When you think of birdsong in ancient forests, morning mist dissipating across the mountaintops, and mangroves that glow at dusk, most people immediately think. It sounds like a dreamy escape for any nature lover heading to the Pacific Northwest, right?
Wrong.
This is the East Coast, and it’s full of beautiful national parks that, in my humble opinion, are severely underrated!
Home to over 100 national park units, with only a handful of these being official National Parks, the East Coast is brimming with stunning nature spots. With wild landscapes, rich American history, and epic adventures to be had, there’s so much to discover without needing to head west.
To help you find your next nature getaway, we’ve put together this list of the seven best East Coast National Parks, complete with recommended hiking trails, the best activities to enjoy there, and fun facts that will have you grabbing your hiking boots and planning your next adventure today!
My Favorite List of East Coast National Parks By States (2025 Edition)
1. Acadia National Park, Maine
Spreading across over 47,000 acres of land across Mt Desert Island, just off the coast of Maine, Acadia National Park is coastal New England wilderness at its finest. It boasts rocky beaches, granite peaks, and dense forests, and is hailed as one of the most stunning spots on the East Coast for watching the sunrise. This is because it’s actually the first place in the US to see sunrise during the fall and winter seasons.
No matter what time of year you choose to visit, though, it’s worth setting off in the early hours for the popular Sunrise hike up Cadillac Mountain. Day hikes can be enjoyed at other popular trails too, including the Beehive Trail, a thrilling, ladder-assisted climb for serious hikers, and the Jordan Pond Loop, for stunning, picture-perfect views.
Acadia National Park sits just a 4.5-hour drive from Boston (280 miles), and is a popular spot for those who enjoy a wide range of activities such as kayaking along Frenchman Bay, stargazing in one of the darkest skies on the East Coast, or driving the 27-mile Park Loop Road.
2. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Sitting just a 2-hour drive (75 miles) from Washington D.C, Shenandoah National Park is a stunning 200,000-acre landscape home to over 500 collective miles of trails, including 101 miles of the infamous Appalachian Trail.
It’s a stunning destination all year round, but there’s truly something special about the colors here in fall; they seem extra vibrant, and are one of the main attractions when it comes to sightseeing and photography in this National Park.
The Old Rag Trail is a bucket-list climb for those visiting this destination, but if you’re looking for a more relaxed way to spend your time here, simply hop in your car and enjoy the 105-mile Skyline Drive, making occasional stops at all the scenic overlooks. If you plan on camping here, Big Meadows is a fan favorite and is popular for deer spotting, catching fireflies in summer, and stargazing at night.
3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee & North Carolina
As the most-visited National Park in the United States, Great Smoky Mountains welcome over 12 million visitors every single year. It sits just an hour’s distance from Asheville, North Carolina, which makes it super easy to get to, and stretches across 522,000 acres.
Amongst the old-growth forests, mist-shrouded fairytale-like ridges, and stunning waterfalls are a great selection of various cycling and hiking trails for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re heading here to spot elk at Cataloochee Valley, hoping to enjoy 360° views from the top of Clingmans Dome, or simply looking to take a scenic drive through Cades Cove in hopes of spotting a wild bear or two, there’s something for everyone in this stunning National Park.
4. Everglades National Park, Florida
Sitting just a 45-minute drive from Miami, Florida, Everglades National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site that stretches for an astonishing 1.5 million acres, making it the largest subtropical wilderness space in the United States of America.
Florida is arguably one of the most beautiful states in the US, and Everglades is one of it’s most gorgeous natural attractions (especially for those who don’t like beaches). It provides a wealth of thrilling activities and exciting things to see, from kayaking past wild alligators to airboating through the “River of Grass.” There’s plenty to do here for those looking to take a walk on the wild side.
5. Congaree National Park, South Carolina
Home to some of the tallest trees in the eastern United States, Congaree National Park is an extremely underrated choice. It’s one of my personal favorites, though, so I simply had to include it in this list! With floodplain forests and a quiet boardwalk loop that makes you feel as though you’re stepping into a hidden world, this National Park is a true escape.
It sits just 30 minutes from Columbia, South Carolina, and stretches across more than 20,000 acres. Despite being relatively small compared to some of the other parks on this list, it’s a must-see destination, particularly popular with those who enjoy kayaking and stargazing.
6. Biscayne National Park, Florida
While Biscayne National Park technically covers 172,971 acres, around 95% of this is actually water, making it the perfect spot for those who love warm weather and getting in the sea.
This spot feels less like a National Park, and more like a remote seafront destination, but it’s important to keep in mind that, like most National Parks, it’s still comprised of many wild areas. For this reason, it’s important to have a boat or guided tour in order to be able to see most areas of it, but don’t let this discourage you from visiting! There’s an abundance of stunning snorkeling spots here, and it gives off a wonderfully Caribbean vibe of island living and turquoise waters.
Whether you’re heading here in hopes of exploring shipwrecks along the Maritime Heritage Trail, paddling between mangrove-covered keys, or simply to spot wildlife such as dolphins, rays, and manatees, you can do so without having to stray too far from civilization, as this National Park sits only a 45-minute drive from Miami!
7. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
Another Floridian hotspot for snorkeling adventures, Dry Tortugas is a 64,700-acre National Park, which is only accessible in one of two ways: By seaplane or ferry, thanks to its remote location, 70 miles offshore of Key West.
This remote island fortress is surrounded by aquamarine waters and coral reefs, and is the perfect place for camping under the stars and snorkeling right off the beach. It is also home to 19th-century Fort Jefferson, which makes it a great spot for living out the castaway island adventure of your dreams!
Conclusion:
From rugged mountain peaks to tropical waters teeming with marine life, the East Coast offers an incredibly diverse array of National Parks—each with its own flavor of adventure. Whether you’re hiking up Cadillac Mountain before sunrise, paddling through mangroves in Biscayne, or stargazing in Congaree’s silent forests, there’s something here for every nature lover.
So next time you’re planning a wilderness escape, don’t overlook the East. Pack your gear, hit the road, and let these underrated gems show you just how wild, wonderful, and unforgettable the East Coast can be.