From the mist-shrouded peaks of the Appalachians to the red rock canyons of the Southwest, the United States boasts an incredible array of protected landscapes. At Top 10 America, we believe that these national parks are more than just vacation spots—they are the living, breathing heritage of our nation. Understanding which parks Americans visit most reveals a lot about what we value: accessibility, awe-inspiring geology, and the timeless allure of the wild.
As of late 2025, the National Park Service has solidified the rankings based on the full 2024 visitation cycle. While the classic giants remain at the top, we have seen shifting trends where hikers are increasingly favoring the dramatic landscapes of Utah and the Pacific Northwest over traditional desert strongholds. This list represents the most current pulse of American travel.
We have analyzed the numbers to bring you not just a list, but a guide to why these parks captivate millions. Whether you are seeking the solitude of a alpine lake or the thunder of a waterfall, Top 10 America is here to guide you to the country’s most beloved natural wonders.
Overview: Top 10 Best Most Visited National Parks in the USA
| Rank | National Park | Location/State | Annual Visitors (2024) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Great Smoky Mountains National Park | North Carolina / Tennessee | 12,191,834 |
| 2 | Zion National Park | Utah | 4,946,592 |
| 3 | Grand Canyon National Park | Arizona | 4,919,163 |
| 4 | Yellowstone National Park | Wyoming / Montana / Idaho | 4,744,353 |
| 5 | Rocky Mountain National Park | Colorado | 4,154,349 |
| 6 | Yosemite National Park | California | 4,121,807 |
| 7 | Acadia National Park | Maine | 3,961,661 |
| 8 | Olympic National Park | Washington | 3,717,267 |
| 9 | Grand Teton National Park | Wyoming | 3,628,222 |
| 10 | Glacier National Park | Montana | 3,208,755 |
Top 10. Glacier National Park
Located on the northern border of Montana, Glacier National Park acts as the “Crown of the Continent,” preserving over one million acres of glacier-carved peaks and valleys. It is a rugged wilderness that demands effort to explore, yet it consistently draws millions who are eager to witness its rapidly receding glaciers before they disappear.
In Top 10 America’s view, Glacier holds its spot in the top 10 because it offers arguably the most dramatic driving experience in the country: the Going-to-the-Sun Road. While many parks are passive visual experiences, Glacier is immersive; the sheer scale of the geological formations here makes visitors feel small in the best possible way. The park’s popularity has surged recently, displacing desert parks like Joshua Tree from the top 10.
A vital insider tip is to plan your logistics months in advance. Because the winter season shuts down most of the park’s infrastructure, the summer window is incredibly tight and competitive. We suggest aiming for a September visit, where you might catch the early autumnal gold of the aspen trees against the dusting of snow on the peaks.
Key Highlights
- Iconic Route: The 50-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road is a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.
- Ecosystem: Home to grizzly bears, moose, and mountain goats.
- Geography: Contains headwaters that flow to the Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic Oceans.
Top 9. Grand Teton National Park
Rising abruptly from the valley floor without foothills, the Teton Range in Wyoming offers one of the most striking skylines in North America. Located just south of Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park often serves as part of a dual-park road trip, but it stands firmly on its own merits with pristine alpine terrain and crystal-clear lakes.
The data suggests that Grand Teton’s appeal lies in its accessibility to high-alpine adventure. Unlike other mountain parks that require days of trekking to reach the jagged summits, the Tetons are visible and imposing from the moment you enter Jackson Hole. We believe this park perfectly balances scenic driving with serious mountaineering and hiking opportunities, catering to both the casual tourist and the hardcore climber.
A unique feature here is the Snake River, which winds through the valley floor. We suggest renting a raft or booking a float trip at sunrise. The reflection of the Grand Teton on the water during the “golden hour” is an image that defines the American West.
Key Highlights
- Elevation: The Grand Teton peak stands at 13,775 feet.
- History: Established in 1929, with valley lands added later in 1950.
- Wildlife: Prime viewing area for moose, elk, and bison herds.
Top 8. Olympic National Park
Situated on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington, this park is a biological marvel that encompasses three distinct ecosystems: rugged Pacific coastline, temperate rainforest, and glaciated mountain peaks. It is one of the few places in the world where you can hike through a moss-draped rainforest in the morning and watch the sunset over ocean sea stacks in the evening.
