24 Best National Parks in the USA

There are 63 National Parks in the United States, each offering a truly unique experience.

From majestic old-growth forests, magnificent mountain ranges and even an underwater national park. Whether it is splendid natural scenery, an adventure vacation, including some of the best hiking in the USA, flora and fauna or even fascinating history you are after, these are some of the best national parks in the USA.

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Most Visited National Parks in the USA

Based on the latest annual visitation records for 2021 from the National Parks Service, these are the top 5 most visited National Parks in America. Interestingly, the Grand Canyon dropped a few places in 2021, but we can safely assume the pandemic and lack of international visitors contributed to this.

Along with immense natural beauty, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park also has a rich cultural heritage. There is a lot to do and see in the Great Smoky Mountains NP – Clingman’s Dome, at 6,643 feet, is the highest point in the park, offering jaw-dropping 360-degree panoramic views of the Smokies from an observation deck. It’s also a hot spot for climbers.

Cades Cove has historic homesteads surrounded by natural beauty and opportunities for spotting wildlife. Newfound Gap also offers magnificent views and access to the famous Appalachian Trail.

It’s also well cemented on the best US road trips lists as it is connected to the Shenandoah National Park by the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway.

Entry to Great Smoky Mountains National Park

There is no entry fee for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (you can find out the fascinating story of why here), Although activities such as camping cost between $14-$23 per night. The main towns and gateways to the park are the cities of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge which cater well to visitors with plenty to do and lots of accommodation options.

Accommodation in Great Smoky National Park

Unless you plan to camp within the park, you can find a range of accommodation options in and around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, from luxury hotels to historic homesteads and cozy budget cabins. Search Smoky Mountains Accommodation Deals here.

Find the Best Tour Deals and Ways to Explore Great Smoky National Park

There is so much to do in Zion National Park beyond hiking, even if you only have a few hours to spend in the park.

Take the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, which takes you through the central section into forest trails along the Virgin River. Or, take the high road along the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway from the South Entrance to the East for magnificent vistas over the valley.

You can download a Zion National Park Self Driving Tour, so you don’t miss a thing.

There is a free shuttle bus system within Zion National Park and from the town of Springdale to the park from mid-March to late November. The shuttle route within Zion stops along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Be aware that cars are not permitted along the shuttle bus route during these months.

There are some incredible hikes in Zion National Park, including the famous Zion Narrows hike through deep chasms in the canyon walls and the Angels Landing hike, which is well worth the effort.

You can take a sunset horseback tour or try a 2 hour Slot Canyon Canyoneering experience. There are ATV riding and the top-rated Jeep Tours, river trips, biking etc.

Yellowstone encompasses a staggering 2.2 million acres of rich and diverse wilderness. There are so many jaw-dropping and iconic views from canyon walls splashed in red, dense forests and meadows, massive waterfalls, geyser basins, and peaceful alpine lakes.

Some of the best attractions in Yellowstone include Old Faithful, a geyser that erupts like clockwork. The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone features a stunningly-beautiful waterfall, while Grand Prismatic Spring is a thermal wonder known for its bright dazzling colours. Hayden Valley and Lamar Valley are where you’re sure to see Yellowstone’s world-renowned bison herds and other fascinating wildlife. A Lamar Valley Hiking Safari with a guide is a highlight.

Hiking is one of the most popular activities in Yellowstone – we’ve got seven of the best Yellowstone hikes here to get you planning. But there is so much more to do, such as horseback riding, Yellowstone River rafting tours, camping, and fishing. We recommend adding a trip to Grand Teton National park to your Yellowstone itinerary (information further on)

Entry to Grand Canyon National Park

You will have to pay an entry fee for the Grand Canyon per car or person for those not travelling in a private vehicle. See here for entry fees and a list of Free Entry Days.

