The U.S.A. wasn’t coined “America the Beautiful” for no reason!
This sprawling country is home to a number of wild places that are almost too magnificent to be real.
And while the traditional American dream may still be alive for some, the new American dream for many is taking an extended road trip venturing through the nation’s diverse parks.
The National Parks Service just released new visitor statistics, and last year was a record-breaking one for over a dozen parks as millions of Americans flocked to the great outdoors.
These are the 8 most popular U.S. national parks according to recent statistics.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Earning the title of most visited national park in America is the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
Easily accessible from major east coast cities and teeming with rolling mountains and tranquil streams, it’s no wonder the smokies attracted the most visitors.
Anyone who’s spent time exploring Appalachia can attest to the beauty of its densely forested peaks.
Spring is an excellent time to visit, as the slopes of Appalachia are blanketed in the colors of blooming wildflowers, and crowds are fewer.
Grand Canyon National Park
Visiting the Grand Canyon is one of the most popular outdoor trips to be taken, and it’s at the top of millions of people’s bucket lists.
In terms of breathtaking places to see in America, this vast rock formation has certainly earned its place at the top–visiting the canyon at sunrise is an experience you don’t want to miss.
If you plan on hiking, visiting in spring is a great idea, as the weather down in the canyon can be intensely hot during summer, and hikes offer limited shade.
Zion National Park
Zion is home to some of the most iconic hikes in America; chances are you’ve probably seen images of the Narrows hike through canyon rivers or the infamously challenging Angel’s Landing trail.
For those wanting to take advantage of the park’s epic hiking, biking, and camping, spring is a good time to get outside.
The summer can bring temperatures reaching to over 100 degrees and is monsoon season, which can bring dangerous flash floods within the canyon.
It should be noted that water levels may be too high to hike the popular narrows trail in spring–be sure to research ahead of time.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park’s landscape is so unique that you may feel as though you’ve stepped onto another planet, especially when taking vibrant hotsprings.
Home to the greatest diversity of wildlife in the lower 48 states, spring is the perfect time to see the park come to life with blooming flowers and baby animals.
This otherworldly national park offers great opportunities to spot bears, wolves, and elk.
Rocky Mountain National Park
It’s easy to understand why this Colorado park is one of the most beloved in the nation.
With its high-elevation trails, pristine alpine lakes, and vast basins, this national park is truly a mountain lover’s paradise.
Whether you want to spend all your time in nature, explore nearby Denver, or visit charming Boulder, your visit here will surely be a memorable one.
Yosemite National Park
If you want to go chasing waterfalls, then Yosemite is your place, and late spring is the peak time to see them at their fullest.
Yosemite is a mecca for outdoor adventurers; within the park, you’ll find top-notch fishing, rafting, hiking, and cycling opportunities.
The park’s towering granite walls attract rock climbers from all over, who are set on scaling the iconic Half Dome or El Capitan.
Acadia National Park
Located on the Atlantic coast of Maine, you discover sweeping views of the state’s rocky shoreline, picturesque beaches, and vibrant sunrises when exploring Acadia National Park.
Acadia is one of the most captivating places on the East Coast, with dramatic sea cliffs and photogenic lighthouses.
And of course, you can’t leave Maine without eating your share of fresh local seafood and the state’s famous lobsters!
Grand Teton National Park
This Wyoming-based national park is exactly what you might imagine when you close your eyes and picture the old American West, complete with jagged peaks.
These rugged mountains offer abundant places to hike, backpack, camp, and swim.
Since you can drive from the Grand Tetons to Yellowstone in just over 2 hours, it’s completely doable to visit both parks in a single trip.
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