Southeast National Parks + FREE Checklist (2024 Update)

Welcome to the Southeast National Parks, where nature, history, and culture converge to create a tapestry of remarkable destinations. This region of the United States is home to an array of national parks, each with its own distinctive charm and significance.

From the lush forests and coastal wonders of the Everglades in Florida to the awe-inspiring heights of the Great Smoky Mountains on the Tennessee-North Carolina border, the Southeast offers a diverse range of natural landscapes and historical treasures waiting to be explored. Join us as we embark on an adventure to uncover the beauty, heritage, and hidden gems of the Southeast’s national parks.

There are ten National Parks to explore in the Southeast. If we include the national monuments, historical sites, memorials, and much, much more. This gives the Southeast United States a total of 102 national parks to explore.

The article is a guide to the Midwestern National Parks, including parks in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Virgin Islands, and West Virginia.

• Tips on Visiting the Southeast National Parks
• Southeastern National Parks Map
• National Parks in the Southeast by State
• List of Southeast National Parks by Unit

Planning to explore the Southeast? Download your free Southeast National Park Checklist HERE.

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How many National Parks are in the Southeast?

There are ten Southeast National Parks. They are divided between Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Virgin Islands, and West Virginia.

If we want to talk about all the National Park Service units in the Southeast, there are 102 national parks** in the region. They are divided as follows:

• 10 National Park
• 17 National Monument
• 3 National Preserve
• 16 National Historic Site
• 15 National Historical Park
• 6 National Battlefield
• 3 National Battlefield Park
• 1 National Battlefield Site
• 8 National Military Park
• 6 National Memorial
• 2 National Recreation Area
• 4 National River
• 2 National Scenic Trail **
• 6 National Seashore
• 1 Parkway
• 2 Other

** The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is counted as both a unit in the Southeast and Northeast.

Tips on Visiting the Southeast National Parks

Best Time to Visit the National Parks in the Southeast

The Southeastern United States is home to a variety of National Parks, each with its own unique features and attractions. The best time to visit the National Parks in the Southeast generally depends on your preferences, the specific park you plan to visit, and the activities you want to enjoy.

However, here are some general guidelines for the optimal times to explore the Southeastern National Parks:

• Summer – The summer is a mixed bag with the southeast parks. It is peak tourist season for many of the parks. But for the more southern parks, it’s muggy, oppressive heat with a side of bugs. While in other parks its an enjoyable warm temperature and a park that is fully open and ready for exploration.
  • My favorite midwest National Parks to visit in the summer are Shenandoah and Mammoth Cave.
• Fall – Fall is one of the best times to visit the Southeast. The weather is cooler, and the leaves are starting to change in many parks. The downside is that fall leaf peeping is one of the most popular times in some parks. For the more southern parks, things are starting to cool off, and bugs are less prevalent.
  • My favorite southeast National Parks to visit in the fall are New River Gorge and Great Smoky Mountains.
• Winter – Winter is another mixed-bag season in the Southeast. The parks in Applacianan will be cold, with some ice and snow possible, while the parks that are further south are still warm and enjoyable.
  • My favorite southeast National Parks to visit in the winter are Everglades and Virgin Islands.
• Spring – The weather quickly warms up in the spring, and the wildflowers start showing up. This is a great time to go hiking and wildlife-watching.
  • My favorite Southeastern National Parks to visit in the spring are Congaree and Dry Tortugas.

How much does it cost to visit the Southeastern National Parks? – National Park Fees & Passes

In terms of charging an entrance fee, most the Southeastern National Parks are free to enter. The few that charge an entrance fee it ranges from $3 per person to $30 per vehicle. These fees are covered by the America the Beautiful Pass. Mammoth Cave tours are not covered by this pass.

I always recommend getting the $80 America the Beautiful Pass. The pass covers the entrance fees to all National Park Service units as well as more than 3,000 other federal lands. It is a steal if you plan to visit more than just one park in a twelve-month period.

>>> You can get the America the Beautiful Pass from REI.

Map of the Southeast United States National Parks

Planning to explore the Southeast? Download your free Southeast National Park Checklist HERE.

