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 · Free108 mi · ~2 hr drive
- 2 Indiana Dunes · Indiana · 50+ trails · Free211 mi · ~4.5 hr drive
- 3 New River Gorge · West Virginia · 112+ trails · Free325 mi · ~7 hr drive
- 4 Shenandoah · Virginia · 500+ trails · $30 / vehicle363 mi · ~7.5 hr drive
- 5 Mammoth Cave · Kentucky · 85+ trails · Free390 mi · ~8 hr drive
- 6 Gateway Arch · Missouri · 3+ trails · Free454 mi · ~9.5 hr drive
- 7 Great Smoky Mountains · Tennessee · 800+ trails · Free465 mi · ~9.5 hr drive
- 8 Isle Royale · Michigan · 165+ trails · $7 / person / day480 mi · ferry or flight required
Planning a trip from Detroit
Cuyahoga Valley, 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 Detroit?
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, about 108 miles away (~2 hr drive).
Which national parks near Detroit work for a weekend trip?
Within roughly a six-hour drive: Cuyahoga Valley, Indiana Dunes.
How many national parks are within 500 miles of Detroit?
8 of the 63 U.S. national parks are within 500 miles of Detroit.