The United States has some of the most stunningly diverse landscapes and these are preserved in its national parks. There are amazing natural sights found in these parks such as mountains, deserts, forests, and clear lakes. You can hike, go camping, or simply view nature—all of these are best done in national parks.
The best national parks to visit in the US provide a wide range of experiences, catering to adventurers, families, photographers, and those simply wanting to relax in nature. Parks are different from each other, influenced by where they are, the past, and the animals living there. Some green spaces are famous for their unique rocks, and others for the wide variety of plants and animals, or their historic value.
In this blog, we’ll explore the best national parks to visit in the US, answering key questions to help you plan your perfect trip. There are also helpful tables, helpful comparisons, and reminders included to help you along the way.
Key Points:
- Yellowstone, created in 1872, is the nation’s first and a very recognizable national park.
- The great views of Yosemite and Zion draw many hikers each year.
- Road trips with families often choose Acadia and the Great Smoky Mountains.
Which National Parks Are Most Visited by the Public in the United States?
Although the National Park Service looks after more than 400 locations, only 63 are designated as national parks. Millions of people visit these areas each year, whether to be close to nature, do some outdoor activities, or take a break from city life.
Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Yellowstone, and Glacier are some of the most popular national parks in the US.
- The park that gets the most visitors in America is Great Smoky Mountains National Park which is found along the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. The place is known for its foggy mountains, many species of plants and animals and convenient roads.
- The Grand Canyon in Arizona which is a World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO, brings in visitors from every part of the world. There are beautiful views at the South Rim and it is available all year.
- Zion National Park – Found in Utah, it is famous for its tall sandstone formations, narrow canyons and trails Angel Landing and The Narrows.
- Alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, and snowy mountain peaks can be found in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, bringing in many hikers and visitors who love nature.
- California’s Yosemite is famous because of its waterfalls, huge granite cliffs, and large sequoia trees.
Table: The Ten Most Popular Parks in the United States (2024)
| Park Name | Location | Annual Visitors |
|---|---|---|
| Great Smoky Mountains | NC & TN | 13 million+ |
| Grand Canyon | Arizona | 6 million+ |
| Zion | Utah | 5.8 million+ |
| Rocky Mountain | Colorado | 4.7 million+ |
| Yosemite | California | 4.5 million+ |
Check the National Park Service website and weather warnings before organizing your visit.
Where Should Someone Visit for Their initial experience in National Parks?
Your first national park experience should include one that gives you both fun activities to do, safety and an easy way to get around. Luckily, several of the best national parks to visit in the US are beginner-friendly and packed with memorable experiences.
Yellowstone National Park makes for a good first experience. Old Faithful and other geysers, beautiful colorful hot springs, and bison in open areas are just a few of the attractions found in Yellowstone, mainly situated in Wyoming. Exploring the area by car is easy, which is why it’s perfect for families.
Yosemite National Park is also very popular. Visitors with mobility limitations can see the park’s sights using shuttle buses, paved paths, and sights like Tunnel View.
One can find coastal scenery, forest hiking and long scenic drives like Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park, Maine. Lots of people choose fall because the colorful leaves are especially noticeable then.
List of the Best Beginner-Friendly National Parks
| Park | Main Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Yellowstone | Geysers, wildlife, geothermal features | First-time adventurers |
| Yosemite | Waterfalls, cliffs, and easy access | Nature lovers |
| Acadia | Coastal views, light trails | Family trips |
| Shenandoah | Skyline Drive, mountain views | Scenic drives |
| Glacier | Lakes, alpine scenery | Photographers |
Plan to book a place to stay or a campsite several months in advance, especially in the summer.
What Time of Year Should I Go to These National Parks?
The best time to explore the best national parks to visit in the US depends largely on the region and your interests. A few parks are best visited in spring, but others reach their greatest beauty in the fall or even in the winter.
The mild weather and blooming wildflowers of spring (March to May) make visiting Joshua Tree and Arches during this period especially appealing.
