Closest first
Straight-line miles from the city center; drive times are rough estimates. Open the app for parks near wherever you are right now.
- 1 Great Smoky Mountains · Tennessee · 800+ trails · Free137 mi · ~3 hr drive
- 2 Congaree · South Carolina · 25+ trails · Free207 mi · ~4.5 hr drive
- 3 Mammoth Cave · Kentucky · 85+ trails · Free256 mi · ~5.5 hr drive
- 4 New River Gorge · West Virginia · 112+ trails · Free340 mi · ~7 hr drive
- 5 Gateway Arch · Missouri · 3+ trails · Free467 mi · ~9.5 hr drive
- 6 Shenandoah · Virginia · 500+ trails · $30 / vehicle470 mi · ~10 hr drive
- 7 Hot Springs · Arkansas · 26+ trails · $20 / vehicle498 mi · ~10.5 hr drive
Planning a trip from Atlanta
Great Smoky Mountains, Congaree, Mammoth Cave are realistic for a long weekend. Leave early Friday, and reserve campsites or lodging ahead in peak season.
Each park page covers popular trails, camping, entrance fees, and the best time to visit. In ParkAtlas, the home screen shows unvisited parks within reach of your current location and lets you log the one you pick.
Common questions
What is the closest national park to Atlanta?
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, about 137 miles away (~3 hr drive).
Which national parks near Atlanta work for a weekend trip?
Within roughly a six-hour drive: Great Smoky Mountains, Congaree, Mammoth Cave.
How many national parks are within 500 miles of Atlanta?
7 of the 63 U.S. national parks are within 500 miles of Atlanta.