States of the Southeast (and Territories)

National Parks of the Southeast by State/Territories

Alabama

Alabama doesn’t have any National Parks, but it does have nine NPS units.

Other National Park Units in Alabama

• Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument
• Freedom Riders National Monument
• Horseshoe Bend National Military Park
• Little River Canyon National Preserve
• Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail
• Natchez Trace Parkway
• Russell Cave National Monument
• Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site
• Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site

Learn more about the Alabama National Parks.

Arkansas 

Arkansas has one National Park and six National Park Service units.

Hot Springs National Park

Hot Springs National Park is nestled in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas. The park has a captivating history that combines natural splendor and therapeutic history. Established in 1832, it is the oldest federally protected site in the United States. The park’s centerpiece is the renowned Bathhouse Row, a collection of historic bathhouses lining Central Avenue, each reflecting the architectural charm of a bygone era.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the rejuvenating thermal waters that have drawn people for centuries and are believed to possess healing properties. The park also features scenic hiking trails, offering panoramic views of the lush surroundings and the town of Hot Springs below.

Other National Park Units in Arkansas 

• Arkansas Post National Memorial
• Buffalo National River
• Fort Smith National Historic Site
• Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site
• Pea Ridge National Military Park
• President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home National Historic Site

Learn more about the Arkansas National Parks.

Florida

Florida has three National Parks and eight National Park Service units.

Biscayne National Park

Biscayne National Park is a water National Park that features a diverse array of habitats, including coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests. The park is a haven for marine life, featuring an abundance of colorful coral formations and a myriad of fish species.

Boasting crystal-clear waters, Biscayne National Park is a paradise for snorkelers and scuba divers who can delve into the underwater wonderland. Boaters and kayakers can explore the mangrove forests. Additionally, the park is steeped in history, with remnants of shipwrecks and evidence of early human habitation on the keys.

Dry Tortugas National Park

Dry Tortugas National Park is a remote and pristine archipelago located 70 miles west of Key West, Florida. The park is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life. Most park visitors come to Fort Jefferson. This massive 19th-century coastal fortress and former prison is situated on Garden Key.

The park’s isolation contributes to its remarkable marine environment, making it a haven for snorkelers and divers eager to explore the colorful coral formations and underwater biodiversity. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, Dry Tortugas National Park offers a unique escape into a world where history meets the serenity of a tropical paradise.

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is known as the “River of Grass,” the park encompasses a mosaic of sawgrass prairies, mangrove forests, and cypress swamps, Home to iconic species such as alligators, manatees, and a diverse bird population, the park plays a crucial role in preserving biodiversity. The slow flow of water through the Everglades sustains this delicate ecosystem, supporting both flora and fauna.

Visitors can explore the park through various trails, airboat rides, and ranger-led programs, gaining a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of nature in this unparalleled wilderness.

Other National Park Units in Florida

• Big Cypress National Preserve
• Canaveral National Seashore
• Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
• De Soto National Memorial
• Fort Caroline National Memorial
• Fort Matanzas National Monument
• Gulf Islands National Seashore
• Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve

Learn more about the Florida National Parks.

Georgia

Georgia has eleven National Park units.

Other National Park Units in Georgia

• Andersonville National Historic Site
• Appalachian National Scenic Trail
• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
• Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park
• Cumberland Island National Seashore
• Fort Frederica National Monument
• Fort Pulaski National Monument
• Jimmy Carter National Historical Park
• Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
• Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site
• Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park

Learn more about the Georgia National Parks.

Planning to explore the Southeast? Download your free Southeast National Park Checklist HERE.

Kentucky

Kentucky has one National Park and six NPS units.

Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave National Park boasts the world’s longest known cave system. The cave system spans more then 400 miles of underground pathways. Visitors can descend into the depths of the Earth to explore a labyrinth of limestone chambers adorned with stunning formations such as stalactites and stalagmites. Mammoth Cave has a rich cultural history, serving as a shelter for Native American communities and a source of fascination for early European explorers.

The park offers a range of guided tours, providing an immersive experience into the depths of this natural wonder while unveiling the fascinating tales of exploration and preservation that have defined Mammoth Cave National Park throughout its storied history.