Accommodation in Grand Canyon National Park

There is accommodation available inside the Grand Canyon National Park; it is advisable to book well in advance. You can find accommodation options here through NPS. There are also campgrounds within the park but be mindful that bookings are required. You can do this through the NPS Campgrounds online. There is also a good selection of accommodation options outside the park but be aware that hotels located as far as a 1.5-hours drive away can still carry the “Grand Canyon” label. You can find a selection of Grand Canyon hotels here that are less than a 15-minute drive from the park gate – perfect for early morning starts to beat the crowds or catch the sunrise.

Rocky Mountain National Park is most known for its towering landscapes and gorgeous scenery. With elevations ranging from 7,860 feet to 14,259 feet, Rocky Mountain is one of the highest national parks in the USA. There are 77 mountain peaks over 12,000 feet in elevation, with Longs Peak being the highest at 14,259 feet. The Alpine Visitor Center within the park also holds the highest National Parks Service sites record.

Located about 70 miles north of Denver and 38 miles of Boulder, Rocky Mountain National Park spans the Continental Divide and encompasses protected mountains, ancient forests, sub-alpine regions and alpine tundra. It also has some of the best wildlife watching in the United States, including elk, bighorn sheep and moose and more than 280 bird species.

Some of the most popular attractions in the Rocky Mountain National Park are the Emerald Lake Trail, a moderate hike that features a pristine lake surrounded by jagged mountains. Bear Lake trail with tranquil mountain views, The Keyhole Route, a climb that crosses vertical rock faces, leading up Longs Peak, the highest mountain in the park.

Some of the most popular “motor nature trails” are the Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the States and Old Fall River Road, the first auto route in the Rocky Mountain National Park. The Mount Evans Scenic Byway, 60 miles west of Denver, the highest paved road in North America, is another popular driving route. You can download the Rocky Mountain Self Drive Audio Tour here.

The Rocky Mountain National Park offers incredible scenery. You can find the most scenic hikes in RMNP here. Outdoor enthusiasts also enjoy fishing, hiking, mountain climbing, horseback riding, camping, and some of the best winter activities, including skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling.

The park has over 158 miles of hiking trails and 27 miles of historic motor roads, making it a popular addition to any Maine road trip itinerary. It is a top-rated stop on East Coast fall foliage leaf peeping itineraries when the park is in full colour.

The majority of the park covers Mount Desert Island, with the other half covering smaller islands and the mainland. The varied geography offers a diverse array of wildlife encounters, from moose and bears to whales and seabirds.

Bubble Rock, the Ocean Path, the Wonderland Trail, or the Great Head Trail are great options for beginning level hikes. For experienced hikers or those looking to spend more time in the wilderness, options include the Precipice Trail, the Beehive Trail, the Dorr Mountain Trail, or a hike to the Cadillac Mountain summit.

Along with hiking and wildlife encounters, you can take a drive along the Acadia National Park Park Loop Drive. The 27-mile loop road takes you past many of the park’s highlights and best observation points, including Thunder Hole, Jordan Pond and Sand Beach.

It is home to many rare and endangered species such as manatees, alligators, crocodiles, flamingos, panthers, and an immense variety of wetland bird species. It is such a unique wilderness; the Everglades is a World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, a Wetland of International Importance, and a specially protected area under the Cartagena Treaty.

The wild beauty of the Everglades is a treat for both nature lovers and adventure junkies. While activities such as hiking, cycling and bird watching are popular, much of the Everglades is made up of water. Boating, kayaking and canoeing tours and the famous Airboat Safari Tours are all incredible ways to experience this natural wetland. If you are prepared to get your feet wet, you can try “Slough Slogging“, a ranger lead walk off the hiking trail to experience a side of the Everglades many never see.

Dry Tortugas National Park covers 101 sq miles, most of which are surrounding coral reefs and water. The national park is steeped in a history of pirates and shipwrecks and tales of sunken treasure.

The central facility of the islands, Fort Jefferson, reminds us of the park’s significant military past. Dating back to the 1800s, the fort was also used as a prison during the Civil War. Fort Jefferson is also the largest brick structure in the western hemisphere, with over 16 million bricks. You can take a tour of the fort to learn about its history and construction.

