Among the many benefits of exposure to nature, health, and physical wellness is the most important. As a tourist or a traveler, you can add to your traveling experience as well as promote your well-being by enjoying the views as you tour through one of the national parks in the U.S. You may want to sit back and read through this post as it will enlighten you on the best national parks to visit next in the U.S.
Let’s begin!
14 Best National Parks in the United States
The next time you want to try something new and daring, not to mention exciting, take a hike through one of these national parks in the U.S.
#1. Arches National Park, Located in Utah
The Arches National Park is the world’s biggest concentration of wind-sculpted sandstone arches, and it is located just north of Moab, Utah in the U.S. The park was given its name for the 2,000 wind-sculpted sandstone arches that can be found in the vicinity. The most well-known of them is the 52-foot-tall Delicate Arch, whose image may be seen on Utah license plates; but, Arches National Park will astonish you with its sheer variety of towering pinnacles, immense rock fins, and enormous rocks that are poised on their edges.
Arches National Park is one of the few national parks in which many of the most notable rock formations can be viewed from the convenience of one’s own automobile. This makes the park ideal for those who wish to enjoy the sights without having to work up a sweat.
#2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Located in Tennesse and California
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park was established in 1934 and has since become the most popular national park in the U.S.; it is not difficult to understand why this is the case. It is home to some of the world’s oldest mountains. The park spans the states of Tennessee and North Carolina, and it is comprised of more than 500,000 acres (200,000 ha) of deep forests.
These forests are home to over 1,600 different types of plant life, and they produce a natural masterpiece that is unparalleled in its beauty. Hiking, discovering waterfalls, and viewing wildlife are just some of the things that visitors may enjoy during their time here. For those interested in culture, the area is home to one of the largest collections of old log buildings in the country.
#3. Kenai Fjords National Park, Located in Alaska
Kenai Fjords National Park, which was given the status of a national park in 1980, is a stunning area in Alaska that is home to forests as well as forty glaciers that originate from the spectacular Harding Icefield. The park spans approximately 600,000 acres (244,000 ha), the majority of which is covered in ice, and is regarded as one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.
Nature enthusiasts travel here in droves to catch a glimpse of the region’s abundant flora and fauna, which includes terrestrial creatures like bears, wolves, and lynx, as well as marine life such as orca whales, humpback whales, and harbor seals, and birds, of which there have been recorded to be over 191 different species. Hiking and kayaking are two of the many exciting activities that attract thrill-seekers to this part of the world.
#4. Yosemite National Park, Located in California.
Yosemite National Park is a breathtaking jewel in the state of California that spans approximately 750,000 acres (304,000 hectares), and it has recently commemorated the 125th anniversary of its designation as a national park. The land is most famous for its waterfalls, but it also has majestic granite cliffs, valleys, lush meadows, and huge sequoias, in addition to lakes and rivers, all of which combine to provide a visual feast for visitors.
If you’re very fortunate, you might catch a glimpse of some of the local wildlife, such as grizzly bears, mountain lions, pikas, or bats. Hiking one of the many paths and swimming in one of the area’s bodies of water are two activities that should not be missed while visiting Yosemite National Park. Furthermore, Half Dome and El Capitan are two magnificent sites in the park that should not be missed.
#5. Rocky Mountain National Park, Located in Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park is a really gorgeous place because it is home to some of the highest mountains in the United States. This park was established in 1915 and spans over 250,000 acres (100,000 ha), making it one of the most beautiful in the country. It has montane, alpine, and subalpine environments, each of which provides its own distinctive landscape, such as wildflowers, woods, and lakes, as well as a wide variety of plant life and fauna.
Additionally, the mountains are home to a diverse array of organisms, ranging from butterflies and reptiles to birds and animals, such as big-horn sheep, mountain lions, and moose. Getting out into nature and going hiking or taking scenic drives in this part of Colorado is the most enjoyable way to see the region.
#6. Yellowstone National Park, Located in Wyoming
A fun fact is that America’s first national park is larger than Rhode Island, and it has been a prized possession of the National Park Service (NPS) ever since it was established in 1872. Yellowstone is filled with various kinds of animals, geysers that erupt on a regular basis, lakes full of sulfur that bubble and boil, and enormous waterfalls that sparkle in the sunlight.
Additionally, you shouldn’t be astonished if you see buffalo ambling down the middle divider of the two-lane road that connects the parks. Yellowstone National Park is home to an astounding number of natural treasures, many of which can be explored via physically demanding treks into the wilderness or wheelchair-friendly wooden boardwalks.
#7. Olympic National Park, Located in Washington
Olympic National Park is a breathtaking location that spans almost one million acres (405,000 ha) and can be found in the state of Washington, which is located in the Pacific Northwest. The landscape is extremely varied and stunning due to the presence of a number of various habitats, including mountains topped with glaciers, old-growth forests, and a rough coastline.
