8 Best Scenic National Parks on The East Coast
/While exploring the US, it is an absolute must to visit at least one world-renowned national park. These parks are a result of the Conservation Movement in the nineteenth century, which aimed to preserve America’s most important features.
Yellowstone National Park was declared a national park in 1872, making it the first of its kind in the world.
The establishment of state and national parks led to the places that we can enjoy and appreciate today.
I’ve come to appreciate places like Yellowstone and Yosemite on the west coast. It’s not surprising that they attract many tourists every year, thanks to their impressive and jaw-dropping landscapes.
But while these parks are definitely worth seeing in the west, I found myself curious about what the east coast has to offer.
The best national parks on the East Coast are rich in geographical diversity, from cave systems to great mountaintops and even coral reefs.
Aside from these parks, the east coast is also home to a number of historic sites, monuments, and seashores that will keep you wanting to come back again and again.
Here are 8 of the best national parks on the east coast:
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The Best National Parks On The East Coast
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is quite popular on the east coast for its blue-hued, smoky fog that floats over the mountains. You can also get a self-guided driving tour to audio guide that covers the rich history of the Cherokee and early settlers.
This park is great for hiking enthusiasts of all levels, whether it’s to see sights like Rainbow Falls or a more challenging trek at Alum Cave.
This is also the most biodiverse park in the country. Wildlife sightings are common and usually include black bears, turkeys, and elk.
You’ll most likely spot black bears during a slow drive along the Cades Cove Loop and the Roaring Forks Motor Nature Trail. It’s best to go on these trails early in the morning to avoid bumping into many other tourists and to spot wildlife more easily.
If you’re visiting during the summer, you might even see the Great Smokies fireflies perform a natural light show during their two-week mating season!
Location: North Carolina-Tennessee border
Park Hours: Open 24 hours
Entrance Fee: Free
Also Read: 9 Best National Park Scratch Off Maps That Are Epic in 2023
2. Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah national park - one of the best trails to visit 75 miles away from washington,
If you’re in the Washington area, then visiting the Shenandoah National Park is a must. It’s excellent for a scenic cruise, especially if you take Skyline Drive.
The 105-mile road allows park visitors to see the Blue Ridge Mountains, which makes for beautiful photo ops.
There are some easy hikes in Shenandoah National Park. The park offers 500 miles worth of trails, one of which is the iconic Appalachian Trail.
You can enjoy everything from caves to waterfalls and wildlife sightings as you trek to Blackrock Summit, which overlooks the valley.
More experienced hikers can tackle the 9.2-mile Old Rag Hike, and those who want to take a dip can do so in the swimming holes during the Whiteoak Canyon hike. If you’d like to make it a day trip to Shenandoah National Park, this could be a great option for those who are short on time!
Location: Virginia
Park Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Entrance Fee: $15 per person, $25 for a single motorcycle, $30 for a private vehicle
3. Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is one of the most beautiful parks on the east coast and perhaps one of the best vacation destinations in Maine. Its popularity draws in plenty of crowds, so arriving early is the best option if you want some space to explore.
If you get there before sunrise, you can enjoy some spectacular and romantic views that will make the early start worth it.
There are many things to do at Acadia. Going along Park Loop Road on your car or an e-bike tour will take you to all the park's major highlights, such as Sand Beach.
Here, you can do a bit of swimming but beware the water is cold if you’re feeling brave and then take a short hike.
Location: Maine
Park Hours: Open 24 hours
Entrance Fee: $15 per person, $25 for a single motorcycle, $30 for a private vehicle
Also Read: 6 Best Must-See National Parks in Utah
4. Mammoth Cave National Park
Mammoth cave national park. Photo by national park
For those who are looking to view caves and canyons, Mammoth Cave National Park is the best place to visit on the east coast.
It is home to the longest cave system in the world and it is an exciting limestone maze to explore.
It’s best to go through Mammoth Cave with a guided tour. There are different tours available for everybody, ranging from kids to history buffs and those with limited mobility.