Other National Park Units in Kentucky

• Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park
• Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
• Camp Nelson National Monument
• Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
• Fort Donelson National Battlefield
• Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument

Learn more about the Kentucky National Parks.

Louisiana

Louisiana doesn’t have any National Parks, but it does have five NPS units.

Other National Park Units in Louisiana

• Cane River Creole National Historical Park
• Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
• New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park
• Poverty Point National Monument
• Vicksburg National Military Park

Learn more about the Louisiana National Parks.

Mississippi

Mississippi has ten National Park units.

Other National Park Units in Mississippi

• Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield Site
• Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument
• Gulf Islands National Seashore
• Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument
• Natchez National Historical Park
• Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail
• Natchez Trace Parkway
• Shiloh National Military Park
• Tupelo National Battlefield
• Vicksburg National Military Park

Learn more about the Mississippi National Parks.

North Carolina

North Carolina has one National Park and nine National Park Service units.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The North Carolina side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park encompasses a breathtaking and diverse landscape within the Southern Appalachian Mountains. The North Carolina side of the park is characterized by lush forests, diverse plant life, and an abundance of wildlife, including a thriving herd of elk. The historic Oconaluftee Visitor Center provides insights into the cultural history of the region, highlighting the lives of early settlers in the Smoky Mountains.

Visitors can explore a network of hiking trails that lead to cascading waterfalls and drive the Road to Nowhere.

Other National Park Units in North Carolina

• Appalachian National Scenic Trail
• Blue Ridge Parkway
• Cape Hatteras National Seashore
• Cape Lookout National Seashore
• Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site
• Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
• Guilford Courthouse National Military Park
• Moores Creek National Battlefield
• Wright Brothers National Memorial

Learn more about the North Carolina National Parks.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico doesn’t have any National Parks, but it does have one NPS units.

Other National Park Units in Puerto Rico

• San Juan National Historic Site

Learn more about the Puerto Rico National Parks.

South Carolina

South Carolina has one National Park and six National Park Service units.

Congaree National Park

Congaree National Park is often considered to be a swamp but the park isn’t. The park is made up of an expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest and wetlands. This area is one of the largest intact floodplains forests in the southeast. The park is characterized by towering bald cypress and water tupelo trees, some of which are among the tallest deciduous trees in the Eastern United States.

Visitors can explore the park through elevated boardwalks that meander through the swampy terrain, offering an intimate encounter with the rich biodiversity of the area. Congaree is a haven for birdwatchers, as it provides habitat for numerous species, including barred owls and prothonotary warblers.

Other National Park Units in South Carolina

• Charles Pinckney National Historic Site
• Cowpens National Battlefield
• Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park
• Kings Mountain National Military Park
• Ninety Six National Historic Site
• Reconstruction Era National Historical Park

Learn more about the South Carolina National Parks.

Tennessee

Tennessee has one National Park and twelve National Park Service units.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Tennessee side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park unfolds as a captivating tapestry of natural beauty and cultural history within the Southern Appalachian range. Plus, it’s the best side of the park (I’m from Tennessee so I might be a little bit biased).

Two of the most popular drives in the park are Cades Cove and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Both drives wind their way through lush, mountainous landscapes that showcase preserved log cabins and barns, providing a glimpse into the region’s pioneer history.

There are numerous hiking options for all skill level. Popular hiking options include Laurel Falls, Abrams Falls, Chimmy Top and the various Mt. LeConte hikes.

Other National Park Units in Tennessee

• Andrew Johnson National Historic Site
• Appalachian National Scenic Trail
• Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
• Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park
• Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
• Fort Donelson National Battlefield
• Manhattan Project National Historical Park
• Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail
• Natchez Trace Parkway
• Obed Wild and Scenic River
• Shiloh National Military Park
• Stones River National Battlefield

Learn more about the Tennessee National Parks.

Virginia

Virginia has one National Park and twenty-one National Park Service units.

Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is nestled along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountain. The iconic Skyline Drive winds its way through the park and provides access to numerous overlooks where panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley and the Piedmont. Shenandoah is home to an array of wildlife, including deer, black bears, and a variety of bird species.

Hikers can explore a network of trails that lead to cascading waterfalls, serene meadows, and rocky outcrops.

