The Best National Parks To Visit In The US
Discover the true definition of unbridled nature by visiting one the best National Parks in the United States.
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In a country like the United States, which is heavily defined by digital integrations, urban marketplaces, and industrialized day-to-day living, it’s easy to forget the parts of the nation where nature dominates the backdrop. It’s easy to forget that millions of acres of unbridled wilderness still sculpt the US’ borders. There are still places where the night sky is brilliantly lit by starlight shining fervently from billions of lightyears away. There are still places where delicate animal ecosystems thrive. There are still places that can take your breath away and bring tears to your eyes simply because of the magnitude of their splendor. These places are the United States’ National Parks.
The National Park System is comprised of 63 individual parks that combine to encompass millions of acres of land filled with unparalleled scenery, luscious foliage, and hundreds upon hundreds of unique plant and wildlife species. These parks are absolute treasures that are meant to be protected, admired, and most of all, enjoyed by all those who step foot inside them to marvel in awe at their beauty. Visiting all 63 is certainly a goal for every person’s bucket list. However, there are a handful that should be particularly high on your list. Read on to discover where your National park journey should begin.
GREAT SMOKEY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK (NORTH CAROLINA & TENNESSEE)
The Great Smokey Mountains National Park draws, on average, over 14 million visitors each year, making it the most-visited National Park in the entire United States. What lures people to its sprawling vistas are its mountain ranges which boast some of the highest peaks in the Eastern portion of the US. Set inside the Appalachian Trail, this national park is brimming with history as much as it is nature. Remnants of the indigenous Cherokee Indian tribes can be found throughout the illustrious old-growth forest that existed well before the Europeans ever set foot on North American soil. The Great Smokey Mountains National Park not only represents the finest aspects of nature but also some of the richest portions of history.
Best Things To Do & Sights To See – The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is teeming with sightseeing, recreation, and educational opportunities. The Sugarlands Visitor Center is a great place to start when visiting the park. There you’ll have the opportunity to learn all about the history of the park as well as the potential sights you may want to make sure you encounter during your visit.
There is an almost limitless amount of hiking opportunities to embark on. However, there are a few trails that you should make sure you experience before leaving the park. The Cades Cove area is a must-see because it is a beautiful enmeshment of both nature and history. Cades Cove is located in a valley, inside the valley you’ll be able to take a step back in time and glance at the 19th-century cabins that dot the landscape. Wildlife is also abundant in this area and you’ll likely get to marvel at species native to the region such as black bears and wild turkeys. From Cades Cove, you can embark on the Abrams Falls Trail which will lead you past one of the park’s most alluring waterfalls. Other notable sections in the park to check out include Newfound Gap, Clingman’s Dome, and Grotto Falls Trail.
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK (IDAHO, MONTANA, & WYOMING)
We would be remiss if we did not include the world’s very first National Park on our must-visit list. Yellowstone National Park is an absolutely divine amalgamation of rich biodiversity and sprawling natural vistas. Its biodiversity is as eclectic as its scenery, making it a National Park unlike any other. Encompassing over two million acres, this park proudly touches three states and boasts nearly four million visitors each and every year. From the flora to the fauna, the mountains to the geysers, and everything in between it’s no wonder why Lewis and Clark made history traversing Yellowstone’s beguiling terrain.
Best Things To Do & Sights To See – If you are looking to experience a vast number of natural wonders collected all in one (albeit very large) park, you’ll find that in Yellowstone. The Grand Prismatic Spring in Midway’s Geyser Basin is an utterly enamoring sight to behold. This hot springs cerulean hues meld with illustrious oranges, yellows, and greens and will absolutely captivate your mind. There really is no word apt enough to accurately describe the sheer splendor of the Grand Prismatic Spring. From the Grand Prismatic Spring, you can also head approximately 7 miles to the north to gaze upon one of the park’s most famous attractions – Old Faithful.