The park was established in 1938, and its land now houses a diverse collection of animal species, while its waters are home to marine mammals such as whales, dolphins, and sea otters. The vegetation is extremely varied and luxuriant, which provides a beautiful view in every direction. Outdoor activities like climbing, hiking, backpacking, and camping are very popular.
#8. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Locate in Ohio
The Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio is located not too far from the cities of Cleveland and Akron, and it contains a wide diversity of landscapes, from beautiful forests and rolling hills to open farmlands that are still in use. This 33,000-acre (13,350 ha) area, which was designated a national park in the year 2000, is not quite as old or as huge as some of the other locations on this list; nonetheless, its beauty is every bit as potent.
From the vibrant display of wildflowers in the spring to the vibrant foliage of the fall season to the gorgeous waterfalls — Brandywine Falls is a must-visit – the park is filled to the brim with picturesque scenery and hours of activities, including hikes along the Towpath Trail.
#9. Glacier National Park, Located in Montana
This park is a paradise for nature lovers, as it protects approximately one million acres (404,000 ha) of land, which includes breathtaking peaks, lakes, alpine meadows, and glacier-carved valleys with numerous varieties of trees and other forms of plants.
Additionally, the park offers a limitless number of options for recreational activity. There is something for every explorer, from hiking the approximately 700 miles (1,100km) of trails to riding to ancient chalets and lodges. Be on the lookout for beautiful wildlife, which includes elk, grizzly bears, wolves, and mountain goats.
#10. Acadia National Park, Located in Maine
Acadia National Park, as it has been known since 1929, was designated as a national park in 1919 under the name Lafayette. The area, which was donated by people who wanted to see it protected, contains a jagged shoreline and 47,000 acres (19,000ha) of beautiful forests, lakes, and mountains, as well as flora and fauna. Acadia is one of the most beautiful national parks in the U.S. which is the dream of most photographers and outdoor enthusiasts, with miles of hiking trails and carriage roads ideal for strolling and admiring the scenery.
The park is overflowing with breathtaking scenery and hours of activities, including hikes along the Towpath Trail, from the colorful display of wildflowers in the spring to the lush foliage of the fall season to stunning waterfalls – the Brandywine Falls, too, are a must-see.
#11. Grand Canyon National Park, Located in Arizona
This natural marvel contains forty strata of granite that have been formed into buttes, spires, and cliffs, and together they cradle two billion years of geologic history. The 277-mile long gorge, which was carved out by the Colorado River, is magnificent from any angle; but, it is an exhilarating experience to descend below the rim.
The Bright Angel Trail, which is well-maintained and follows an old trail past sculpted sandstone to a cottonwood oasis, is the best place to begin your journey because it is the safest option. Along the trip, keep an eye out for elk, mountain lions, and condors, in addition to the one thousand types of flora that are able to make it through this semi-arid desert.
#12. Death Valley National Park, Located in California
Temperatures can soar to an incredible 130 degrees in Death Valley, which holds the record for being the hottest, lowest, and driest region in all of the United States. Badwater Basin is located here and boasts the distinction of being the lowest elevation in all of North America.
Having said that, the park is home to a variety of colorful canyons, bleak badlands, shifting sand dunes, and expansive mountains. Additionally, the park is home to more than one thousand different types of plants, salt flats, historic mines, and hot and cold spring oases. If you want to go on a hunt for some eerie artifacts, Death Valley is your sure pick because there are a number of abandoned communities there, just waiting to be explored.
#13. Grand Teton National Park, Located in Wyoming
More than two million people visit the Teton Range each year, despite the fact that it is situated 7,000 feet above the valley floor. They come during the winter months to snowshoe or cross-country ski along the routes that are bordered by fir trees.
Hikers explore the area’s 200 miles of trails and climb the region’s steep granite peaks during the summer months. Amateur whitewater rafters, pelican watchers, and anglers who throw lines for trout are drawn to the Snake River like bees to honey. Glaciers, alpine lakes, and meadows filled with larkspur and lupines can be found tucked away within the mountains.
You’re certainly gonna love this park!
#14. Zion National Park, Located in Utah
Zion National Park in Utah is an adventurer’s dream destination and for good reason. Angels Landing is a popular path that requires permits, which are distributed through an online lottery system. If you want to climb this trail, you will need to obtain one of these permits in order to ascend the roughly 1,500-foot natural staircase. You can also go on a trip known as “The Narrows,” which is about ten miles long and goes through the area of Zion Canyon which is the narrowest.
This hike requires trekkers to go upstream on the Virgin River. Joining a tour on a shuttle bus to travel the approximately 60-mile Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, which will take you through several of the park’s most well-known monuments, is a less arduous way to explore the park than hiking on your own.
Final Words
There you have it—the best national parks in the U.S. When next you visit the united states or feel like trying out something new and inspiring, you’ve got this piece to guide you. Enjoy!
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References
Culturetrip.com
