It started as a way to preserve land for the “benefit and enjoyment of the people” and for more than 100 years our national parks have been living up to that creed. East Tennesseans have the good fortune of having the most visited national park in our backyard. Enjoying the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is something we can do for an afternoon, a day, a weekend or more. Because the Smokies are so close and convenient, many may not realize how close Knoxville is to other amazing national parks. In fact, there are eight national parks within a day’s drive of Knoxville. At those parks, you can have vastly different experiences. You can explore enormous sand dunes, deep caves, hot springs, waterfalls and even the gateway to the west.
Knoxville Moms has put together a detailed list of the eight national parks within a day’s drive to help you and your family explore the network of national parks not too far from home.
National Parks Within a Day’s Drive of Knoxville
Mammoth Cave National Park (3 Hours)
Kentucky
Mammoth Cave is the closest of the eight parks within a day’s drive of Knoxville. It’s home to the world’s longest known cave system, but it’s more than just a cave. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, canoeing and camping on over 52,000 acres. Of course, no visit is complete to Mammoth Cave National Park without a cave tour. There are a large variety of guided cave tours to choose from. Tickets must be purchased to enter into the cave. Reservations are strongly recommended as they can sell out weeks in advance.
New River Gorge National Park & Preserve (4 Hours)
West Virginia
New River Gorge is our nation’s newest national park. It was formed in 2021. Once you visit, you’ll wonder why it took so long. The rugged New River flows through the center of the park. It’s well-known for whitewater rafting adventures but the history of the river and region extends beyond that thrill. New River Gorge National Park and Preserve covers 70,000 acres along 53 miles of the river. You can hike, bike or raft to take in all the incredible scenery. It’s also an excellent place to fish, hunt, bird watch, and more, which means there is something for just about everybody.
Congaree National Park (4.5 Hours)
South Carolina
Congaree is the largest intact old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeast. While the forest is noteworthy, the biodiversity is astonishing. Since most of Congaree National Park is swampland, one of the best ways to enjoy the national park is by canoe or kayak. There are a variety of trails, too. The Boardwalk Loop Trail is popular because it allows you to see the forest from a different vantage point. In the late spring, visitors are treated to Congaree’s own synchronous firefly show. The best way to view them is to hike the 1.8-mile Firefly Trail.
Shenandoah National Park (5.5 Hours)
Virginia
Skyline Drive is probably the most well-known attraction at Shenandoah National Park. The road runs 105-miles through the center of the park with sweeping vistas. Fall is peak season for Skyline Drive because of the incredible show of colors in the trees. Beyond Skyline Drive, there is even more of Shenandoah National Park to enjoy. Hiking Old Rag Mountain is at the top of the list despite the long and often difficult trails. If that’s not your speed, there are a total of 500-miles of trails in Shenandoah. You’ll be sure to find one that’s right for you and your family. Stargazing is another popular activity at Shenandoah. With the higher elevation and distance from urban areas, it offers visitors a view of the Milky Way, constellations and more that you can’t see many other places on the east coast. For that reason, Shenandoah has started an annual Night Sky Festival. Details of the festival are released in early summer each year.
Gateway Arch National Park (7 Hours)
Missouri
While it may be the nation’s smallest national park, Gateway Arch National Park is still a place filled with wonder. It commemorates President Thomas Jefferson’s vision of a continental nation, and the arch is considered the gateway to the western United States. Visitors can visit the top of the arch thanks to a tram ride unlike any other. The rotating tram is an engineering marvel and worth the trip on its own. But once at the top, you’ll find the real reward: incredible views of St. Louis, the mighty Mississippi River, and even Illinois on clear days. Be sure to allow time to visit the new museum located under the Gateway Arch.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park (7.5 Hours)
Ohio
The Cuyahoga River winds through this national park giving way to forests, rolling hills and farmland. Visitors can ride on Towpath Trail to follow the historic route of the Ohio and Erie Canal. The Towpath Trail will lead them to many of the historic sites and give them an up-close look at the native plants and wildlife of the region. A great way to enjoy Cuyahoga Valley National Park is by train. The route gives passengers the chance to spot eagles, deer, beavers and herons in their natural habitat. It winds through the Cuyahoga Valley and alongside the Cuyahoga River. Tickets can be purchased from the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad website. There are plenty of other outdoor activities at Cuyahoga Valley National Park too. They range from hiking, paddling, picnicking, horseback riding and even a quest that will be a hit with kids.
Indiana Dunes National Park (7.5 Hours)
Indiana
Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes National Park is a summer haven with gorgeous beaches and sunsets. But there isn’t a “wrong” time of year to visit because each season brings new adventure. During spring, wildflowers bloom and birders delight at the variety of birds that call the park home. Fall gives visitors a show with brilliant red and golden maple trees. Winter offers a chance to cross country ski along the popular Glenwood Dunes Trail. The national park actually bookends Indiana Dunes State Park, which has 2,000 acres of its own. Just another reason Indiana Dunes has nearly as many visitors as Yellowstone National Park each year.
Hot Springs National Park (8.5 Hours)
Arkansas
A national park unlike any other, Hot Springs allows you to literally and figuratively soak yourself in an ancient thermal spa and the history surrounding this wonder. Nine historic bathhouses still stand. You can stay and even dine at some of them. Not to mention, some are still open for spa treatments. There’s even more to discover at Hot Springs National Park besides the springs. There are mountain views, 25-miles of hiking and creeks all in the middle of a charming town. The Hot Springs Mountain Tower is a popular attraction offering great views of the entire park and the Ouachita Mountains. Hot Springs has been a destination for hundreds of years and there’s still plenty of reasons to visit.
