The 15 Most Visited National Parks in the US

The United States is home to some of the most breathtaking and diverse landscapes in the world, and the National Park Service (NPS) plays a crucial role in preserving these natural wonders. Thanks to the NPS’s diligent tracking of visitor numbers, we can see which parks are the least and most visited national parks in the US. This list will explore the most popular national parks, providing insights into what makes each one unique. So, what is the most visited national park in the US? Let’s find out.

What is the Most Visited National Park in the US?

The title of the most visited national park in the US goes to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Nestled between North Carolina and Tennessee, this park attracts millions of visitors each year, offering a variety of activities and stunning natural beauty.

1. Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina and Tennessee

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is renowned for its diverse wildlife, lush forests, and mist-covered mountains. In the past year, it welcomed a staggering 13,297,647 visitors, making it the most visited national park in the US. The park offers over 800 miles of hiking trails, including a section of the famous Appalachian Trail. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, waterfalls, and historical buildings that tell the story of the region’s rich cultural heritage.

2. Grand Canyon in Arizona

The Grand Canyon National Park, one of the most iconic and most visited national parks in the US, saw 4,733,705 visitors last year. This awe-inspiring natural wonder is famous for its immense size and its intricate and colorful landscape. The Grand Canyon offers a range of activities, from hiking and whitewater rafting to helicopter tours and skywalks. The South Rim is open year-round, providing spectacular views and numerous visitor facilities.

3. Zion in Utah

Zion National Park, with its towering sandstone cliffs and narrow slot canyons, attracted 4,623,238 visitors last year. Known for its diverse ecosystems, Zion offers a range of hiking trails, from easy walks to challenging climbs. The park’s most famous hike, Angels Landing, provides breathtaking views but is not for the faint-hearted. Other popular activities include canyoneering, bird watching, and stargazing.

4. Yellowstone in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park, spanning three states, brought in 4,501,382 visitors last year. As the first national park in the world, Yellowstone is a treasure trove of geothermal wonders, including geysers, hot springs, and mudpots. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, such as grizzly bears, wolves, and herds of bison and elk. Visitors can explore the park’s vast network of trails, scenic drives, and visitor centers to learn more about its unique geological and ecological features.

5. Rocky Mountain in Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park saw 4,115,837 visitors last year. This park is a hiker’s paradise, with over 350 miles of trails offering stunning views of rugged mountains, alpine lakes, and meadows filled with wildflowers. The park’s Trail Ridge Road, which crosses the Continental Divide, is one of the highest paved roads in North America, providing breathtaking vistas and opportunities to see wildlife like elk and bighorn sheep.

6. Yosemite in California

Yosemite National Park welcomed 3,897,070 visitors last year. Famous for its dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and giant sequoias, Yosemite is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. The park’s iconic landmarks, such as El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls, attract climbers, photographers, and adventurers from around the world. Yosemite Valley offers a range of facilities and services, making it accessible to visitors of all ages and abilities.

7. Acadia in Maine

Acadia National Park, located on the rugged coast of Maine, saw 3,879,890 visitors last year. The park is known for its stunning coastal scenery, including rocky shorelines, sandy beaches, and granite peaks. Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the East Coast, offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, such as hiking, biking, bird watching, and kayaking.

8. Grand Teton in Wyoming

Grand Teton National Park, with its dramatic mountain landscapes, attracted 3,417,106 visitors last year. The park’s rugged peaks, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the park’s numerous hiking trails, go boating on Jackson Lake, or enjoy a scenic drive along the Teton Park Road. The park is also a great place for wildlife watching, with opportunities to see moose, bison, and bears.

9. Joshua Tree in California

Joshua Tree National Park, known for its unique desert landscapes and iconic Joshua trees, brought in 3,270,404 visitors last year. The park’s diverse ecosystems, ranging from low desert to high desert, offer a variety of activities, such as hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing. Joshua Tree’s stunning rock formations and wide-open skies make it a favorite destination for photographers and nature lovers.

10. Olympic National Park in Washington

Olympic National Park, with its diverse ecosystems and stunning landscapes, saw 2,947,503 visitors last year. The park includes lush rainforests, rugged coastlines, and snow-capped mountains, providing a variety of outdoor activities. Visitors can hike through the Hoh Rain Forest, explore the tide pools at Rialto Beach, or take in the panoramic views from Hurricane Ridge. Olympic’s diverse habitats support a wide range of wildlife, making it a great destination for nature enthusiasts.

11. Glacier National Park in Montana

Glacier National Park, known for its stunning mountain landscapes and pristine lakes, welcomed 2,933,616 visitors last year. The park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road offers one of the most scenic drives in the country, with breathtaking views of glaciers, waterfalls, and wildlife. Visitors can explore the park’s extensive network of hiking trails, go boating on Lake McDonald, or take a guided tour to learn more about the park’s unique geological and ecological features.

12. Cuyahoga Valley in Ohio

Cuyahoga Valley National Park, located near Cleveland, saw 2,860,059 visitors last year. The park’s lush forests, rolling hills, and scenic rivers provide a peaceful retreat for visitors. The Cuyahoga River, which runs through the park, offers opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Visitors can also explore the park’s extensive network of trails, including the popular Towpath Trail, which follows the historic Ohio & Erie Canal.

13. Indiana Dunes in Indiana

Indiana Dunes National Park, known for its diverse landscapes and unique ecosystems, attracted 2,765,892 visitors last year. The park’s sandy beaches, rolling dunes, and lush forests provide a variety of recreational opportunities. Visitors can hike through the park’s numerous trails, swim in Lake Michigan, or explore the park’s rich cultural and natural history. The park’s diverse habitats support a wide range of plant and animal species, making it a great destination for nature enthusiasts.

14. Hot Springs in Arkansas

Hot Springs National Park, famous for its natural thermal springs, brought in 2,502,967 visitors last year. The park’s historic bathhouses and scenic landscapes offer a unique blend of relaxation and outdoor adventure. Visitors can soak in the park’s thermal waters, hike through the Ouachita Mountains, or explore the park’s rich cultural and natural history. The park’s scenic drives and hiking trails offer stunning views of the surrounding area.

15. Bryce Canyon in Utah

Bryce Canyon National Park, known for its unique hoodoos and colorful rock formations, saw 2,461,269 visitors last year. The park’s stunning amphitheaters and spires provide a dramatic backdrop for hiking, photography, and stargazing. Visitors can explore the park’s numerous trails, including the popular Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail, or take a scenic drive along the park’s rim to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

FAQs

What is the Largest US National Park?

The largest national park in the US is Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve in Alaska, covering a massive 13.2 million acres. This park is more than three times the size of Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite national parks combined. The three biggest national parks are all located in Alaska:

• Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve – 13.2 million acres
• Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve – nearly 8.5 million acres
• Denali National Park & Preserve – more than 4.7 million acres

What is the Newest National Park?

New River Gorge in West Virginia became America’s newest national park in December 2020. This park is known for its stunning river views, outdoor recreational activities, and rich history.

How Many National Parks are in the US?

There are 63 national parks across the country, including two in U.S. territories. Each park offers unique landscapes and experiences, contributing to the rich natural heritage of the United States.

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