What Is The No. 1 National Park? Here Are The 12 Most (And Least) Visited In 2024.
When we think of national parks, towering peaks, vast valleys, and wild landscapes often come to mind. Yet, what’s interesting is how some parks have become iconic, drawing millions of visitors, while others quietly offer their beauty to a much smaller crowd.
The popularity of these parks can vary dramatically, making some a bit more crowded than others. Let’s dive into two parks from the list of the 12 most and least visited national parks in 2024, and explore what makes them stand out.
Whether you’re seeking solitude or the thrill of a bustling crowd, these parks each have their own unique allure.
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Located on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, this national park is the most visited in the U.S., attracting over 12 million visitors annually. Known for its breathtaking mountain views, diverse wildlife, and rich history, it offers something for everyone.
Clingmans Dome, the park’s highest peak, provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Home to over 19,000 species of plants and animals, the park is a hub of biodiversity.
It also preserves historic buildings from early settlers. Whether you’re hiking, exploring scenic drives, or simply enjoying nature, the Great Smoky Mountains is a must-see destination.
2. Zion National Park
Nestled in Utah, Zion National Park is renowned for its towering red cliffs and deep canyons. With 4.9 million visitors in 2024, it remains a favorite for hikers and nature lovers. The park’s unique geography offers diverse trails, from easy walks to challenging climbs.
Zion’s beauty is complemented by its vibrant wildlife and stunning vistas. Visitors often spot bighorn sheep and mule deer roaming the rugged landscape. The park is especially photogenic at sunrise and sunset, casting a warm glow on the rocky formations.
For those seeking adventure, Zion provides opportunities for canyoneering and rock climbing.
3. Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon, one of the world’s natural wonders, attracted 4.9 million visitors in 2024. Known for its immense size and intricate landscape, it offers breathtaking views that leave a lasting impression.
Visitors can explore the canyon through various activities such as hiking, rafting, and helicopter tours. Each experience provides a different perspective of the canyon’s majestic beauty. The South Rim is particularly popular for its expansive vistas.
With its rich history and geological significance, the Grand Canyon remains a must-visit destination for adventurers and families alike.
4. Yellowstone National Park
The first national park in the world, Yellowstone, attracted 4.7 million visitors in 2024. With its geothermal features, including Old Faithful, the park provides a rare look into the Earth’s dynamic processes.
From lush forests to expansive meadows, Yellowstone is home to diverse ecosystems and wildlife, including bison and grizzly bears. Its geothermal wonders, like hot springs and geysers, create an otherworldly landscape.
Outdoor enthusiasts flock to the park for activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing, all set against its breathtaking natural beauty.
5. Rocky Mountain National Park
With its majestic peaks, Rocky Mountain National Park drew 4.2 million visitors in 2024. Situated in Colorado, the park is a paradise for mountain lovers, offering stunning alpine views.
Visitors can hike, watch wildlife, or take scenic drives along Trail Ridge Road. The park’s diverse landscapes, from forests to tundra, create a perfect setting for exploration.
Wildlife, including elk and moose, are frequently spotted grazing. The park’s high elevation provides cooler temperatures, making it a perfect summer retreat.
6. Yosemite National Park
Located in California, Yosemite National Park attracted 4.1 million visitors in 2024. Famous for its dramatic granite cliffs and waterfalls, it’s a paradise for climbers and photographers.
Highlights like El Capitan and Half Dome draw adventurers from across the globe. Visitors can explore diverse habitats, including giant sequoia groves and alpine meadows.
Yosemite offers a variety of activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and camping, all set against stunning natural backdrops. It’s a place where natural beauty and adventure meet.
7. Acadia National Park
This coastal gem in Maine attracted 4.0 million visitors in 2024. With its rugged shores and picturesque lighthouses, it offers a unique mix of mountain and ocean views.
Outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and kayaking along the coastline are popular here. Cadillac Mountain, a favorite spot, provides breathtaking sunrise views.
The park’s diverse ecosystems host a variety of wildlife, making it a prime destination for birdwatchers. Its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere make it an ideal escape for nature lovers.
8. Olympic National Park
In Washington, this national park attracted 3.7 million visitors in 2024. With its diverse ecosystems, the park is home to lush rainforests, rugged coastlines, and alpine peaks.
