White sand beaches, swamps, stalagmite-filled caves, glaciers, hot springs you can swim in (and ones you definitely can’t), rainforests, scorching deserts, volcanoes (dormant and active): The national parks scattered throughout the United States and its territories truly have it all. And while the 63 recognized parks only make up a fraction of the 423 sites that comprise the National Park Service, they represent some of the finest natural environments America has to offer. (And for six days a year, visiting these parks is free, too.) Here, our national parks, from A to Z.
This article was last published in April 2020. It has been updated with new information.
GettyAcadia National Park, MaineKnown for its photogenic lighthouses, weathered pine trees, and sunrises atop Cadillac Mountain, Acadia National Park is an essential stop on any Maine road trip. The park also happens to house one of our favorite national park beaches: Sand Beach, a wide expanse of yellow sand with crystal-clear water.- GettyNational Park of American SamoaLocated about halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand, National Park of American Samoa is one of the most remote national parks in the U.S. (Americans can still get there without a passport, though.) Instead of log cabins and campgrounds, expect to see coral-colored sand beaches, secluded villages, tropical rainforests, and wildlife ranging from fruit bats to humpback whales.
- GettyArches National Park, UtahPart of Utah’s “Mighty Five,” Arches National Park is known for its—you guessed it—stone arches. The park has over 2,000 of them, plus hundreds of balanced rocks and soaring pinnacles. Make sure you time at least visit around sunset, when the contrasting landscapes become an incredible palette of red, orange, and gold.
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- GettyBadlands National Park, South DakotaFound in the southwest corner of South Dakota, Badlands National Park greets visitors with an otherworldly landscape of rust-colored buttes, spires, and pinnacles rising across thousands of acres. Blink and you might think you’ve been transported to another planet.
- GettyBig Bend National Park, TexasKnown for its hiking, camping, sunsets (and sunrises), Big Bend consists of more than 800,000 acres of river canyons, desert, mountains, and much, much more. We’re talking 1,200 species of plants, 450 species of birds, 56 species of reptiles, and more than 70 species of mammals.
- GettyBiscayne National Park, FloridaLocated in the northern Florida Keys (a quick boat ride from Miami), Biscayne National Park is perhaps best known for its colorful coral reefs. But if you must visit the park above-water, head straight to the lighthouse at Boca Chita Key—you can’t beat the views of the Miami skyline from its observation deck.
- GettyBlack Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, ColoradoSculpted by the Gunnison River, this park in western Colorado is home to dramatic peaks and cliffs of dark Precambrian-age rock. Come for the variety of hiking and rafting choices, stay for the jaw-dropping overlooks.
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- GettyBryce Canyon National Park, UtahBryce Canyon’s layered red and orange rock pillars, known as hoodoos, make it a can’t-miss destination for campers and shutterbugs alike. For something truly spectacular, plan your visit around the park’s annual Astronomy Festival (which takes place in June each year) for guided tours and next-level stargazing.
- GettyCanyonlands National Park, UtahCanyonlands is a sprawling desert landscape of buttes and canyons near Moab, Utah, carved out by the Colorado River and its tributaries. There are no lodging or dining facilities within the park boundaries itself, but there are two campgrounds for those wanting to experience the park in true, rugged fashion.
- GettyCapitol Reef National Park, UtahWhat makes Capitol Reef unique among the Mighty Five is its prehistoric and early-settler history, best seen in the petroglyph rock art etched by the Fremont people over a thousand years ago. Don’t miss the park’s other rocky attractions, including the Chimney Rock pillar, the Hickman Bridge arch, and the towering structures of Cathedral Valley.
- GettyCarlsbad Caverns National Park, New MexicoFeaturing more than 100 caves in the Chihuahuan Desert of southern New Mexico, the Carlsbad Caverns are famous for its population of—count ’em—400,000 Mexican free-tailed bats. Between May and October, you can watch as the bats come barreling out of the caves and take flight for the night.
- GettyChannel Islands National Park, CaliforniaDespite their proximity to the coast of Southern California, the five islands of Channel Islands National Park offer an undeveloped and isolated look at nature (expect to see sea lions and blue whales). The islands are only accessibly by park concessionaire boats and planes or private boat, but upon arrival, you can participate in activities like kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, camping, and viewing the diverse wildlife.
