A Guide to the Most Popular US National Parks

4 minute read

The United States is known for its exciting cities, famous landmarks, and unique cultural experiences. It is also home to 63 national parks that preserve some of the nation's beautiful natural scenery. These national parks feature some of the most impressive landscapes you'll ever see. Here you'll find our guide to some of the most popular national parks you should consider exploring in the United States.

Written by My Visa Source Team
Published on: Apr 7, 2023

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The most-visited national park in the US is Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This incredible park gets its name from the everlasting fog that comes from the water and the trees that fill the area. This results in stunning sightlines and incomparable views you'll want to see for yourself. This sweeping park is located in both North Carolina and Tennessee. The Appalachian Trail goes right through it, making it an excellent destination for any hikers interested in exploring an exciting and beautiful spot in nature. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is recognized for its impressive plant and animal wildlife display and some of the most incredible mountains in eastern North America. Visiting this national park will provide tourists with various attractions to explore. Particularly in Tennessee, you can access Great Smoky Mountains National Park right by an even larger tourism environment that includes theme parks and aquariums. Millions of people from all over the United States and the rest of the world visit the Great Smoky Mountains each year to experience it for themselves.

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is where you will find the world-famous Grand Canyon, located in the state of Arizona. This beautiful sight is often recognized as a wonder of the world. You'll be in awe when you see this park's impressive view. The canyon itself is about ten miles wide, and the park is so vast that it would take five hours to drive from the North to South Rim. This national park is a hotspot for families with children during the summer, so if you're looking to avoid crowds, plan a visit just before or just after the summer season. At Grand Canyon National Park, you'll find bustling tourist areas and quiet spots in nature. No matter what kind of experience you're seeking, Grand Canyon National Park has options for you.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is located in California. This beautiful park is most well-known for its stunning waterfalls, but it is full of other natural areas to explore, such as its cliffs, running streams, sprawling meadows and impressive mountains. Yosemite is a popular destination for national park visitors each year who enjoy its several natural wonders. The national park is surrounded by lush forestry, with the Sierra National Forest on the southeast and Stanislaus National Forest on the northwest. This park is a great place to visit for camping and hiking. In addition, you'll find an impressive display of granite rock formations that add to this park's charm. Yosemite is a great choice to experience a tranquil environment surrounded by wilderness.

Joshua Tree National Park

In southern California, you'll find Joshua Tree National Park. One of the most exciting characteristics of this park is how it encompasses two different deserts and their unique ecosystems. You'll find the Mojave Desert and the Colorado Desert meeting in this national park, taking up a space larger than Rhode Island. The Joshua trees this park was named for are native to the Mojave Desert. In addition to experiencing two different deserts, Joshua Tree National Park visitors will see some interesting rock formations in the desert land. This destination is perfect for anyone who loves hiking or rock climbing outdoors. For the best weather and air conditions, visit in the spring or autumn seasons. Be sure to plan ahead, as while this can be a pleasant spot for camping in a desert environment, there is no access to water or electricity, so you'll need to pack and bring along whatever you need for your visit.

Hot Springs National Park

Hot Springs National Park can be found in the state of Arkansas. This area is the oldest park in the United States that the National Park Service has maintained. As in its name, this park is most well-known for its famous hot springs. Many individuals choose to make a trip to the hot springs because of the legends that surround them. Tourists widely believe that the water from the hot springs has healing or medicinal properties. Tourists can collect, drink from, and even bathe in the hot spring water at designated locations within the park. Hot Springs National Park has plenty more to offer tourists than just the hot springs it is known for. You'll find fantastic mountain views that are perfect for hikes. There are several creeks throughout the park and impressive rock formations. Every quality of this national park makes it a truly unique place to visit.

Why You Should Visit a National Park

Visiting a national park is an incredible way to absorb some of the world's natural wonders. These parks are preserved as much as possible, so you will see beautiful displays of wildlife and natural sights you won't find anywhere else. Each national park has something different to offer its visitors, but each one is a fabulous place for anyone who appreciates the great outdoors. Visiting the national parks can be a fantastic way to step away from your busy schedule and enjoy what the world has to offer at a slower pace and without distractions. These parks can help anyone feel more connected to nature and find tranquility in the calm environment while enjoying spectacular views.

The Best Activities for Your National Park Trip

You may visit a national park by simply driving through it and stopping only for the sights you want to see, while others choose to camp outside in a tent for a few nights and enjoy a more hands-on experience. While the offerings may vary at every national park, here are some activities you can try out while planning your next national park adventure:

Go for a hike

Try rock climbing

Ride bikes

Birdwatching

Take a tour or learn from a park ranger

Go fishing

Try skiing in the winter