As more individuals choose to trade metropolitan skylines for mountain peaks and rich woods, visitor counts in national parks all throughout the United States have been steadily rising.
Usually established and maintained by national governments, national parks are essentially a reserve of unique and natural areas declared under protection. These places accentuate and help to conserve some of the most unique historical and cultural treasures. Since national parks boost the local businesses and attract tourists, they provide several financial benefits as well. Studies show that homes close to these protected areas especially those with tourism have a wealth rise of up to 17% and a 16% lower chance of poverty than comparable homes further away.
List Of Top 10 Most Visited U.S National Parks 2024
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has much to offer its tourists with lush forests and the stunning surroundings of mountains and waterfalls. With more than 12 million visitors annually, this one of the most well-known parks in the US (as the most visited US National Park in 2022) is ideal for those who either wish to relax from the noisy towns or engage in some hiking or camping in national parks.
Relatively easy to reach with a car, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the escape to the Appalachian Mountains. This allows hikers to traverse some portions of the Appalachian Trail, which promises to be a quite amazing kind of experience.
2. Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park is well-known all across for its striking views, geologic features, and thorough archeological background. The vistas and memories of whichever portion of the canyon you choose to visit will seem epic. Viewpoints and many hiking paths abound. One of them is Cape Royal on the North Rim, where plenty of people visit to take in the finest views in the area. Grand Canyon NP has another advantage: it is rather near to many other amazing locations. You are near famous sites including Lake Powell and Monument Valley as well as the border of Utah, the gateway to Utah’s “Mighty 5”.
3. Zion National Park
One of the most famous and gorgeous places in the Southwestern US, Zion National Park is lovely. For the more than 4.5 million visitors to this site in Utah annually, high peaks featuring some pinkish colors make this place unforgettable. One great example of what adventure in Zion might entail is The Narrows. Walking beside the Virgin River, this 16-mile route winds straight into the canyon and lets you take in its views.
Among the top locations worldwide for canyoneering, trekking, wading, swimming, and rappelling is also this spot.
4. Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain is a park implying that its guests will encounter the best and most well-known mountain range in America. Located in Colorado and the most often used day excursion from Denver, it welcomes over 4 million tourists yearly. Given that Denver is only approximately an hour and a half from the capital city, guests have an opportunity to enjoy a fast weekend trip. With some somewhat high peaks, the park is known for its “thirteeners,” the moniker derived from the heights of the mountains there spanning over 13,000 feet. If you enjoy hiking, visit Rocky Mountain National Park ready with appropriate shoes and clothes to help you negotiate some of the difficult paths, including Bear Lake and Emerald Lake Trail.
5. Acadia National Park
Still another amazing park (and among the most visited US national parks!) Acadia National Park is situated in the northeastern US. The amazing views of the ocean, woodlands, wildlife, hiking or bike paths, a sandy beach, and many more Acadia amenities will most likely astound you. Although this park has more than 3.4 million people annually and may get very packed in summer, winter brings enough to see and plenty of activities for this park. Actually, Acadia offers a whole range of winter tourism experiences right at that period. One of the beautiful things is that many of the top New England state parks are near Acadia, so you can mix a day at the Maine national park with them if you want to veer off the path a little!
6. Yosemite National Park
Always among the most well-known sites in the United States is Yosemite National Park in California. Though the location is typically packed—more than 4 million people visit annually—the views there are definitely worth seeing at least once in a lifetime. Yosemite hosts El Capitan (3,593 feet), among the most difficult and complex rock climbs. For hikers, it is a great challenge; but, if you are more laid back, you may still reach the summit of El Capitan or another viewpoint and enjoy the views from above.
7. Yellowstone National Park
Originally established in 1872 and largely in Wyoming, Yellowstone National Park is among the most magnificent national parks in the United States and the oldest one recognized worldwide. With more than 4 million yearly visitors, Yellowstone National Park boasts numerous mountains, rivers, and lakes all bursting with life. This location is especially unique in that it has the highest geyser concentration worldwide since it rests on top of a geothermal hot point.
Yellowstone National Park is a real, must-see emblem of the United States with its globally known geysers and many other magnificent attractions and features.
8. Joshua Tree National Park
One of the well-known parks in the United States, Joshua Tree is close to the well-known Coachella Valley in California. Since this well-known park is just a two to three hour drive east of Los Angeles (and close to Palm Springs), it is also among the most easily reachable ones on this list. Together with massive, otherworldly-looking boulders, Joshua Tree National Park is ideal for discovering desert settings. In the center of the California desert, this well-known US national park features some fantastic hiking trails. Along with horse paths, historic palm groves, panoramic views, and much more to appreciate, Joshua Tree National Park boasts over 100 miles of hiking trails.
9. Cuyahoga Valley National Park
In an area of the US known for its blue-collar sector, this park shockingly combines historical, cultural, natural riches, and lots of events for those visiting. One of the most visited US national parks for outdoor enthusiasts, Cuyahoga Valley boasts chances for hiking and bicycling (and much more!). With over 2.2 million visitors annually. The trekking paths will pass ponds, woodlands, and even breathtaking waterfalls!
10. Glacier National Park
Although Glacier National Park is in northwest Montana and covers more than a million acres, its size is such that it extends into Canada as well. This Montana park must go toward the top of your USA bucket list, even though the scenery reminds me of the Swiss Alps even though we live in the US! This area was created by glaciers; 25 of them still exist in the park even though they are rapidly disappearing. Attributed to its distinctive and breathtaking mountain settings, Glacier National Park is also known as “crown of the continent,” with more than 3 million yearly tourists.