Looking for the best national parks in the Southeast region? From the mist-covered peaks of Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the crystal-clear waters of Dry Tortugas National Park, the southeastern United States is home to some of the country’s most diverse and spectacular public lands. Whether you’re planning a weekend hiking trip, searching for scenic drives, or looking for outdoor adventures like white water rafting, these national parks in the Southeast offer something for every traveler.
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
Best For: Hiking, waterfalls, wildlife, scenic drives
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited of all the national parks in the Southeast region and for good reason. Spanning more than 500,000 acres along the Tennessee-North Carolina border, the park is famous for its mist-covered mountain peaks, scenic drives, cascading waterfalls, abundant wildlife, and over 850 miles of hiking trails. Visitors can explore iconic destinations like Clingmans Dome, Cades Cove, Newfound Gap Road, and Laurel Falls while keeping an eye out for black bears, elk, and wild turkeys. Whether you’re taking in the colorful fall foliage, hiking a section of the Appalachian Trail, or enjoying a scenic picnic with mountain views, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers unforgettable outdoor experiences in every season.
For even more adventure, pair your visit with a guided whitewater rafting trip on the nearby Nantahala River or Pigeon River, and explore kayaking, zip lining, and mountain biking at Nantahala Outdoor Center’s Bryson City adventure resort.
Can’t Miss:
2. Congaree National Park, South Carolina
Best for: Kayaking, birdwatching, old-growth forests, and peaceful nature escapes
Congaree National Park in South Carolina is one of the most unique national parks in the Southeast region, protecting the largest intact old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States. Located just outside Columbia, the park is known for its towering bald cypress and tupelo trees, diverse wildlife, and peaceful paddling opportunities along Cedar Creek. Visitors can explore the park on the accessible Boardwalk Loop Trail, hike through lush floodplain forests, or canoe and kayak beneath a dense canopy while watching for river otters, deer, turtles, and more than 200 species of birds. If you’re visiting in late spring, Congaree is also famous for its rare synchronous firefly display, making it one of the most unforgettable natural experiences in the southeastern United States. Whether you’re looking for a quiet hike, a scenic paddle, or a chance to experience one of America’s most biodiverse forests, Congaree is a must-visit destination.
Can’t Miss:
- Boardwalk Loop Trail
- Cedar Creek Canoe Trail
- Synchronous fireflies (late May to early June, lottery required)
- Harry Hampton Visitor Center
3. Everglades National Park, Florida
Best for: Wildlife viewing, kayaking, birdwatching, and unique ecosystems
Everglades National Park, Florida protects the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. Covering more than 1.5 million acres, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to an incredible mix of sawgrass marshes, mangrove forests, freshwater sloughs, and coastal estuaries that support hundreds of species of wildlife. Visitors can hike scenic trails, paddle through mangrove tunnels, take guided boat tours, or spot iconic animals like American alligators, American crocodiles, West Indian manatees, and a variety of wading birds. Popular destinations such as the Anhinga Trail, Shark Valley, and Flamingo offer some of the best wildlife viewing in the country, making the Everglades one of the most distinctive outdoor destinations in the southeastern United States.
Can’t Miss:
- Anhinga Trail for up-close wildlife viewing
- Shark Valley’s 15-mile scenic loop and observation tower
- Flamingo Visitor Center for kayaking, boating, and manatee sightings
- Ranger-led tours and airboat experiences outside the park boundaries
4. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
Best for: Snorkeling, history, boating, and remote island adventures
Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida is one of the most remote national parks in the Southern United States. Located about 70 miles west of Key West and accessible only by ferry, seaplane, or private boat, the park is made up of seven small islands surrounded by crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. It’s best known for the massive 19th-century Fort Jefferson, one of the largest masonry forts ever built in the Americas, as well as world-class snorkeling, birdwatching, and marine life. Visitors can swim alongside tropical fish, explore colorful coral reefs and historic shipwrecks, or simply relax on pristine beaches surrounded by turquoise waters. With nearly 99% of the park underwater, Dry Tortugas offers one of the most unique national park experiences in the southeastern United States.