- GettyCongaree National Park, South CarolinaSouth Carolina’s Congaree National Park is an ideal destination for both nature- and adventure-lovers. Home to one of the tallest deciduous forest canopies on earth, the park offers first-rate bird watching and wilderness tours, plus kayaking, canoeing, and camping. The Spanish moss–covered tree trunks make for gorgeous photo ops as well.
- GettyCrater Lake National Park, OregonSitting at 1,943 feet deep, Crater Lake is the deepest in the United States and made entirely out of glacial runoff and precipitation, which is responsible for its clarity and intense blue color. To best enjoy the lake and its surroundings, book a few nights at Crater Lake Lodge—the only accommodation within the National Park borders.
- GettyCuyahoga Valley National Park, OhioSituated along the Cuyahoga River between Cleveland and Akron, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park is an easy (and can’t-miss) day trip for travelers. The winding river gives way to deep forests, rolling hills, and open farmlands, while a walk on the Towpath Trail allows you to follow the historic route of the Ohio & Erie Canal.
- GettyDeath Valley National Park, California and NevadaDeath Valley National Park is not only a Guinness world record darling (lowest elevation in North America, hottest month on earth), but is also the subject of some of the world’s most awe-inspiring photos. Come for the mauve- and ochre-colored sunrise over Zabriskie Point.
- GettyDenali National Park and Preserve, AlaskaDenali National Park gets more than a half-million visitors a year, and it’s easy to see why. The park is a wild and massive (we’re talking 6 million acres) landscape of snowy amphitheaters, glaciers, ice caves, and mountains that would look right at home in the Himalayas. You can even climb Denali, the highest mountain peak in North America. Just like Everest, though, it’s a major undertaking, so know all the information before attempting.
- GettyDry Tortugas National Park, FloridaLocated on the southwestern tip of the Florida Keys, Dry Tortugas National Park is actually closer to Cuba than the U.S. and is only accessible by boat or seaplane. Once there, enjoy the views and history of the island and famous Fort Jefferson, whose military moat resembles an infinity pool at a luxury hotel.
- GettyEverglades National Park, FloridaOccupying 1.5 million prime acres of Southern Florida, these famed wetlands are one of the world’s most varied (and fascinating) ecosystems. Although the Everglades bear an uncanny resemblance to the deltas of Southern Africa, the wildlife is a tad different—expect to see alligators and manatees during your airboat tour, not hippos and elephants.
- GettyGates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, AlaskaGates of the Arctic is the second-largest and northernmost national park in the U.S, with its 8.4 million acres located completely above the Arctic Circle. Its remoteness and lack of roads means it doesn’t receive too many visitors, but those who do make it to the park are rewarded with some of the country’s most pristine mountain views, scenic rivers, and diverse wildlife, like wolverines, polar bears, and caribou.
- GettyGateway Arch National Park, MissouriThe 630-foot-tall, stainless steel Gateway Arch in St. Louis was designed by Eero Saarinen and originally built as a monument to the Louisiana Purchase. It’s still the tallest arch in the world today. The park also includes the Old Courthouse of St. Louis, noted for its role in the Dred Scott case. The Arch, the courthouse, and the surrounding acres were named a national park in 2018, with visitor sites including green space, historical buildings, and museums.
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- GettyGlacier National Park, MontanaIt’s easy to see why Glacier National Park is one of the most-visit parks in the country. With its pristine mountain lakes, glaciers, 700 miles of hiking trails, and road trips along Going-to-the-Sun Road, the park represents some of the best nature the U.S. has to offer.
- GettyGlacier Bay National Park and Preserve, AlaskaCovering 3.3 million acres of mountains, wild coastlines, and deep sheltered fjords, Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park sits in one of the world’s largest international protected areas. We can’t think of many other places on earth where you can see crashing glaciers and breeching whales in the same day as temperate rainforests and mountain goats.
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- GettyGrand Canyon National Park, ArizonaEasily one of the most recognizable U.S. national parks—and one of the most recognizable spots on the entire planet—the Grand Canyon has become nearly synonymous with America. We could tell you all about the sunsets and views and epic hikes along this 277-mile-long chasm, but honestly? This is one you need to see for yourself.
- GettyGrand Teton National Park, WyomingJutting up to 13,775 feet above the prairie-like landscapes of Wyoming, the magnificent Teton mountain range feels almost like a mirage. Visitors can enjoy nearly 200 miles of hiking trails, go rafting in the Snake River, and maybe even spot a grizzly bear or two.
