America’s National Park System has some of the most incredible natural, cultural, and historical wonders within the United States. Of the 428 National Park units, 63 of those are labeled as National Parks. These are the crown jewel of the National Park Service and also get some of the most visitors as well.
For those looking to visit, there are a wide range of visitors to the different parks. We count down the 25 most visited national parks of the 63, the number of visitors, great things to see, and places to stay.
So without further ado, here is the list.
25. Death Valley National Park
Visitors: 1,128,862
The largest national park in the lower 48 states, Death Valley contains some of the harshest desert environments in the world. The lowest and hottest point in North America (bad water basin) is also within the park as well.
What to Do
For those visiting, the site is beautiful in its harshness as well. There’s quite a few must-visit things. Of those is Badwater Basin; at 282 feet below sea level it’s the lowest point in the US. And has some of the highest temperatures recorded on earth! Along the area, be sure to check out some of the hiking trails, Devil’s Golf Course, Zabriskie Point, and even sand dunes at Mesquite Flats.
Be sure to also see the Borax Works to understand the manufacturing heritage of the park as well. There’s also the old Wildrose Charcoal Kilns, and important mule and travel tracks through the land too.
Also take some time to explore some of the craters such as Ubehebe Crater and some of the odd spots like the Racetrack Playa. The moving rocks will definitely perplex you.
Where to Stay
For those staying overnight, stargazing is popular in the park, with some of the darkest skies in the US. There are also a few lodges in the park such as the Ranch, The Inn at Death Valley, Stovepipe Wells, and Panamint Springs. Other options are a bit further out. There’s a few in Pahrump Nevada we recommend including the Best Western and Holiday Inn.
24. Sequoia National Park
Visitors: 1,153,198
Sequoia National Park is one of the 3 National Parks that covers the Sierra Nevada Mountains and contains the world’s largest trees. While all of the parks in this region have Sequoia trees, the largest of those can be found in this park. The 404,000 acre park is impressive in its scale and diversity of places to explore. There’s even the highest peak of the 48 states (Mount Whitney) located in this park too.
What to Do
For visitors the must see attractions are the sequoia groves. Grant Grove is the one most folks first visit which includes the largest (General Sherman) living single specimen tree known. Be sure to also wander the Giant Forest, which is one of my favorite spots, you really can get a sense of being close to these silent giants in the forest here. There are also several other groves worth exploring if you have time too.
The park is separated into quite a few different areas, with the vast majority of it being the rugged wilderness of the Sierras. But beyond that there’s lots of still accessible areas. Be sure to check out Moro Rock with its great views, Tokopah Falls, various foothill trails, Zumwalt Meadow and more.
For those who are interested in hiking Mount Whitney. Note that access to here is from the eastern part of the Sierras (not connected by road to many of the other sites) and requires a separate permit.
Where to Stay
For overnight stays, there are several lodges in the park. These include Cedar Grove Lodge, Grant Grove Cabins, John Muir Lodge, and Wuksachi Lodge. These all tend to fill up pretty fast during the high seasons (or generally most of the year now). Other nearby options we recommend include the Gateway Lodge and the Comfort Inn Three Rivers.
The park is administered together with King’s Canyon which is adjacent to the park. There’s also some great things to see in that park as well, although much of that park is only backcountry accessible. But be sure to see the Canyon and groves if you have time.
23. Everglades National Park
Visitors: 1,155,193
Florida is probably most famous ecologically for its swampland, and no place epitomizes that more than the Everglades. The park covers 1,542,526 acres and is the largest tropical park in the United States. The park is home to rivers, wetlands, lakes, and plenty of wildlife. You’ll see some of the largest American alligators in this park (along with adjacent Big Cypress as well).
What to Do
The main attraction of the park is the waterways and wetlands. There are quite a few hikes with many of them really accessible for anyone visiting. There are several easy boardwalk hikes such as the Anhinga Trail and Mahogany Hammock Trail. There’s even the opportunity to explore and see some great gators along shark valley which you can visit via tram, walking, or even by bike (bike rentals are available and you should reserve ahead). Be sure to visit the tower here too.
Visits to Flamingo are a must with opportunities to take boat tours from this area. You may also get a high chance of seeing Manatees which frequent the harbor area here. There’s also chances to rent or use your own boat to explore some of the lakes and waterways along the route down to Flamingo. For those looking to hike be sure to also ask about conditions as many trails can be underwater.
Another unique aspect of the park is the oddly placed Nike Missile Site. For those who don’t know there was a controversial placement here in the lead up to the Cuban missile crisis. It’s a fascinating bit of cold war history in the park.
A last thing to check out is the loop road which is between Everglades and Big Cypress. It’s where I was able to see the largest gators in the region. It’s an unpaved road but it’s easily traveled in most vehicles. Check with the visitor center for conditions.
Where to Stay
For those staying in the park and region. There are campgrounds in the park available (and a soon to be available lodge). However, for now lodging is mostly found outside the park. The closest town is in Homestead which is close to the entrance. Recommendations include Home2 Suites and Fairfield Inn. You can also stay in Miami which is about another hour+ away.
