The National Parks are a national treasure!
Starting with these 10 most visited National Parks in the U.S., followed by the other 53 in the National Parks system, there’s no shortage of natural beauty whether you’re out west or in the southeastern corner of the country.
Use this list of the most popular National Parks in the U.S. to inspire your wanderlust, and hopefully, plan your first or next National Park trip!
Top 10 Most Visited National Parks in the U.S.
No matter which National Parks are on your list to visit, make sure you have the right gear.
This list of hiking essentials has what you need to pack for a day hike and this packing list has what you need to wear hiking no matter what season it is.
Lastly, if you’re looking to save money on National Park entry fees, pick up an America the Beautiful Pass. If you visit 2-3 National Parks in a calendar year, the pass pays for itself. And with many states having more than 1 National Park, it’s easy to road trip to several parks on a single vacation.
Ready to plan your National Park trip? Here are the most visited parks in the U.S.
#1 Great Smoky Mountain National Park
Where: Along the border of North Carolina and Tennessee
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the U.S.
The park is known for its fall foliage, where the trees put on a dazzling display of autumn colors. Wild trout habitats can be found throughout the park’s streams making fishing a popular activity.
Be sure to explore the 11-mile loop of Cades Cove, where historic buildings from settlers remain intact and wildlife like deer, bears, and turkeys can be spotted.
Park Highlights:
ProTip: Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway north from the National Park, one of the prettiest drives in the U.S.! At its farthest northern point, make a stop in Shenandoah National Park, too! If you need a place to stop along the way, Roanoke Virginia sits in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, just off the Parkway.
#2 Grand Canyon National Park
Where: Northern Arizona
The Grand Canyon is without a doubt an iconic American symbol, not to mention a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hike to scenic overlooks and take in the orangey-red cliffs, canyons, and gorges that span as far and wide as the eyes can see.
Visitors can take mule rides down into the canyon or opt to be overhead in a hot air balloon. Thrill-seekers can choose rafting and overnight camping deep within the Grand Canyon. A skywalk along the West Rim is especially popular, as are many of the viewpoints along the South Rim.
Park Highlights:
ProTip: Nearby Flagstaff is the most popular gateway to the National Park because of its historic town center, restaurant scene, and popular places to visit like the Lowell Observatory. Those of you who want to spend even more time in Arizona should take a look at this epic Arizona road trip itinerary!
#3 Zion National Park
Where: Southern Utah
Giant sandstone canyons steal the show in Zion National Park. Hike through the park and discover lookouts like Angel’s Landing where you gaze upon a spectacular, sweeping canyon. (Reservations are now needed to hike Angel’s Landing.)
There are so many things to do at Zion National Park! If you’re after an adventure activity, splurge on an excursion and travel by horse or mule to head deep into the rocky canyon trails. With hundreds of plants and animal species throughout Zion and no cars allowed in Zion Canyon from spring to fall, it’s only a matter of time before you encounter some of the park’s inhabitants.
Park Highlights:
Zion National Park can be easily connected to a Utah National Parks road trip itinerary to include visits to nearby Bryce Canyon, as well as Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef National Parks further north in and near Moab, Utah.
#4 Yellowstone National Park
Where: Northwestern corner of Wyoming, with parts stretching over the borders of Montana and Idaho
Yellowstone National Park is arguably the most popular national park in the United States. It was the first established national park in North America and the world.
The park is known for its hot springs and Boiling River, its bison roaming the plains, and the re-introduced wolves who travel in packs.
You just might spot some of the park’s famed wildlife with a stop in Hayden Valley. Traveling by boat along Yellowstone Lake might also give you the chance to see more wildlife. Lower Falls and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone are also not to be missed.
Keep in mind that you might encounter traffic and long lines since the entrances to the parks are usually small and have only a few lanes. To skip the crowds, consider using the East Gate or Northeast Gate, which tend to have fewer visitors entering.
