Best National Parks to Visit in the United States

Can you believe that there are as many as 63 National Parks sprawled out all across the
country? Maybe what is even more impressive, is that each one of them offers its visitors
something truly unique and special.

Whether it's majestic scenery, an abundance of outdoor activities, or perhaps for you, it's the
fascinating history that’s just waiting to be dug up. Rest assured that there are plenty of things
to keep everyone happy, regardless of which one you visit.

However, if you’re in pursuit of finding out which of these national parks are amongst the best,
you’ve certainly got your work cut out for you. But you’re in luck! We’ve already done most of the
homework for you. These are a handful of some of the best National Parks in the United States
that you need to add to your bucket list.

Acadia National Park, Maine

Nestled along with the highest point of Maine’s Atlantic coastline, Acadia National Park is a
woodland and rocky beach paradise that offers fabulous views, along with all kinds of things to
do for outdoor enthusiasts. The park has over 158 miles of hiking trails and 27 miles of historic
motor roads. Visitors especially enjoy traveling to the region during the fall, when the
autumn-colored foliage is absolutely stunning.

Bar Harbor is the beautiful gateway city that will take you into Acadia. While you’re there, be
sure to check out its many great restaurants, adorable little shops, and spectacular scenery.
Thunder Hole is a popular destination, where you can witness the ocean clapping into the rocky
shores. Cadillac Mountain is the highest point along the eastern coast of the United States,
offering hikers the very first glimpse of a morning sunrise. But don’t worry. The mountain’s
breathtaking views can also be seen traveling by car to the summit.

Grand Canyon, Arizona

To be perfectly blunt about it, there isn't a photograph or postcard on earth that gives the Grand
Canyon the justice that it deserves. So instead of admiring it on the internet, the only solution
would be for you and your family to visit it sometime. Whitewater rafting the Colorado River or
taking a helicopter ride over the canyon is just two epic ways to witness it. Camping beneath the
stars, hiking, biking, and donkey riding are a few others.

The South Rim is considered the most popular part of the canyon to visit, but if you’d prefer an
escape from all the people, we encourage you to set out on the North Rim part of the canyon.
You also don’t want to miss out on the rare opportunity to see a sunrise or sunset over the
Grand Canyon, so set your alarm clock early.

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

For those of you planning an upcoming family trip to Yellowstone, don’t make the colossal
mistake of traveling clear across the country and not stopping in at the Grand Teton National
Park. First off, there’s only about an hour’s drive that separates the two parks. Another reason is
that the Tetons will leave you completely mesmerized by their rugged beauty. The nearby town
of Jackson Hole is where you will stumble upon all kinds of lodging, ski resorts, restaurants,
music, and entertainment to keep you busy.

Jenny Lake and Jackson Lake are two alpine lakes that provide visitors with hiking, biking,
camping, fishing, and boating opportunities. And if you enjoy history, you’re in for a real treat at
Mormon Row, which is made up of several historic homesteads that are surrounded by epic
views of the Tetons. Wildlife viewing is another popular activity, where you might spot grizzly,
black bear, bison, moose, and antelope.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/ North Carolina

With its lush green forests, cascading waterfalls, and tree-covered mountains, it’s no wonder
why the Great Smoky Mountains National Park receives right around 12 million visitors every
year. There’s no entry fee to get into the park, while the main entrance is located just beyond the
gateway touristy cities of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. There you will find all kinds of different
little shops, entertainment, museums, restaurants, and vacation rentals.

Cades Cove offers not only spectacular scenery and historic homesteads to visit but also wildlife
viewing opportunities where you might witness spotted deer, turkey, coyote, raccoon, and black
bear. Visitors also enjoy climbing Clingman’s Dome, the highest point of elevation in the park
(6,643 feet), where you can walk up to the top of an observation deck and marvel at the
360-degree panoramic view of the Smokies. Newfound Gap is another popular park destination
that comes with spectacular views. It’s also where you’ll run across the famous Appalachian
Trail.

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

If you’ve never laid eyes on the snow-capped mountains of Colorado before, just know that you
haven’t lived yet. There’s just something mysteriously ancient about these rugged giants, which
leave their visitors in a kind of awestruck trance. Located about 70 miles north of Denver, the
Rocky Mountain National Park not only provides incredible scenery, but outdoor enthusiasts
also enjoy fishing, hiking, mountain climbing, horseback riding, camping, and some of the best
scenic drives in the country. During the winter, popular activities include skiing, snowboarding,
and snowmobiling.

A few of the places that are a must-see during your visit include the Emerald Lake Trail, a
moderate hike that features a pristine lake that’s surrounded by jagged mountains. Bear Lake is
another destination that has a tranquil scenic view. The Mount Evans Scenic Byway is the
highest paved road in all of North America, making it a popular thing to do as well.

Yellowstone, Wyoming

Holding the honor of America’s oldest national park, Yellowstone unquestionably should be
towards the top of everyone’s bucket list for places they need to visit during their lifetime. There
are so many jaw-dropping views that await you, from canyon walls that have been splashed in
red, dense forests, huge waterfalls, geysers, and peaceful alpine lakes.

A few of the best things to see in the park include Old Faithful, a geyser that erupts almost like
clockwork. The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone features a stunningly-beautiful waterfall, while
Grand Prismatic Spring is a thermal wonder known for its bright dazzling colors. Hayden Valley
and Lamar Valley are where you’re sure to see plenty of bison and other fascinating wildlife.
Backpacking, day-hiking, horseback riding, camping, and fishing, are just a few of the outdoor
activities that you can do there.

Yosemite, California

While Yosemite may be especially known for its majestic roaring waterfalls, the park is also
home to giant ancient sequoias, picturesque meadows, and valleys, unique rock formations,
along a vast wilderness that will leave you in awe. Though it reaches an immense 1,200 square
miles, most of its visitors settle for only 8 square miles of the Yosemite Valley.

Glacier Point is a popular overlook that has striking views of Half Dome and the Yosemite
Valley. You can hike or drive there, but the road for vehicles is only accessible from May until
about October or November, depending upon weather conditions. Then there’s the Tunnel View
Lookout, the view that was said to have made Ansel Adams famous. Some of the popular
activities to do in the park include fishing, boating, rafting, swimming, hiking, and mountain
climbing.

Zion National park, Utah

For those of you that have a love for hiking and being outdoors, you’ll be thrilled to know that
Zion National Park has some of the best trails for hiking in the country. There you will discover
red and pink towering sandstone cliffs, narrow canyons and arches, waterfalls, and the famous
Virgin River. There’s also fascinating evidence that this desert oasis was once occupied by the
ancient Anasazis people. The list of outdoor activities to take advantage of are endless, from
camping, biking, horseback riding, ATV riding, kayaking, along with perfect conditions for
viewing the starry night sky.

Although the trail to Angels Landing is considered to be strenuous, the payoff far exceeds that
for those that are up for such an adventure. Kolob Canyons is another popular destination that
provides some of the most unmatched scenery in the entire country. And should you make the
smart decision to venture beneath the high canyon walls of The Narrows, rest assured that
you’ve never hiked anything quite like it!

Scattered all throughout the country, these National Parks are amongst the best places to visit.
Each one offers its visitors amazing scenery, dozens of thrilling activities, and a rich history
worth investigating. Which of these National Parks do you plan on visiting soon?

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