22. Capitol Reef National Park
Visitors: 1,227,608
One of my favorite parks in Utah, coming in at #22 is Capitol Reef. I am surprised by this as it’s one of the many that folks don’t seem to even know exists! But the park contains some of the most incredible desert landscape in the state. The park forms around the Waterpocket Fold, an incredible “wrinkle” in the earth that extends nearly 100 miles. It’s by far the most distinct feature you’ll see as you travel the length of the park.
What to Do
There’s a lot of hikes and drives and things to explore in the park. Start in the Fruita District with its orchards and Mormon history. And be sure to get a pie while you are here too! Beyond here, there’s plenty of hiking to check out including Sunset Point, Hickman Bridge, Grand Wash, Cassidy Arch as well as various overlooks too. Be sure to stop and see the petroglyphs as well.
There’s also several road tours you can do in the area. There’s some great views along the scenic drive that extends past the visitor center 8 miles with several paved and unpaved spurs. The northern part in Cathedral Valley may require 4WD but you can be treated to some beautiful rock formations (as well as some hikes in the area too). Be sure to check out the Temples of the Sun and Moon along the loop.
You can also drive down the more adventurous Notom-Bullfrog road that allows you access to other areas of the park as well as opportunities for beautiful views of the fold and even the ability to “loop the fold”.
Where to Stay
Camping is the only option available within the park. For lodging you’ll need to look outside of the park entrances. Torrey Utah is the best option for lodging and access to the park. There’s not a lot of options there but the Red Sand Hotel and Days Inn are our recommendations on accommodations.
21. Shenandoah National Park
Visitors: 1,449,300
No surprises this is one of the top parks with its proximity to large population areas. Shenandoah is the only park in Virginia and miles from any of the other 62 National Parks. The park extends along the Blue Ridge Mountains in the region and the main Skyline Drive is how most folks access the places to explore in the park. The park features beautiful vistas, waterfalls, meadows, and rocky outcroppings along the 105 mile Skyline Drive that hugs the crest of the mountains.
What to Do
The number one attraction in the park is Skyline Drive. There’s plenty of places to stop and take in the views and even pop into hikes along the way. Driving the entire road takes about 3 hours as it winds its way through the park.
For those looking to hike, there’s quite a lot of must-dos. My favorite has always been Old Rag with its fun rock scramble. Due to popularity you’ll need to get a day-use permit. Other recommended hikes include Mary’s Rock, WhiteOak Falls, Dark Hollow Falls, Rose River Falls, and Hightop Summit. There’s still plenty more hikes and places to explore, and we recommend checking out the options in the sections you are visiting.
There are also opportunities for horseback riding on various trails through the park. As well as good options for wildlife viewing. Lots of birds, turtles, and small mammals are often seen within the park. The best time to visit is in Autumn when colors punctuate the ridges of the mountains.
Where to Stay
There are options for lodging within the park. We recommend checking out Skyland, Big Meadows, or Lewis Mountain Cabins. There are also several campgrounds to choose from in the park and many that fit RVs as well. For staying near the park, it depends on which entrance you are near. For Waynesboro we recommend Grey Pine Lodge, and for Front Royal the Hampton Inn or Towneplace Suites.
20. Arches National Park
Visitors: 1,460,652
Located in Eastern Utah, Arches National Park is famous for having such a high concentration of Natural Arches in one small area. The park holds over 2,000 arches, which is probably a feat unto itself if one could manage to visit them all.
However, even if you are not going to see every arch, you’ll see quite a few on any trip through the park. The park is also pretty compact, and you’ll be able to see quite a lot in one day, but for those with multiple days, there is so much off the beaten path for adventures.
What to Do
For hikes, the best include the hike to the Delicate Arch (best for sunrise or sunset), as well as the incredible Devil’s Garden (with so much to see). Beyond that, visits to the Windows, Balanced Rock, Park Avenue, Hidden Arch, are quite a few that you could do within a day or more. If you have more time and preparation, you could explore the maze of Fiery Furnace or hike and 4WD out to Tower Arch as well as others further in the backcountry.
Where to Stay
For those looking to stay, there is only one campground within the park. But for lodges and more options there are plenty in nearby Moab. The town has a lot to offer in addition to the park and some great food too. For places to stay we recommend checking out the Springhill Suites (for closeness to the park) or Hoodoo Moab or Best Western Plus for better access to restaurants and shopping. Be sure to also check out nearby Canyonlands with some incredible hikes and views too. And far fewer visitors as well.
19. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Visitors: 1,580,961
The only one to top 25 that is not located in the continental US. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park protects one of the most active volcanic areas in the world. The park has some very amazing landscapes and unique areas as it extends from sea level up to a height of 13,680 feet within the park. Two of the most active volcanoes Kīlauea and Mauna Loa make up the heart of the park.
The park is incredibly active and getting to see the changing landscape is one of the most unique aspects of the park. The park covers over 344,000 acres of the Big Island of Hawaii and has an incredibly diverse geological, biological, and culturally significant landscape.
What to Do
There’s quite a lot to do in the park and of course one has to be cognizant of the active volcanoes when doing so. There are auto tours, hikes, lush forests, cultural sites, and more to explore within the park. Be sure to check with the website and visitor center as well for changing conditions. Sometimes the activeness of the volcanoes may close areas or require additional caution.
