America's most-visited national parks: Great Smoky Mountains, Grand Canyon and more
Praised for their preserved land that can instantly transport you into a time before humans made their mark on the world, each of America's national parks offers a different way to take in the great outdoors just as it was intended to be.
Based on the latest annual visitation records from the National Park Service, here’s a list of the most visited national parks across the country – and why travelers say it's worth the trip.
Something to keep in mind: As of Feb. 2, the National Park Service now requires visitors and employees to wear masks inside buildings and facilities and on NPS-managed lands "when physical distancing cannot be maintained," according to the website for the Department of the Interior. For example, a mask will be required when a trail is too narrow or is busy, on overlooks or in historic homes.
In addition to bringing a mask, visit the website for any park you plan to visit to see what is and isn't open. Parks across the country continue to evaluate and adapt to changing COVID-19 guidance, and may adjust operations as needed.
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6. Yellowstone National Park
Number of visitors: 4 million in 2019
Yellowstone National Park (mostly within Wyoming but with sections in Montana and Idaho) is famed for its majestic geysers that can send water shooting over one hundred feet into the air. Since the park itself sits atop a volcano, it’s blessed not only with the geysers but with hot springs, waterfalls, mud pots and the type of trout fishing that would make any enthusiast giddy.
And, don’t be surprised to see a moose or wolf on your path – this park is known to be home to these and other animals such as bison, bears, and buffalo.
Tie for No. 4. Yosemite National Park
Number of visitors: 4.5 million in 2019
Taking in the largest waterfall in North America (Yosemite Falls) and the world’s tallest granite monolith (El Capitan) are just two of the reasons why Yosemite National Park in California is one to check off-your bucket list. Get lost in its picturesque Crane Flat area, go horseback riding, or take a guided nature walk of the Sequoia Parks.
Off-premise, you can also fill your calendar with activities like art workshops, visit a local history center, take a ghost tour, dine at an organic farm-to-table cafe, rent a bike to take the trails, spend a day at the nearby aqua park, go white water rafting, take an aerial tour or stop by the local winery.
Note: With the California regional stay-at-home order lifted, the park is no longer closing early. But beginning Feb. 8, you need a reservation if you plan on driving into Yosemite.
Tie for No. 4: Zion National Park
Number of visitors: 4.5 million in 2019
Utah’s first national park is one of the most visited in the nation. It comes in at number four on the list. Zion is known for its massive sandstone cliffs and vast array of plants and animals. Birdwatchers can get a shot at viewing up to 291 species of birds, including the peregrine falcon, the Mexican spotted owl and the proud bald eagle (check out the full Zion bird list here).
3. Rocky Mountain National Park
Number of visitors: 4.7 million in 2019
Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado is a hiker’s paradise and comes in at No. 3. There’s over 300 trails to choose from (find a full list here). It also has the highest paved roads of any park. Although it's currently closed for the winter, Trail Ridge Road crests at over 12,000 feet and offers many opportunities to stop and gaze at the subalpine and alpine ecosystems (call 970-586-1222 to see which roads are open due to weather conditions). During the winter months, outdoor enthusiasts can try snowshoeing or snowmobiling.
Note: The park recently announced that timed-entry reservations are no longer required. The reservation system was implemented last year for visitors during the pandemic.
2. Grand Canyon National Park
Number of visitors: 6 million in 2019
Located entirely in North Arizona, the Grand Canyon is a one-of-a-kind trip with more to do in one place than in any other park. Home to over 300 different species of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, the vast array of wildlife combined with beauty scenery leads many outdoor enthusiasts craving to explore this well-known wonder.
The South Rim of the park gets the warmth of Arizona while the North Rim is prone to snowfall. So, there’s a much shorter window to enjoy the season on the northern side. Be sure to stop for gas, check the weather, pack plenty of food and clothes and make any camping reservations in advance.
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Number of visitors: 12.5 million in 2019
The Great Smoky Mountains, nestled on the Tennessee-North Carolina border, attracts the most recreational visitors out of any other national park in the US.
Visitors can start the day with a kid-friendly hike and explore captivating waterfalls, or plan a picnic in Cades Cove while keeping an eye out for those famous black bears.
Guests can enjoy the preserved history of the national park’s historic homes set among a pristine mountain landscape. Overnight visitors may choose backpack camping, rent a cabin or check into one of their nearby condos. If you prefer to spend your time traveling via horseback, take in all the park has to offer from the saddle.
Additional reporting by Emmalyn Reid, a freelance writer for Broadry Newsroom