A day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park is not all about the national park’s fascinating military history and swashbuckling tales of shipwrecks and pirates. There are also many impressive natural activities and abundant opportunities for marine and birdlife encounters.

Stretching over 270 square miles south of Miami to the Florida Keys, 95% of the Biscayne National park is underwater. The park is home to four different ecosystems and many endangered species, including manatees, sea turtles, and crocodiles. The Biscayne Bay Lagoon boasts healthy populations of dolphins, turtles and pelicans. The park also includes the Florida Reef, the only living coral barrier reef in the States and one of the most extensive offshore reefs in the world.

Only accessible by boat, there is so much to do in the Biscayne National Park. Follow the marker buoys to explore the six shipwrecks and snorkel around the base of Fowey Rocks Lighthouse. Snorkel or dive the underwater Maritime Heritage Trail, where you will find abundant marine life and colourful coral reefs.

Walk the Convoy Point Jetty Trail from the Visitors Centre through the mangroves to the Colonial Bird Protection Area. Hike the one-mile loop trail on Elliot Key, take a boat to Boca Chita Key to climb to the top of the iconic lighthouse. Kayak to Adams Key to see the historic buildings and spot baby sharks and turtles in the surrounding clear waters from your kayak. Take a guided stand up paddle tour on Jones Lagoon to spot turtles, stingrays and manatees in the clear, calm waters.

Explore the remaining buildings constructed offshore in the 30s during Prohibition. Affectionately called “Stiltsville”, they housed illegal clubs, bars and gambling halls.

One of the lesser-visited national parks on the east coast, Congaree offers a more tranquil experience than other national parks in the US. Explore the park by foot kayak or canoe, and you can expect to see an array of wildlife, including turtles, otters, alligators, white-tailed deer, bobcats, and wild boar.

There are over 25 miles of hiking trails in the park, including incredible “big tree hikes” through forest landscapes of massive cypress, pine, champion, and loblollies. There are also ranger-led hikes for those who want a guided tour of these impressive giants and like to explore a little off-trail.

The Boardwalk Loop Trail is an easy 2.4-mile hike that, in parts, takes you 6 feet above the forest floor. Check the flood situation before heading off, as the lower portion of the trail can be submerged.

Explore the primitive swamplands of the park on a kayak or canoe where magnificent bald cypress and tupelo grow in the water. Paddle a canoe down the Cedar Creek Canoe Trail, a managed route that winds for 15 miles through the Congaree wilderness, where you can see turtles, otters, birds, and alligators. There are free Ranger-led tours, but you need to rent your own canoe.

Between mid-May and mid-June, one of the most spectacular highlights of the park happens at night when the synchronous fireflies, a rare species of firefly, put on an incredible light show during their spring mating season. Congaree is one of only three places in the Western Hemisphere where this happens. Because of the popularity of this rare and fleeting natural event, there are only 120 cars permitted for each night of the spectacle and permits are granted on a lottery basis. See Recreation.gov for more information.

For those wanting to enjoy the magnificent vistas by car, there is the historic 105-mile Skyline Drive that runs the length of the park. The drive will take about 3 hours, but there are over 75 scenic lookouts to stop at that can easily fill a day. More noteworthy overlooks are Hogback Overlook, Big Run, Range View Overlook, Spitler Knoll, and Crimora Lake Overlake.

The park has a vast network of hiking trails– nearly 500 miles, including a 100-mile section of the iconic Appalachian Trail. One of the most popular hikes in Shenandoah National Park is the 2-mile round trip hike to the top of Hawksbill Mountain summit – the highest mountain peak in the park at 4,050 feet. You can try the leisurely 1-mile hike to Blackrock Summit or, for the more advanced hiker, the 9.2 mile Old Rag Mountain hike, complete with rock scrambles and 360-degree views. Old Rag is also one of Virginia’s most popular climbing spots.

