In 2024, NPS recorded a historic 331.9 million recreational visits, surpassing previous records. While some parks continue to draw millions, others remain hidden gems offering solitude and raw wilderness. Here’s a look at the 10 most and least visited national parks of the year.
Top 10 Most Visited National Parks in 2024
These top 10 national parks not only offer some of the most breathtaking landscapes and outdoor activities in the United States but also serve as prime examples of why millions of visitors flock to national parks each year. From the misty mountains of the Great Smoky Mountains to the awe-inspiring cliffs of Zion, each park provides unique natural beauty and recreational opportunities that cater to a variety of interests. Whether you’re seeking solitude in the rugged wilderness or an active adventure among towering peaks and valleys, these parks are must-visit destinations that showcase the diverse splendor of America’s protected lands.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park (12.1 million visitors)
Spanning Tennessee and North Carolina, this park remains the most visited in the U.S. Its misty mountains, diverse wildlife, and scenic drives along Newfound Gap Road and Cades Cove make it a year-round favorite. - Zion National Park (5 million visitors)
Utah’s stunning red rock formations, including the towering cliffs of Zion Canyon, keep this park at the top. Popular hikes like Angel’s Landing and The Narrows offer breathtaking views and thrilling experiences for adventure seekers. - Grand Canyon National Park (4.7 million visitors)
One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Arizona’s Grand Canyon attracts millions to its awe-inspiring viewpoints like Mather Point and Desert View. Hiking the South Kaibab Trail or rafting the Colorado River provides an unforgettable experience. - Yellowstone National Park (4.5 million visitors)
Spanning Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, Yellowstone is home to famous geothermal features like Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring. Wildlife enthusiasts flock here to see bison, bears, and wolves in their natural habitat.
5. Rocky Mountain National Park (4.4 million visitors)
This Colorado park boasts stunning alpine scenery, high-elevation lakes, and the scenic Trail Ridge Road. Hiking in Bear Lake and spotting elk in Moraine Park are highlights for visitors.
6. Yosemite National Park (4.3 million visitors)
Known for towering waterfalls, massive granite cliffs like El Capitan and Half Dome, and ancient giant sequoias, Yosemite continues to be a favorite among outdoor lovers and climbers alike.
7. Acadia National Park (3.9 million visitors)
Maine’s coastal treasure offers a mix of ocean views, mountain trails, and lush forests. Cadillac Mountain is a prime spot to catch the first sunrise in the U.S., and the carriage roads provide scenic cycling routes.
8. Olympic National Park (3.7 million visitors)
Washington’s diverse landscapes include temperate rainforests, rugged coastline, and glacier-capped peaks. Visitors can hike through Hoh Rainforest, explore tide pools at Rialto Beach, and drive up to Hurricane Ridge for panoramic views.
9. Grand Teton National Park (3.5 million visitors)
Nestled in Wyoming, this park is famous for its jagged mountain peaks, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife. Jenny Lake, Snake River, and Mormon Row provide some of the most iconic views in the park.
10. Glacier National Park (3 million visitors)
Montana’s “Crown of the Continent” features over 700 miles of trails, glacially carved peaks, and the breathtaking Going-to-the-Sun Road. Popular hikes like Hidden Lake and Grinnell Glacier offer some of the best alpine scenery in the U.S.
Top 10 Least Visited National Parks in 2024
While the parks on this list may not receive the same number of visitors as their more famous counterparts, they offer some of the most remote and untouched landscapes in the country. These hidden gems provide an unparalleled opportunity to experience nature in its purest form, far from the crowds. Whether you’re trekking through Alaska’s vast wilderness or exploring the tropical beauty of American Samoa, each of these parks offers a unique adventure for those willing to venture off the beaten path. For intrepid explorers and those seeking solitude, these lesser-known parks are an invitation to discover the wild side of the U.S. national park system
- Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve (11,000 visitors)
This Alaskan park has no roads or trails, offering complete wilderness for those who fly in or trek across the tundra. Caribou migrations and untouched landscapes define this remote park. - National Park of American Samoa (12,135 visitors)
Located in the South Pacific, this park spans tropical rainforests, coral reefs, and cultural villages. Visitors can hike through lush jungles and experience Samoan traditions firsthand. - Lake Clark National Park & Preserve (16,728 visitors)
Another Alaskan beauty, this park is known for its volcanoes, salmon-filled rivers, and opportunities to see brown bears fishing at Brooks Falls. - Kobuk Valley National Park (17,616 visitors)
Famous for its massive sand dunes and caribou migrations, this remote Alaskan park is accessible only by bush plane, offering a truly wild experience. - Isle Royale National Park (30,000 visitors)
Located in Lake Superior, Michigan, this rugged island park is a backpacker’s paradise, featuring dense forests, wolves, moose, and a peaceful escape from civilization. - Katmai National Park & Preserve (33,763 visitors)
Known for its famous Brooks Falls, where brown bears gather to catch salmon, this Alaskan park is a premier destination for wildlife photography and remote adventures. - North Cascades National Park (40,351 visitors)
Often called the “American Alps,” this Washington park boasts over 300 glaciers, jagged peaks, and wildflower-filled meadows, yet remains one of the least visited due to its rugged terrain. - Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve (78,305 visitors)
The largest national park in the U.S., this Alaskan giant features towering mountains, massive glaciers, and historic mining sites, attracting only the most dedicated adventurers. - Dry Tortugas National Park (84,285 visitors)
Situated 70 miles off the coast of Florida, this park is home to Fort Jefferson and crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkeling among shipwrecks and coral reefs. - Great Basin National Park (143,265 visitors)
Nevada’s hidden gem offers ancient bristlecone pine trees, the stunning Lehman Caves, and some of the darkest night skies in the country, making it a paradise for stargazers.
Choosing Between Popular and Hidden National Park Gems
Whether you’re drawn to the bustling trails of the most visited national parks or seeking the tranquility of the less explored ones, the U.S. National Park system offers something for every type of adventurer. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, these parks preserve some of the country’s most stunning natural wonders. No matter where you choose to go, each park provides a unique experience that showcases the diverse beauty of America’s wilderness. So, whether you’re looking for a popular destination or an off-the-beaten-path escape, the national parks are waiting to offer you the adventure of a lifetime.
