The 10 Most Visited National Parks In The U.S. That Will Blow You Away
The National Park Service has certainly seen its fair share of visitors over the years in its 63 parks. In 2016 alone, America’s National Parks had a total of 331 million visitors while the grand total in 2017 was 330,882,751! While the 2017 number was slightly lower, although not by much, the NPS reported that people actually spent more time in the parks during 2017 than they did the previous year. In 2020, visitor numbers fell to 237 million but rose again to nearly 300 million in 2021. With numbers as high as these, you’re probably feeling curious as to which parks were among the most popular. Keep scrolling to put your curiosity to rest and find out what are some of the most popular national parks to visit in the U.S.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park averages over 10 million visitors each year. Found along the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, you'll find stunning scenery and plenty of hiking trails including a portion of the Appalachian Trail.
Read our previous coverage to find out more about Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, United States
Approximately 5.9 million people visit Grand Canyon National Park each year. Found entirely within the state of Arizona, this national park is home to one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
Read our previous coverage to find out more about Grand Canyon National Park.
With approximately 4.4 million visitors each year, Zion National Park in Utah is known for its canyons, Emerald Pools, waterfalls, and the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.
Read our previous coverage to find out more about Zion National Park.
Nearly 4.5 million people visit Rocky Mountain National Park annually. This national park in Colorado spans across the Continental Divide and features lush forest and majestic mountains with plenty of beauty to be seen. It's considered one of the most stunning parks in the world.
Read our previous coverage to find out more about Rocky Mountain National Park.
Located in Northern California's Sierra Nevada Mountains, Yosemite National Park has more than four million visitors each year. With over 1,200 square miles, there is plenty of scenery to explore here.
Read our previous coverage to find out more about Yosemite National Park.
Yosemite National Park Road, Yosemite National Park Rd, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389, USA
Yellowstone National Park welcomes over three million visitors annually. While most of this 3,500-square-mile park is located in Wyoming, portions of it can also be found in Montana and Idaho. This park is known best for its geysers including Old Faithful which reaches heights to well over 100 feet.
Read our previous coverage to find out more about Yellowstone National Park.
Acadia National Park is a 47,000-acre park located in Maine. It receives more than two million visitors each year. Here you'll find a variety of landscapes including mountains, beach, and forests. It's truly a spectacular national park to visit.
Read our previous coverage to find out more about Acadia National Park.
Acadia National Park Pond, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
Found on Washington's Olympic Peninsula, Olympic National Park welcomes over 2.5 million visitors each year. Take in the sights of old-growth forests, the Olympic Mountains, and the coast at this incredible national park.
Grand Teton National Park attracts over three million visitors annually. Known for the Teton Range as well as 200 miles of trails, a river, lakes, and wildlife, this national park is worthy of a spot on your bucket list.
Read our previous coverage to find out more about Grand Teton National Park.
Glacier National Park has nearly two million visitors each year who come to hike and see gorgeous vistas of the mountains and valleys that were carved out by glaciers long ago.
Read our previous coverage to find out more about Glacier National Park.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
National Parks To Visit In The U.S.
February 21, 2022
Melissa M.
What is the most popular national park to visit in the U.S.?
Among the 63 national parks, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most popular and most visited in the country.
What is the longest hiking trail in the U.S.?
The longest trail in the country is the Continental Divide Trail which covers 3,100 miles from the U.S./Canada border to the U.S./Mexico border.
What is the most popular scenic drive in the U.S.?
The Blue Ridge Parkway, a 469-mile drive through the Appalachian Highlands, is the most popular scenic drive in the country. Nearly 15 million people travel along this route annually.
Writer for Only In Your State. Scribbling about all things New York and Buffalo related while also keeping you updated on the latest travel news! Inquiries: Lmonroe@onlyinyourstate.com
