Top 10 Best National Parks to Visit in the USA for Adventure, Scenery, and Wildlife

National parks in the United States offer a unique opportunity to experience nature’s beauty, from stunning landscapes to diverse wildlife. These parks attract millions of visitors each year who seek adventure, relaxation, and a chance to connect with the outdoors.

Whether you’re hiking through rugged mountains, exploring vibrant forests, or spotting animals in their natural habitat, national parks provide unforgettable experiences. As outdoor activities and nature tourism continue to grow in popularity, more people are discovering the incredible variety of parks across the country.

From the best national parks to visit in the USA to the most popular national parks in the USA, there is something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, these parks are perfect destinations to explore and appreciate the natural world.

#1 Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park, located in California’s Sierra Nevada, is one of the most scenic national parks to visit in the USA. Famous for its breathtaking landscapes, Yosemite features towering granite cliffs, stunning waterfalls, and lush valleys. Whether you’re exploring on foot or simply enjoying the views, the park offers unforgettable sights and experiences.

Key Attractions and Activities:

• Granite Cliffs & Waterfalls: Iconic sites like El Capitan and Half Dome rise dramatically from the valley floor, creating perfect photo opportunities. Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in North America, is another must-see attraction.
• Hiking & Outdoor Adventure: Yosemite is one of the best national parks in the USA for hiking, with trails for all skill levels. The Half Dome hike is a challenging but popular route for experienced hikers. Other trails, like the Mist Trail and Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, offer scenic views and access to some of the park’s oldest trees.
• Rock Climbing: Yosemite is a world-renowned destination for rock climbing. Beginners and experts alike come to tackle the famous granite walls, especially the challenging routes on El Capitan.
• Wildlife Viewing: The park’s diverse ecosystems support a wide range of animals, including black bears, mule deer, and various bird species. Wildlife watching is a favorite activity for visitors year-round.

#2 Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park, located in Wyoming, is a must-see destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Known for its unique geothermal features, diverse wildlife, and expansive landscapes, Yellowstone is one of the national parks in the USA with the best wildlife and a top pick for those looking for adventure.

Geothermal Features:

• Old Faithful: One of the most famous geysers in the world, Old Faithful erupts regularly, sending a spectacular stream of hot water high into the air. Visitors can watch this natural wonder erupt throughout the day.
• Hot Springs and Geysers: Yellowstone is home to over 10,000 geothermal features, including colorful hot springs and bubbling mud pots, making it a fascinating place to explore.

Yellowstone is a great place to see wildlife in its natural habitat. The park is home to large herds of bison, packs of wolves, and grizzly bears. Visitors often spot these animals while driving through the park or on hiking trails.

Adventure Opportunities:

• Hiking: With miles of trails, Yellowstone offers great hiking for all levels. Popular routes take you through forests, along rivers, and to viewpoints offering stunning views of the landscape.
• Camping: The park has several campgrounds where visitors can enjoy the outdoors. Camping is a great way to experience the park’s beauty up close, especially at night when the stars light up the sky.

#3 Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park, located in Arizona, is one of the most popular national parks in the US, attracting families and travelers who want to experience breathtaking views and the beauty of nature. The Grand Canyon is not only a stunning visual spectacle but also a geological masterpiece that tells the story of millions of years of Earth’s history.

The Grand Canyon is renowned for its vast size and colorful rock layers, which reveal the park’s geological significance. Spanning over 270 miles in length, up to 18 miles in width, and more than a mile deep, it offers incredible panoramic views from nearly every vantage point. The rock formations and cliffs have been sculpted by millions of years of erosion, making a visit to the canyon feel like stepping back in time to witness the planet’s natural evolution.

Activities for All Ages:

• Hiking: There are plenty of hiking trails along the canyon’s rim and down to the river. Popular routes like the South Rim Trail offer easy walks with stunning views, while more challenging hikes, like the Bright Angel Trail, take you deeper into the canyon.
• Rafting: For those seeking adventure, rafting on the Colorado River provides an exciting way to explore the canyon from the water. This thrilling activity lets you see the canyon from a completely different perspective.

#4 Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, is the most visited national park in the United States. Known for its rich biodiversity and breathtaking mountain scenery, it’s a favorite destination for families and nature lovers alike. Whether you enjoy peaceful walks or learning about the natural world, the park offers something for everyone.