Can’t Miss:
- Tour historic Fort Jefferson
- Snorkel the coral reefs surrounding Garden Key
- Take the Yankee Freedom III ferry from Key West
- Spot nesting seabirds and migratory species during spring migration
5. Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
Best for: Cave tours, hiking, camping, and family adventures
Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky is home to the world’s longest known cave system, with more than 430 miles of explored passageways and new sections still being discovered. One of the most fascinating national parks in the Southeast, Mammoth Cave offers guided tours ranging from easy walks through enormous underground chambers to more adventurous crawls and lantern-lit experiences that showcase the cave’s rich history. Above ground, visitors can hike through hardwood forests, paddle the Green and Nolin Rivers, bike scenic trails, or camp beneath the rolling hills of central Kentucky. Whether you’re exploring massive limestone formations below the surface or enjoying the park’s scenic landscapes above ground, Mammoth Cave National Park offers an adventure unlike anywhere else in the southeastern United States.
Can’t Miss:
- Historic Tour through Mammoth Cave’s largest chambers
- Frozen Niagara Tour to see stunning cave formations
- Green River canoeing or kayaking
- Sunset Point and the park’s scenic hiking trails
6. Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, Georgia
Best for: River tubing, kayaking, hiking, and easy day trips from Atlanta
We know this isn’t technically a national park, but it’s too good to leave off the list. Managed by the National Park Service, the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area protects nearly 48 miles of the Chattahoochee River just north of Atlanta, offering one of the Southeast’s best urban outdoor escapes. Visitors can hike miles of scenic trails, fish for trout, paddle quiet stretches of the river, or cool off with the classic Atlanta tradition of tubing down the river, affectionately dubbed “Shooting the Hooch.” The park’s forests, rocky shoals, and riverbanks provide habitat for a wide variety of birds and wildlife while offering a peaceful retreat just minutes from the city. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing float, a family picnic, or a scenic afternoon on the water, the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is one of Georgia’s best outdoor destinations.
NOC has two convenient locations along the Chattahoochee River in Metro Atlanta and Roswell, making it easy to experience one of Georgia’s most popular outdoor destinations. Whether you’re tubing, rafting, kayaking, or stand up paddleboarding, getting on the water is one of the best ways to explore the river.
Can’t Miss:
- Float the river on a classic “Shoot the Hooch” river float trip
- Hike the East Palisades Trail for river overlooks
- Paddle or kayak one of the quieter river sections
- Visit Cochran Shoals for walking, running, and wildlife viewing
7. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Best for: Scenic drives, hiking, waterfalls, and fall foliage
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia offers more than 200,000 acres of protected Blue Ridge Mountain wilderness. The park is best known for Skyline Drive, a 105-mile scenic roadway that follows the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains with more than 75 breathtaking overlooks. Visitors can hike over 500 miles of trails, including more than 100 miles of the Appalachian Trail, discover cascading waterfalls like Dark Hollow Falls, and spot wildlife such as black bears, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys. Whether you’re visiting to experience vibrant fall foliage, watch a mountain sunrise, or enjoy a peaceful hike through the forest, Shenandoah National Park is one of the premier outdoor destinations in the southeastern United States.
Can’t Miss:
- Drive the entire Skyline Drive
- Hike to Dark Hollow Falls
- Walk a section of the Appalachian Trail
- Watch sunrise or sunset from Stony Man or Hawksbill Summit
8. Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, Georgia
Best for: History, archaeology, Native American culture, and easy walking trails
Like the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, Ocmulgee Mounds isn’t technically a national park—but it’s another National Park Service site in the South that’s well worth a visit. Located in Macon, Georgia, Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park preserves more than 12,000 years of continuous human history, making it one of the oldest known places of human habitation in North America. The park protects ancient earthworks built by the ancestral Muscogee (Creek) people, including the iconic Great Temple Mound and the reconstructed Earth Lodge, where visitors can step inside a ceremonial council chamber dating back nearly 1,000 years. Ocmulgee is also being considered for redesignation as Georgia’s first national park, highlighting its cultural and historical significance. With scenic walking trails, archaeological sites, and engaging museum exhibits, it’s one of the Southeast’s most fascinating places to explore.
