In 2024, the U.S. National Park Service (NPS) recorded a staggering 16.4 billion visits to its parks since starting to track attendance in 1904. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, straddling North Carolina and Tennessee, saw more than 12 million visitors, while Montana’s Glacier National Park attracted nearly 3.2 million. These parks, along with many others, continue to captivate millions with their breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders.
The NPS, which oversees 85 million acres across the United States, offers a diverse range of destinations, from coastal wilderness to rugged mountains. In total, the service maintains 429 units, including 63 national parks, stretching from sea to shining sea, with additional locations in Alaska and Hawaii.
Among the most visited parks in 2024, ten stand out as the top destinations for nature lovers:
10. Glacier National Park
Located in northern Montana, Glacier National Park’s rugged terrain shaped by glaciers over millions of years drew 3.2 million visitors in 2024. The park’s stunning views of rock, ice, and water are a highlight for hikers.
9. Grand Teton National Park
The towering peaks of Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park captured the attention of 3.6 million visitors last year. Its crystal-clear lakes and striking glaciers make it one of the most majestic sites in the Rockies.
8. Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park in Washington State saw over 3.7 million visitors, thanks to its wild Pacific coast, rugged mountains, and temperate rainforests. With nearly a million acres to explore, it remains a true gem of the Pacific Northwest.
7. Acadia National Park
Maine’s Acadia National Park saw nearly 4 million visitors in 2024. The park’s scenic coastal landscapes and challenging trails, including those on Mount Desert Island, offer something for everyone.
6. Yosemite National Park
In California, Yosemite National Park attracted 4.1 million visitors. Known for its iconic granite cliffs and waterfalls, Yosemite continues to inspire awe and has been a destination for nature enthusiasts since its founding in 1890.
5. Rocky Mountain National Park
Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park welcomed 4.2 million visitors in 2024, with its diverse ecosystems ranging from alpine tundra to wetlands. The park’s pristine lakes and streams, including the headwaters of the Colorado River, draw nature lovers from around the world.
4. Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone, the world’s first national park, hosted 4.7 million visitors in 2024. Located across Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana, it boasts geysers, alpine lakes, forests, and an array of wildlife, including bison, bears, and wolves.
3. Grand Canyon National Park
With 4.9 million visitors in 2024, the Grand Canyon remains one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on Earth. Its vast, mile-deep canyon and numerous outdoor activities, including hiking, rafting, and mule rides, make it a must-see destination.
2. Zion National Park
Zion National Park in Utah, known for its dramatic cliffs and canyons, welcomed nearly 5 million visitors in 2024. The park’s unique rock towers and striking landscapes continue to attract adventurers from around the globe.
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains, offering mist-covered peaks and waterfalls, drew the highest number of visitors in 2024—more than 12 million. Spanning North Carolina and Tennessee, the park offers over 800 miles of hiking trails and stunning mountain views.
These top 10 parks, representing a range of landscapes from towering mountains to lush forests, showcase the incredible diversity of America’s natural beauty. Whether seeking solitude or adventure, visitors continue to flock to these treasured national parks.
Related topics:
