There’s something indescribably awe-inspiring about standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon, observing the gushing eruption of Yellowstone’s Old Faithful, or traversing the diverse terrains of Olympic National Park. These experiences and many others are provided by the unparalleled U.S. National Parks system, which stretches from the icy terrains of the Arctic Circle to the sunny beaches of the Caribbean.

Boasting a colossal count of 394 properties, this system offers an impressive 84 million acres of scenic beauty across all states, with Delaware being the only exception. Every year, nearly 286 million nature enthusiasts flock to these parks, keeping the hardworking staff and generous volunteers bustling. Among these parks, the largest is Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve in Alaska, sprawling over 13 million acres, while the smallest, Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial, occupies a humble 0.02 acres in Pennsylvania.

Creating Your National Park Bucket List

While each of the national parks has its own charm, some stand out as absolute ‘must-see’ destinations. With the constraints of time and budget, it might be unrealistic for most people to visit all 394 properties, but selecting a few for your bucket list is definitely feasible. So, let’s explore ten national parks that consistently find their way onto most travel enthusiasts’ lists.

The Smoky Wonder: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The most visited park, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, graces the scenic landscapes of North Carolina and Tennessee. It welcomes nearly 10 million visitors annually, offering them 800 miles of picturesque hiking trails weaving through the country’s most stunning regions. A haven for wildlife lovers, this park is home to black bears and boasts 16 mountain peaks over 6,000 feet. The park is open all year round but really shines in spring and fall with its vibrant foliage.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Marvel at the Majestic: Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is known for its awe-inspiring vistas that no photograph can truly capture. With over 4.4 million visitors annually, this park lets you explore the grandeur of nature that stretches endlessly. Although most visitors prefer admiring the canyon from the upper rim, the more adventurous can opt for a donkey ride down into the canyon or a river raft for a closer view. Do note that parts of the park are closed in winter due to heavy snow.

landscape photography of mountains

The Legendary: Yellowstone National Park

Embodying the spirit of the national parks system, Yellowstone National Park is famous for its renowned attraction, Old Faithful. This geyser, living up to its name, puts on a show year-round. However, accessibility can be an issue during winter due to heavy snow. Animal lovers can also enjoy sightings of bison and grizzlies – from a safe distance, of course.

Granite Grandeur: Yosemite National Park

Welcoming 3.5 million visitors, Yosemite National Park spreads across 1,200 square miles in central California. It’s granite cliffs and majestic waterfalls never fail to impress. The park is open year-round, but spring runoffs make the waterfalls particularly spectacular.

Olympic National Park

Rocky Mountain High: Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park, often considered the country’s backbone, encompasses over 400 square miles of rugged beauty. From the headwaters of the Colorado River and the continental divide to its 690 peaks reaching above 12,000 feet, this park provides unforgettable experiences to its nearly 3 million annual visitors.

man with backpack in front of body of water

Other National Parks to Visit

Several other parks could easily and should make your list of must-sees. The Zion National Park in Utah is a wonder for bird lovers, hikers, and photographers. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the only national park in the state of Ohio, is home to the Brandywine Falls and the Erie Canal.

This park welcomed 2.5 million visitors. The Grand Tetons National Park includes Jackson Hole Monument and is home to beautiful grasslands as well as the rugged peaks of the Rocky Mountains.

bird's eye view photography trees between canyons

Final Words

A journey through the U.S. National Parks can take you from the mesmerizing depths of the Grand Canyon to the snowy heights of Denali. Whether you’re standing in awe beneath towering redwoods or spotting endangered species in the vast Everglades, the parks offer unrivaled experiences that invite you to marvel, explore, and connect with the earth in an intimate way.

Remember, this is just a sample of the 394 National Parks that the United States has to offer, each with its own unique allure. Regardless of which parks make your personal bucket list, you are bound to leave with a deeper appreciation for nature’s wonders and memories to cherish for a lifetime. Happy exploring!