The park is renowned for its diverse plant and animal life, home to thousands of species, including wildflowers, trees, birds, and mammals. Visitors may encounter black bears, deer, and elusive salamanders that thrive in the park’s moist environment. The park’s rolling hills and misty mountains offer beautiful vistas year-round, but especially in the summer, when the landscape is lush and the temperatures are mild.

Ideal for families, the Great Smoky Mountains has a variety of easy-to-access trails. Laurel Falls Trail, a short, paved trail, is perfect for children and beginner hikers. For those seeking more panoramic views, the Clingmans Dome trail leads to the park’s highest point, offering incredible vistas without long, strenuous hikes.

The park also offers ranger-led programs that educate visitors about the area’s wildlife, plants, and ecosystems. These programs make it a fantastic place for learning about the park’s natural wonders.

#5 Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park, located in Montana, is one of the most scenic parks in the U.S., known for its rugged mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and stunning alpine landscapes. It’s a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, offering unforgettable experiences whether you’re hiking, wildlife viewing, or simply enjoying the views.

The park is famous for its towering mountain peaks, deep valleys, and over 26 glaciers. Visitors are often awestruck by the vibrant blue-green lakes, such as Lake McDonald, set against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. The park’s pristine environment, with crystal-clear waters and dramatic scenery, makes it a top spot for photographers and adventurers alike.

Glacier offers a variety of hiking trails for all skill levels. The iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road provides one of the most scenic drives in the country, while trails like the Highline Trail offer challenging hikes with breathtaking views. For families or casual walkers, the Trail of the Cedars is an easier, beautiful route.

Wildlife viewing is another highlight, with opportunities to see grizzly bears, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, moose, and various bird species like eagles and owls. The park’s diverse ecosystems create an ideal habitat for wildlife, making it a top destination for nature lovers.

#6 Zion National Park

Zion National Park in Utah is a must-visit destination for adventure lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Known for its dramatic landscapes, including towering sandstone cliffs and narrow canyons, Zion is one of the best national parks in the USA for hiking and outdoor exploration, making it a top-rated choice for those seeking adventure.

Zion is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, which feature deep red canyons, soaring rock formations, and striking geological features. The park’s rugged terrain offers visitors the opportunity to experience nature at its most dramatic. One of the park’s most iconic features is Zion Canyon, a stunning gorge that stretches over 15 miles.

The canyon is surrounded by massive cliffs that rise more than 1,000 feet above the canyon floor, creating an awe-inspiring backdrop for any adventure. Whether you’re hiking, rock climbing, or simply taking in the views, Zion’s landscapes offer an unforgettable experience for all who visit.

Popular Hikes:

• Angels Landing: One of Zion’s most famous hikes, Angels Landing is known for its heart-pounding ascent and sweeping views of the park. It’s not for the faint of heart, but the reward is an unforgettable view from the top.
• The Narrows: Another popular hike, The Narrows takes you through the Virgin River, where you walk along the riverbed with towering canyon walls on either side. The hike is especially unique because much of it is done wading through the river itself.

#7 Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park in Washington is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a mix of mountains, rainforests, and rugged coastlines. Known for its rich biodiversity and varied ecosystems, it is one of the most scenic national parks to visit in the USA and a top choice for best national parks to visit in the US for adventure lovers. 

A Variety of Ecosystems:

• Mountains: The park’s towering peaks, including Mount Olympus, offer spectacular views and hiking opportunities. These mountains are often covered with snow, even in summer, creating a beautiful contrast with the lush forest below.
• Rainforests: Olympic is home to one of the world’s largest temperate rainforests. Trails like the Hoh River Trail take you through moss-covered trees and along tranquil streams, giving you a sense of being in a magical, ancient forest.
• Coastline: The park also has miles of rugged coastline with tide pools full of marine life. Exploring these tide pools offers a close-up view of creatures like starfish, crabs, and sea anemones.

Activities for Adventurers:

• Hiking: With so many diverse landscapes, hiking is one of the park’s most popular activities. Whether you’re exploring the rainforest or trekking up a mountain, there are trails for all levels of experience.
• Tide Pooling: Along the park’s coastline, visitors can explore tide pools during low tide. This unique experience lets you see sea creatures up close and discover a whole world beneath the waves.

