Most Visited National Parks in America

The United States of America is home to 59 national parks, and they are indeed full of wonder.  If not already on your bucket list, they should be.  Why? Because they are rare, gorgeous, and inspiring, just to give three reasons.  This article presents the most visited national parks in America and recommends a few for your next vacation.  After all, it’s very unlikely to see them all, unless you make it your passion in life.

Most Popular National Parks

The National Park Service listed the ten most visited parks in 2017.  The tops ones will be elaborated on. They are as follows:

1. Great Smoky Mountain National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee
2. Grand Canyon National Park in Southern Utah and Northern Arizona
3. Zion National Park in Southern Utah
4. Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado
5. Yosemite National Park in California
6. Yellowstone National Park in Montana and Wyoming
7. Acadia National Park in Maine
8. Olympic National Park in Washington State
9. Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming
10. Glacier National Park in Montana

The National Park Service reported that eleven million people saw the Great Smoky Mountains in 2017, and Grand Canyon received less than half that number.  Third place was Zion National Park in Utah with about four million tourists

The Great Smoky Mountains

Great Smoky Mountain National park is replete with diverse plant and wildlife; and the park’s advertising theme portrays it:  “Wondrous Diversity of Life.” It is part of the Southern Appalachian Mountain Range; and the views of ridges, trees, clouds, mountains, and colors are spectacular.

Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon was cut by water and wind over many years.  At canyon’s bottom is the powerful Colorado River. The canyon winds and loops for 277 river miles, is often one mile deep, and up to 18 miles wide.  Not ever seeing the Grand Canyon would be a shame, so make it a goal for your next national park vacation.  You have to see it to believe it!

Zion

Zion National Park features majestic cliffs and rock formations, colorful vistas, and trails that once bore the feet of native ancient Americans and pioneers.  The sandstone cliffs shine of pink, white, red, and rustic orange, accenting the clear, blue sky behind them. Diverse plant and animal life are everywhere.

Yosemite

Yosemite, of the Sierra Mountains in California, offers vast valleys of granite and landmarks cut by glaciers.  It glistens with gushing waterfalls, flowered meadows, and, of course, the giant sequoia trees. Yosemite has long scored high on the list of most popular national parks.

Southern Utah

Because Zion National Park is so close to the Grand Canyon, it makes good sense to plan a trip to Southern Utah to see Zion and Grand Canyon together.  Not only are Zion and Grand Canyon two of the top three parks on the list, but also Utah has four other magnificent national parks within a couple of hours driving distance.

The Five National Parks in Utah

The five national parks in Utah are Arches, Bryce, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion.  They are the paradise of geologists and photographers. Besides geologic study and stunning photos, Utah’s five parks offer hiking, some of the world’s best mountain biking, and marvelous scenery which resembles other planets.

America’s national parks elicit a sense of awe, which can be very humbling.  Their serenity and striking features instill a sense of wonder and remind us that God or Nature is much greater than we humans.

Most Visited National Parks in America

Article By: Clear Content Marketing