For great waterfall hikes; the Whiteoak Canyon hike, Overall Run Falls hike – the highest waterfall in the park with an awe-inspiring drop, and the most famous waterfall in Shenandoah, the Dark Hollows Falls Trail.

Shenandoah also delivers on wildlife with deer, bird species, squirrels, and black bears. Shenandoah National Park has the largest black bear refuge in the state and is the only place in the world you can find the endangered newt species, the Shenandoah Salamander.

The New River is also unique in that it flows from south to north (as the Nile in Egypt does) – most rivers in North America flow north-south.

At almost 320 miles end to end, the New River Gorge National Park section of the river includes 53 miles of unencumbered rapids, from Bluestone Dam to Hawks Nest Lake. It’s no surprise New River Gorge is a hot spot for whitewater rafting.

Within the park, you will find varying ways to enjoy the river. For those who like adventure and are experienced paddlers, the Lower Gorge has Class IV and V rapids. These rapids are very forceful with powerful currents and cross-currents, boulders and hazardous undercut rocks. Only experienced paddlers should hit the Lower Gorge, and having a local guide is highly recommended.

If you still want some adventure but not quite the thrill of Class V rapids, try the Upper Gorge, consisting primarily of long pools and relatively easy Class I to Class III rapids. Perfect for families or beginners.

There are plenty of opportunities for a rafting tour. You can try a thrilling rafting tour for adventurous paddlers that takes you through class III and IV rapids or a more leisurely, family-friendly rafting tour where you can experience Class I and II rapids.

The park encompasses over 70,000 acres of land offering scenic and recreational dry land opportunities. The 12 mile out and back Glade Creek hike is a beautiful day with swimming holes and lots of great picnic stops for a full day hike. The Canyon Rim Boardwalk from the New River Gorge Visitor Center is a beautiful hike for something shorter. Try the 2.4 mile Endless Wall Trail, a forest hike with magnificent views of the New River and the New River Gorge Bridge. There are also many possibilities for rock climbing and bike trails for all levels, and the river has excellent fishing and camping facilities.

If you are visiting in the fall, check the annual Bridge Day Festival dates where extreme sports reign supreme. The New River Gorge Bridge is the longest single-arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere and 3rd longest in the world. On Bridge Day, it becomes the platform for extreme sportsmen and women to strut their stuff. You can sign up to take a guided walk from the catwalk beneath the bridge – securely tethered, of course. For the not so courageous, you can watch BASE jumpers, rappellers, and high line riders hurl themselves from the bridge.

The entire 400 miles are not open to visitors, but there are still plenty of narrow passageways and otherworldly canyons to discover, some several stories high. You may only visit the cave system as part of a tour. But, there are many great tours to choose from, including tours aimed at families and kids, for people with limited mobility, historical tours, or for the more adventurous, you can try a guided spelunking tour. Tours change according to season, so check the National Parks Site for season tour availability. Tours book up quickly, so it’s best to book in advance.

The fantastic cave system makes it one of the most unique national parks in the US, but there is much to see above ground as below.

Mammoth Cave National Park covers over 53,000 acres in the rolling hills of southcentral Kentucky. Explore river valleys, lush forests, sinkholes and historic churches and cemeteries. Over 80 miles of hiking trails cover diverse habitats, and over 60 miles of backcountry trails are suitable for horseback riding.

The Green and Nolin Rivers trace through the Mammoth Cave National Park, offering over 30 miles of recreational opportunities on the water. From canoeing and kayaking to camping by the river, on islands or in the floodplain.

There is also ample opportunity for anglers – muskellunge, bluegill, catfish, bass, perch, crappie, and other game fish are all up for grabs.

With over 611-miles of trails, there are some incredible hikes in Olympic National Park. There are loads of impressive waterfalls to discover, such as Sol Duc Falls and Marymere Falls and plenty of opportunities for water activities on lakes, rivers, and the coast. There’s even surfing between Rialto Beach and First Beach in the small town of La Push. Or, for a surf adventure off the beaten track, hike the 4 miles to Shi Shi Beach for some backcountry surfing.

