The United States has some of the most stunning national parks globally. With at least one in most states, choosing which one to visit first or next can be challenging. Each park has something different to offer, and each one varies in the landscape and scenery. 

21 of the Best National Parks in the USA

There are 63 national parks in the USA, ranging from the world-famous and highly popular tourist attractions to the more remote and lesser-known ones that don’t get as many visitors annually. 

While all national parks have their beauties, there are some that everyone should visit if given the opportunity. So, as you begin planning your national park trip, check out the following best national parks you’ll find across the United States.

One of California’s most famous national parks is Yosemite. Located within the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Yosemite covers 1,200 square miles and is renowned for its waterfalls and giant sequoia trees. This beautiful national park became a protected area in 1864 but wasn’t officially a national park until 1890.

Most people head to Yosemite to hike some of the 750 miles of trails within the park. These trails range from very easy to more complex, so planning ahead of time is crucial. There are mountains, valleys, and varying terrains you’ll want to prepare for.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most famous parks in the USA, and you’ll find it on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. The central mountain range within the park is where the name came from, and there are park entrances in both states. The entrance near Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is the most visited.

This national park is great to visit anytime throughout the year. But, fall and spring are when most people think the park is at its peak beauty. When you visit this park, you can participate in various outdoor activities. 

The various hiking trails are popular, and many are suitable for people of all ages and skill levels. You can also hit the bike trails, see historic buildings, go horseback riding through the park, and camp under the stars. 

The Grand Canyon is considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world, and there’s no better way to experience it and the surrounding areas than visiting Grand Canyon National Park. The park spans over 1.2 million acres and is truly something out of this world. 

You can visit the north or south rim of the park or plan a more extended stay to make time for both. Most people flock to the south rim because the north rim is a little more rugged. One of the most amazing things you can do here is to book a river rafting tour down the Colorado River through the canyon. 

This 2.2 million-acre park is arguably the most famous in the United States. Yellowstone is known for its geothermal areas and Old Faithful, the most famous geyser in the country. This massive national park spans Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming. 

Since it stretches through three states, you’ll find several different ecosystems here. The South Central Rockies house black bears, grizzly bears, bison, elk, and wolves. The hiking trails in Yellowstone are unmatched since you can span varying terrains.

Besides Old Faithful, other beautiful areas you’ll want to try and see if you visit include Grand Prismatic Spring, Lamar Valley, Artist Point, where there are massive waterfalls, and Uncle Tom’s Trail.