America’s Top 10 National Parks: An Insider’s Guide to Natural Wonders and Hidden Gems
Staff Editor National Parks Enthusiast Shares Insights on America’s Most Popular Natural Treasures
Emily Hart, a seasoned traveler with extensive experience visiting U.S. national parks, has shared her insights on the country’s top 10 most-visited natural attractions. While acknowledging the difficulty in selecting favorites due to each park’s unique qualities, Hart provides a comprehensive overview of these popular destinations.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, straddling North Carolina and Tennessee, claims the title of most-visited national park. Its high visitation rates are attributed to its proximity to over half of the U.S. population. However, Hart notes that crowding can detract from the experience.
Joshua Tree National Park, known for its distinctive landscape featuring Joshua trees and cholla cacti, ranks ninth in visitation. The park’s popularity has led to increased accommodation costs and crowding, with extreme heat posing challenges during summer months.
Yellowstone, the nation’s first designated national park and fourth most-visited in 2023, continues to draw crowds with its famous geothermal features like Old Faithful. However, the park faces issues with crowding and traffic congestion.
Zion National Park, the third most-visited, is renowned for its dramatic landscapes and the Angel’s Landing hike. Its accessibility from Las Vegas contributes to its popularity, but Hart expresses a preference for less crowded Utah parks like Capitol Reef or Canyonlands.
The iconic Grand Canyon National Park, second in visitation, offers awe-inspiring viewpoints and hiking opportunities. However, crowding remains a significant drawback.
Olympic National Park, barely making the top 10 list in 2023, consistently ranks among Hart’s personal favorites. The park’s diverse landscapes, including the Hoh Rainforest and Hurricane Ridge mountains, contribute to its appeal.
Rocky Mountain National Park, fifth in visitation, implements a timed vehicle entry reservation system to manage crowds across its 415 square miles. The park is known for features like Trail Ridge Road and Bear Lake Corridor.
Acadia National Park offers unique experiences such as Cadillac Mountain and Ocean Path Trail, with popular activities including driving the Park Loop Road. The Schoodic Peninsula area provides a quieter alternative for visitors.
Yosemite National Park, famous for its granite cliffs and waterfalls, uses a timed-entry system to control crowds. Despite its popularity, the park continues to inspire visitors with its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
Hart identifies Grand Teton National Park as her personal favorite. Ranking eighth in visitation, the park features jagged peaks, abundant wildlife, and pristine lakes. Its proximity to Jackson adds to its appeal, and Hart reports that it has never felt unmanageably crowded during her visits.
As national parks continue to attract millions of visitors annually, Hart’s insights provide valuable perspective for those planning to explore these natural wonders.