Some of the best hikes in the area include, the Crater Rim Trail, Pu’uloa Petroglyphs, Keanakākoʻi Crater, Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube), Kīpukapuaulu Forest, and more. There’s also a fair amount of backcountry areas that are possible to explore (requires permits).
Also popular and maybe even more so is the auto-tours through the park. The Chain of Craters takes drivers through a variety of landscape, old settlements, and along the coast through some incredible views. Be sure to also drive along the Crater Rim Drive, the 11 mile drive along the Kilauea Caldera with plenty of spots to stop as well for overlooks and short trails along the way too.
Also be sure to check out the Kahuku Unit, with its unique pastoral landscape. It’s part active cattle ranch as well as some interesting hikes in the area as well. Be sure to also check with the visitor center for the safest and best areas to see lava. There are generally a few popular areas that most folks go to. Some require more hiking than others.
Where to Stay
There are options for staying at the park at Volcano House within the park boundaries or at one of the campgrounds. Due to popularity, most visitors will look to stay outside of the park. There are a few places close to the park entrance. Among those are recommended Kilauea Lodge, Volcano Forest Inn, and Aloha Junction. Note that most of the places in Volcano are small so you may want to expand further to Hilo or even Kona.
18. New River Gorge National Park
Visitors: 1,593,523
As America’s #63 National Park (the newest so far), it was re-designated as a National Park (& Preserve) in 2020. The park covers 72,808 acres with most of it actually part of the National Preserve. The main focus on the park is the New River which winds its way through the park. The park has a beautiful landscape and some rich cultural heritage both for Native Americans as well as the United States.
What to Do
The River is the main focus of the park and river activities are the highlights. Whitewater rafting is one of the top draws of the park and the park has some of the best in the country. The is generally broken up into an upper and lower section for rafting. The upper part is known for being more mellow with some rapids up to about a Class III. The lower part is known for the intense rapids that the river is famous for, with difficulties from Class III to V.
Beyond the river, the New River Gorge Bridge is the most famous landmark and also a popular spot in the park. The bridge is the 3rd highest bridge in the United States. The best time to visit is during “Bridge Day” held on the 3rd Saturday of October. You’ll be able to experience folks rappelling, bungee jumping, and BASE jumping from the bridge.
Beyond that there are over 100 miles of hiking trails to explore within the park. Some of the popular trails include Endless Wall Hike, Grandview Rim, Big Branch Trail, Glade Creek, Brooklyn Mine, Long Point, and more. Climbing is also possible and popular in the park too with over 1,400 established routes.
Where to Stay
Camping is the only option within the National Park with most of them as primitive and located along the New River. There are quite a few lodges available in the communities surrounding the park with most on the west side of the park. The park is long so look for places closest to where you’ll be exploring. Some recommendations include, The Resort at Glade Springs, Quality Inn New River, and Guest House Inn.
17. Gateway Arch National Park
Visitors: 1,618,774
It’s a shockingly highly visited National Park, Gateway Arch is one of the most iconic structures in America. Most folks learn about this from a young age and I for one have always been curious about the gateway to the west and its history. The park was designated as a National Park in 2018 and while I have my questions on why that is, there is no doubt that it’s an important structure. The arch itself was constructed in 1965.
What to Do
The centerpiece of this small national park is obviously the arch and visits here are the main attraction of the place. The arch has a pretty good museum that you can wander through within the building that acts as access to the arch and visitor center. Going up the arch requires a ticket and it’s best reserved ahead of time. The elevator goes from either side of the arch and they alternate on their ascent to the top. The oddly shaped cars are a draw and an interesting historical bit of design as well.
Beyond this, you can wander the grounds of the National Park. The grounds themselves are quite lovely and perfectly placed along the Mississippi River. There’s also 5 miles of paved trails to explore along the grounds. Check out the reflecting pools and be sure to make stops at the Basilica of St. Louis as well as the historic courthouse. The important Dredd Scott case was decided here and you can learn about its history as well.
Where to Stay
There’s nowhere to stay within the park, but its proximity to downtown St. Louis means there’s no shortage of options. My preferred choice was the Marriott St. Louis Grand which was a good mix of posh and price. But for the closest options we recommend checking out the Hyatt Regency or Drury Plaza.
16. Mount Rainier National Park
Visitors: 1,622,395
My favorite Washington park, Mount Rainier National Park protects the incredible land around the magnificent Mount Rainier volcano. The mountain is the highest mountain in Washington as well as the largest volcano in the Cascades. While it’s been a long time since its last eruption, the volcano is still active and seismic activity is still regularly reviewed.
The park centers around the mountain with all access being to different slopes of the mountain. This means that visiting different areas of the park requires visitors to travel around the park. This way there are several visitor centers and main areas to explore for this park.
Things to Do
Hiking, climbing, and just admiring the views are the most popular things to do in Mount Rainier National Park. Most visitors choose one of the main roads and visitor centers to visit when they come here to explore. Some of the most popular include Sunrise, Paradise, and Longmire. For first-time visitors, Sunrise is a good choice with some of the best views of the mountain. Some of the best hikes for Mount Rainier include the Burroughs, Skyline Loop, Tolmie Peak, Naches Loop, and Silver Falls.
