Add These 10 Must-See National Parks in the South to Your Road Trip

There’s no better way to experience the beauty of the United States than with a visit to a national park, with the South being home to some of the most unforgettable ones. From misty mountains and ancient caves to lush swamps and islands, the national parks in the South are home to incredible landscapes, wildlife and outdoor adventures. 

In this guide, we’re highlighting 10 must-see national parks in the south that deserve a spot on your travel bucket list. Whether planning a weekend getaway or mapping out a long-haul road trip, get ready to check a few of these off on your national parks checklist.

iStockphoto.com / Dave Allen

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most visited parks in the United States and has more than 850 miles of trails, lots of wildlife (including almost 2,000 black bears) and many scenic locations that are photo-worthy, including Clingman’s Dome (the highest point in the Smoky Mountains) and Newfound Gap. 

The park's half-million acres make it a contender for one of the best road trips in the South. If you love to get out and stretch your legs on a hike, make sure to walk along the Alum Cave Trail to experience old-growth forest, bluffs and streams. The beauty and variety of terrain also make it a great trail in the national parks. 

Valentin Mosichev / iStockphoto.com

Everglades National Park is the largest tropical wilderness and one of the top national parks in the United States. It’s home to unique ecosystems, such as mangrove forests and vast wetlands, which are home to alligators, manatees and other animals. 

You and your family can take guided tours, hike or bike through this incredible area to experience its beauty. Because so much of the park is covered in water, one of the best ways to take in the wilderness is by boat or kayak. If you’re a fisher, you’ll love the variety of fish to catch. From the open wetlands or deep in a cypress grove, you’re in prime bird-watching territory, so make sure to bring your binoculars. 

Terry Nunn / Getty Images / CC BY-SA

Hot Springs National Park is famous for its naturally occurring thermal springs, which have been used for therapeutic purposes for centuries. The park is located next to historic bath houses where you and your kids can experience bathing in the waters of the hot springs. 

The park is located in the middle of an urban area which means you can experience hiking and nature walks before going shopping or grabbing a bite to eat. For a great view, take an easy hike on Hot Springs or North Mountain Trails and watch for some of the beautiful birds in the area. Your kids can become Junior Rangers by completing park activities and talking to a Ranger.

Getty Images / David Goodell 500px

If you’ve ever wanted to explore the striking desert landscapes, one of the best places to do it is at Big Bend National Park. With its stunning geology, diverse wildlife and dramatic views of the Rio Grande River, it is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. 

Whether you’re hiking on desert trails or floating down the river, the park allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the American Southwest. The park’s distance from civilization means that there is incredible stargazing at night and you might even see bighorn sheep when you’re hiking around. 

If you only have a day in the park, head out on the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive to view the Rio Grande and the stunning desert. If you need accessible areas, the park’s visitor centers are accessible, as are many of its campgrounds and even some trails, including Window View Trail.

iStockphoto.com / skiserge1

While Congaree National Park might be one of the lesser-known national parks on this list, it’s long been a favorite for people who love the chance to see wildlife and adventure outdoors. The park has one of the largest tracts of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States and its forests are home to a wealth of wildlife, including deer, bobcats and many bird species. 

When you visit Congaree National Park, you can explore its extensive trail system, canoe or kayak on the Congaree River and enjoy a peaceful, untouched beauty. A boardwalk runs through the park, giving you a unique way to see the area and plenty of opportunities for fishing. It’s also one of the only places to see synchronous fireflies in the U.S. They arrive in the park in mid-May to mid-June.

Getty Images / Emma Foley

Known for the imposing Fort Jefferson, pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs, the Dry Tortugas National Park offers some of the best snorkeling and diving opportunities in the U.S. The clear waters and abundant marine life make this park a must-visit for those looking to explore the underwater world. 

Even the trip to the park is an adventure, with the park sitting 70 miles west of Key West. The only way to reach the park is by boat or seaplane. You’ll need to find an air taxi, take a two-hour ferry ride or charter a boat to get there. 

