Top 10 National Parks In The USA
As one of the most geographically diverse countries in the world, the United States is home to an abundance of natural wonders. From soaring mountain peaks to deep canyons, pristine lakes, and stunning coastlines, the country's national parks offer a glimpse into some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on Earth. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the top 10 national parks in the US, each with a summary of its unique features and what visitors can expect to experience.
1.Yellowstone National Park
Established in 1872, Yellowstone is the oldest national park in the world and is located primarily in Wyoming. The park spans over 2.2 million acres and is home to a variety of geothermal features like Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring. Yellowstone is also known for its diverse wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, and bison. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
2.Yosemite National Park
Located in California's Sierra Nevada mountains, Yosemite is known for its stunning granite cliffs and iconic waterfalls like Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Fall. The park is also home to ancient sequoia trees and is a popular destination for hiking and rock climbing. Yosemite Valley is a must-see destination, but the park also offers more remote areas like Tuolumne Meadows for backpackers and hikers.
3.Grand Canyon National Park
One of the most famous natural wonders in the world, the Grand Canyon is over 270 miles long and up to 18 miles wide. The canyon was carved by the Colorado River and offers breathtaking views from both the North and South Rims. Visitors can explore the canyon by hiking, rafting, or taking a helicopter tour.
4.Zion National Park
Located in southwestern Utah, Zion National Park is known for its towering red rock cliffs and narrow canyons. Visitors can hike the popular Angels Landing trail for stunning views of the park or explore the Zion Narrows by wading through the Virgin River. The park is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including bighorn sheep and peregrine falcons.
5.Rocky Mountain National Park
Located in Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park offers stunning views of the Rockies and over 350 miles of trails for hikers and backpackers. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, camping, and wildlife viewing, including elk and moose.
6.Acadia National Park
Located on the coast of Maine, Acadia National Park offers a unique combination of coastal and mountain landscapes. Visitors can explore the rocky coastline, hike to the top of Cadillac Mountain, or enjoy a scenic drive on the Park Loop Road. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears and bald eagles.
7.Glacier National Park
Located in Montana, Glacier National Park is known for its stunning glacial lakes and towering peaks. Visitors can explore over 700 miles of trails, take a scenic drive on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, or enjoy a boat tour on Lake McDonald. The park is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, and mountain goats.
8.Arches National Park
Located in Utah, Arches National Park is known for its over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the famous Delicate Arch. Visitors can explore the park's hiking trails or take a scenic drive to view the unique rock formations. The park is also home to a variety of desert wildlife, including coyotes and desert bighorn sheep.
9.Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Located on the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States. The park is known for its lush forests, rolling mountains, and scenic drives like the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors can explore over 800 miles of trails or enjoy wildlife viewing, including black bears and white-tailed deer.
10.Bryce Canyon National Park
Located in Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its unique hoodoo rock formations and stunning sunrises and sunsets. Visitors can hike the park's trails or enjoy scenic drives along the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including pronghorn antelope.