A Brief History
- United States was the first country to create National Park.
- There are 442 parks managed by the US Park Services, 62 of which are designated as “National Parks”.
- Yellow Stone was the 1st park.
- Ranger-led programs are among the best experiences in the parks. Get there early and sign up for one. Some examples are birding introductions in Acadia, Stargazing in Yosemite.
1. Great Smokey Mountains
Tennessee & North Caroline
Top destinations
- Cades Cove
- Cataloochee
- Clingman’s Dome
- Roaring Fork
Famous For:
- Waterfalls
- Fall Leaf peeping
- Fishing
- Cemeteries (Some dating back to 200 years ago)
2. Grand Canyon
Arizona
Top destinations
- South rim Village
- Hermit Road
- Desert View Drive (Highway 64)
- North Rim
Famous For:
- Mule Rides (Not for the faint of heart)
- Rafting
- Helicopter Tours
Tip: Digital Entry Passes available at Recreation.gov
3. Rocky Mountain Park
Colorado
Top destinations
- Kawuneeche Valley (west)
- Bear Lake (east)
- Lily Lake (east)
Famous For:
- Horseback riding
- Wilderness camping
- Fishing (some of the best trout fishing in the US)
Tip: Requires an entry permit and a reservation.
4. Zion
Utah
Top destinations
- The Narrows (tight passages that you go through)
- Angels Landing
- Emerald Pools (truly emerald in color)
- Kolob Canyons
Famous For:
- Canyoneering
- Sunsets and Stargazing
- River Trips (canoes, rafts)
Tip: 2-hour park ranger tours available. In person reservations required
5. Yellowstone
Wyoming, Montana, Idaho
Top destinations
- Old Faithful
- Grand Prismatic Spring
- Yellowstone Lake
- Mammoth Hot Springs
Famous For:
- Giant Sequoias (700-800-year-old trees)
- Wilderness (95% of the land)
- Birdwatching
- Stargazing
6. Yosemite
California
Top destinations
- Wawona (Pioneer center)
- Mariposa Groove
- Tuolumne Meadows (Spectacular wild flowers)
- Hetch Hetchy Valley
Famous For:
- Giant Sequoias
- Wilderness
- Birdwatching
- Stargazing
7. Acadia
Maine
Top destinations
- Cadillac Mountain (named after the French explorer; yes, the car is named after him as well.
- Jordan Pond (beautiful 4-mile walk around the pond)
- Jasper Beach (great place to eat lobster)
- Thunder Hole
- Bar Harbor
- Schoodic Point
Famous For:
- Bird Watching (migration path)
- Leaf peeping
- Tide Pooling (great activity for kids)
8. Grand Tetons
Wyoming
Top destinations
- Jackson Lake
- Snake River
- Taggart Lake
- Mormon Row
Famous For:
- Rafting
- Lake Cruising
- Wildlife viewing (elf, wolverine)
9. Olympic
Washington
Top destinations
- Hoh Rain Forest
- Kalaloch Beach
- Olympic Peninsula Waterfall Trail
- Sol Duc Hot Springs and Salmon Cascades
Famous For:
- Skiing
- Mineral Hot Springs
- Boat Tours on Lake Quinault
10. Glacier
Montana
Top destinations
- Logan Pass
- Two Medicine
- Goat Haunt (Wild goats)
- Many Glacier
Famous For:
- Cross-country skiing
- Boating
- River Camping
- Biking
If you want to see this park, do not wait too long as the glaciers are melting. The prediction is in about 30 years there won’t be any glaciers.