There are also some more intense options include Camp Muir, which is often the start for folks planning ascents of Rainier. For those with time and permits overnight options offer more choices such as the impressive Wonderland Trail which takes several days to circle the mountain.
Stargazing is popular in the park as well with some of the clearest skies in the area. The park tends to get very popular especially during meteor showers. For those taking things easier, there’s lots of spots to stop and see waterfalls at lower areas of the mountain and park. And of course plenty of great overlooks from the roads throughout the park.
Where to Stay
There are several campgrounds within the park as well as two lodges. Paradise Lodge located at 5420 feet and National Park Inn at 2,700 feet in the Longmire District. Beyond that, lodging is trickier. One of the nice aspects is that it’s not a bad drive from Seattle or its suburbs. For a closer option Ashford Washington is a good spot to check out. Some places I’ve been recommended include Paradise Village Hotel and Nisqually Lodge.
15. Bryce Canyon National Park
Visitors: 2,354,660
This beautiful compact Bryce Canyon National Park is the 2nd most visited of the parks in Utah. The shocking thing is that this park sees HALF of what Zion park gets in terms of visitors (and you are better for it).
Known for its concentration of hoodoos (the most in the world), the park is an impressive site. The hoodoos, which are crafted from the winds that come into the valley, are found around the world, but nothing like those seen here in the park.
What to Do
Visitors can view the hoodoos and amphitheater (the main hoodoo area of the park) from many different angles around the canyon rim. Each gives you a very different look at the hoodoos and many really do provide a unique viewpoint.
For those with more time and energy, there are some amazing hikes to explore the hoodoos closer. The most popular and best hike is the Queens Garden and Navajo Loop which at 3 miles doable in under 2 hours and impressive for its proximity to some of the most impressive hoodoos. You can also explore the longer 8 mile Fairyland Loop Hike for those with more time and wanting more seclusion as you’ll see far fewer hikers here. Beyond that the peekaboo hike, bristlecone hike, and even the mossy cave hike will give you some great trails to get other views on the area.
Where to Stay
For those looking to stay, there are a few campgrounds in the park as well as the beautiful Bryce Canyon Lodge. For those who can’t get a reservation here, there are plenty of places such as the Best Western in Bryce Canyon City or Pioneer Village (for a more budget option) in nearby Tropic.
14. Olympic National Park
This sprawling Washington Park is one of the most diverse parks in the world. It has some incredible landscapes from snow capped peaks, glaciers, wild beaches, waterfalls, and old-growth rainforests. There really aren’t many places that even come close to it.
The over 900,000 acre park is stunning and large. Getting around it takes hours, and the whole interior is backcountry and wilderness. This requires lots of planning to explore and it’s very easy to get away from crowds in the park. The old growth rainforests need to be seen to be believed. The moss covered forests feel ethereal and almost impossible to be real.
What to Do
There’s so much to do within Olympic National Park and the diversity of the landscape means there are lots of different types of adventures within the park. You should focus on different areas of the park when you visit given how far of a distance (and driving) it is to various entrances.
The high alpine section of the park is the least accessible. Much of this is in the backcountry centering on Mount Olympus (namesake of the park). But there are areas to explore. Hurricane Ridge is the top place to get views into this area of the park. There’s beautiful views and some nice hikes from this region as well.
There’s also some lakes and waterfalls to visit within the park too. My favorite, Marymere Falls, is a short 1.7 mile out and back hike. The wild beaches are my favorite area of the park. There’s quite a few to explore. My top pick is a hike out to Cape Alava which is the western most point in the 48 states. You can also stop and explore the first, second, and third beaches near La Push.
The other main part of Olympic is the temperate rainforest. There are a few spots to explore these within the park. The most popular Hoh Rainforest is also the most trafficked. And for good reason, it’s stunning and accessible. There are plenty of hikes along the river and you can go quite far. Beyond that you should be sure to visit the Hall of Mosses and the Spruce Nature Trail. We recommend going early or late to avoid crowds. Quinault Rainforest is also popular and worth visiting in the park too.
Where to Stay
There are campsites and several lodges throughout the park. The lodges include Kalaloch Lodge, Lake Crescent Lodge, Log Cabin Resort, and Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort. Outside of this there are lodges in towns around the park. Since there are no roads through the park, getting anywhere does take a lot of driving.
My favorite area to stay is in Port Angeles. Hotels we recommend include Port Angeles Inn and Red Lion. Outside of this, check out places in Forks if that’s closer for you. Check out Dew Drop Inn and Pacific Inn Motel.
13. Hot Springs National Park
Visitors: 2,646,133
Located in Arkansas, Hot Springs National Park is more of an Urban park with a very unique and interesting history. The park focuses on the hot springs that pulse through the area, and you can even experience these, however only by visiting several bath houses that still utilize the waters of the park. However, you can see the waters bubbling up and there are plenty of faucets through the park where you can take home and sample some of the restorative waters yourself with your own containers.
What to Do
The park’s main attractions are on bathhouse row, where the visitor center sits, as well as a museum, two active bath houses, a hotel, and even a brewery (which also has good food!). Beyond that you can explore several hiking trails in the hills around the main drag of the town. The trails take you through some lovely wooded areas and with some great views over the town and landscape. Be sure to also check out the Hot Springs Mountain Tower (admission required) to get the highest views over the land.