Visitors can explore the Hoh Rainforest, where moss-draped trees create a magical atmosphere. The coastline offers tide pools and scenic beaches, perfect for discovering nature.
Hiking trails range from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry treks. With its mix of landscapes and wildlife, the park offers a unique and enriching experience for all.
9. Grand Teton National Park
In 2024, this park attracted 3.6 million visitors, offering stunning mountain landscapes and a spectacular view of the Teton Range.
Visitors can hike, fish, and watch wildlife, with plenty of opportunities for boating and kayaking on its pristine lakes and rivers.
The park’s rich history and natural beauty make it a haven for photographers and outdoor enthusiasts. Its dramatic scenery and peaceful environment create the perfect backdrop for adventure and reflection.
10. Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park in Montana, visited by 3.2 million people in 2024, is known for its rugged mountains and pristine lakes. The park’s glaciers and diverse ecosystems attract nature lovers and adventurers.
Visitors can explore over 700 miles of trails, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Wildlife sightings are common, with mountain goats and bears often seen.
The park’s scenic drives, such as the Going-to-the-Sun Road, provide stunning vistas and a chance to experience the park’s grandeur. Glacier’s untouched beauty offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle.
11. Joshua Tree National Park
Attracting 3.0 million visitors in 2024, this California park is famous for its unique Joshua trees and desert landscapes, offering a one-of-a-kind natural experience.
Visitors can hike, climb rocks, or simply appreciate the park’s distinctive flora and fauna. The park’s dark skies provide an excellent setting for stargazing.
With its rugged charm and varied landscapes, the park appeals to artists, nature lovers, and adventurers. Its peaceful atmosphere makes it an ideal escape into the desert wilderness.
12. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
A dynamic landscape shaped by volcanic activity, this park is home to Kilauea and Mauna Loa, two of the world’s most active volcanoes. Visitors can witness nature’s power as lava flows continuously reshape the land.
The park’s diverse ecosystems range from barren lava fields to lush rainforests, providing a unique opportunity to explore the forces that shape our planet.
It’s a place where the raw power and beauty of the Earth are on full display, offering an unforgettable experience.
In 2024, the park attracted 1.5 million visitors.
13. Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve
Offering a remote and untouched experience, this Alaskan park has no roads or trails, making it perfect for adventurous souls seeking solitude. The grandeur of the Brooks Range and the vast tundra create a breathtaking backdrop. With 12,000 visitors in 2024, the park remains one of the least visited.
Wildlife like grizzly bears and caribou roam freely across the land, adding to the park’s untamed charm. The silence here is profound, inviting moments of introspection amid dramatic landscapes.
For those who venture into this wilderness, the park offers a true escape, embracing both the beauty and challenges of the wild.
14. Kobuk Valley National Park
Renowned for the stunning Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, this park offers a striking contrast to the surrounding Arctic wilderness. Some of the dunes tower over 100 feet, creating an impressive sight against the vast landscape. In 2024, it welcomed 18,000 visitors.
Visitors can witness the seasonal migration of caribou across the tundra, adding to the park’s natural charm. Its remote location ensures a rare solitude, ideal for those looking to connect with nature on a deeper level.
Here, the desert meets the Arctic, creating a unique landscape that defies expectations and leaves visitors in awe.
15. National Park of American Samoa
The National Park of American Samoa is a tropical paradise with lush rainforests and untouched beaches. In 2024, it attracted 20,000 visitors. It offers a unique blend of culture and nature, with opportunities to explore vibrant coral reefs and traditional Samoan villages.
The park’s remote island setting provides a tranquil escape from the bustling world. Visitors can hike through the dense forests or relax on pristine beaches, immersed in the island’s natural beauty.
It stands as a testament to the harmony between nature and culture, offering an enriching experience for all who visit.
16. Isle Royale National Park
Isle Royale National Park, surrounded by Lake Superior, attracted 25,000 visitors in 2024. This isolated wilderness is known for its dense forests and rugged coastline. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, it’s a perfect destination for those seeking solitude and adventure.
Visitors can hike, kayak, and watch wildlife, with moose and wolves roaming freely on the island. The park’s remote setting ensures a peaceful retreat, offering a chance to reconnect with nature.
