1. Acadia National Park
Located in Maine, Acadia National Park offers stunning coastal landscapes, rugged mountains, and picturesque lakes. Visitors can explore hiking trails, go camping, or enjoy scenic drives along the park's iconic carriage roads.
2. American Samoa National Park
Situated on the remote islands of American Samoa, this national park is known for its pristine coral reefs, lush rainforests, and rich Polynesian culture. Snorkeling, hiking, and experiencing traditional Samoan customs are highlights here.
3. Arches National Park
Located in Utah, Arches National Park boasts over 2,000 natural sandstone arches. Visitors can hike through unique rock formations, witness breathtaking sunsets, and explore the world-famous Delicate Arch.
4. Badlands National Park
Nestled in South Dakota, Badlands National Park showcases dramatic landscapes with rugged peaks, deep canyons, and fossil-rich areas. Hiking, camping, and wildlife spotting are popular activities in this otherworldly park.
5. Big Bend National Park
Spanning Texas and the Rio Grande, Big Bend National Park offers a diverse range of landscapes, including deserts, mountains, and river canyons. Visitors can go hiking, rafting, stargazing, or soak in natural hot springs.
6. Biscayne National Park
Located in Florida, Biscayne National Park protects a unique marine ecosystem teeming with coral reefs, mangrove forests, and diverse marine life. Snorkeling, boating, and kayaking are popular ways to explore the park's vibrant underwater world.
7. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Situated in Colorado, this park is renowned for its steep, narrow canyons carved by the Gunnison River. Visitors can marvel at the dramatic rock formations, go hiking or fishing, and enjoy breathtaking views from the park's rim.
8. Bryce Canyon National Park
Known for its distinctive orange and white hoodoo rock formations, Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah offers awe-inspiring vistas and excellent hiking opportunities. Visitors can explore the rim trails or venture into the canyon itself.
9. Canyonlands National Park
Encompassing vast canyons, mesas, and buttes, Canyonlands National Park in Utah is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking, mountain biking, and river rafting are popular activities, and the park's scenic overlooks offer incredible panoramic views.
10. Capitol Reef National Park
Located in Utah, Capitol Reef National Park showcases stunning geological formations, including the Waterpocket Fold, colorful cliffs, and natural arches. Visitors can hike, camp, or explore historic orchards and petroglyphs.
11. Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Situated in New Mexico, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is home to an extensive underground cave system. Visitors can explore awe-inspiring limestone caverns, witness bat flights, and even go on guided ranger tours.
12. Channel Islands National Park
Located off the coast of Southern California, Channel Islands National Park is an archipelago known for its diverse marine ecosystems, secluded beaches, and unique wildlife. Visitors can enjoy hiking, kayaking, and wildlife watching.
13. Congaree National Park
Nestled in South Carolina, Congaree National Park is a designated wilderness area featuring old-growth bottomland hardwood forests and a variety of wildlife. Visitors can explore the park's boardwalks, go canoeing, or embark on guided hikes.
14. Crater Lake National Park
Situated in Oregon, Crater Lake National Park is centered around the deep blue Crater Lake, formed within a volcanic caldera. Visitors can drive along the rim, hike to viewpoints, or go fishing and boating on the lake.
15. Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Located in Ohio, Cuyahoga Valley National Park preserves a scenic landscape along the Cuyahoga River. Visitors can enjoy hiking and biking on numerous trails, explore historic sites, and even take a scenic ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.
16. Death Valley National Park
Spanning California and Nevada, Death Valley National Park is known for its extreme desert landscapes and record-breaking temperatures. Visitors can explore salt flats, dunes, canyons, and unique geological features like the Badwater Basin.
17. Denali National Park
Encompassing the majestic Denali, the highest peak in North America, Denali National Park in Alaska is a paradise for wilderness lovers. Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing, hiking, mountaineering, and scenic bus tours to explore the park's vast wilderness.
18. Dry Tortugas National Park
Situated off the coast of Florida, Dry Tortugas National Park is a remote collection of islands renowned for its pristine coral reefs and the historic Fort Jefferson. Visitors can snorkel, camp, or take a ferry to experience this unique destination.
19. Everglades National Park
Located in Florida, Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, preserving a unique ecosystem of wetlands, mangroves, and diverse wildlife. Visitors can explore through airboat tours, hiking trails, or canoeing.
20. Gates of the Arctic National Park
Situated in Alaska's remote Arctic region, Gates of the Arctic National Park is one of the most untouched and untamed landscapes in the country. Visitors can experience true wilderness, go backpacking, and marvel at the rugged beauty of the Brooks Range.
21. Gateway Arch National Park
Located in Missouri, Gateway Arch National Park is home to the iconic Gateway Arch, a symbol of America's westward expansion. Visitors can ride to the top of the arch for panoramic views, explore the museum, and stroll along the Mississippi Riverfront.
22. Glacier National Park
Spanning Montana and part of Canada, Glacier National Park is renowned for its majestic mountains, glaciers, and pristine lakes. Visitors can hike along the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road, camp in the wilderness, or spot wildlife like grizzly bears and mountain goats.
23. Glacier Bay National Park
Situated in Alaska, Glacier Bay National Park features stunning fjords, glaciers, and a rich marine ecosystem. Visitors can take boat tours, kayak through icy waters, and witness the calving of glaciers, all while surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.
