By Paul Fogarty
January 23, 2024
Over 330 million people visited American national parks last year.
Image Credit: Unsplash
The parks protect nature and history. Let's explore the 10 most popular parks of the United States!
Image Credit: Unsplash
3.4 million visitors per year. Known for wild, rugged Pacific Northwest landscape with glaciers, mountains, and temperate rain forests along the coast.
Image Credit: Unsplash
Nearly 6 million visitors per year. Features a 277 mile long, mile deep canyon carved by the Colorado River with layers of rock showing Earth history.
Image Credit: Unsplash
4.7 million visitors yearly. Known for mountain scenery, alpine lakes, wildlife like elk and bighorn sheep. Has over 60 peaks higher than 12,000 feet!
Image Credit: Unsplash
Over 4 million visitors per year. Famous sights include El Capitan rock formation, giant sequoia trees, and waterfalls like Yosemite Falls.
Image Credit: Unsplash
3.5 million visitors per year. Located on Mount Desert Island and Schoodic Peninsula on Atlantic coast. Features granite peaks, oceanside cliffs, and forested mountains.
Image Credit: Unsplash
3.4 million visitors yearly. Dramatic craggy Teton Range rising above Jackson Hole valley. Great for hiking, fishing, spotting wildlife.
Image Credit: Unsplash
Nearly 3 million visitors per year. Rugged forested peaks and alpine valleys with over 700 lakes. Home to grizzlies and glaciers, but the glaciers are melting due to climate change.
Image Credit: Unsplash
4.5 million yearly visitors. Unique colorful sandstone cliffs tower high above red canyon narrow paths. Must ride the shuttle to see main Zion Canyon area.
Image Credit: Unsplash
12.5 million visitors per year! Largest national park in eastern U.S with lush forest and wildflowers. Abundant black bears, deer, birds, fireflies and more.
Image Credit: Unsplash
The Great Falls is an impressive waterfall. The Passaic River roars over steep cliffs. A pretty place to walk and picnic.
Image Credit: Unsplash
Branch Brook Park has cherry blossom trees like D.C. See pink flowers bloom in Spring. Pretty spot for family photos.
Image Credit: Unsplash
High Point State Park has great views from NJ’s highest point. Lake Marcia popular for fishing, boating, and hiking.
Image Credit: Unsplash
The Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited, followed by Zion and Glacier National Parks. Yellowstone was the first ever national park.
Image Credit: Unsplash
These special places preserve America's scenic wilderness and history. Make sure to stay on trails, pack out trash, and observe park rules to protect the parks, while visiting!
Image Credit: Unsplash
Now you know the top 10! Start planning your next national park adventure to experience awesome American landscapes and wildlife!
Image Credit: Unsplash
Image Credit: Unsplash