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 Shenandoah · Virginia · 500+ trails · $30 / vehicle76 mi · ~1.5 hr drive
- 2 New River Gorge · West Virginia · 112+ trails · Free230 mi · ~5 hr drive
- 3 Cuyahoga Valley · Ohio · 125+ trails · Free288 mi · ~6 hr drive
- 4 Congaree · South Carolina · 25+ trails · Free410 mi · ~8.5 hr drive
- 5 Great Smoky Mountains · Tennessee · 800+ trails · Free423 mi · ~9 hr drive
Planning a trip from Washington, DC
Shenandoah, New River Gorge, Cuyahoga Valley 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 Washington, DC?
Shenandoah National Park, about 76 miles away (~1.5 hr drive).
Which national parks near Washington, DC work for a weekend trip?
Within roughly a six-hour drive: Shenandoah, New River Gorge, Cuyahoga Valley.
How many national parks are within 500 miles of Washington, DC?
5 of the 63 U.S. national parks are within 500 miles of Washington, DC.