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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Out of the 63 national parks in the U.S. National Park Service (NPS) system, these 10 most visited national parks in the United States successfully drew millions of visitors in 2023 alone. National Geographic reports that over 300 million visitors have flocked to America’s national parks.
10 Most Visited National Parks in the United States
This article discovers the top 10 most visited national parks, citing Visual Capitalist and Conde Nast Traveler.
1. Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina and Tennessee - 13.3 million visitors
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States, logging over 13 million visitors throughout the year. Home to 850 miles of hiking trails, the stunning park is best known for the natural beauty of the morning fog.
There are more than 19,000 acknowledged species in the park, making it the most biodiverse park among the other contenders recorded in the national park system. Visitors are keen to hike Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park.
2. Grand Canyon in Arizona - 4.7 million visitors
Grand Canyon is the second most visited national park in the United States, garnering around 4.7 million in a single year. As one of the largest canyons on Earth, the Grand Canyon is among UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. You can enjoy mule riding, hiking, and even rafting in the majestic Colorado River in this area.
3. Zion in Utah - 4.6 million visitors
Nestled in the heart of Zion National Park, the pink Navajo sandstone cliffs as well as the orange slot canyons stun every visitor who catches a glimpse of the phenomenal landscapes. The national park introduces diverse ecosystems such as riparian, conifer woodlands, and deserts owing to the elevations that range from 3,700 to 8,700 feet.
Some of the most loved hiking trails here are The Narrows and Angels Landing. Those craving for a more thrilling experience can book a famous overnight hike in the park, the West Rim Trail.
4. Yellowstone in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming - 4.5 million visitors
Yellowstone is one of the most visited national parks in the United States, attracting about 4.5 million owing to its marvelous landscapes. A stretch of more than 900 miles of hiking trails awaits tourists of all ages to do a leisure exploration.
When visiting the 2.2 million-acre park, visitors are bound to be enthralled by Yellowstone’s mountains, lakes, valleys, and top-notch hot springs. Among the most loved features in this gorgeous park are herds of bison, elk, and steaming geysers.
5. Rocky Mountain in Colorado - 4.1 million visitors
Rocky Mountain is considered one of the highest parks in the United States, with summits exceeding 12,000 feet. The majestic park is home to diverse ecosystems and a set of extraordinary alpine landscapes.
Rocky Mountain has approximately 355 miles of hiking trails that include some levels of difficulty. First-time hikers are welcome to hike the Loch Lake trail for a leisure stroll.
6. Yosemite in California - 3.8 million visitors
Yosemite National Park is perhaps one of the most famous contenders on the list of most visited national parks in the United States. The park stuns with its incredibly alluring waterfalls, like Vernal Fall and Bridalveil Fall.
Home to a number of hiking and camping sites, visitors are encouraged to make a reservation as soon as the booking system is available. Notable features such as the rock formations of Half Dome and El Capitan are loved here.
7. Acadia in Maine - 3.8 million visitors
Acadia National Park has the tallest coastal mountains on the eastern seaboard that offer picturesque landscapes consisting of bustling harbors, fishing villages, and car-free carriage roads. Some remarkable features of the park include Precipice and Beehive hiking trails that offer tourists scenic views of the Gulf of Maine.
8. Grand Teton in Wyoming - 3.4 million visitors
Among the most visited national parks in the United States, Grand Teton stands out with a feature of 250 miles of trails encapsulating scenic forests and pristine lakes. Pay a visit to the Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center to gain knowledge at its informational exhibitions and watch a documentary film about the national park.
9. Joshua Tree in California - 3.2 million visitors
Well known for its dark night sky, Joshua Tree National Park has captured the hearts of 3.2 million visitors. The splendid park is an attractive destination for campers, outdoor enthusiasts, and, of course, hikers.
Joshua’s trees and rock formations are adorned by the exceptional Milky Way at night, resulting in a scenic landscape meant to be immortalized in a photograph.
10. Olympic National Park in Washington - 2.9 million visitors
Comprising three different ecosystems, the Olympic National Park closes the list of most visited national parks in the United States. While it serves multiple stunning viewpoints and short-day hikes such as Rialto Beach and Lake Crescent, the Olympic National Park is fairly undeveloped. Therefore, it’s best to brace for foot exploration.
These most visited national parks in the United States have garnered the attention of both locals and international tourists.
VISUAL CAPITALIST | NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
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