biscayne National Park – on Boca Chita Key, the most popular island, and Elliott Key, the largest island. The nearest towns to the dock are Homestead and Florida City. Hoosville Hostel in Florida City has a pool, free WiFi and a kitchen and laundry, and is a great choice if you’re looking for a budget option nearby.
James Ian from Parks Collecting
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is certainly an incredible park to visit near the east coast because it is so easy to access. Whether you want to venture out for one day or a few, you’ll certainly find plenty of things to do in Cuyahoga.
Hiking the Ledges and Brandywine Falls are some of the most popular spots, but take your bicycle and ride the Towpath Trail to cover more ground and learn more about the historical significance of the park at the same time.
There are plenty of lodging options nearby, from budget-friendly to over-the-top. For more reasonably priced options, check out the Streetsboro KOA for modern camping. In the town of Macedonia, adjacent to the park, hotels like the Country Inn & Suites typically offer reasonably priced rooms.
There are no entrance fees for visiting Cuyahoga, and you’ll need a car to navigate between the best spots. While the Buckeye Trail, part of the longer North Country National Scenic Trail, passes through the park, there is no camping currently permitted within the park itself.
You’ll have to make it to the Brecksville Reservation for available campsites. Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a great spot to visit on the east coast with easy access from mid-sided cities like Cleveland and Akron, OH.
By Samantha, PAonPause
Other Incredible East Coast National Parks, Forests and Seashores
While these aren’t strictly speaking National Parks, these amazing places are part of the National Park System, and are protected areas of breath-taking natural beauty. If you want to visit some East Coast National Parks to get the best of nature then all of these are excellent choices!
Cape Cod National Seashore
The Cape Cod National Seashore in Massachusetts has over 40 miles of gorgeous coastline along the Atlantic and 11 incredible hiking trails to explore, making it one of the most beautiful stretches of land on the East Coast.
Visiting at least one of the six beaches is a must, with Coast Guard, Race Point and Herring Cove beaches all being beautiful options (you may even spot some seals swimming in the water here!).
If you’re looking to do a scenic hike, the Great Island Trail can’t be missed. With over 8 miles of both forest and coastline paths, you’ll pass by stunning sand dunes, salt marshes and lookouts.
For an affordable place to stay, check out North of Highland Campgrounds in North Truro, which has direct access via a walking path to Head of the Meadow beach, located within the National Seashore grounds.
Park fees are collected at the National Seashore beaches between Memorial Day and mid-September, and daily rates are $25 unless you have the America the Beautiful Pass, in which case entry is included. Parking at the Great Island Trail is free year-round, but fills up quickly, so it’s best to plan on arriving early.
By Samantha, New England Wanderlust
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
Established in 2016, Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is one of the newest units of the National Park system. The park located close to Mount Katahdin and Baxter State Park protects over 87,000 acres of Northern Maine woodland. There is currently no entrance fee for Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument.
The park has an odd and contentious history as well. Roxanne Quimby, one of the founders of Burt’s Bees, began purchasing land around Baxter State part with the intention of creating a national park. To get it pushed through, Quimby changed to lobbying for a National Monument which was granted in 2016. The park abuts logging areas which have a tumultuous relationship with the National Monument.
One of the best ways to visit the park is to drive the 17mile loop that runs through the National Monument. There are several marked and unmarked trails through the park that visitors can tramp. The park is super new as many trails and viewpoints appear recently constructed. The general lack of visitors improves the opportunity for solitude and wildlife viewing.
A good first stop for your visit is the Visitor Center which is not located in the park but instead in nearby Millinocket. The ranger can give great information and a map for visiting the park and area. Of important note, the national monument access shares roads with logging, which do have the right of way.
While close to Mount Katahdin, the park is not connected with the Appalachian trail, however a newer “international” Appalachian trail that continues on through Canada (and supposedly Europe) crosses through the park.
There are very few services in the Monument itself, the best option for food and lodging is in nearby Millinocket which is also a popular jumping-off point for Appalachian Trail hikers.
By Anwar, Beyond My Door
Pisgah National Forest
Spanning half a million acres in western North Carolina along the Tennessee border, Pisgah National Forest is a quieter alternative to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, featuring beautiful rolling mountains and cascading waterfalls.
Pisgah National Forest is home to Mount Mitchell, the tallest point east of the Mississippi river, standing at an elevation of 6,684 feet. Mount Mitchell is accessible via a challenging 12 mile round trip hike that gains 3,700 feet of elevation before reaching a stunning viewpoint at the summit, with views that stretch over 80 miles on a clear day. Alternatively, you can drive nearly all the way up to the summit and hike the remaining quarter mile along a paved trail to the summit.
Other great hikes in Pisgah National Forest include Sam Knob (2.5 miles, 500 feet elevation gain), Looking Glass Rock Trail (6.2 miles, 1750 feet elevation gain), Mount Pisgah trail (4.5 miles, 1000 feet elevation gain), Craggy Pinnacle Trail (1 mile, 250 feet), and Black Balsam Knob (1.5 miles, 350 feet). AllTrails is a useful resource to plan your trail hikes.
The closest major city to the Pisgah National Forest is Asheville, North Carolina. If you’re looking for a budget friendly place to stay in Asheville, check out the Asheville Hostel & Guest House, with private rooms for $77 per night.
Alternatively, there are plenty of campground options inside Pisgah National Forest. Mount Pisgah Campground, with 124 campsites for $20 per night, is conveniently located near many of the best hikes in the park.