For adventure travellers, you can find opportunities for whitewater rafting in the right conditions and rock climbing and hiking the glacier-capped mountains.

Hike through pine forests to magnificent rivers, discover towering waterfalls, crystal lakes and prairies awash with wildflowers – always with the mighty Mount Rainier in view.

No matter the time of year, Mount Rainier National Park dishes up splendid beauty and something new for visitors to enjoy. While the hiking season is at its peak from April to September, late July to early August is when areas like Paradise Valley really come alive. Thanks to the unique cold climate this is when you can see the most colourful wildflowers in full bloom. Mid to late summer is when the waterfalls will be in full cascade.

Joshua Tree National Park represents the beauty of California deserts in all their unique glory.

The proximity of Joshua Tree National Park to LA, only a few hours (approx 130 miles) or an hour from Palm Springs, makes it a very attractive escape from the city.

There are plenty of great hikes in Joshua Tree, including the Hidden Valley Nature Trail, an easy first-timers and family-friendly hike with iconic landscapes. The Skull Rock Nature trail for giant rocks, the Cholla Cactus Garden for “teddy bear cactus” or the Barker Dam Nature Trail for wildlife.

The 4-mile loop hike to the Lost Horse Mine offers hikers a glimpse into the gold rush and one of the most successful mines in the history of Joshua Tree. Download the Joshua Tree Self Drive Audio Guide to make the most of your time in one of the most intriguing national Parks on the west coast.

The park has a wonderfully diverse landscape of mountains and rugged foothills, vast caverns and huge canyons. There are plenty of outdoor activities, from exploring caves to hiking, skiing and snowshoeing, fishing, rock climbing and horseback riding. There are also some incredibly scenic driving routes.

Of course, the highlight of the park is the magnificent sequoia trees. Some are so special they have been given names. The most notable is the General Sherman Tree at the start of the Congress Trail, a three-mile easy loop past many other ancient trees. The largest in the world, General Sherman is 275 feet tall and measures more than 36 feet in diameter at the base. The General Grant Tree in Grant Grove in Kings Canyon National Park is another noteworthy tree in the park. And then, there is the myth of the tree you can drive through.

Famous for its roaring waterfalls, some over 1000ft high, the park is also home to giant ancient sequoia forests, magnificent rivers, picturesque meadows and valleys, majestic mountain peaks and unique rock formations.

Nearly 95% of Yosemite is a designated wilderness, free of constraint to let nature prevail, and prevail it does. There are more than 400 species of animals in Yosemite, 40 of which have special status under the endangered species act. Yosemite’s wildlife encounters can range from birdwatching to black bears, mountain lions, and Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep.

Over 750 miles of hiking trails cover a diverse range of habitats. There are plenty of excellent Yosemite day hikes for all abilities and longer multi-day hikes. You can explore Yosemite by bike, on horseback or take one of the scenic driving routes. See some of the most notable viewpoints made famous by photographer Ansel Adams – Glacier Point for striking views of Half Dome and the Yosemite Valley. Tunnel View, Inspiration Point or Cook’s Meadow.

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the High Sierra. While much of the park is inaccessible in winter, it’s an excellent time for skiing at the Badger Pass Ski Area. Yosemite Valley is a lovely place to spend Christmas with snowshoeing and celebrations at the lodges. Winter is also when you can witness nature’s most stunning displays at Horse Tail Falls. When the setting sun hits the upper cascades of the falls, it creates the illusion of liquid fire. This natural phenomenon usually takes place around the second week of February. Fall brings a magnificent display of colour, and spring is the time to visit Yosemite Valley. There are fewer crowds, and the waterfalls are at their peak.

There is so much to do in Yosemite, including rock climbing, hiking, skiing, fishing and boating, rafting and swimming. You have lots of tour possibilities and ranger-led programs. There are even daily art classes offered and guided photography walks, classes and workshops from spring through to fall. You must register in advance online for these classes.

