Granite cliffs of Yosemite, coral reefs of Virgin Islands—the United States has one of the most eclectic sets of national parks in the world. National parks of America are guaranteed to help viewers have a unique experience regardless of the level of expertise of their place in the world of geographical excursions.
Today we can make a kind of a trip around being acquainted with the most popular national parks of the USA according to the latest data on the number of people who visit the parks every year and according to the unrivalled features which make people visit the national parks year after year.
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee, NC)
Visitors in 2024: 13.3 million+
With more visitors than any other national park in the United States, the Great Smoky Mountains are beautiful mountains with a hazy landscape, picturesque vegetation and boggling mix of flora and fauna. It is a year-round place: spring flowers, summer falls, fall color and sometimes a winter snow.
Must-See Spots:
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The Clingmans Dome (the tallest one in the park)
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Cades Cove (old cabins and wildlife frequently seen)
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Going-to-the-Sun Road Guide
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Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Why it’s popular: Accessibility, close to big cities, no entry fees, and an infinite amount of admirable views accessible through driving and hiking.
2. Havasu Falls / Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
Visitors in 2024: 4.7 million+
Grand Canyon is one of the most recognizable places in the world that one just must visit one time in their life because of all the sheer size and drama that unfold there. It provides both amazement and thrill since it has been cut through millions of years by the Colorado River.
Must-See Spots:
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South Rim (the most accessible, includes visitor facilities)
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North Rim (less crowded, not open all year)
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Hike to Ooh Aah Point or even to Phantom Ranch
Why it’s popular: Jaw-dropping vistas, sunsets worthy of a photo, and experiences ranging from easy walks to hardcore multi-day adventures.
3. Zion National Park (Utah)
Visitors in 2024: 4.6 million+
In Zion, millions of red cliffs and steep canyons attract people every year. Zion is full of contrasting features and landscapes, including the dry hike through the Narrows into the water and the panoramic scenes at the top of Angel’s Landing.
Must-See Spots:
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Slot Canyon Hiking: The Narrows
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Angel’s Landing (permit required for the final section)
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Zion Canyon Scenic Drive (shuttle necessary in peak season)
Why it’s great: Convenience, beautiful sand-dunes of the desert, and memorable treks.
4. Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho)
Visitors in 2024: 4.5 million+
Yellowstone is a land of raw nature—it’s the first national park in the world. It has geysers, bison herds, and a multiplicity of geothermal features.
Must-See Spots:
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Old Faithful Geyser
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Grand Prismatic Spring
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Yellowstone Lake
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Lamar Valley (best for wildlife viewing)
Why it’s great: A blend of scenic splendor, geological marvels, and an unmatched array of wildlife.
5. Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)
Visitors in 2024: 4 million+
Located a few hours north of Denver, this park provides alpine lakes, steep topography, and dramatic mountains.
Must-See Spots:
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Trail Ridge Road (highest continuously paved road in the US)
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Bear Lake Loop and Emerald Lake Trail
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Longs Peak (for experienced climbers)
Why it’s loved: High-elevation hikes, incredible wildlife, and drive-up panoramic vistas.
6. Acadia National Park (Maine)
Visitors in 2024: 3.8 million+
At Acadia, the mountains touch the sea. Found mostly on Mount Desert Island, it offers ocean views, forest trails, and rocky shores.
Must-See Spots:
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Cadillac Mountain (best sunrise views in autumn/winter)
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Jordan Pond Trail
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Thunder Hole
Why it’s adored: East Coast charm, a variety of trails, and intimate scenic beauty.
7. Yosemite National Park (California)
Visitors in 2024: 3.7 million+
Yosemite is a treasured Californian gem with its granite cliffs, giant sequoias, and dramatic waterfalls. Its high-country and valley regions draw climbers, photographers, and nature lovers alike.
Must-See Spots:
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Yosemite Valley (El Capitan, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls)
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Glacier Point
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Tuolumne Meadows (less crowded, alpine landscapes)
Why people love it: Iconic climbing routes, stunning waterfalls, and postcard-worthy views.
8. Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)
Visitors in 2024: 3.4 million+
Neighboring Yellowstone, Grand Teton features jagged peaks, alpine lakes, and classic Western landscapes.
Must-See Spots:
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Jenny Lake (hike or shuttle boat)
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Mormon Row (historic homesteads)
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Snake River Overlook
Why people love it: Proximity to Yellowstone, dramatic scenery, and excellent wildlife spotting.
9. Indiana Dunes National Park (Indiana)
Visitors in 2024: 3 million+
A newcomer to national park status (designated in 1999), Indiana Dunes surprises with its beaches, dunes, and forested trails.
Must-See Spots:
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Mount Baldy
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West Beach
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Cowles Bog Trail
Why it’s popular: Beach and forest experiences, Midwest accessibility, and family-friendliness.
10. Joshua Tree National Park (California)
Visitors in 2024: 3 million+
Located where the Mojave and Colorado Deserts meet, Joshua Tree is known for its surreal landscape, namesake trees, and clear night skies.
Must-See Spots:
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Hidden Valley Trail
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Keys View
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Cholla Cactus Garden
Why it’s great: Unique desert atmosphere beloved by photographers, climbers, and campers.
Honorable Mentions
Glacier National Park (Montana)
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Known for: Glacial valleys, Going-to-the-Sun Road
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Special for: Alpine scenery, grizzly bears, incredible hikes
Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah)
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Known for: Hoodoos (orange rock spires)
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Special for: Otherworldly landscapes at sunrise and sunset
Arches National Park (Utah)
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Known for: Over 2,000 natural stone arches
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Special for: Delicate Arch and dramatic red rock scenery
How to Pick the Park That’s Right for You
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For Hiking & Elevation: Rocky Mountain, Grand Teton, Yosemite
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For Beaches & Water: Acadia, Indiana Dunes, Virgin Islands
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For Wildlife: Yellowstone, Everglades, Denali
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For History & Culture: Mesa Verde, Gettysburg, Hawai’i Volcanoes
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For Solitude: North Cascades, Great Basin, Isle Royale
Visit to Popular National Parks Tips
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Make Reservations: Parks like Yosemite, Glacier, and Arches often require reservations, especially in peak months.
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Go Early: Beat the crowds and heat by starting your day early.
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Pack Smart: Bring layers, sunscreen, water, and physical maps.
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Be Respectful: Stay on trails, pack out trash, and help preserve nature.
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Check Conditions: Visit the NPS website for alerts, closures, and conditions.
The National Parks’ Role
More than beauty and recreation, national parks preserve the history and natural life of the United States. They showcase national values—preservation, education, and shared heritage. Visiting supports both tourism and environmental conservation.
Final Thoughts
Into the landscape of Joshua Tree, standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon, or hiking a glacier in Montana—the national parks of the USA will touch you with something special. They are revered landscapes, outdoor classrooms, sources of adventure, and sanctuaries for reflection.
Make an effort to study them, admire them, and be inspired by them. It is time to embark on your next great American adventure. Will you pull up and sightline—or will you follow me?
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