America’s national parks are beloved by travelers from all over the United States and the globe. In 2022, these parks welcomed 312 million visitors. The 63 national parks (plus hundreds of national historic sites, monuments, recreation areas and parkways) overseen by the National Park Service (NPS) range from world-famous destinations to hidden gems.
Originally, we published a list of some of the best national parks to visit, highlighting 10 parks chosen for their unique features. We received so much great input in response to that article that we have updated the list to include 10 more parks, based on your recommendations. The following list has something for everyone who’s eager to experience the natural beauty of the United States.
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Where it is: North Carolina and Tennessee
Why you should go: With over 10 million visitors a year, Great Smoky Mountains is the country’s most popular national park. This scenic swath of the Appalachians receives almost double the number of visitors as the Grand Canyon, which is the second most popular park. You can get around Great Smoky Mountains in your car, on your bicycle, on foot or on horseback. Keep an eye out for waterfalls, historic cemeteries and a large collection of restored buildings. Wildflowers bloom year-round here and if you time it right, you can catch spectacular fall foliage.
When to visit: The park’s primary roads are open all year, weather permitting, but secondary roads are closed seasonally.
2. Isle Royale National Park
Where it is: Michigan
Why you should go: Isle Royale National Park, situated on an isolated island in Lake Superior, is one of the least visited national parks in the country and the least visited in the lower 48 states. This is partly because you can’t just drive or hike up to these trail-heads. Visitors must take a ferry to the island and a camping permit is required to stay overnight. Along with solitude, this park offers a plethora of water-based adventures, including:
- Fishing
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Scuba diving
When to visit: The park is open from April 16 through October 31.
3. Glacier National Park
Where it is: Montana
Why you should go: Nicknamed the “crown of the continent,” Glacier is often called the most beautiful of the national parks. Beyond snow-capped mountains, reflective lakes and dramatic vistas, Glacier offers an array of relaxing activities, like:
- Observing the flora and fauna
- Driving the evocatively named Going-to-the-Sun Road
- Visiting Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park on the Canadian border
- Learning about the region’s culture and history from members of local Native American tribes during the summer
When to visit: The park is open throughout the year, although portions of the Going-to-the-Sun Road may be closed due to seasonal weather conditions.
4. Pinnacles National Park
Where it is: California
Why you should go: If you’re a fan of emerging destinations, take note: Pinnacles is one of America’s newest national parks, designated in January 2013. Ancient volcanic eruptions and seismic shifts created this diverse natural environment. Pinnacles features towering rock formations and caves. It’s also home to numerous species of plants and animals. You’ll experience some magnificent views here and you might even spot an endangered California condor.
When to visit: The park is open year-round. It’s most popular for hiking in the spring. The NPS advises visitors to check the weather if hiking between late May and early September because temperatures can reach dangerous highs.
5. Virgin Islands National Park
Where it is: U.S. Virgin Islands
Why you should go: A national park that’s not located in one of the 50 states? Yes! This Caribbean park covers most of the island of St. John, plus thousands of acres of the surrounding ocean. Hiking trails lead visitors past ruins of the island’s historic plantations. This tropical landscape is home to several acclaimed beaches and has something for everyone, including:
- Boating
- Camping
- Hiking
- Snorkeling
When to visit: The park is open year-round.
6. Yosemite National Park
Where it is: California
Why you should go: Most visitors drive into this popular park. However, travelers who can’t or don’t wish to drive can simply catch an Amtrak train to the park. You can even take the train between Yosemite and Yellowstone to experience two of America’s best-known tourist destinations without relying on that other American favorite: the car. There’s a lot to see in Yosemite. If you arrive by train, why not continue exploring with public transportation and take a Valley Floor Tour on an open-air tram? On the tour, park rangers cover history, nature and other park highlights.
When to visit: The park is open year-round. Some roads may be closed due to snow throughout fall and early summer. In colder weather, a heated bus is used instead of a tram for tours.
7. Yellowstone National Park
Where it is: Wyoming, Montana and Idaho
Why you should go: This geothermal landscape is not only one of the most famous national parks in America, it was also the first national park in the world, preserved as parkland in 1872. Yellowstone is famous for its geysers, hot springs and bison. But there are also activities like:
- Snowshoeing
- Fishing
- Guided backcountry trips with horses or llamas
When to visit: Yellowstone is open year-round, but some roads and areas of the park are closed seasonally, so double check your route before you go.
8. Everglades National Park
Where it is: Florida
Why you should go: As the largest subtropical wilderness area in the country, Everglades National Park is one of the top picks for travelers wanting to see diverse forms of wildlife. As you explore the park by foot, boat or canoe, you might see:
- Alligators
- Crocodiles
- Greater flamingos
- Ibises
- Florida panthers
- Manatees
When to visit: Everglades is open year-round.
9. Denali National Park
Where it is: Alaska
Why you should go: If you like extremes, you’ll appreciate the fact that Denali—North America’s tallest peak—has been called the windiest national park in the country and the coldest mountain in the world. Climbing Denali, the NPS warns, is a serious undertaking meant for experienced climbers only. This park offers other challenging, snowy activities for visitors of varying skill levels such as:
- Cross-country skiing
- Dog-sledding
- Snowboarding
When to visit: Denali is open year-round, but the park’s single road closes in winter. When in doubt, contact the park before visiting.
10. Arches National Park
Where it is: Utah
Why you should go: If you’ve ever seen a vehicle with a Utah license plate, you’ve seen Delicate Arch, the most famous natural attraction at Arches. There are over 2,000 arches to be found in this 76,679-acre park, as well as countless other surreal red-rock formations. These fanciful structures make this park a jaw-dropping place to spend hours — or days. You can take in the sights of this awe-inspiring natural environment while:
- Hiking
- Driving
- Rock climbing
- Horseback riding
When to visit: Arches is open year-round. It’s busiest between March and October.
