Top 10 National Parks in the United States
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Located on the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, this park is known for its beautiful mountain scenery and abundant wildlife. It encompasses over 500,000 acres of land, including several mountains, waterfalls, and forests. It is the most visited national park in the US.
Interesting Fact: It is that it's one of the few places in the world where synchronous fireflies can be seen.
In 2012, it received over 12 million visitors.
Grand Canyon National Park: This park in northern Arizona is famous for its stunning vistas of the Grand Canyon, which is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Visitors can hike, raft, or take a helicopter tour to explore the canyon. The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long and up to 18 miles wide.
Interesting Fact: The Grand Canyon is not the deepest canyon in the world, but it is the largest.
In 2021, it received over 6 million visitors.
Zion National Park: Situated in southern Utah, this park features towering sandstone cliffs, narrow canyons, and the Virgin River. It is a popular destination for hiking, rock climbing, and canyoneering. Zion National Park covers more than 229 square miles of land.
Interesting Fact: Zion National Park has over 1,000 plant species.
In 2021, it received over 5 million visitors.
Rocky Mountain National Park: Located in Colorado, this park is known for its alpine landscapes, wildlife, and hiking trails. Visitors can see elk, moose, and bighorn sheep in the park. Rocky Mountain National Park encompasses more than 415 square miles of land.
Interesting Fact: Rocky Mountain National Park has over 350 miles of trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry hikes.
In 2021, it received over 4 million visitors.
Yosemite National Park: This park in California is home to Yosemite Valley, which features towering granite cliffs and waterfalls. It is home to several iconic landmarks, including Half Dome and El Capitan. Visitors can also hike in the park's wilderness areas and see giant sequoias. Yosemite National Park covers more than 750,000 acres of land.
Interesting Fact: Yosemite Valley was carved by glaciers during the last ice age.
In 2021, it received over 3 million visitors.
Yellowstone National Park: America's first national park, Yellowstone is located in Wyoming and features geysers, hot springs, and wildlife such as bison and wolves. Yellowstone is home to the largest concentration of mammals in the lower 48 states. The park is also home to Yellowstone Lake, the largest high-altitude lake in North America.
Interesting Fact: Yellowstone is actually a supervolcano and has erupted three times in the past 2.1 million years.
In 2021, it received over 2.5 million visitors.
Acadia National Park: Situated on the coast of Maine, this park features rocky shorelines, forests, and mountains. Visitors can hike, bike, or drive the park's scenic roads. Acadia National Park covers more than 49,000 acres of land on Mount Desert Island, along with several smaller islands.
Interesting Fact: Acadia National Park is home to the highest peak on the US Atlantic coast, Cadillac Mountain.
In 2021, it received over 2 million visitors.
Grand Teton National Park: Located in Wyoming, this park features the Teton Range, a rugged mountain range that rises over 7,000 feet above the valley floor. Visitors can hike, camp, fish, or go boating in the park.
Interesting Fact: The park is named after the Teton Range, which means "breasts" in French, due to its distinctive shape.
In 2021, it received over 1.5 million visitors.
Glacier National Park: Situated in Montana, this park is known for its stunning mountain landscapes, glaciers, and diverse wildlife. Mountain goats are the official symbol of the park. Visitors can hike the park's trails, go fishing in its lakes and rivers, or take a scenic drive on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Glacier National Park covers over 1,000,000 acres of land.
Interesting Fact: Visitors to Glacier National Park can enjoy tours of the park in style in historic red buses called 'Jammers.' Originally introduced to U.S. National Parks in the 1930s, they were restored and modified in 2002, with some running on alternative fuels.
In 2021, it received over 1 million visitors.
Arches National Park: Located in Utah, this park features over 2,000 natural sandstone arches and other unique rock formations. Visitors can hike or drive through the park to see these stunning geological formations. In addition to its natural beauty, Arches National Park is also home to a number of cultural and historical sites, including the Wolfe Ranch, which was once home to a pioneer family, and the Petroglyph Panel, which features ancient rock art created by the Ute and Puebloan peoples. Arches National Park covers just over 76,000 acres.
Interesting Fact: The park’s unique reddish brown arches are entrada sandstone. They were originally deposited in the sea as sand some 235 million years ago.
In 2021, it received over 900,000 visitors.
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