If you visit, pack plenty of food and water, as you won’t be able to buy it on the island. You’ll also need to bring all of your own adventuring gear, as you can’t rent kayaks or snorkeling equipment in the park. There are campgrounds, so you can make the most of your escape from the mainland. 

Getty Images / Posnov

If you and your family love caving, the Mammoth Cave National Park is home to the longest known cave system in the world. You can wow your kids at a national park with a children’s-only guided tour of the cave system where you’ll see stalactites, stalagmites and other unique geological features. Above ground, the park offers hiking, camping and canoeing along the Green River. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mammoth Cave is also home to thousands of years of human history you can learn about when visiting. 

The cave system is a little chilly (54° Fahrenheit), so dress in comfortable layers and wear shoes with a good grip. If you visit in winter, add some warmer clothes for when you’re outside — the cave stays the same average temperature year-round, so you might not need a heavy coat once you’re inside. There is an accessible cave tour and the visitors center and campground are accessible, too.

istockphoto.com / beklaus

If you live in the Washington, D.C. area, the Shenandoah National Park is only a 45-minute drive away. During the fall, get your kids into the car and check out the famous Skyline Drive for breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the changing colors. 

The park has more than 200,000 acres of protected lands crisscrossed with miles of hiking trails and opportunities for wildlife viewing, fishing, birdwatching and much more. Rangers lead programs that teach you and your kids about the park. If you want to get off the beaten path, there is backcountry camping where you can get away from people.   

iStockphoto.com / stockphoto52

Biscayne National Park is one of the most unique national parks in the country because most of it is covered with water. Whether you want to see the beautiful coral reefs, explore the mangroves, look at some incredible undersea life or float on the sea in a kayak, you can do it at Biscayne. The Maritime Heritage Trail lets you snorkel at shipwrecks and you can even go fishing. 

Make sure you bring your own kayaking or stand-up paddleboards to the park (or rent gear at one of the area businesses) because the park doesn’t offer rentals of its own. If you’re looking for photo-worthy spots, you can’t beat the beautiful lighthouse at Boca Chita Key or the tranquil beach of Elliot Key.

dhughes9 / iStockphoto.com

Come for the view from Guadalupe Peak (the “Top of Texas”) but stay for the hiking, backpacking and rugged beauty in places like McKittrick Canyon. McKittick is also a favorite location for Texans to watch changing colors in the fall. Guadalupe Mountains National Park features part of an ancient marine reef, making it possible to see incredible fossils out in the open.

Guadalupe lets you experience Texas the way you want to. If you’re an experienced backpacker, you can get away from the crowds to see the unoccupied parts of the area, or you can stay at one of the park’s developed campgrounds between guided tours and horse rides.

Have more questions about the best national parks in the south? AAA has answers.

Photo by Jennifer Broome

Yes. Whether your kids like to see unique wildlife, hike or go on adventures, some of the best activities at national parks for kids are geared towards children of all ages.  

The national parks in the south are different from other national parks because of the unique mix of geographical features (mountains, wetlands and old growth forest, for example), climate and flora and fauna. The proximity of many of the parks also allows you to see stunning mountain views and some of the world’s most beautiful wetlands with just a short drive on a southeast road trip.

There’s no wrong way to travel to a national park, but if you want to make the most of your time, you should have a vehicle. Whether you want to visit a park as part of your cross-country road trip or it’s the entire point of your vacation, having a vehicle will help you get around the park so you can see all of the sites you’re interested in. 

If you’re inspired by this list of must-see national parks in the South, start planning your next national parks trip today! Whether you want to make exploring these parks the goal of your next vacation or you want a fun day in one of America’s treasured open spaces, we know you and your family will love it. 

To make the most of your trip, take some time to check out the deals on lodging, rental vehicles and experiences from AAA Travel. If you’re a AAA Member, you can save even more money and get access to the AAA travel experts who will make your next vacation one that you’ll remember forever.