Discover the best of America's natural marvels, from Yellowstone to the Great Smoky Mountains.
Even after you depart the borders of America's national parks, you will be captivated by the wonder of their breathtaking vistas and breathtaking landscapes. Millions of people travel through the 63 national parks in the United States each year, according to the National Park Service, and this attraction to the outdoors only seems to be growing over time.
Whichever park you choose to visit, you're bound to find something to catch your attention because they all have a variety of interesting landmarks, beautiful vistas, and wildlife.
These untouched marvels, which range from cascading waterfalls to snow-capped mountains to dense forests, halt people in their tracks all year long. Thanks to the variety of protected lands and the efforts made to keep them in pristine condition, their attractiveness is undeniably evident. Anyone wanting quieter surroundings will find the perfect escape by visiting these recreational havens.
Here are 12 of the most beautiful national parks in the U.S.
1) California, Sequoia National Park
On the western side of California's Sierra Nevada mountains, Sequoia National Park is teeming with sequoia forests and is home to the 275-foot General Sherman tree, the largest tree in the world. Its Giant Forest is home to hundreds-foot-tall sequoia trees, which are a magnificent site to behold.
The numerous hiking paths, granite domes, including Moro Rock, and breathtaking views showcase the beauty of this park. Don't forget to stop by the nearby Kings Canyon National Park; the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway connects the two parks, which are managed jointly.
2) National Park of the Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina and Tennessee
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which covers parts of North Carolina and Tennessee, is the most visited national park in the country. Its moniker comes from the constant fog that covers the park's mountains. Its lush forests and abundance of animals only serve to highlight the magnificence of its miles of rivers and streams.
Although this lush park is accessible all year round, October is when the leaves turn the most vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. Drive through Cades Cove to spot black bears, waterfalls, and historic cabins. Visit Cataloochee Valley at dawn or twilight for a chance to spot elk roaming the area.
3) Alaska, Denali National Park
The enormous 6.1 million-acre Denali National Park in Alaska bears the name of North America's tallest peak. One of only three national parks in Alaska that can be reached by vehicle, some visitors choose to travel deeper into the park with a knowledgeable guide by taking one of the National Park Service's bus tours.
Denali National Park's rugged topography is best enjoyed in the summer because it is teeming with impressive wildlife, sparkling rivers and lakes, and distinctive tundra vegetation.
4) Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado spans about 265,000 acres and features more than 300 miles of hiking paths in addition to flowering meadows, breathtaking mountains, and alpine lakes. Elk, bighorn sheep, black bears, and a wide variety of other animals can be found in the park as well as in forested regions.
Take in the beauty of a sunrise at Bear Lake or spend some time fishing in one of the many designated waterways, such as Sprague Lake.
5) Washington, Mount Rainier National Park
The highest volcano in the Cascade Range is the inspiration for Mount Rainier National Park, which is located in Washington. The most glaciated mountain in the contiguous United States is Mount Rainier, which has 25 named glaciers. With more than 275 miles of hiking paths leading to waterfalls, lakes, and wildflower meadows, this national park is a beautiful location.
The highest point in the park that is reachable by vehicle, Mount Rainier at Sunrise, offers panoramic views of the mountain.
6) Hawaii, Haleakalā National Park
Without Hawaii's Haleakalā National Park, no collection of breathtaking national parks would be complete. A giant shield volcano that dominates much of the island of Maui, as well as a wealth of waterfalls and rain forests, make up this tropical paradise.
For the most picturesque dawn above the clouds, take a drive up to the top of the Haleakalā crater. Remember to reserve your spot in advance because there are only a limited number of spots available, and make plans to stay around after sunrise to spend some time visiting some of the many hiking trails.
7) California, Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park in California is one of the country's earliest and most popular national parks and is best known for its numerous waterfalls and renowned granite formations. Yosemite's famous landmarks, El Capitan and Half Dome, as well as Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the world, are sure to mesmerize you. Yosemite Valley camping is the best way to take in all of the natural beauty that this park has to offer, and many tourists base their entire trip around it.
8) Utah, Arches National Park
Arches National Park will leave you in awe as you take in the immense red rock landforms and natural arches, whether you prefer to hike on easy trails or take a scenic drive. This park is most well-known for its Windows Section and Delicate Arch observation areas, which together comprise more than 2,000 naturally occurring stone arches.
Plan your trip to arrive in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds, and stay until after sundown to enjoy the best stargazing under the clear night skies.
9) Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming's towering Teton Range is just one of the astounding features that draw so many visitors to the area. This tranquil environment is found in Jackson Hole and features glistening lakes, rocky topography, and stunning moose, mule deer, bison, and elk. Here you can go trekking or ascending the Teton Mountains, trout fishing, and driving on the Jenny Lake Scenic Drive.
10) Alaska, Kenai Fjords National Park
On the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska, the more than 600,000-acre glacial idyll known as Kenai Fjords National Park can be found. The impressive Harding Icefield, the biggest in the US, and the numerous coastal fjords are what this isolated park is most famous for.
For a closer glimpse at the glacier and Harding Icefield, take the Exit Glacier View Loop trail. Take a boat trip from nearby Seward to see the tidewater glaciers and marine life, or rent a charter boat and go fishing while exploring the park's waters.
11) National Park of Yellowstone, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho
More than 2.2 million acres in size and the first national park to be created in America, Yellowstone is well-known for its recognizable geysers and hot springs, most notably Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring.
In order to protect the grandeur of its wilderness, Yellowstone makes sure that tourists keep a safe distance from its resident wildlife, such as bison, black bears, elk, and moose. Don't fear; if you spend time exploring the park by car, hiking the numerous trails, and taking in the sights at Yellowstone Lake and Lamar Valley, you'll undoubtedly see a variety of wildlife up close.
12) Montana, Glacier National Park
The nickname "Crown of the Continent" for Glacier National Park in Montana, with its stunning mountains, clear lakes, and more than 700 miles of hiking paths, is well-deserved. There are countless outdoor recreational activities accessible in this park, making it a favourite of adventurous visitors. A few examples include hiking, camping, bicycling, fishing, and boating. The Going-to-the-Sun Road, which cuts through the east and west sides of Glacier National area for 50 miles of breathtaking vistas, is the best way to experience the area.
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