Wildlife Viewing Near Washington

Best National Parks for Wildlife Viewing Near Washington, DC

National parks near Washington, DC ranked by wildlife viewing quality, with drive times and distances.

Updated

Day Trip (Under 2.5 hours)

A man stands with his back facing us, looking at a waterfall.

Shenandoah

VA

Comfortable

107 mi -- about 1.9 hr drive

Extended Drive (5+ hours)

bridge spanning the river

New River Gorge & Preserve

WV

Busy

294 mi -- about 5.3 hr drive

Two people stand at the edge of a gray rock cliff; in the distance, sunset and trees in fall colors.

Cuyahoga Valley

OH

Moderate Crowds

376 mi -- about 6.8 hr drive