- GettyGreat Basin National Park, NevadaGreat Basin is Nevada’s only national park, providing visitors with some of the state’s most beautiful sites—both above and below the surface. Aside from the dozens of outdoor activities (including fishing and backpacking in the summer and skiing and snowshoeing in the winter), the guided tours of the Lehman Caves are the park’s main draw.
- GettyGreat Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, ColoradoSet against the Rocky Mountains, the Great Sand Dunes of Colorado (the tallest dunes in North America) look like they were transported straight from Africa’s Sahara or Namib deserts. It takes hours to climb to the top of the dunes from the parking lot, but the feeling of standing alone, hundreds of feet in the air, is well worth the trek.
- GettyGreat Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and TennesseeSpanning the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most-visited park in the U.S. (yep, it even beats the Grand Canyon’s visitor numbers by several million people per year). Whether you hike past waterfalls or set up camp under the stars, there’s no wrong way to experience the 800 square miles of this natural wonder.
- GettyGuadalupe Mountains National Park, TexasLocated in the Guadalupe Mountains east of El Paso, this park offers deserts, canyons, gypsum sand dunes, and spectacular views of the night sky and Milky Way. There are hiking trails ranging in difficulty and time constraints, as well as campsites, horseback riding paths, and the nearby McDonald Observatory.
- GettyHaleakalā National Park, HawaiiThe highest point on Maui is also one of its most visited, and for good reason: Haleakalā Crater provides epic, sweeping views of the island from an elevation of just over 10,000 feet. In fact, the sunrises from the park’s highest points are so popular, you have to make a reservation in advance (and pay) to see it.
- GettyHawai’i Volcanoes National Park, HawaiiExtending from sea level to 13,677 feet, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park encompasses the summits of two of the world’s most active volcanoes: Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Book your stay at the Volcano House hotel, situated on the rim of the Halema’uma’u Crater, to get 24-hour views of towering Kilauea.
- GettyHot Springs National Park, ArkansasThough it wasn’t officially named a national park until 1921, the waters of Hot Springs National Park have been providing luxurious baths to travelers since the early 1800s, and Native Americans quarried for novaculite (a rock used to make weapons) here thousands of years before that.
- AlamyIndiana Dunes National Park, IndianaThe 15,000-acre Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore got a major upgrade in February 2019, when the landmark’s official name changed to the Indiana Dunes National Park. The Indiana Dunes stretch for 15 miles along the shores of Lake Michigan, making it a popular spot for swimming—and even surfing—during the summer. (It’s also one of many easy day trips from Chicago.)
- CorbisIsle Royale National Park, MichiganYellowstone receives more visitors per day than Isle Royale gets in an entire year, but don’t overlook the beauty and activities of this Michigan national park. Although it’s consistently chilly and foggy, Isle Royale offers some of the most pristine views you’ll get of Lake Superior. If you’re willing to brave the cold, you can even take a scuba diving trip to the lake’s many shipwreck sites.
- GettyJoshua Tree National Park, CaliforniaIf you even have the slightest appreciation of natural beauty, Joshua Tree National Park is a must-visit in your lifetime. Don’t miss the Cholla Cactus Garden, where the iconic plants stretch on as far as the eye can see. Make sure to spend at least a few hours here post-sunset, as the park was officially recognized as an International Dark Sky Park back in 2017.
- GettyKatmai National Park and Preserve, AlaskaFamous for its brown bear population, Katmai National Park and Preserve also features volcanic landscapes that could draw easy comparisons to Iceland. Make sure you take a detour to the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, whose stark terrain makes for excellent photo ops.
- GettyKenai Fjords National Park, AlaskaAlaska is home to more than 3 million lakes, but we have a bit of tunnel vision when it comes to Bear Lake. Located in the Kenai Fjords National Park, the site stands out for its massive glaciers, year-round water sports (kayaking, ice skating, dog mushing), and viewings of the Northern Lights from September through April.
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- GettyKings Canyon National Park, CaliforniaThe Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks contain some of the wildest, most beautiful sites in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. There are the giant sequoia trees, of course, but also steep mountains, deep canyons, and wildlife ranging from bighorn sheep to kingsnakes.