Its unique island ecosystem provides a serene environment, ideal for those looking to escape into the wild.
17. Lake Clark National Park
This park is a stunning showcase of natural beauty, where volcanoes, glaciers, and lakes form a dramatic landscape. In 2024, it attracted 19,000 visitors. Visitors can kayak on the turquoise waters of Lake Clark or explore its diverse ecosystems.
A sanctuary for wildlife, including bears and salmon, the park is a haven for nature lovers. Its remote location offers tranquility and a sense of discovery, drawing those seeking adventure away from the crowds.
A hidden paradise, it provides endless opportunities for exploration in a pristine, untouched environment.
18. North Cascades National Park
This hidden gem is known for its majestic peaks and vibrant alpine meadows. Home to over 300 glaciers, it offers a stunning backdrop perfect for hiking and photography. In 2024, it attracted only 17,000 visitors, making it one of the least visited national parks.
Outdoor enthusiasts flock here to enjoy the rugged beauty and serenity of its trails, while the park’s dense forests and crystal-clear lakes provide a refreshing retreat.
Despite its breathtaking vistas, the park remains one of the least visited, offering peace and tranquility to those seeking an unspoiled natural environment.
19. Channel Islands National Park
Channel Islands National Park, attracting 300,000 visitors in 2024, encompasses five remarkable islands off the California coast. Known for their unique ecology, the islands offer pristine beaches, rugged cliffs, and diverse marine life.
Visitors can explore sea caves, snorkel in kelp forests, or observe the endemic island fox. Each island provides distinct adventures, offering a glimpse into California’s coastal wilderness.
Despite their proximity to urban areas, the islands remain a serene escape, where nature reigns supreme. It’s a paradise for those seeking adventure and tranquility by the sea.
20. Virgin Islands National Park
A Caribbean gem, this park is known for its crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches. It protects over half of St. John Island, offering lush hiking trails and vibrant coral reefs for snorkeling.
The park provides a perfect escape for those seeking relaxation in a tropical paradise, surrounded by natural beauty. Its rich history and cultural heritage add depth to the experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in both nature and culture.
An ideal destination for both unwinding and exploration, it offers something for everyone.
In 2024, Virgin Islands National Park attracted 400,000 visitors.
21. Denali National Park
Dominated by Mount McKinley, North America’s tallest peak, this park offers a vast wilderness filled with diverse wildlife like bears, wolves, and caribou. Visitors can explore the rugged terrain through hiking, biking, or bus tours.
From tundra to spruce forests, the park’s breathtaking landscapes provide endless opportunities for adventure and photography.
It’s a place where nature’s grandeur is evident in every vista, inviting exploration and appreciation of its wild beauty.
In 2024, the park welcomed 450,000 visitors.
22. Kings Canyon National Park
Kings Canyon National Park is a land of contrasts, featuring deep canyons and towering cliffs. The park’s namesake canyon is one of the deepest in North America, offering spectacular views and challenging hikes. Visitors can explore lush meadows and roaring rivers, experiencing the park’s diverse ecosystems. It’s a haven for adventurers seeking rugged landscapes and tranquility. Despite its dramatic scenery, Kings Canyon remains less crowded, allowing for a peaceful connection with nature. It’s an oasis of natural beauty and adventure.
In 2024, Kings Canyon National Park saw 700,000 visitors.
23. Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park in Utah welcomed 700,000 visitors in 2024. Known for its vast canyons and unique rock formations, the park offers a mesmerizing landscape.
Visitors can explore the park’s distinct regions, each offering a different experience. Hiking, mountain biking, and river rafting are popular activities.
The park’s dramatic scenery, shaped by the Colorado River, offers photographers and adventurers a stunning backdrop. Canyonlands is a testament to nature’s raw beauty and offers an unforgettable experience for those who visit.
24. Sequoia National Park
Sequoia National Park is renowned for its giant sequoia trees, some of the largest living organisms on Earth. The park offers a mystical experience walking among these ancient giants. Visitors can explore the vast network of trails, encountering stunning vistas and diverse ecosystems.
The park’s remote wilderness provides a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for hiking, camping, and stargazing. It’s a place where the natural world inspires awe and reflection, offering a respite from the modern world.
In 2024, the park saw 1.3 million visitors.