Wallace Stegner, the celebrated novelist and historian, famously dubbed the U.S. National Park System "America’s best idea." This system truly embodies the spirit of preservation and accessibility, offering families an invaluable opportunity to experience the nation’s most treasured and stunning landscapes. Within these protected havens, visitors can witness wildlife thriving in their natural environments, delve into the rich tapestry of geological and cultural history, and simply revel in the splendor of the great outdoors.
The popularity of these national parks is undeniable, with visitor numbers consistently reaching impressive heights. In 2021 alone, the total number of visitors surged to over 297 million, marking a substantial increase of 60 million compared to the previous year. This article will explore the top 20 most visited national parks, ranked in order of their popularity, offering a glimpse into the diverse landscapes and experiences that draw millions of nature enthusiasts each year. Embark on a virtual journey through America’s 20 Most Popular National Parks, discovering the unique allure of each destination.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park reigns as the most visited national park in the United States. Encompassing a sprawling 522,000 acres, this natural sanctuary boasts breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, and captivating remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture. The park’s misty, blue-tinged mountains create an ethereal backdrop for exploration, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in its natural beauty.
Despite its immense popularity, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers ample opportunities for solitude and tranquility. Whether embarking on a challenging hike through the dense forests, enjoying a scenic drive along the winding mountain roads, or setting up camp at one of the park’s secluded campsites, visitors can find respite from the crowds and connect with nature on a deeper level. The park’s diverse ecosystem supports a wide array of plant and animal life, including black bears, white-tailed deer, and a vibrant assortment of bird species.
- Zion National Park
Located in southwestern Utah, Zion National Park is a testament to the power and beauty of nature. Named after the magnificent Zion Canyon, this park showcases towering sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and a diverse array of flora and fauna. The Virgin River, carving its way through the canyon, has sculpted a landscape of unparalleled grandeur.
Zion Canyon, the park’s centerpiece, stretches for 15 miles and reaches depths of up to half a mile, revealing layers of red and tan sandstone that tell a story of geological time. Adventurous visitors can test their skills by navigating the challenging rapids of the Virgin River or scaling the towering canyon walls. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, scenic drives and leisurely hikes offer breathtaking views of the park’s iconic landmarks.
- Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872 as the first national park in the United States, is a globally renowned natural wonder. Spanning 2.2 million acres, primarily in Wyoming, this park sits atop one of the continent’s largest active supervolcanoes. This unique geological setting has shaped a diverse ecosystem of lakes, canyons, rivers, and mountain ranges, creating a landscape unlike any other.
Yellowstone is famous for its geothermal features, including thousands of geysers, mud pots, hot springs, and fumaroles. Old Faithful, perhaps the most iconic geyser in the world, draws crowds eager to witness its regular eruptions. Beyond its geothermal wonders, Yellowstone is also a haven for wildlife, with large populations of wolves, bison, elk, antelope, and other animals roaming freely within its boundaries.
- Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona is a natural masterpiece that deserves a spot on every traveler’s bucket list. Carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, this immense canyon is a testament to the erosive power of nature. Its sheer scale and intricate rock formations evoke a sense of awe and wonder in all who behold it.
Visitors can explore the Grand Canyon from various vantage points, including numerous hiking trails and scenic overlooks along the rim. The Skywalk, a glass-bottomed bridge extending over the canyon’s edge, offers a thrilling perspective for those who dare to venture out. Mule trips provide a unique way to experience the canyon’s depths, while backpacking expeditions allow adventurous souls to immerse themselves in its rugged beauty.
- Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park, encompassing 415 square miles in Colorado, showcases the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains. This park boasts a diverse landscape of mountain lakes, glaciers, rolling meadows, and towering peaks. With more than 300 miles of hiking trails, visitors can explore the park’s natural wonders at their own pace.
Wildflowers paint the meadows in vibrant colors during the summer months, while wildlife such as bighorn sheep and moose roam freely throughout the park. The Trail Ridge Road, a 48-mile scenic byway, takes travelers to an elevation of 11,500 feet, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
- Acadia National Park
Nestled along the rugged coastline of Maine, Acadia National Park offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical charm. This park is home to diverse plant and animal life, as well as the tallest mountain on the Atlantic Coast, Cadillac Mountain. Visitors flock to Acadia to hike granite peaks, bike historic carriage roads, and soak in the stunning coastal scenery.
Acadia’s coastline is dotted with picturesque harbors, rocky beaches, and dramatic cliffs. The park’s historic carriage roads, built by John D. Rockefeller Jr., provide a network of scenic trails for biking and hiking. Families can embark on the Acadia Quest, a scavenger hunt-like activity that encourages exploration and discovery within the park.
- Grand Teton National Park
Located in northwestern Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park encompasses the major peaks of the Teton Range and the northern Jackson Hole Valley. This park’s 96,000 acres are filled with breathtaking vistas, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife, including bears, moose, otters, and elk.
The Teton Range, with its jagged peaks rising dramatically from the valley floor, creates a stunning backdrop for outdoor adventures. Several standout hiking trails offer access to the park’s alpine lakes and panoramic viewpoints. Connected to Yellowstone National Park by the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway, Grand Teton offers a seamless opportunity to explore two of America’s most iconic national parks in a single trip.
- Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park, protected since 1864, is a California gem renowned for its towering waterfalls, deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, and vast wilderness areas. Within its nearly 1,200 square miles, Yosemite offers a diverse range of landscapes and experiences.
Yosemite’s waterfalls, particularly impressive during the spring snowmelt, are a major draw for visitors. Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in North America, is a sight to behold. The park also offers world-class rock climbing opportunities, challenging hiking trails, and serene meadows for relaxation.
- Indiana Dunes National Park
Stretching along 15 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, Indiana Dunes National Park preserves a unique landscape of sand dunes, beaches, and diverse ecosystems. This midwestern park offers opportunities for swimming, hiking, birdwatching, and simply enjoying the natural beauty of the Great Lakes region.
The park’s namesake dunes, formed by wind and wave action over thousands of years, are the main attraction. Rare plants, creeks, and migratory birds add to the park’s ecological richness. With free admission, Indiana Dunes National Park is an accessible destination for nature lovers of all ages.
- Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park, a million-acre wilderness in Montana, is a jaw-droppingly beautiful wonderland of pristine forests, alpine meadows, rugged mountains, and spectacular lakes. This park boasts two mountain ranges, more than 130 lakes, and thousands of plant and animal species.
The Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 50-mile scenic byway, is one of the most iconic drives in America, offering breathtaking views of the park’s glaciers, lakes, and mountains. Boat tours provide another way to explore the park’s pristine waters and soak in its stunning scenery. America’s 20 Most Popular National Parks includes this beauty of nature.
- Joshua Tree National Park
Named for the distinctive Joshua trees native to the region, Joshua Tree National Park encompasses 1,200 square miles in Southern California. This park features parts of two deserts, the higher Mojave Desert and the lower Colorado Desert, creating a unique and diverse landscape.
Joshua Tree National Park offers opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, camping, and stargazing. The park’s unique rock formations and desert flora create a surreal and captivating environment. Ranger-led activities, including guided wildflower walks, evening talks, and stargazing programs, enhance the visitor experience.
- Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park in Washington State is like three parks in one, encompassing breathtaking mountain vistas, colorful ocean tidepools, and valleys of ancient forests. About 95 percent of the park is designated as wilderness, making it a perfect destination for those seeking a deep connection with nature.
The park’s diverse ecosystems support a wide range of plant and animal life. Visitors can explore the park on foot, with a variety of day hikes catering to different skill levels. Kid-friendly hikes make Olympic National Park an ideal destination for families.
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Ohio’s only national park, Cuyahoga Valley National Park preserves and reclaims the rural landscape along the Cuyahoga River between Akron and Cleveland. This park offers a blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and recreational opportunities.
The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, a major trail through the park, follows 20 miles of the historic canal route. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad offers a unique way to view the park’s scenery. Families can hike or bike along the flat Towpath Trail, often taking the train back after a one-way journey.
- Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas is unique for its urban setting and historical significance. Located next to the city of Hot Springs, this park is the country’s smallest national park. The main attractions are the historic bathhouses and hot springs, which the park was established to protect.
Visitors can enjoy a relaxing soak in the thermal waters at one of the park’s bathhouses. Short scenic hikes offer opportunities to explore the surrounding hills and forests.
- Bryce Canyon National Park
Despite its name, Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah is not a canyon at all. Instead, it is a collection of giant natural amphitheaters formed by hoodoos, tall, thin spires of rock. The red, orange, and white colors of the rocks create spectacular views throughout the park.
Visitors can explore the rock formations on a scenic drive or up close on a hike. Bryce Canyon’s unique geological features make it a must-see destination for nature enthusiasts.
- Arches National Park
Located just outside Moab, Utah, Arches National Park is known for its 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the famous Delicate Arch. The park also boasts a wide variety of unique geological resources and formations.
Arches National Park is a certified dark sky park, making it an ideal destination for stargazing. Visitors can discover the park via a hike or enjoy some rock climbing.
- New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, the newest national park, is home to one of the oldest rivers on Earth. The park covers more than 7,000 acres of West Virginia wilderness and has drawn visitors for its beautiful vistas, rock climbing, rafting, and hunting.
The now-iconic train tracks, visible from most park viewpoints, were first built in 1872. The region was initially known for its coal mines but is now a recreational haven.
- Mount Rainier National Park
Dominated by its namesake volcano, which towers at 14,410 feet, Mount Rainier National Park is America’s fifth-oldest national park. Visitors can witness cascading waterfalls in the spring, abundant wildflowers in the summer, and colorful foliage in the fall.
The Citizen Ranger program for older kids and families includes self-guided quests and the chance to participate in the MeadoWatch scientific project.
- Shenandoah National Park
Occupied by settlers for at least 100 years, Shenandoah National Park covers 200,000 acres of Virginia wilderness. The 105-mile Skyline Drive traces the spine of the Blue Ridge Mountains and offers many jumping-off points to see the beauty of this park.
Beyond the scenic drive, visitors can explore the park’s many offerings through hiking, biking, paddling, and horseback riding.
- Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park in Utah offers breathtaking rock formations and desert landscapes. The charm of this park can’t be understated. There are also historic orchards, scenic driving routes, horseback rides, and stargazing.
The park is open year-round, but it’s at its best in spring and early fall. That’s on top of stellar hikes and rock climbing routes. This is the last one in the list of America’s 20 Most Popular National Parks.
Visiting America’s 20 Most Popular National Parks is an adventure for all.