Park Highlights:
#5 Rocky Mountain National Park
Where: Estes Park, Colorado
Rocky Mountain holds over 350 miles of hiking trails through alpine meadows, evergreen forests, and crystal-clear mountain lakes. It’s among the most-visited national parks and has the highest peaks among other America’s national parks offering tons of recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
The park is situated along the Continental Divide, where rivers on either side head in opposite directions to drain into either the Pacific or Atlantic Oceans. Mountain peaks offer even the most seasoned climbers a challenge. Elk and Bighorn Sheep are commonly seen throughout the park.
Park Highlights:
ProTip: Rocky Mountain National Park is just 1 of 4 National Parks in Colorado that you can visit on a Colorado road trip, like the underrated gem, Black Canyon of the Gunnison!
#6 Yosemite National Park
Where: Central California, close to the Nevada border
Yosemite National Park is located in the Sierra Mountains and is among the most popular parks in the U.S. Hiking trails lead you through giant Sequoia trees or to spots around Mirror Lake to look for wildlife.
For those looking for a challenge, hike the Half Dome Cables Route. The park has three famous cliffside waterfalls, some of which can be seen up close by venturing out along Mist Trail.
Park Highlights:
#7 Acadia National Park
Where: Northeastern Atlantic Coast of Maine
The only park in the 10 most-visited parks that is situated on the East Coast of the United States, Acadia National Park is a jewel in the National Park’s crown. From the rocky coastline seen in the iconic Acadia photos to its forests and mountains, there’s something for everyone.
Hike along the park’s trails or rent a bike and explore using one of the designated carriage roads for which Acadia is known. Scenic drives up to Cadillac Mountains or along the 20-mile loop will take you through the park’s spectacular landscapes and vistas.
Park Highlight:
#8 Grand Teton National Park
Where: Northwestern Wyoming
Grand Teton National Park is home to herds of roaming Elk and the mountains that give the park its name. It has plenty of recreation areas where park visitors can surround themselves with the natural beauty of the park.
Take part in a floating excursion along the Snake River or settle down on Jackson Lake to do some fishing. Horseback riding tours and kayaking lessons will allow you to take full advantage of Grand Teton’s natural wonders. Be sure to snap plenty of photos around Oxbow Bend, where you’ll have pristine views of the Teton themselves.
Park Highlights:
#9 Joshua Tree National Park
Where: Southern California
If you’re looking for an adventure to a place that feels otherworldly, Joshua Tree National Park is one of the best national parks in Southern California! The scenery, wildlife, and plants are absolutely amazing. Along the miles of trails, you’ll encounter massive boulders and stunning rock formations.
Navigating the park is a breeze, thanks to knowledgeable park rangers and friendly volunteers along the trails. Just be aware that it can get busy, especially during peak times, so arriving early is key to beating the crowds and the heat.
For a great picnic spot, head to Hidden Valley, where you’ll find plenty of tables and even BBQ pits to enjoy a meal surrounded by stunning scenery.
Park Highlights:
#10 Olympic National Park
Where: Along the Pacific Coast in Northern Washington State
Olympic National Park is known for its evergreen Pine forests that are nestled in and along the Olympic Mountains. Add to this the waters of the Pacific that circle the peninsula where the park sits for an incredibly dramatic landscape. The park is one of the most unique in the U.S. National Park Service.
Hike through grassy meadows and temperate rainforests, do some tide pooling, soak in hot springs, and drive to Hurricane Ridge for sweeping views of the encircling mountains.
Park Highlights:
ProTip: If you have time to explore more of the Pacific Northwest, plan an Oregon Coast road trip for an unforgettable trip down the Pacific Coast!
Plan Your Outdoor Adventure in One of the Most-Visited National Parks in the US!
Get your bags packed and lace up those hiking boots for an epic journey into the great outdoors! Whether you’re game for a rocky climb, a trek through the desert, or a deep dive into a rainforest, these popular national parks promise experiences like no other.
Which National Park would you like to visit this year?
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