Olympic’s consistent ranking in the top 10 is driven by its diversity. In our analysis, this park appeals to a wide demographic because it doesn’t rely on a single geological feature. Whether it is the enchanting greenery of the Hoh Rain Forest or the tide pools at Ruby Beach, Olympic offers a “choose your own adventure” experience that varies wildly depending on which entrance you use.
Locals know that the weather here dictates the experience. We suggest embracing the mist and rain; the moody atmosphere of the Pacific Northwest is part of the charm. A “did you know” fact is that the park protects over 70 miles of wild coastline, the longest undeveloped coast in the contiguous United States.
Key Highlights
- UNESCO Status: Designated as both a World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve.
- Precipitation: The rainforest areas can receive over 140 inches of rain annually.
- Access: No roads cross the park’s mountainous interior, preserving its wilderness.
Top 7. Acadia National Park
Perched on the rugged coast of Maine, Acadia National Park is the crown jewel of the North Atlantic. It is the only national park in the Northeast and serves as a primary outdoor playground for millions of residents in the New England area. The park primarily covers Mount Desert Island, where mountains meet the sea in a dramatic collision of granite and ocean.
We attribute Acadia’s high visitation to its unique blend of history and accessibility. The park’s carriage roads, financed by John D. Rockefeller Jr., offer a car-free way to explore the interior by foot, bike, or horse. It feels more intimate and curated than the vast western parks, making it less intimidating for first-time hikers or families.
For a truly American experience, we suggest driving to the summit of Cadillac Mountain. From October to March, it is the first place in the United States to view the sunrise. Be aware that vehicle reservations are now often required for this specific activity due to its immense popularity.
Key Highlights
- Geography: Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on the stunning North Atlantic seaboard.
- History: The first national park created from private lands gifted to the public.
- Recreation: Features 45 miles of rustic carriage roads.
Top 6. Yosemite National Park
Located in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, Yosemite is a shrine to human strength and natural beauty. It is world-renowned for its granite cliffs, including El Capitan and Half Dome, as well as its ancient giant sequoia groves and towering waterfalls. It is considered the birthplace of the national park idea, championed by John Muir.
Yosemite’s position at number six is somewhat deceptive; if not for reservation systems implemented to manage overcrowding, the demand would likely be even higher. Our team notes that Yosemite is an icon of the American imagination. People visit not just to see nature, but to stand in the valley floor and feel the overwhelming scale of the granite walls that have inspired artists and climbers for a century.
Insider advice from Top 10 America: Don’t stop at Yosemite Valley. While the valley holds the famous views, the high country along Tioga Road offers alpine meadows and lakes with a fraction of the crowds. We suggest visiting in late May or early June when the waterfalls are at their peak flow from the melting winter snow.
Key Highlights
- Waterfalls: Yosemite Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in North America (2,425 feet).
- Geology: Famous for its glacially carved granite valleys.
- UNESCO Status: Designated a World Heritage Site in 1984.
Top 5. Rocky Mountain National Park
Straddling the Continental Divide in Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park is a high-altitude wonderland. It defines the “high country” experience, with dozens of peaks exceeding 12,000 feet. Its proximity to the major Denver metropolitan area makes it an easy escape for millions, contributing significantly to its top 5 status.
We believe the primary draw here is the “Trail Ridge Road,” which holds the title of the highest continuous paved road in the United States. It allows anyone with a vehicle to ascend into the alpine tundra ecosystem, a harsh and beautiful environment usually reserved for mountaineers. This accessibility to extreme elevation is rare and drives the park’s massive visitation numbers.
A critical note for visitors is the altitude. We suggest spending a day acclimating in nearby Estes Park before attempting strenuous hikes. Also, keep an eye out for the massive elk herds that frequently congregate in the lower valleys—they are a signature sight of the park.
Key Highlights
- Elevation: Longs Peak is the park’s highest point at 14,259 feet.
- Infrastructure: Trail Ridge Road peaks at 12,183 feet.
- Wildlife: Home to one of the largest elk herds in North America.
Top 4. Yellowstone National Park
Spanning Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, Yellowstone is the world’s first national park and remains one of its most bizarre and beautiful. Sitting atop a dormant volcanic super-caldera, it preserves more than half of the world’s geysers and hydrothermal features. It is also the premier destination for megafauna in the lower 48 states.