#8 Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado is known for its stunning alpine scenery and wide range of outdoor activities. Whether you visit in the summer or winter, this park offers a variety of experiences for all types of adventurers. It is one of the best national parks to visit in the US during winter and draws millions of visitors each year, making it one of the most visited national parks in the USA. 

Alpine Scenery and Outdoor Activities:

• Mountains and Trails: The park is home to majestic mountain peaks, including Longs Peak, which stands at over 14,000 feet. The landscape is filled with alpine lakes, meadows, and forests, making it a perfect place for outdoor activities.
• Hiking: There are more than 350 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging summit climbs. Popular hikes like the Bear Lake Trail and the tougher hike up to the top of Longs Peak offer beautiful views and the chance to experience Colorado’s rugged wilderness.
• Biking: With its scenic roads and mountain paths, Rocky Mountain is also a great place for biking. The park’s roadways, like the famous Trail Ridge Road, offer breathtaking views and a chance to cycle through high-altitude landscapes.

Rocky Mountain National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, and various bird species. Wildlife watching is a popular activity, and visitors often spot animals while hiking or driving through the park’s scenic routes.

#9 Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park in Maine is a beautiful and accessible destination known for its coastal landscapes and diverse ecosystems. With its stunning ocean views, rocky shorelines, and lush forests, Acadia is one of the most popular national parks in the U.S. for families and a top pick for those seeking the best national parks to visit during the summer.

Acadia is famous for its dramatic coastal scenery, where visitors can take in sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, rugged rocky cliffs, and pristine beaches. The park is also home to Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the U.S. East Coast, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding islands and the vast ocean.

The diverse landscapes of the park, which include dense forests, wetlands, and serene lakes, create the perfect blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re hiking through the woods, kayaking on a peaceful lake, or simply enjoying a scenic drive, Acadia provides an unforgettable experience for nature lovers.

Family-Friendly Activities:

• Biking on Carriage Roads: Acadia features over 45 miles of historic carriage roads, which are perfect for a leisurely bike ride or a walk. These paths are car-free, making them safe and enjoyable for families with children.
• Exploring Tide Pools: Acadia’s coastline offers plenty of opportunities to explore tide pools at low tide. Children and adults alike can discover sea creatures such as starfish, crabs, and snails while learning about marine life.

#10 Arches National Park

Arches National Park, located in Utah, is a must-see destination renowned for its striking rock formations and outdoor adventures. With over 2,000 natural stone arches, the park offers unique landscapes that captivate photographers, hikers, and adventure seekers alike. As one of the best national parks for first-time visitors, it ranks among the most popular national parks in the USA.

The park’s famous arches, including Delicate Arch, are stunning natural sculptures formed over millions of years through erosion and weathering. These iconic rock formations create incredible shapes that are perfect for photography. Balanced Rock and The Windows Section are other notable features, showcasing massive rock structures that seem almost impossible to remain upright, adding to the park’s otherworldly beauty.

Popular Activities for Adventure Seekers:

• Hiking: Arches offers a variety of hiking trails for all levels of experience. The hike to Delicate Arch is one of the most popular, providing amazing views of the arch and surrounding desert landscape. Other trails like The Devil’s Garden offer a chance to explore more remote areas of the park.
• Photography: With its vibrant red rocks, unique arches, and dramatic sunsets, Arches is a photographer’s dream. Sunrise and sunset are especially popular times for capturing the perfect shot, with the light changing the colors of the rocks.

Explore America’s National Parks

America’s national parks offer a wealth of natural beauty, perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers. From the iconic landscapes of Yosemite and Yellowstone to the rugged peaks of Glacier and Zion, each park has its unique charm. Whether you’re hiking, wildlife watching, or simply enjoying the scenery, there’s a park for every interest.

For families, Great Smoky Mountains and Acadia provide easy hikes and educational experiences. Yellowstone and Yosemite are two of the most visited national parks in America, drawing millions each year for their stunning views and outdoor adventures.

These parks are not only some of the best national parks to visit in the USA but also essential to preserving the country’s natural wonders. Plan your visit and discover the beauty of America’s outdoor treasures!

FAQs about Best National Parks to Visit in the USA

Looking to explore America’s national parks? Here are answers to some of the most common questions about the best parks for hiking, wildlife, families, and more.