The park is also famous for its connection with mobsters of the past. You can learn the history of how mobs would come here and spend time in the town and its connection to some of the most famous (such as Capone) in American history. You can also visit a Gangster Museum in the town as well to learn some of the stories of this infamous past.
Where to Stay
For those looking to stay, there are plenty of options within Hot Springs and the nearby towns. Hotel Hale is the only option within the actual park (in a restored bath house) and one that books up quickly. Beyond that there’s plenty of options for all budgets. We recommend the Waters Hot Springs for higher end or the Best Western for a more budget option.
12. Grand Teton National Park
Visitors: 2,806,223
The majestic Tetons are shockingly far lower on the list than their nearby peer Yellowstone. But don’t make the mistake and miss this incredible park. The Grand Tetons National Park, named for its namesake teton peaks, are among the most iconic views in all of America.
What to Do
Visitors here have a lot of parks available to them and many things you can explore. Hiking, Horseback riding, and stargazing are among the top things to do. There’s even a lot to see for those not hiking from viewpoints such as Snake River and Schwabacher Landing (my favorite of the easy access views). Be sure to take a moment to catch sunrise at Mormon Row, this is by far my favorite sunrise spot.
For those looking to hike, much of the hiking is among the peaks of the tetons. You can get some easier hikes in and around Jenny Lake. Be sure to at least take the ferry across the lake and if you have time for any hike take a quick one up to hidden falls and inspiration point. Beyond this hikes get longer but also with bigger payoffs and even lots of solitude if you are looking for it.
Where to Stay
Staying overnight in the park is possible with several campgrounds as well as some amazing lodges. Included in these are the beautiful Jackson Lake Lodge (where the federal reserve meets every fall for the conference), Jenny Lake Lodge, among others. Booking hotels in the park is difficult, so luckily there’s lots of options in nearby Jackson. Having been here quite a few times I have plenty of favorite spots. A few I recommend include the Springhill Suites and Hotel Jackson.
11. Indiana Dunes National Park
Visitors: 2,834,180
This was a surprise to me as one of the most visited Parks. Indiana Dunes is an interesting spot with some huge dunes along the coast of Lake Michigan. It’s also the only National Park in Indiana, and a unique spot along the great lakes.
It’s actually interesting in how it’s managed and organized. The park is split between a state and National Park. There are several beaches you can explore in the park and the shifting sands really make it a changing landscape. I was also told it is a pretty incredible place with a large amount of flora/fauna diversity.
What to Do
You can explore bog areas, marshes, water activities on the lake, as well as dune trails as well. One of the best is Mt. Baldy, the tallest sand dune in the area. There are parts that are closed off and you should be careful as tree wells can be common among these dunes. There are also several other dune trails such as Calumet Dune Trail and the Dune Ridge Trail.
You should also spend some time on the beaches as well, just be sure to pay attention to access points as there is private land in this area as well. The park is also pretty odd in that there’s a steel plant located between sections of the protected land as well.
Where to Stay
For those looking to stay in the area, there are options in the areas surrounding the park. As the park is only 1 hour from Chicago you’ll have plenty of places to choose from in the local area. And you could even stay in the city as well for some great restaurant options. In terms of proximity to the park, Portage Indiana (Holiday Inn or Best Western) is one of the closest towns.
10. Glacier National Park
Visitors: 2,908,458
One of my favorite parks, Glacier National Park covers about 1 million acres of pristine Montana mountains. The park is actually a “dual” park as it is an international peace park with nearby Waterton Lakes in Canada. Folks adventurous enough can actually hike between the parks, although, you’ll need to make sure you manage declaring entrance properly when you cross into either country.
The park is #10 in visitors, but it’s actually incredibly busy as nearly all the visitors come during the months of July and August. Since the park experiences so much snow many of the roads are only open seasonally when the weather is warm enough. However, for those with the skills and interest, visiting outside of the summer can be magical, with expansive areas of the park to yourself.
What to Do
The park contains hundreds of miles of hiking trails with many of the best requiring multi-day journies. Although, there are some incredible day hikes in Glacier that are worth hiking and can show you some incredible views and wildlife. Some of our favorite hikes include The Highline Trail, Ptarmigan Tunnel, Avalanche Lake, Grinnell Glacier, and Iceberg Lake.
There’s way more to see beyond these hikes and you could spend weeks exploring the park. Be sure to also keep an eye out for some amazing wildlife. This includes Grizzly Bears, Mountain Goats, Bighorn Sheep, Wolverines, and more.
Where to Stay
There’s a lot of places to stay and many different entrances to the park. Getting here is a journey of itself with lots of places to see nearby too. You’ll need at least a week to really get a sense for the park. For those wanting to stay in the park, there are quite a few lodges in the park (such as Apgar Lodge or Swiftcurrent Motor Inn) as well as campgrounds. There’s also plenty of places to stay nearby including some within Whitefish (Chalet Motel or Pine Lodge), my favorite town in the area.
9. Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Visitors: 2,913,312
I am surprised at this one at number 9, but based on its location in Ohio it probably gets quite a lot of visitors just popping through from the local cities as well as people passing through the area. It also being free doesn’t hurt either.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park spans 33,000 acres around the Cuyahoga river with lots of plants, animals, and of course some small settlement-like places as well. There’s even a train that runs through the park which you can ride around and visit different parts of the park this way as well.
What to Do
The park has lots of hiking trails and waterfalls through the park. Some of our favorites include the ledge trail, Brandywine Falls, and Blue Hen Falls. Visitors can also do some water recreation with kayaking and canoeing on the river through the park as well.
For those looking for more leisurely activities, there are even some shops and restaurants within areas of the park. Szalay’s farm stand is probably one of the most famous places to grab produce and snacks in the park. There’s also several restaurants and shops dotted through the area such as those in Peninsula.
Where to Stay
For those staying there are two hotels within the park, the Stanford House and Inn at Brandywine Falls which are both great options although can be hard to book at times. There’s also plenty in the region including easy access to the park from Akron or Cleveland. Staying in Cleveland (such as The Intercontinental or Hilton Garden Inn) is a great option for restaurants and night activities as well.
8. Joshua Tree National Park
Visitors:: 3,058,294
Covering nearly 800,000 acres of the Colorado and Mojave deserts, Joshua tree is more than just its “tree” namesake. The Joshua tree is a tree-like Yucca known formally as Yucca Brevifolia, and its twisted branches are a very distinctive native in this part of the country. You’ll see Joshua trees outside of the park as well (such as in the Mojave National Preserve) but you’ll find high concentrations and some of the largest in the park.
The lower Colorado Desert and higher Mojave desert make an interesting intersection in this park. The Joshua tree is mostly found in the higher, cooler Mojave and the distinct difference in regions breeds a diverse landscape. The park is famous for both its vegetation as well its rocky areas. It’s also a popular rock climbing area in the region too.
What to Do
The park is obviously most famous for its trees. And you won’t have to travel far to experience these in the park. Actually you’ll see quite a few in the areas surrounding the park as well. Hiking, Stargazing, Camping, and Climbing are the top activities in the park. The park is known as an incredible spot for bouldering and climbing in the region and you’ll see plenty of folks climbing the rock outcroppings throughout the park.
Hiking is very popular in the park too. There are over 300 miles of trails through the park as well as plenty of backcountry wilderness areas as well. Actually most of the park is designated as wilderness. Among the most popular and best hikes include, Barker Dam, Hidden Valley, Arch Rock, Split Rock Loop, Skull Rock, Mastodon Peak, and Cholla Cactus Garden. These are a mix of some very easy to more difficult hikes and should keep anyone in the park busy. Beyond that there’s dozens of additional hikes and areas you can explore in the park.
The park is also known as a dark sky area. It has some of the darkest and clearest night skies in the country and a worthy place to visit especially during a new moon. These dark sky places are some of my favorites as it’s a beautiful view as to how the night sky used to be before all the development.
Where to Stay
There are only campgrounds available within Joshua Tree National Park. For those looking to stay overnight there are options in the area. Twentynine Palms is a popular place to stay. The Fairfield Inn and the Oasis Inn are both great options locally there. Beyond that you could also look at hotels in Joshua Tree, CA. High Desert Motel or Autocamp are great choices here.
7. Yellowstone National Park
Visitors: 3,290,242
America’s (and the world’s) first National Park, and it’s easy to see why. This 2,2 million acre parcel of land contains some of the most geothermally active places, diverse landscapes, wildlife and more. The park kicked off America’s love of nature and national parks and is a top tourist destination for over 100 years!
Things to Do
The park contains several different regions that people can visit. The main draw is the geothermal areas of the park. This includes the venerable Old Faithful that is the most consistent of geysers in the world. Beyond that there are plenty of other geysers both around Old Faithful and in the area. And you can also see the other famous landmark the Grand Prismatic Pond nearby as well too.
You should also check out the Mammoth Hot Springs with its travertines and fountains. The incredible Grand Canyon of Yellowstone (which is pretty grand) with a remarkable waterfall that is worth seeing for both upper and lower and from various angles. And for those looking for wildlife, time in Hayden and Lamar Valley are some of the most memorable moments in the park. With plenty of views of Bison, Bears, and likely even wolves.
The National Park is open year round with most visitors arriving in the summer and fall. But winter is also a special place with the ability to explore the park via sleigh, ski, or snowmobile. There’s so much to see in the park and it’s so large that traveling from one end to the other will take hours.
Where to Stay
For those staying, there’s a network of lodges and campsites within the park. Some such as the Mammoth Hot Springs and Lake Yellowstone are gorgeous hotels. There’s also the pair of beautiful Old Faithful lodges with one even having winter options too. All in all there are 9 lodges that you can stay in the park with many more campgrounds as well. But as expected, these fill up fast.
Our favorite option is staying in Gardiner Montana (Travelodge or Park Hotel) or West Yellowstone (Yellowstone Lodge or Best Western).
6. Yosemite National Park
Visitors: 3,667,550
One of the most beautiful places on earth (and so far my favorite National Park), Yosemite encompasses some of the most majestic scenery in the National Park system. From soaring granite peaks, to gravity defying waterfalls, and the largest trees on earth, it really is something that doesn’t appear like it should really exist all in one place.