By Sarah & Matt of Two Outliers
Gulf Islands National Seashore
While visiting Gulf Islands National Seashore, visitors can enjoy phenomenal white sand beaches, historic forts, hiking trails, bayous, and countless places for water sports, fishing, swimming, and more. Gulf Islands NS is a unique National Park property because it is located in two different states which do not border each other. This National Park property includes US Gulf Coast barrier islands in the Florida Panhandle and along Coastal Mississippi. Gulf Islands NS features 12 separate areas, including five islands only reachable by boat.
Those beaches are some of the most beautiful in the United States. The park beaches in the Santa Rosa Island and Perdido Key sections (both in Florida) are particularly pristine and magnificent. Many say the prettiest Coastal Mississippi beach is on Ship Island and it certainly feels like you are at the end of the world here. While visiting those beaches, also take time to explore and learn about the forts—Fort Massachusetts on Ship Island and Fort Pickens on Santa Rosa Island. Hikers will cherish The Florida Trail portion in Gulf Islands, as it is the only coastal section of any of the 11 National Scenic Trails.
Staying in the Gulf Islands campgrounds is a treat and the best lodging value. The Fort Pickens campground in Florida gives you the best access to amazing beaches for sunrise and sunset. Davis Bayou campground is the other park campground and is in the Mississippi section. Opportunities for boat-in backcountry camping are available on several of the barrier islands.
By Charles at US Gulf Coast
Assateague National Seashore
The Assateague Island National Seashore and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge straddle two East Coast states. There are National Park Service (NPS) entrances in Maryland and Virginia. The wild seashore stretches for miles, offering salt marshes, maritime forests, and coastal bays.
Even in the summer, you won’t feel crowded or on top of people. But you might be hanging out with wild Assateague Island and Chincoteague horses as they roam throughout the park.
The Wildlife Refuge opened in 1943. Operated within the U.S. Fish and Wild Life Service, the agency protects the lands and water so as to conserve America’s fish, wildlife, and plants.
Besides swimming, the Assateague Island National Seashore offers walking, hiking, and bicycling. You can also go birding. But during nesting seasons (March 15-September 15), the NPS closes off areas west of the recreational beach, including Toms Cove Hook and Assawoman Island. These regulations help to protect the coastal birds.
Note: Camping is only available on the Maryland side of Assateague Island. You can make reservations up to six months in advance. In Virginia, there are campgrounds near the park entrance. There is a $25 vehicle charge to enter park. There are five free park entrance days in 2022, including August 4 (Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act).
By Terri, FemaleSoloTrek
Chattahoochee National Forest, Georgia
Spanning 26 counties and encompassing nearly 867,000 acres of largely pristine land, the Chattahoochee National Forest is an outstanding haven for outdoor adventure seekers in the mountains of North Georgia.
The area was historically home to the indigenous Mississippian and Cherokee people, as well as the site of the Georgia Gold Rush (the first major gold rush in America) in the 1820s-30s and many prominent events during the Civil War.
Established as a National Forest in 1936, the area is home to unspoiled wilderness, trout-filled streams, towering waterfalls, peaceful lakes, and jaw-dropping Blue Ridge Mountain summits.
In addition to the world-renowned Appalachian Trail (whose southern terminus is on Georgia’s Springer Mountain), there are hundreds of miles of Chattahoochee National Forest hiking trails to explore.
There are easy hiking trails to Georgia waterfalls such as Amicalola Falls (the tallest in the state at 729 feet), Helton Creek Falls, Anna Ruby Falls, Dukes Creek Falls, and Trahlyta Falls.
There are also more challenging treks, such as the ones to the summits of Yonah Mountain and Rabun Bald (the second highest mountain in GA at 4,695 feet). But the tallest and most picturesque peak, Brasstown Bald, requires little hiking at all: there’s a shuttle service that takes you most of the way up to an observation tower, from which you can see four states.
There are tons of affordable cabin rentals in mountain towns such as Blue Ridge and Helen GA. For super budget-friendly camping and cottages, check out Unicoi and Vogel State Parks, but note that it’s best to reserve far in advance if you’re visiting on busy weekends.
By Bret & Mary, Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide
Block Island National Wildlife Refuge, Rhode Island
The Block Island National Wildlife Refuge is a true gem that was established in 1973 to protect the flora and fauna native to Block Island. A favorite spot for birdwatchers, it is home to different species of gulls and migratory birds, as well as seals, and other wildlife.
One of the nicest things to do is walk the half-mile along the shore of Block Island Sound to the historic North Lighthouse. Beyond the lighthouse, you’ll find beaches that come to a sandbar point with small waves hitting from different directions. It’s a good place to see seals relaxing on the beach. Make sure to wear shoes for your walk because the beach is rocky.
If you arrive for sunrise you’ll be treated to glimpses of wildlife, often hidden at other times of day. This is also a spectacular nighttime spot for meteor showers or to see the incredible star-filled sky.
Block Island is a busy summer destination reflected in the hotel prices. Block Island Beach House is a nice place to stay on the island. For a less expensive option, try Fisherman’s Memorial State Park and Campground, which is 1 mile to the Pt. Judith ferry terminal and do a Block Island day trip.
By Jenifer, The Evolista
Wow, there are some amazing places to visit in the United States! I hope you enjoyed reading about all of the incredible National Parks on the East Coast, as well as some of the other places you might not have thought about before! If you have any comments please feel free to write me a message below.
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