5 National Parks Near the East Coast Perfect for a Long Weekend

Why National Parks Make the Perfect Long Weekend Escape

When you think of national parks, it’s easy to picture cross-country road trips or weeks-long adventures out west. But the East Coast and nearby states offer plenty of incredible parks that you can visit in just a few days. Most of these destinations are a short flight or road trip away from major East Coast cities, making them ideal for a long weekend escape.

What makes these trips so appealing is the diversity of scenery packed into such accessible distances. Within a few hours, you could be watching the sunrise on a coastal mountain, hiking through misty Appalachian peaks, scrambling sandstone cliffs, or spotting alligators in a subtropical wilderness. These five parks are the perfect mix of adventure and accessibility for your next quick getaway.

1. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Shenandoah is just 75 miles from Washington, D.C., which makes it one of the easiest national parks to reach for East Coast travelers. Known for its sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, vibrant fall foliage, and cascading waterfalls, it’s a park that shines especially in autumn. Skyline Drive alone is worth the trip, with 105 miles of overlooks that make it one of the most scenic drives in America.

Must-Do Highlights

• Drive Skyline Drive

• Hike Old Rag or Dark Hollow Falls

• Visit Luray or Front Royal as gateway towns

Must-Do Hike

Old Rag Mountain Loop – 9.2 miles, 2,608 ft gain, loop. This challenging but iconic hike takes you across rocky switchbacks, boulder scrambles, and multiple false summits before rewarding you with panoramic views. A permit is required March–November.Alternative: Berry Hollow to Old Rag Trail – 5.5 miles, out-and-back. A shorter but still rewarding route to the famous summit.

Where to Stay

Postcard Cabins Shenandoah North – Just two hours from Washington, D.C., these 45 luxury tiny cabins are set on 80 private acres, minutes from waterfalls and trails inside the park.

2. Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia is New England’s crown jewel, combining rugged coastlines, granite mountains, and postcard-worthy villages like Bar Harbor. It’s especially popular in summer and fall, when the coastal forests light up with color. Cadillac Mountain, the tallest peak on the East Coast, offers unforgettable sunrise views and is one of Acadia’s biggest draws.

Must-Do Highlights

• Watch sunrise at Cadillac Mountain

• Bike the Carriage Roads

• Explore Bar Harbor

Must-Do Hike

Beehive Loop Trail – 1.5 miles, 508 ft gain, loop. This short but thrilling hike features ladders, iron rungs, and dramatic cliffside views. It’s not for the faint of heart but rewards you with stunning scenery and a fun scramble.Alternative: Bernard Mountain Loop – 4.1 miles, moderate climb, quieter forested trail with westward views.

Where to Stay

Under Canvas Acadia – A luxury glamping retreat on 100 acres of Maine coastline, just 35 minutes from Cadillac Mountain. Perfect for combining adventure with comfort.

3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina

America’s most visited national park is surprisingly accessible for a weekend trip, especially with nearby airports in Knoxville and Asheville. The Smokies are famed for their misty blue ridges, historic log cabins, and one of the world’s richest temperate ecosystems. With over 850 miles of trails, you’ll never run out of hiking options.

Must-Do Highlights

• Drive Newfound Gap Road

• Hike to Clingmans Dome (the highest point in the park)

• Explore Cades Cove, home to wildlife and historic cabins

Must-Do Hike

Rainbow Falls Trail – 5.1 miles, 1,594 ft gain, out-and-back. This hike winds along Le Conte Creek and ends at a waterfall where, on sunny afternoons, you might catch a rainbow in the mist.Alternative: Charlies Bunion via Appalachian Trail – 8 miles, challenging day hike with epic summit views.

Where to Stay

Under Canvas Smoky Mountains – Eco-friendly glamping on 182 forested acres, just 10 miles from Gatlinburg and minutes from the park entrance.

4. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio

Often overlooked, Cuyahoga Valley sits between Cleveland and Akron, making it one of the most unique urban-accessible national parks. Its mix of waterfalls, sandstone ledges, forests, and historic canal paths make it perfect for a relaxed long weekend. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is a highlight, letting you explore the park in comfort.

Must-Do Highlights

• Visit Brandywine Falls

• Take the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

• Walk or bike the Towpath Trail

• Explore sandstone formations at The Ledges

• Visit Hale Farm & Village for 19th-century history

Must-Do Hike

Ledges Trail – 2.4 miles, 219 ft gain, loop. This short hike takes you through dramatic sandstone cliffs and forests, especially beautiful in fall.Alternative: Brandywine Gorge Trail – 1.4 miles, easy loop with a waterfall and scenic creek.

Where to Stay

Valley Overlook – Family-run lodging on 62 acres, offering cabins, furnished glamping tents, and tent camping. Just minutes from trailheads, it’s been featured in Travel + Leisure and Forbes.

5. Everglades National Park, Florida

For something completely different, head south to Everglades National Park, a subtropical wilderness less than an hour from Miami. This vast wetland is home to mangroves, sawgrass marshes, and an astonishing variety of wildlife, from alligators and manatees to rare birds. It’s an entirely different kind of park experience — one built on water and wildlife instead of mountains.

Must-Do Highlights

• Take an airboat ride to spot alligators

• Bike or tram along Shark Valley for panoramic views

• Kayak through mangrove tunnels

• Visit Flamingo Visitor Center for birdwatching

Must-Do Hike

Anhinga Trail – 0.8 miles, boardwalk loop. Short, accessible, and one of the best places to see wildlife up close — expect turtles, birds, and plenty of gators.

Where to Stay

Ivey House Everglades Adventures Hotel, Everglades City – A comfortable base camp with guided kayak tours, close to the park’s western entrance.

Quick Planning Tips for a Long Weekend

• Getting There: Shenandoah and Cuyahoga Valley are easy road trips from East Coast hubs. Acadia, Smokies, and Everglades are a short flight away.

• Best Seasons: Fall is ideal for Shenandoah, Acadia, Cuyahoga, and the Smokies. Winter and spring are best for the Everglades to avoid summer heat and mosquitoes.

• Plan Ahead: Popular hikes like Old Rag (Shenandoah) require permits. Cadillac Mountain sunrise spots (Acadia) also need advance reservations. Always check park websites before you go.

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