Other National Park Units in Virginia

Here are the Virginia Units within the Southeast Region:

• Appalachian National Scenic Trail
• Appomattox Court House National Historical Park
• Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial
• Assateague Island National Seashore
• Blue Ridge Parkway
• Booker T. Washington National Monument
• Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park
• Colonial National Historical Park
  • Cape Henry Memorial
  • Historic Jamestowne
  • Yorktown Battlefield
• Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
• Fort Monroe National Monument
• Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park
• George Washington Birthplace National Monument
• Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
• Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site
• Manassas National Battlefield Park
• Petersburg National Battlefield
• Prince William Forest Park
• Richmond National Battlefield Park
• Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts

Here are the Virginia Units within the Northeast Region:

• George Washington Memorial Parkway
• Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

Learn more about the Virginia National Parks.

Virgin Islands

The US Virgin Islands has one National Park and four National Park Service units.

Virgin Islands National Park

Virgin Islands National Park encompasses much of the island of St. John. The park offers pristine white-sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and lush tropical forests. It’s a stunning blend of terrestrial and marine environments. Visitors can hike through scenic landscapes that reveal the rich biodiversity of the Caribbean, and the crystal-clear waters are a snorkeler’s paradise.

St. John’s lush landscape makes it easy to overlook the island’s human history. There are many historical sites to explore, including petroglyphs of the Taino people and ruins of Danish sugar plantations. These sugar plantations were all run with enslaved labor. Life for the enslaved people was particularly brutal on the island. This inhumane treatment led to one of the Caribbean’s first and longest enslaved insurrections.

If you hike to Ram’s Head, please take a silent moment at the top of the cliff for the

Other National Park Units in the US Virgin Islands

• Buck Island Reef National Monument
• Christiansted National Historic Site
• Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve
• Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument

Learn more about the US Virgin Islands National Parks.

West Virginia

West Virginia has one National Park and five National Park Service units.

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

New River Gorge National Park is the newest National Park (aka National Park Number 63). The park’s landscape is dominated by a colossal gorge carved by the New River. The New River Gorge Bridge spans the gorge and the river. This bridge is one of the longest single-span arch bridges in the world.

New River is one of the best parks for high adventure activities, from the Bridge Walk under the New River Gorge Bridge to whitewater rafting to mountain biking. There is a lot of high adventure to be had. Scenic overlooks and hiking trails reveal the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, while the park’s diverse ecosystems support a range of plant and animal species.

Other National Park Units in West Virginia

Here are the West Virginia Units within the Southeast Region:

• Appalachian National Scenic Trail
• Bluestone National Scenic River
• Gauley River National Recreation Area
• Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

Here are the West Virginia Units within the Northeast Region:

• Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Learn more about the West Virginia National Parks.

Planning to explore the Southeast? Download your free Southeast National Park Checklist HERE.

National Parks of the Southeast by Unit

National Parks of the Southeast

• Biscayne National Park (FL)
• Dry Tortugas National Park (FL)
• Congaree National Park (SC)
• Everglades National Park (FL)
• Mammoth Cave National Park (KY)
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park (NC, TN)
• Virgin Islands National Park (VI)
• New River Gorge National Park and Preserve (WV)
• Shenandoah National Park (VA)

National Monuments of the Southeast

• Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument (AL)
• Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument (MS, IL)
• Freedom Riders National Monument (AL)
• Russell Cave National Monument (AL)
• Castillo de San Marcos National Monument (FL)
• Fort Matanzas National Monument (FL)
• Fort Frederica National Monument (GA)
• Fort Pulaski National Monument (GA)
• Camp Nelson National Monument (KY)
• Poverty Point National Monument (LA)
• Buck Island Reef National Monument (VI)
• Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument (VI)
• Booker T. Washington National Monument (VA)
• Fort Monroe National Monument (VA)
• George Washington Birthplace National Monument (VA)

National Preserves of the Southeast

• Big Cypress National Preserve (FL)
• Little River Canyon National Preserve (AL)
• Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve (FL)

