The Top 12 National Parks in the USA

The Top 12 National Parks in the USA

The United States has been blessed with an embarrassment of riches regarding natural beauty. With stunning scenery from coast to coast, it's no wonder the country's national parks are some of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

Whether you're looking to explore dense forests, towering mountains, pristine beaches, or otherworldly deserts, a US national park is sure to fit the bill. And while each one is unique and worth a visit in its own right, we've compiled a list of what we believe are the 12 best US national parks.

Read on to find out and explore national parks! Below is the list of National parks in the USA:

1. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is in Tennessee and North Carolina

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is in Tennessee and North Carolina

Unique and distinctive, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is. All kinds of wildlife and lovely landscapes may be found in the park. Also, it's one of the most popular tourist attractions in the United States.

There are about 800 square miles in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For the eastern United States, this park is the biggest. It spans Tennessee and North Carolina. Every year, far more than ten million visitors go to the park.

2. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the United States. The park spans over 200,000 acres of land and features various landscapes, from mountains and forests to rivers and waterfalls.

One of the most popular attractions in Shenandoah National Park is Skyline Drive. This scenic route runs 105 miles along the Blue Ridge Mountains' crest and offers breath-taking countryside views.

3. Glacier National Park, Montana

Glacier National Park, Montana

Montana's Glacier National Park is one of the state's most visited attractions. The park is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the state, with its snow-capped mountains, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife.

Visitors to Glacier National Park can enjoy various activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife watching. Glacier National Park is also one of the best national parks in the USA.

4. Zion National Park, Utah

Zion National Park, Utah

Zion National Park has consistently ranked as one of the most visited United States national parks. The national park in southern Utah is well-known for the breathtaking red rock formations and canyons that can be seen there. Zion National Park is a great place to go camping, hiking, and bird watching, to name a few available outdoor activities.

The land that is now the park was first declared as a national monument back in 1909, and it wasn't until 1919 that it was upgraded to the status of a national park. Zion National Park has more than 146,000 acres of land and is home to a wide diversity of flora and fauna. Every year, the park is frequented by more than 2 million people.

5. Big Bend National Park, Texas

Big Bend National Park, Texas

Big Bend National Park is located in Texas and is known for its beautiful scenery. The park is home to many different kinds of plants and animals and various geological features. Visitors to the park can enjoy hiking, camping, and wildlife watching.

The Chihuahua Desert covers a large portion of Big Bend National Park. This dessert is one of the most biologically diverse deserts in the world. Plant life in the desert includes yucca, cacti, and other drought-resistant plants. Animal life includes lizards, snakes, rabbits, and mice.

6. Olympic National Park, Washington

Olympic National Park, Washington

The Olympic National Park may be found in the state of Washington in the United States. The park covers an area of 922,651 acres and includes three distinct ecosystems: temperate rainforest, subalpine forest, and alpine meadow.

The temperate rainforest ecosystem of Olympic National Park is one of the most extensive remaining tracts of old-growth forest in the United States. This ecosystem is characterized by its dense canopy of evergreen trees, ample rainfall, and cool temperatures.

7. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park is a United States national park in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. The park encompasses 415 square miles (1,065 km2) of land and includes several peaks over 12,000 feet (3,658 m), including Longs Peak, [7] the highest point in Colorado at 14,259 feet (4346 m).

8. Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia National Park is one of the national parks in the United States with the highest number of visitors. Located in Maine, it is known for its beautiful scenery and hiking trails.

The park was established in 1916 and covered an area of 47,000 acres. It is home to many plants and animals, including several endangered species. Visitors can enjoy camping, fishing, bird watching, and more.

9. Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite National Park, California

The Yosemite National Park is often ranked as one of the top attractions for vacationers in the state of California. The park receives more than four million visitors annually, many of whom come to see the iconic Half Dome and Yosemite Falls.

10. Joshua Tree National Park, California
Joshua Tree National Park, California

Joshua Tree National Park has located in southeastern California. It covered an area of 790,636 acres and was established as a national park on August 10, 1994. The park is named for the Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia), which is endemic to the Mojave Desert. Numerous hiking trails throughout Joshua Tree National Park provide visitors with opportunities to explore the unique desert landscapes.

11. Denali National Park, Alaska
Denali National Park, Alaska

Denali National Park is one of the most popular national parks in Alaska. It is also one of the largest, spanning six million acres. The park is home to an array of wildlife, including grizzly bears, caribou, moose, and wolves. Within the park, guests can go fishing, hiking, and camping.

The park was first established as a national site in 1917 and was later expanded to include Denali State Park and Chugach National Forest. Today, the park receives over two million visitors each year.

12. Biscayne National Park, Florida
Biscayne National Park, Florida

Biscayne National Park protects a diverse ecosystem, including Florida Bay, mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, and coral reefs. Visitors can enjoy the park by snorkeling, diving, boating, and fishing as this national park is mostly underwater and worth a visit once.

The park is located within an hour of Miami, making it a popular destination for city dwellers looking to escape the hustle and bustle. Biscayne National Park is also home to several shipwrecks, making it a popular destination for divers.

Travel Guide:

When planning a trip to National Parks, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Check the weather conditions of the area you are visiting.
  • Make sure to pack appropriate clothing and gear for the climate.
  • Research popular attractions within the park and plan your itinerary accordingly.

Now that you know what to remember when planning your trip let's discuss how to save money on flight fares. One way to find airfare deals is by signing up for airlines' newsletters. Another booking tip is to fly mid-week instead of over the weekend; to get cheap flights. And finally, consider flying to alternate airports, sometimes they can offer cheaper rates than significant airports near National Parks.

There are several magnificent National Parks in the United States. When arranging a visit to one of these parks, remember the weather, popular activities, and ways to save money on travel. Participate in ranger-led activities after arriving to make the most of your visit!

Call