You can even go on a spelunking tour if you’re feeling adventurous!
The cave isn’t the only thing worth visiting at this park. Hikers can also check out miles of trails. The forest is also diverse enough for various activities, such as fishing, kayaking, and even horseback riding.
Location: Kentucky
Park Hours: Open 24 hours; cave tours close at 4:30 pm in the winter and 6:00 pm in the summer.
Entrance Fee: Park entrance is free; fees vary per tour package.
5. Dry Tortugas National Park
Image: Dry tortugas national park
The Dry Tortugas is not your average national park. It’s a cluster of seven islands surrounded by water, and it’s perfect for those who prefer a bit of peace and quiet.
You can only access this place through a ferry, seaplane, or chartered boat, making it great for getaway trips.
Going to the Dry Tortugas National Park is like visiting beaches in the Bahamas.
Visitors can swim, sunbathe, and snorkel in the crystal clear waters or simply enjoy the white powder sand.
You can also go bird watching or camping on Garden Key, a mostly uninhabited island. Be sure not to miss sightseeing at Fort Jefferson, built in the 1800s and never completed.
Location: Key West, Gulf of Mexico
Park Hours: Open 24 hours
Entrance Fee: $15 per person
6. Cuyahoga National Park
By Niagara66 - wikimedia Commons
Bikers and hikers will love the terrain of the only national park in Ohio.
Named after the Mohawk word that means “crooked river,” Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers many activities that are perfect for families and individuals alike.
Cuyahoga has five major bicycle trails and has some of the best hikes in Ohio! These include the East Rim mountain bike trail, the Summit Metro Parks’ bike and hike trail, and Ohio and Eerie Canal Towpath trail, and the all-purpose Brecksville and Bedford Reservation trails.
The park also offers 125 miles of hiking trails that are perfect for any hiking fan.
One of the most scenic trails is along the Virginia Kendell Hedges hike, surrounding hikers with giant limestone boulders and sandstone ledges.
You can also visit the several waterfalls throughout the park, including Buttermilk Falls and Brandywine Falls, which stands at 65 feet tall.
Cuyahoga is also friendly for those with limited mobility or kids that are too tired to take another step.
The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad runs through the park and offers themed trips, murder mystery rides, and four-course dinners.
Location: Ohio
Park Hours: Open 24 hours
Entrance Fee: Free; charges for various programs within the park
7. Congaree National Park
Image by national parks service
Congaree National Park may have only become a national park in 2003, but its wide expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest makes it well worth the visit. It’s great for those who love big trees and wildlife.
You can walk along the Boardwalk Loop, a 2.4-mile stretch that goes through the forest without getting into the swamp. It’s also wheelchair and stroller accessible so that anybody can enjoy the sights.
On the other hand, visitors can also go kayaking or canoeing in the swamplands along Cedar Creek. Here, you might be able to see wildlife such as otters, turtles, alligators, and birds.
Seasoned hikers can go on the Rive Trail, the Oakridge Trail, or the challenging 11.7-mile Kingsnake Trail. Those who want to go for more leisurely walks can relax on the Bluff Trail, which is an easy loop around the forest.
If you’re in and around in South Carolina, check out these really fun outdoor activities in Columbia.
Location: South Carolina
Park Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Entrance Fee: Free
8. Cape Cod National Seashore
Image from Visit the USA
Cape Cod National Seashore offers pretty much everything that you can enjoy. It’s definitely a place that will require a bit of time to enjoy fully. It’s best to visit this park for a leisurely weekend of relaxing and recharging.
Most people visit Cape Cod for its expansive 40-mile seashore, but there’s so much more to do here than frolic on the beach.
You can sightsee, go biking, or even go whale-watching and spot other well-protected wildlife.
There are even performances in Provincetown that you can enjoy, such as a different take on the Thanksgiving Pilgrim story.
Location: Massachusetts
Park Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Entrance Fee: $15 per person, $20 for a single motorcycle, $25 for a private vehicle
Got a favourite? Share with me which national parks on the East Coast is your favourite!
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