National Historical Parks of the Southeast

• Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park (KY)
• Cane River Creole National Historical Park (LA)
• Cumberland Gap National Historical Park (KY, TN)
• Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park (SC)
• Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve (LA)
• Manhattan Project National Historical Park (TN, NM. WA)
• New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park (LA)
• Natchez National Historical Park (MS)
• Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park (GA)
• Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve (VI)
• Reconstruction Era National Historical Park (SC)
• Appomattox Court House National Historical Park (VA)
• Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park (VA)
• Colonial National Historical Park (VA)
• Cumberland Gap National Historical Park (KY, TN, VA)
• Harpers Ferry National Historical Park (WV, VA, MD)

National Historic Sites of the Southeast

• Andersonville National Historic Site (GA)
• Andrew Johnson National Historic Site (TN)
• Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site (NC)
• Charles Pinckney National Historic Site (SC)
• Christiansted National Historic Site (VI)
• Fort Raleigh National Historic Site (NC)
• Jimmy Carter National Historic Site (GA)
• Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site (GA)
• Ninety Six National Historic Site (SC)
• San Juan National Historic Site (PR)
• Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site (AL)
• Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site (AL)
• Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site (VA)

National Battlefield Parks of the Southeast

• Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park (GA)
• Manassas National Battlefield Park (VA)
• Richmond National Battlefield Park (VA)

National Military Parks of the Southeast

• Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park (GA, TN)
• Guilford Courthouse National Military Park (NC)
• Horseshoe Bend National Military Park (AL)
• Kings Mountain National Military Park (SC)
• Shiloh National Military Park (MS, TN)
• Vicksburg National Military Park (LA, MS)
• Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park (VA)

National Battlefields of the Southeast

• Cowpens National Battlefield (SC)
• Fort Donelson National Battlefield (KY, TN)
• Moores Creek National Battlefield (NC)
• Stones River National Battlefield (TN)
• Tupelo National Battlefield (MS)
• Petersburg National Battlefield (VA)

National Battlefield Sites of the Southeast

• Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield Site (MS)

National Memorials of the Southeast

• De Soto National Memorial (FL)
• Fort Caroline National Memorial (FL)
• Wright Brothers National Memorial (NC)
• Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial (VA)

National Recreation Area of the Southeast

• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (GA)

National Seashores of the Southeast

• Canaveral National Seashore (FL)
• Cape Hatteras National Seashore (NC)
• Cape Lookout National Seashore (NC)
• Cumberland Island National Seashore (GA)
• Gulf Islands National Seashore (FL, MS)
• Assateague Island National Seashore (MD, VA)

National Rivers of the Southeast

• Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area (KY, TN)
• Obed Wild and Scenic River (TN)

National Parkways of the Southeast

• Blue Ridge Parkway (NC, VA)
• Natchez Trace Parkway (AL, MS, TN)
• Blue Ridge Parkway (NC, VA)

National Trails of the Southeast

• Appalachian National Scenic Trail (CT, GA, MD, MA, NH, NC, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV)
• Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail (AL, MS, TN)

Associated Units of the Southeast

Associated National Trails of the Southeast

• El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail (LA)
• Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail (NC, SC, TN, VA)
• Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail (AL)
• Trail of Tears National Historic Trail (AL, AR, GA, IL, KY, MO, NC, OK, TN)

National Heritage Areas of the Southeast

• Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area (GA)
• Atchafalaya National Heritage Area (LA)
• Augusta Canal National Heritage Area (GA)
• Blue Ridge National Heritage Area (NC)
• Cane River National Heritage Area (LA)
• Mississippi Gulf National Heritage Area (MS)
• Mississippi Hills National Heritage Area (MS)
• Mississippi Delta National Heritage Area (MS)
• Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area (AL)
• Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area (TN)

National Heritage Corridors of the Southeast

• Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor (FL, GA, NC, SC)
• South Carolina National Heritage Corridor (SC)

Looking to explore the south beyond the National Parks, check out these amazing places to visit in the south.

Planning to explore the Southeast? Download your free Southeast National Park Checklist HERE.

Final Thoughts of the National Parks of the Southeast

I hope you have learned a little bit about the National Parks of the Southeast and are ready to get out and explore the Southeastern National Parks. If you are interested in the National Parks of other regions, click below;

• Midwest National Parks
• Rockies National Parks
• Southeast National Parks
• Southwest National Parks
• West Coast National Parks

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