National parks near Asheville

Closest first

The list shows up to 10 closest parks within 500 miles; if none are within that range, it shows the 3 nearest overall. Distances are straight-line miles from the city center to approximate park coordinates. Drive times are rough estimates based on distance, not live routing; ferry, traffic, road closures, and seasonal access can change a trip. Confirm routes and current conditions with the National Park Service before you go. Open the app for parks near wherever you are right now.

• 1 Great Smoky Mountains · Tennessee · 800+ trails · Free55 mi · ~1 hr drive estimate
• 2 Congaree · South Carolina · 25+ trails · Free160 mi · ~3.5 hr drive estimate
• 3 New River Gorge · West Virginia · 112+ trails · Free177 mi · ~3.5 hr drive estimate
• 4 Mammoth Cave · Kentucky · 85+ trails · Free226 mi · ~4.5 hr drive estimate
• 5 Shenandoah · Virginia · 500+ trails · $30 / vehicle306 mi · ~6.5 hr drive estimate
• 6 Cuyahoga Valley · Ohio · 125+ trails · Free393 mi · ~8 hr drive estimate
• 7 Gateway Arch · Missouri · 3+ trails · Free470 mi · ~10 hr drive estimate
• 8 Indiana Dunes · Indiana · 50+ trails · Free483 mi · ~10 hr drive estimate

Planning a trip from Asheville

By our rough distance-based estimate, Great Smoky Mountains, Congaree, New River Gorge, Mammoth Cave are within about six hours by road. Actual travel times vary; check a current route 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.