Top 10 Most Visited National Parks in the US
By Emily Johnson
Introduction
Hi, I’m Emily and I love exploring the great outdoors. As an avid hiker and nature lover, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting many national parks in the US. In this article, I’ll be sharing with you the top 10 most visited national parks in the country, based on recent data and personal experience. I’ll also be including some fun facts, expert quotes, and my own opinions and anecdotes. So, let’s get started!
Top 10 Most Visited National Parks
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Zion National Park
- Yosemite National Park
- Yellowstone National Park
- Acadia National Park
- Grand Teton National Park
- Olympic National Park
- Glacier National Park
These national parks attract millions of visitors each year, offering breathtaking scenery, diverse wildlife, and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Let’s take a closer look at each of these parks and what makes them so special.
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Located on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the US, with over 12 million visitors in 2019. It’s easy to see why – the park boasts stunning mountain views, lush forests, and abundant wildlife. One of my favorite hikes in the park is the Alum Cave Trail, which leads to a beautiful waterfall and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
If you’re planning a visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, be sure to check out the Cades Cove loop drive, where you can see historic buildings, wildlife, and stunning views of the mountains. The park also offers camping, fishing, and horseback riding.
2. Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon is one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world, attracting over 5 million visitors annually. The park offers numerous hiking trails, including the popular Bright Angel Trail, which descends 4,500 feet into the canyon. If you’re not up for a strenuous hike, you can still enjoy stunning views of the canyon from the rim.
I’ve had the pleasure of hiking the Bright Angel Trail and it was an unforgettable experience. The colors and layers of the canyon are truly awe-inspiring. If you’re planning a visit to the Grand Canyon, be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, as the desert heat can be intense.
3. Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is a paradise for hikers, with over 350 miles of trails winding through alpine meadows, forests, and peaks. The park is home to diverse wildlife, including elk, moose, and bighorn sheep.
One of my favorite hikes in the park is the Sky Pond Trail, which leads to a stunning alpine lake surrounded by jagged peaks. The hike is challenging but well worth the effort. If you’re not up for a long hike, you can also take a scenic drive through the park and stop at viewpoints along the way.
4. Zion National Park
Zion National Park is a hiker’s paradise, with trails ranging from easy strolls to strenuous climbs. The park is known for its towering red sandstone cliffs and narrow slot canyons.
I recently hiked the Angels Landing Trail in Zion and it was one of the most exhilarating hikes I’ve ever done. The trail follows a narrow ridge with sheer drop-offs on either side, but the views at the top are absolutely breathtaking.
5. Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is a world-famous destination, attracting over 4 million visitors annually. The park is known for its towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and giant sequoias.
One of my favorite hikes in the park is the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls, which offers stunning views of the falls and the surrounding valley. The park also offers camping, rock climbing, and scenic drives.
6. Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is the oldest national park in the US, established in 1872. The park is known for its geothermal features, including the famous Old Faithful geyser.
I visited Yellowstone last summer and was amazed by the variety of landscapes and wildlife in the park. We saw bison, elk, and even a grizzly bear! If you’re planning a visit to Yellowstone, be sure to check out the Grand Prismatic Spring, which is the largest hot spring in the US and offers stunning colors.
7. Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is located in Maine and offers stunning views of the Atlantic coast. The park is known for its rocky coastline, dense forests, and Cadillac Mountain, which is the highest point on the East Coast.
If you’re planning a visit to Acadia, be sure to hike the Precipice Trail, which offers stunning views of the coast and the surrounding islands. The park also offers camping, kayaking, and ranger-led programs.
8. Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park is located in Wyoming and offers stunning views of the Teton Range. The park is known for its alpine lakes, hiking trails, and abundant wildlife.
If you’re planning a visit to Grand Teton, be sure to hike the Cascade Canyon Trail, which offers stunning views of the mountains and the surrounding valley. The park also offers camping, fishing, and scenic drives.
9. Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park is located in Washington and offers diverse ecosystems, including rainforests, beaches, and mountains. The park is known for its hiking trails, including the famous Hoh River Trail.
If you’re planning a visit to Olympic, be sure to hike the Hurricane Ridge Trail, which offers stunning views of the mountains and the surrounding wilderness. The park also offers camping, fishing, and ranger-led programs.
10. Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is located in Montana and offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. The park is known for its hiking trails, including the famous Highline Trail.
If you’re planning a visit to Glacier, be sure to hike the Grinnell Glacier Trail, which offers stunning views of the glacier and the surrounding mountains. The park also offers camping, fishing, and scenic drives.
FAQs
What is the most visited national park in the US?
The most visited national park in the US is Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with over 12 million visitors in 2019.
What is the oldest national park in the US?
The oldest national park in the US is Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872.
What is the best time to visit national parks?
The best time to visit national parks varies depending on the park and the activities you plan to do. Generally, spring and fall offer milder weather and fewer crowds, while summer is the busiest season.
Do I need a reservation to visit national parks?
Some national parks require reservations for camping or certain activities, especially during peak season. It’s always a good idea to check the park website or call ahead to make sure you have all the necessary permits and reservations.