The Park is one of the earliest national parks (founded in 1890) and it’s so wonderful they did preserve it from all generations to come. The park is known primarily for its granite peaks and of course the Yosemite Valley.
What to Do
Sites to explore the park include, El Capitan, Half Dome, Mariposa Grove, Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Falls, Glacier Point, and more. There’s a lifetime of things to explore.
For those who are climbers, things don’t get more intense than the big wall climbs of the park. For more relaxed trips though there’s also plenty of other hikes and places to explore too. One of the most popular is Half Dome which, while accessible to all, requires some steel nerves to climb the cables to reach the top.
You can even get away from everyone with some hikes off the beaten path. Actually getting a few miles from the road and it seems that solitude is easy to find. Even in places like the various Sequoia groves I’ve been able to sit and enjoy solitude among the silent giants.
Where to Stay
For those looking to stay there are several lodges within the park such as The Ahwahnee and Yosemite Valley Lodge, but note that those within the park book up well in advance. You need to be ready as soon as room blocks are released. You can also find quite a few places outside the park such as Yosemite View Lodge in El Portal.
5. Acadia National Park
Visitors: 3,970,260
The only National Park in the Northeastern United States, Acadia’s rugged coasts, stately forests, and rough waters is a perfect example of this part of the country. The park is split among several different areas with the main part of the park on Mount Desert Island adjacent to Bar Harbor. Beyond that there are lesser visited (but just as beautiful) areas of the park on the Schoodic Peninsula and Isle au Haut. Visiting the lesser visited areas is actually a perfect way to experience some solitude in an otherwise highly visited park.
Things to Do
For those exploring, Acadia National Park is known for its beautiful coast and some of its small peaks within the park as well. One of the highlights is getting to see the first sun in the country from the peak of Cadillac Mountain (now requiring timed entry) . Whether you drive or hike for sunrise, it’s definitely worth the view. For hikes the two most popular include the Precipice Hike (more exposed cliff areas) and its sister the Beehive Hike which are both great ways to enjoy the cliffs and views over the area. More hikes around Jordan Pond such as some mellow ones around the pond as well as more adventurous ones such as Jordan Cliffs.
Be sure to also check out the Bass Harbor Lighthouse while visiting, some coastal walks (and Thunder Hole), as well as some cool beaches too. You can also stop for a bite at the famous Jordan Pond House within the park as well.
Where to Stay
For those staying there are only campgrounds within the national park. However, there’s plenty of lodging and lots of great food in nearby Bar Harbor. Some of our favorites include the Inn at Mount Desert and Anne’s White Column Inn.
4. Rocky Mountain National Park
Visitors: 4,300,424
Preserving some of the most incredible and pristine areas of the Colorado Rockies, the 267,000 acre park is the jewel of the parks in Colorado. The park contains many high peaks and alpine meadows, lakes, and wildlife, and includes one of the highest peaks in Colorado (longs peak).
What to Do
Visitors to the park can explore the park via road and trails. The trail ridge road and old fall river road are the two main roads to explore some of these passes and high vistas in the park. You can drive from one end of the park to the other passing through some of the best views in the entire rockies.
For hikers, there is no shortage of places to explore. Bear Lake (which requires its own access pass), is particularly popular for good reason. There’s a lot of beautiful lakes to explore here including Lake Haiyaha, Emerald, Dream, Sky Pond, and more. You can combine many of the lakes into a multi-lake loop trail as well. There’s also a few waterfalls such as Alberta Falls and Timberline Falls to see as well.
Beyond Bear Lake there’s a lot of places to explore as well. Chasm Lake, Deer Mountain, Twin Sisters are among the various places you could explore and hike. For those with more time and skills there’s even vast backcountry areas where few people tread.
These days visitors to the park require a timed entry ticket during most of the season when the roads are open in the park. There are two tickets, one is for those that plan to include bear lake road. Note: Entrance on a timed entry does not guarantee parking, and parking is very limited, especially at Bear Lake (I found even after 7am most parking was gone).
Where to Stay
There’s no hotel lodgings within the park but there are quite a few campsites. For hotels you need to stay in one of the adjacent communities. For those on the east side, staying in Estes Park is best. I recommend the YMCA of the Rockies if it’s available. It’s only 5 minutes from the entrance, affordable, and has lots of activities as well.
For the west side, Grand Lake sees fewer visitors and has some good accommodations too. The Grand Lake Lodge is a good option for those staying in this area.
3. Zion National Park
Visitors: 4,692,417
Known for its beautiful peaks and canyons of Navajo Sandstone, it’s easy to see why Zion is the 3rd most visited park in the nation. The park has some of the most stunning views of the canyon and some incredible hikes that are always on the top of most National Park visitors.
What to Do
For those who can get a permit, the hike to Angel’s Landing is one of the best hikes in the country. It does have some vertigo inducing climbs and even for those without a permit a hike to Scout’s Landing is worth a trip. Additionally, traveling within the Narrows is both incredible whether you do it bottom-up or top-down (permit required). Additionally great views and hikes can be had with the Canyon Overlook, East Mesa to Observation Point, Watchman, and more. And be sure to check out Kolob Canyon with hikes such as Taylor Creek for different landscapes and more mellow crowds.