Can’t Miss:
- Climb the Great Temple Mound
- Step inside the reconstructed Earth Lodge
- Explore the Visitor Center Museum
- Walk the Heritage Trail through ancient mound sites
9. Biscayne National Park, Florida
Best for: Snorkeling, scuba diving, boating, and marine wildlife
Biscayne National Park, Florida is one of the most unique Southern national parks, with nearly 95% of the park lying underwater. Just south of Miami, this coastal paradise protects vibrant coral reefs, crystal-clear Biscayne Bay, mangrove forests, and the northernmost Florida Keys. Unlike many national parks, the best way to experience Biscayne is by boat, whether you’re snorkeling colorful reefs, scuba diving historic shipwrecks along the Maritime Heritage Trail, kayaking through mangrove-lined waterways, or spotting dolphins, sea turtles, manatees, and tropical fish. Despite its proximity to one of the nation’s largest cities, Biscayne offers a surprisingly peaceful escape and some of the best marine recreation in the southeastern United States.
Can’t Miss:
- Snorkel or dive the coral reefs
- Explore the Maritime Heritage Trail shipwrecks
- Paddle through the park’s mangrove forests
- Take a guided boat tour to Boca Chita Key and its iconic lighthouse
10. Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
Best for: Historic bathhouses, scenic hiking, wellness, and unique national park experiences
Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas is one of the most distinctive Southern national parks, blending natural beauty with rich history in the heart of downtown Hot Springs. Known as “The American Spa,” the park protects 47 naturally flowing thermal springs that have attracted visitors for centuries. Today, guests can stroll historic Bathhouse Row, soak in the mineral-rich thermal waters at restored bathhouses, hike more than 26 miles of forested trails, or fill a bottle with fresh spring water from the park’s public fountains. With its combination of outdoor recreation, historic architecture, and relaxing spa experiences, Hot Springs National Park offers a one-of-a-kind destination unlike any other park in the southeastern United States.
Can’t Miss:
- Relax at the historic Buckstaff Bathhouse or Quapaw Baths & Spa
- Walk the iconic Bathhouse Row
- Hike to Hot Springs Mountain Tower for panoramic views
- Fill a bottle with thermal spring water at one of the park’s public fountains
11. New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia
Best for: Whitewater rafting, rock climbing, hiking, and scenic overlooks
New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, West Virginia is one of the newest national parks in the Southeast, earning its national park designation in 2020. Despite its name, the New River is one of the oldest rivers in the world and has carved a dramatic gorge through the Appalachian Mountains, creating towering sandstone cliffs, world-class whitewater rapids, and breathtaking overlooks. Visitors can hike more than 100 miles of trails, tackle some of the country’s best rock climbing, or experience exhilarating Class III to V whitewater rafting. No visit is complete without seeing the iconic New River Gorge Bridge, one of the longest single-span steel arch bridges in the Western Hemisphere, which offers spectacular views year-round and hosts the famous Bridge Day celebration each October.
Can’t Miss:
- Take in the views from the New River Gorge Bridge
- Raft the New River’s world-famous Class III–V rapids
- Hike the Endless Wall Trail
- Visit during Bridge Day to watch BASE jumpers and rappelers
Explore the South’s Best National Parks
These national parks showcase an incredible variety of landscapes, wildlife, history, and outdoor recreation. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a cross-country road trip, or your next hiking adventure, these destinations offer worthwhile experiences for every type of traveler. While this list includes two outstanding National Park Service sites that aren’t officially designated as national parks, each one represents the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventure that make the Southeast one of the country’s best regions to explore.
If you embark on a Southeastern road trip, Nantahala Outdoor Center has four convenient adventure outposts near some of the region’s most iconic protected landscapes. Pair a visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park with white water rafting on the Nantahala River or the Pigeon River, both located just a short drive from the park. Exploring Atlanta or the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area? Visit NOC’s Metro Atlanta or Roswell locations to experience the river by raft, kayak, or tube. Whether you’re hiking mountain trails, chasing waterfalls, or paddling scenic rivers, NOC makes it easy to add an unforgettable outdoor adventure to your next trip through the Southeast.