Yellowstone ranks fourth because it is a bucket-list destination for families worldwide. The combination of Old Faithful’s reliability and the kaleidoscope of colors at the Grand Prismatic Spring creates a visual experience found nowhere else. At Top 10 America, we see Yellowstone as the “American Serengeti”—the best place to see bison, wolves, and bears roaming free in their natural habitat.
We suggest waking up at dawn to drive through the Lamar Valley. This is the prime time for spotting wolves and bears. Unlike other parks where geology is the star, here the wildlife and the volatile earth beneath your feet are the main attractions.
Key Highlights
- History: Established in 1872 as the world’s first national park.
- Geology: Contains over 10,000 hydrothermal features.
- Size: Encompasses 2.2 million acres, larger than the states of Rhode Island and Delaware combined.
Top 3. Grand Canyon National Park
Carved by the Colorado River in Arizona, the Grand Canyon is a geological phenomenon that defies description. Mile-deep and up to 18 miles wide, it exposes nearly two billion years of Earth’s geological history. It is one of the most recognizable landmarks on the planet, drawing visitors who simply want to witness its immense scale.
The Grand Canyon’s number three ranking is a testament to its status as a global icon. While many visitors only view it from the rim, the sheer volume of tourists is sustained by its year-round accessibility (on the South Rim) and its place in American pop culture. We view this park as a humbling reminder of nature’s power and time’s vastness.
For a memorable experience, we suggest moving away from the main visitor center at Mather Point. Walk just a mile along the Rim Trail in either direction, and the crowds thin out dramatically, allowing you to appreciate the silence of the canyon.
Key Highlights
- Dimensions: The canyon is 277 river miles long.
- Geology: Reveals rocks from the Proterozoic and Paleozoic eras.
- UNESCO Status: Designated a World Heritage Site in 1979.
Top 2. Zion National Park
Located in southwestern Utah, Zion National Park has surged in popularity to claim the number two spot. Defined by its soaring red and white Navajo sandstone cliffs, Zion offers a very different experience than the Grand Canyon; instead of looking down, you spend your time looking up from the valley floor.
Zion’s rise to the second spot is driven by the viral popularity of its hikes, specifically Angels Landing and The Narrows. In Top 10 America’s analysis, Zion captures the modern adventurer’s spirit. It is compact, visually stunning, and offers high-adrenaline activities that photograph exceptionally well. The contrast of the red rock against the blue sky and green Virgin River is aesthetically perfect.
We suggest utilizing the park’s efficient shuttle system to access the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. If you plan to hike the famous Narrows (wading through the river), ensure you check the flash flood potential at the visitor center—it is a critical safety step in this slot canyon environment.
Key Highlights
- Geography: Located at the junction of the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and Mojave Desert.
- Famous Hikes: Home to Angels Landing (permits required) and The Narrows.
- Ecology: Hosts over 1,000 species of plants due to diverse elevation zones.
Top 1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the undisputed king of visitation, hosting more than double the visitors of the runner-up. Renowned for its biodiversity, the blue mist that hangs over the ancient mountains, and its preservation of Southern Appalachian culture, it is a national treasure.
Why is it number one? The facts show a combination of unmatched accessibility and cost. It is within a day’s drive for two-thirds of the US population and, unlike most other major national parks, it has no entrance fee. However, beyond the logistics, we believe its appeal lies in its four-season beauty, from the synchronized fireflies in June to the stunning fall foliage in October.
Top 10 America suggests exploring the Cades Cove loop early in the morning. This historic valley offers the best opportunities to see black bears and white-tailed deer, along with preserved log cabins that tell the story of the settlers who once called these mountains home.
Key Highlights
- Biodiversity: Known as the “Salamander Capital of the World.”
- History: Chartered in 1934 and officially dedicated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1940.
- Trails: Features over 800 miles of hiking trails, including a segment of the Appalachian Trail.
Conclusion
From the foggy peaks of Tennessee to the red rocks of Utah, the most visited national parks in the USA offer a diverse portrait of the American landscape. These rankings reflect where we choose to find adventure, solace, and connection with the natural world. While the Great Smoky Mountains continues its reign at the top, the surging popularity of western parks like Zion and Glacier highlights a growing appetite for rugged, high-adventure environments.
Whether you are one of the 12 million driving through the Smokies or one of the brave few hiking the glaciers of Montana, these parks belong to you.