Visitors to the park must take the shuttle when it is running to visit areas within the park. Be sure to plan your visit to the canyon to not miss the last shuttle (or you’ll need to walk back to the visitor center). Parking can be tricky and early starts are recommended when visiting the main canyon area.
Where to Stay
The only driving in the canyon is for those who have reservations at Zion Lodge which is the only hotel within this national park. There are also several campsites within the park as well and lots of options in nearby Springdale (recommended Springhill Suites or Cliffrose Hilton). For those planning to visit both Zion Canyon and Kolob Canyon, hotels in La Verkin are equidistant and cheaper (La Quinta is a nice reasonable option).
2. Grand Canyon National Park
Visitors: 4,732,101
There is no probably little surprise this is one of the most visited national parks in the country. It’s one of the places that most Americans have expressed interest in visiting at least once in their lifetime. And for good reason, the canyon is one of the most impressive geological features to explore. The canyon at its deepest is nearly 6,000 feet deep and there are no bridges between the rims within the park (it’ll take a couple hours to drive between the north and south).
What to Do
Most visitors explore the park from the south rim where most of the development is around the canyon. From here there are several hikes you can explore along the south rim or even down into the canyon as well. There are also some amazing viewpoints you can view over the canyon as well as sunrise and sunset and of course visitor centers, restaurants, and a geological museum.
The north rim is less visited and even closes in the winter (due to snow/ice) and it’s also beautiful in its lack of development (in comparison to the south).
For those with the skills you can even hike between the rims in a 24 mile (one way) hike that can be done in a single or multiple days. For multiple days, permits are required for inner canyon travel.
Where to Stay
For those looking to stay there are multiple lodging options within the park. There are 5 lodges along the south rim of the canyon, one along the north, and one within the canyon itself. The popular Phantom Ranch at the canyon floor is one that you’ll need to apply for a lottery to stay at, and is one of the most difficult bookings to get.
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Visitors: 12,937,633
Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited national park by a lot, nearly 3 times the amount of visitors as the Grand Canyon. This may be due to its proximity to some higher population areas, its lack of a fee, or maybe it also includes the random folks who just pass through the park en route to other places.
Either way, there is no argument that it’s an impressive natural space with over 500,000 acres and over 850 miles of hiking trails. The beautiful views and fog that make up the “smoke” in the mountain are stunning to see. It’s also a park with lots of wildlife. It is the park I’ve seen the most bears, with over a dozen seen on my most recent trip there.
What to Do
The beautiful scenery of Great Smoky’s is the obvious draw of the park. The beautiful mountains feature some great peaks, forests, pastures, and of course the diverse wildlife. Hiking is one of the best things to do in the park with hundreds of miles of trails. Some of the best to explore include, Alum Cave, Peregrine Peak, Rainbow Falls, Laurel Falls, Chimney Tops, and many more.
Be to also check out the observation tower at Clingman Dome, located on the highest peak in the park (and Tennessee). The views from here are pretty spectacular. Note that it is also very busy so try to plan visiting outside of peak hours.
Driving through the park is also one of the top draws of this National Park. There are quite a few roads and our favorite, Cades Cove, is a one-way route through historic areas of the park as well as beautiful forest and fields. It was also a popular spot it felt for seeing wildlife. We saw the most bears along this drive.
Where to Stay
For those who want to stay in the area, there’s plenty of camping in the park and one lodge, LeConte Lodge (only accessible by foot). But don’t worry, there’s plenty of places to stay in the communities surrounding the park. We recommend Park Vista (Gatlinburg TN) or The Terrace (Lake Junaluska NC).
Least Visited National Parks
The Least Visited National Park get a fraction of the visitors of the Most Visited. It is actually pretty incredible to see the difference between the top and bottom. While the most visited see millions annually the least only see a handful in comparison. It’s pretty amazing to think that the Most and Least see 1000s of times difference in visitor numbers. It’s also interesting that not all are in Alaska, and some are actually in states with some of the highest visited parks.
But to help illustrate. Here is a list of the 10 Least Visited National Parks in the US
| National Park | Visitor Numbers | State |
|---|---|---|
| American Samoa | 1,887 | American Samoa |
| Gates of the Arctic | 9,457 | Alaska |
| Kobuk Valley | 16,925 | Alaska |
| Lake Clark | 18187 | Alaska |
| Isle Royale | 25,454 | Michigan |
| North Cascades | 30,154 | Washington |
| Katmai | 33,908 | Alaska |
| Wrangell-St. Elias | 65,236 | Alaska |
| Dry Tortugas | 78,488 | Florida |
| Great Basin | 142,115 | Nevada |
Other Posts you May Like
- ARIZONA: 15 Amazing Things to Do in Petrified Forest National Park
- COLORADO: Guide to Mesa Verde National Park
- COLORADO: Guide to Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
- NEVADA: Guide to Lehman Cave Tours – Great Basin National Park
- NEW MEXICO: Visiting White Sands National Park – New Mexico
- TEXAS: 10 Best Things to Do in Big Bend National Park
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