Grand Teton is around 310,000 acres of wilderness with some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the western United States. It encompasses the Teton mountain range, the 4,000-meter Grand Teton peak, and the valley known as Jackson Hole.

Jackson Hole is a 40-mile long, 15-mile wide valley and home to the charming town of the same name. There is a lot to do in Jackson Hole in terms of attractions, ski resorts, restaurants, and accommodation, making it an excellent base for Grand Teton.

Grand Teton National Park is a popular summer destination for mountaineering, hiking, fishing and backcountry camping. Thanks to approximately 100 miles of paved roads within the park offering spectacular views of the Teton Range, it is also a popular place for cyclists. You can also drive the 42-mile scenic loop drive through the park, the length of the Teton range, along Jenny and Jackson Lakes, with plenty of scenic lookouts along the route.

There are nearly 200 miles of trails for hikers to enjoy in Grand Teton National Park, covering a diverse range of habitats from alpine meadows to sagebrush flats and magnificent pine forests. There is also no shortage of mountain streams and waterfalls. Two notable waterfall hikes are the strenuous 6-mile round trip hike to Bancock Falls or the 5.2-mile round trip hike to the 200 ft cascade Hidden Falls west of Jenny Lake.

There is also plenty of historical sites within the park, such as the Chapel of the Transfiguration and Mormon Row, homesteads established when Mormons from Salt Lake City settled in 1890.

Conveniently located a short drive from Moab, a hot spot for hikers, thanks to the proximity to both Arches and Canyonlands National Park – Arches can get busy at times but this doesn’t make it any less appealing.

As the name suggests, Arches National Park has the highest number of natural arches anywhere in the world. There are over 2,000 documented arches in the park (even more in the area beyond the park). It is such a fascinating and fun national park. Rocks to clamber over, sandstone tunnels to explore and serene sandy trails that can easily be hiked in sandals. Of course, Arches has its more strenuous hikes as well.

Covering a whopping 337,598 acres, Canyonlands is divided into four districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and The Rivers. Each of these areas is easily an hour’s drive from the next which is why Island in the Sky is the most popular district. It’s easy to get to and offers a 34-mile round trip scenic drive.

The most popular things to see in this part of Canyonlands are the famous Mesa Arch – a fantastic photo opportunity of the canyon through the arch, Green River Overlook for epic views of Green River and Grand View Point Overlook. Each is only a short walk from the car parks along the scenic route.

Beyond exploring the incredible vistas of Canyonlands, there are loads of activities such as hiking, climbing and boating.

The Colorado and Green rivers have been integral in shaping the landscape of Canyonlands, so seeing the canyon from the water offers a unique perspective. Near the heart of Canyonlands, above the confluence of the two rivers, there are miles of calm water for kayaks and canoes.

For those looking for adventure, below the confluence, the combined flow of both rivers creates a fourteen-mile stretch of Class III to V whitewater. For private river trips, you will require a permit, otherwise, there are lots of tours available including a 3 hr Jet Boat Tour to Dead Horse Point State Park or a Canyonlands 4×4 Drive and Colorado River Rafting.

Home to thousands of hoodoos – irregularly shaped stone pillars formed from frost weathering and stream erosion, The pillars create an alien-like landscape when clustered together. It’s not surprising people refer to the Bryce canyon as otherworldly. The largest collection of hoodoos in the world, Bryce Canyon Amphitheatre has the largest concentration within the park providing spectacular views.

The four main viewpoints in the park are Sunrise Point and Sunset Point, Inspiration Point and Bryce Point. Each is worthwhile at different times of the day and can be reached by car if you don’t fancy hiking along the Rim Trail. There is also a shuttle service available between April and October.

Scattered all throughout the country, these incredible national parks offer visitors diverse experiences, amazing scenery, dozens of thrilling activities, and rich history.