Another spot within Yellowstone National Park not to be missed is Hayden Valley. This is one of the few prime places to glance at wildlife engaging within their natural habitat. You’ll likely see grizzly bears, bison, and coyotes roaming the vast expanse of the gorgeous valley. There really is nothing quite like watching nature as nature is intended to be. Other top sights to visit include Yellowstone Lake, Mystic Falls Trial, Lamar Valley, and Mount Washburn.
OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK (WASHINGTON)
Located on the state of Washington’s captivating Olympic Peninsula, Olympic National Park is one that is unmatched in both its scenery and biological diversity. Well over two million visitors flock to the shores of the peninsula in order to experience the old-growth alpine forests, temperate rainforest, and marine ecosystems in their divine co-existence. The combined ecology in this National Park is utterly spellbinding.
Best Things To Do & Sights To See – One of the best spots to explore is the coastline of this mysterious yet alluring area. Hike along the shores at low tide with the specific purpose of reaching the Hole-In-The-Wall at Rialto Beach. Here you’ll get to see tide pools teeming with aquatic life. Off the coast, you might even catch glimpses of whales, sea lions, and otters.
From the shoreline to the mountaintop, Hurricane Ridge is where you’ll find peaks defined by glacial caverns and sweeping aerial vistas. During the winter months, the ridge boasts some of the best ski slopes in the nation. Be transported to yet another biome by visiting the ever enchanting Hoh Rainforest. Get the full experience of the Hoh Rainforest by starting at the visitor center from which you can embark on one of three trails that take you through the forest’s wistful greenery.
GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK (ARIZONA)
Grand Canyon National Park is as marvelous as it is awe-inspiring. Rich with both history and rugged landscapes, this national park is not only a wonder of the United States but a treasure of the world. The park is characterized by its namesake, the Grand Canyon, as well as the mighty Colorado River. President Theodore Roosevelt is known to have been absolutely overcome by the utter grandeur of Grand Canyon National Park. He described it as “beyond comparison—beyond description; absolutely unparalleled through-out the wide world” and touted it as “the one great sight which every American should see.” Drawing nearly three million visitors every year, it goes without saying that President Roosevelt’s assessment was right.
Best Things To Do & Sights To See – The Grand Canyon’s South Rim is absolutely chock full of things to do, see, and experience. There you will find popular tourist spots including Grand Canyon Village and Yavapai Geology Museum. There are also tons of easily accessible hiking trails and scenic spots to discover and traverse there. Some of note include South Kaibab Trail, Mather Point, and Bright Angel Trail.
For those seeking a little bit more in the way of unparalleled rugged adventure, head over to the Canyon’s North Rim. The North Rim has more trails less traveled than the South Rim. It’s perfect for those looking to get in touch with the region’s natural aspects without being surrounded by crowds of mesmerized tourists. Bright Angel Point and Roaring Springs are both worth checking out in the North Rim.
DRY TORTUGAS NATIONAL PARK (FLORIDA)
Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the more remote National Parks and also the only one that exists almost solely in open water. It’s a little more difficult to get to than most others on our list, but the effort it takes to get there makes the reward of actually being there all the more profound. The park itself is located at the tail end of the Florida Keys in the Gulf Of Mexico and is home to an archipelago of thriving coral reefs that support species-rich biomes. This national park is one that will both humble and awe you.
Best Things To Do & Sights To See – An unspoken prerequisite of visiting the Dry Tortugas is taking part in aquatic activities. There are boundless opportunities to go snorkeling and swimming so you can get up close and personal with the boundless amount of marine life that calls the areas surrounding the park home. There are also abundant opportunities to fish, partake in paddle sports and go on a variety of boat tours. Fort Jefferson is also located inside the park and is well worth taking the time to learn about and explore. If you find yourself not wanting to leave the archipelago after a day’s worth of exploring, you can also pitch a tent at the Garden Key camping site.
TO CONCLUDE
The National Parks above are some of the best places to begin experiencing all of the limitless nature that the United States has to offer. Take a step into these ecological oases to be captivated, educated, and sublimely spellbound by all that they have to offer. Other parks that were just shy of making our list include Acadia National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Gates of the Arctic National Park. However, really any of the 63 National parks in the United States will surely leave impressions so profound that they will live a lifetime in your memory.