During summer (June–August), Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks are very busy as many families go there on trips. Still, many people go there, so finding a room can be hard, and prices often rise.
Fall (September–November) A good time to explore Great Smoky Mountains, Acadia and Zion if you want to see the autumn colors and like the cooler hiking atmosphere.
Unlike the busy summer and fall, winter (December–February) is the perfect time for a peaceful visit to Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon (South Rim), and Everglades, since there are fewer visitors and rates are lower.
What Can You Enjoy Doing in These Parks?
The best national parks to visit in the US offer a wide variety of activities for every interest and skill level. All sorts of fun are on offer, such as hiking, stargazing, kayaking, and watching wildlife.
Hiking and Trekking: All sorts of paths are available, for example, the Yosemite Bridalveil Fall is easy, but Angels Landing in Zion offers a tough climb.
Parks Offer Campgrounds: Several parks have camping spots inside their boundaries. Glacier and others allow people who want adventure to camp in the wilderness.
Wildlife Viewing: Bears, wolves, and elk can occasionally be found within Yellowstone National Park. Everglades is known for alligator sightings and homes many rare bird species.
Photography: Many photographers visit Arches, Grand Teton, and Bryce Canyon for their exciting scenery and the special way sunlight hits the area.
Water Activities: Water attractions like kayaking, fishing, and swimming are available in lakes and rivers at Acadia and Grand Teton.
Some parks provide programmes run by rangers so you can explore geology, history, and ecology with experienced people.
Note: Be sure to look into any permit or advance booking needs before you go on the hike to prevent being disappointed.
How Can You Tour the Most Famous National Parks?
Getting around the best national parks to visit in the US can be easy if planned correctly. While it is possible to visit a group of parks in one day, some may take a lot of planning.
Here are some national park routes that make good trips by car.
- The Mighty Five national parks – Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches and Canyonlands – are in southern Utah and can be toured in a road trip of 7–10 days.
- See all three national parks at the same time by taking your California Dream Trip to Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon. These places are sufficiently close to each other, so it would be easy to visit them in a week together.
- Rocky Mountain Adventures covers Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado and then travels to Grand Teton and Yellowstone in Wyoming.
- On the East Coast Explorer, you’ll travel from Shenandoah in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains and reach Acadia in Maine, seeing stunning forests and well-known trails along the way.
Visitors find it easy to move between parks by car. Many people pick RV or camper rentals for their convenience. Some park roads are narrow, and driving carefully is necessary, mainly in mountainous places.
Conclusion
Visiting the best national parks to visit in the US is a rewarding experience, no matter your age or background. Their amazing scenery gives people many places to explore, learn and relax.
In Arizona, you can find deep canyons and in Tennessee, you’ll find misty forests and every park tells its own tale and shows beauty in its own way. If you wish to hike, camp, take photographs or breathe some clean mountain air, national parks welcome you.
Good preparation, love for the environment, and a sense of adventure will help your trip stand out. Remember to obey the rules, leave nature clean as you go, and support conservation efforts so future generations can also visit these marvels.
FAQ’s
1. What is the best time to visit the best national parks to visit in the US?
Where you live can influence when the best time is. Because it’s not too hot and there are not many tourists at these times, spring and fall are much more pleasant than the other seasons.
2. Which national park would be the best choice for families?
Families love Yellowstone and Acadia since the trails are friendly, there are opportunities to spot wildlife and children will have a lot of fun joining learning activities.
3. Is it possible to see several national parks on the same journey?
Yes, for example, in Utah and California, many parks are located close by.
4. Are people allowed to bring their pets to national parks?
While pets might be allowed in certain areas of some parks, they usually cannot go hiking with you on trails. Always review the rules for the park you are in.
5. Are there charges to enter national parks?
The majority of parks have entry fees, though an annual America the Beautiful Pass lets you visit all federal recreation areas.