- AlamyKobuk Valley National Park, AlaskaHome to the largest active sand dunes in the Arctic, Kobuk Valley National Park is mainly known for one thing: caribou. For 9,000 years, people came to this neck of Alaska to hunt for caribou as they swam the Kobuk River, and half a million caribou still migrate through the river and dunes every year.
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- GettyLake Clark National Park and Preserve, AlaskaIf you want to see volcanoes, glaciers, and rainforests all in one place, just add Lake Clark National Park to your travel list. The lake’s diverse ecosystem makes it a microcosm of what makes America’s lakes so beautiful (think clear waters and tons of wildlife). As an added bonus, you’re almost guaranteed to spot some foraging brown bears along the shore.
- GettyLassen Volcanic National Park, CaliforniaWhile millions of tourists flock to Yosemite and Death Valley, enjoy a more secluded experience at Lassen Volcanic National Park, one of California’s least-visited parks. As the name suggests, the site is home to active volcanoes and hot springs—you can visit them year-round, 24 hours a day.
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- GettyMammoth Cave National Park, KentuckyLocated about 90 minutes south of Louisville, Mammoth Cave National Park has 70 miles of hiking trails and 400 miles of passageways, making it the world’s longest cave system. The park is filled with interesting wildlife as well, including Kentucky cave shrimp, several species of bat, coyotes, and flying squirrels—and who knows how many more slinky nocturnal creatures.
- GettyMesa Verde National Park, ColoradoThis concentration of the Pueblo people’s ancestral dwellings sits at an altitude of over 8,500 feet in southwest Colorado. The park protects nearly 5,000 archaeological sites (including the 600 cliff dwellings), which explains why it was dubbed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978.
- GettyMount Rainier National Park, WashingtonFilled with snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, and meadows dotted with wildflowers, Mount Rainier National Park is one of the most scenic spots in all of Washington—and an easy day trip from Seattle. For the best animal sightings (including caribou, wolves, and black bears), head to the 725-acre Northwest Trek Wildlife Park.
- GettyNew River Gorge National Park and Preserve, West VirginiaNew River Gorge is the newest addition to the national parks lineup as number 63 and marks the first national park in the Mountain State. The park (formerly a national river) has long been renowned for the 53 miles of rafting within its borders, as well as some 1,400 climbing routes on sandstone cliffs. The park is also a national preserve—the only dual-designated park and preserve outside of Alaska—with 65,000 acres offering hunting and fishing access.
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- GettyNorth Cascades National Park, WashingtonIf you want to see glaciers and temperate rain forests in one place, look no further than Washington’s North Cascades National Park. Known for its diverse ecosystems and wildlife, the park is one of the least-visited in the entire country, no doubt due to its rugged terrain and difficult hiking trails. Those up to the task, however, will get the rare experience of spotting bald eagles and hearing the thundering waterfalls that give the park its name.
- GettyOlympic National Park, WashingtonOlympic National Park contains oceanic coastlines, temperate rain forests, and alpine mountains within its boundaries—and you can experience them all in one day. If you’re really looking to unplug for a while, head to the Hoh River valley—aside from its beautiful, lichen-covered trees, the spot happens to be home to the quietest spot in the contiguous United States.
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- GettyPetrified Forest National Park, ArizonaArizona’s Petrified Forest National Park gets its name from its samples of colorful petrified wood (essential wood that has fossilized into stone), best seen in the Rainbow Forest. Get yourself a (free) backcountry permit to hike through the park’s badlands and camp under the stars.
- GettyPinnacles National Park, CaliforniaPinnacles National Park was formed some 23 million years ago when multiple volcanoes erupted, flowed, and slid to form the unique landscape you see today. The park is perfect for hikers, who can oftentimes spot eagles and California condors among the rock spires and caves.
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- GettyRedwood National Park, CaliforniaMost people know Redwood National Park as the home of the world’s tallest trees, but the park also encompasses prairies, rivers, and about 40 miles of rugged coastline. Aside from the beautiful flora, you can expect to see tons of wildlife here, including sea lions, gray whales, coyotes, and 280 species of birds (that’s one-third of all recorded species in the entire United States).
- GettyRocky Mountain National Park, ColoradoThere’s a reason Rocky Mountain National Park is on so many traveler bucket lists: It’s simply stunning. The adventurous can tackle epic hikes and conquer peaks, while film buffs can hole up in the Stanley Hotel (aka the hotel that inspired The Shining) in nearby Estes Park.
Source: cntraveler.com
