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 Cuyahoga Valley · Ohio · 125+ trails · Free19 mi · ~0.5 hr drive
- 2 New River Gorge · West Virginia · 112+ trails · Free253 mi · ~5.5 hr drive
- 3 Shenandoah · Virginia · 500+ trails · $30 / vehicle273 mi · ~5.5 hr drive
- 4 Indiana Dunes · Indiana · 50+ trails · Free277 mi · ~6 hr drive
- 5 Mammoth Cave · Kentucky · 85+ trails · Free380 mi · ~8 hr drive
- 6 Great Smoky Mountains · Tennessee · 800+ trails · Free419 mi · ~8.5 hr drive
- 7 Gateway Arch · Missouri · 3+ trails · Free491 mi · ~10 hr drive
Planning a trip from Cleveland
Cuyahoga Valley, New River Gorge, Shenandoah, Indiana Dunes 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 Cleveland?
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, about 19 miles away (~0.5 hr drive).
Which national parks near Cleveland work for a weekend trip?
Within roughly a six-hour drive: Cuyahoga Valley, New River Gorge, Shenandoah, Indiana Dunes.
How many national parks are within 500 miles of Cleveland?
7 of the 63 U.S. national parks are within 500 miles of Cleveland.