24. Grand Canyon National Park
One of the most famous national parks in the world, Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona offers awe-inspiring vistas of the massive canyon carved by the Colorado River. Visitors can hike, take helicopter tours, or go white-water rafting to fully appreciate its grandeur.
25. Grand Teton National Park
Nestled in Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park showcases the towering peaks of the Teton Range and picturesque alpine lakes. Visitors can hike, camp, fish, or enjoy scenic drives, with opportunities to spot wildlife such as moose, elk, and bears.
26. Great Basin National Park
Located in Nevada, Great Basin National Park is known for its diverse landscapes, including the majestic Wheeler Peak, ancient bristlecone pine forests, and intriguing limestone caves. Visitors can go hiking, stargazing, or explore the Lehman Caves.
27. Great Sand Dunes National Park
Situated in Colorado, Great Sand Dunes National Park is home to the tallest dunes in North America, set against a backdrop of mountains. Visitors can hike up the dunes, go sandboarding, or cool off in Medano Creek during the summer months.
28. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Straddling the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its mist-shrouded mountains, lush forests, and diverse wildlife. Visitors can hike to waterfalls, explore historic homesteads, and enjoy scenic drives.
29. Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Located in Texas, Guadalupe Mountains National Park offers rugged mountain landscapes and the stunning Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas. Visitors can go hiking, camp in the backcountry, or explore fascinating limestone caves.
30. Haleakalā National Park
Situated in Hawaii, Haleakalā National Park encompasses the volcanic Haleakalā Crater and diverse ecosystems. Visitors can witness breathtaking sunrises, go hiking or horseback riding, and explore the unique flora and fauna of the park.
31. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park showcases the powerful forces of nature with active volcanoes, lava fields, and volcanic landscapes. Visitors can witness volcanic activity, explore lava tubes, and hike through unique terrain.
32. Hot Springs National Park
Situated in Arkansas, Hot Springs National Park is known for its thermal springs, historic bathhouses, and scenic trails. Visitors can soak in the healing waters, take a bathhouse tour, or enjoy outdoor activities in the surrounding area.
33. Isle Royale National Park
Nestled in Lake Superior, Isle Royale National Park offers a remote wilderness experience with rugged landscapes, pristine lakes, and a thriving wolf and moose population. Visitors can go backpacking, kayaking, or enjoy boat tours to explore this secluded island.
34. Joshua Tree National Park
Spanning the deserts of California, Joshua Tree National Park is famous for its unique Joshua trees, rock formations, and starry night skies. Visitors can hike, rock climb, stargaze, or simply enjoy the serene desert landscapes.
35. Katmai National Park
Located in Alaska, Katmai National Park is renowned for its brown bear population and its annual salmon runs. Visitors can observe bears fishing for salmon, go hiking, or take scenic flights to witness the park's stunning volcanic landscapes.
36. Kenai Fjords National Park
Situated in Alaska's Kenai Peninsula, Kenai Fjords National Park features awe-inspiring fjords, glaciers, and abundant marine wildlife. Visitors can take boat tours to see calving glaciers, go kayaking, or embark on scenic hikes in this pristine wilderness.
37. Kings Canyon National Park
Nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, Kings Canyon National Park offers stunning granite cliffs, deep canyons, and ancient sequoia groves. Visitors can hike among towering trees, explore the canyon, or enjoy backcountry camping.
38. Kobuk Valley National Park
Located in Alaska's Arctic region, Kobuk Valley National Park is characterized by its massive dunes, boreal forests, and caribou migration routes. Visitors can go backpacking, witness the Northern Lights, or explore the unique tundra landscapes.
39. Lake Clark National Park
Situated in Alaska, Lake Clark National Park showcases the beauty of the Alaskan wilderness with glaciers, mountains, and pristine lakes. Visitors can go fishing, hiking, bear viewing, or enjoy scenic flights over the park's stunning landscapes.
40. Lassen Volcanic National Park
Located in California, Lassen Volcanic National Park is home to a range of volcanic features, including the famous Lassen Peak and hydrothermal areas. Visitors can hike to volcanic peaks, explore bubbling mud pots, or relax in mineral-rich hot springs.
41. Mammoth Cave National Park
Situated in Kentucky, Mammoth Cave National Park is home to the world's longest-known cave system. Visitors can explore underground passages, go on cave tours, or enjoy hiking and camping in the surrounding parkland.
42. Mesa Verde National Park
Located in Colorado, Mesa Verde National Park preserves ancient cliff dwellings and artifacts of the Ancestral Pueblo people. Visitors can tour the well-preserved archaeological sites, learn about Native American history, and hike through the park's scenic landscapes.
43. Mount Rainier National Park
Spanning Washington state, Mount Rainier National Park features the iconic Mount Rainier, a towering stratovolcano surrounded by diverse ecosystems. Visitors can hike through alpine meadows, witness glaciers, and take in breathtaking views of the mountain.
44. North Cascades National Park
Nestled in Washington state, North Cascades National Park showcases rugged peaks, glaciers, and pristine alpine lakes. Visitors can go hiking, and backpacking, or enjoy scenic drives, surrounded by the park's stunning mountain landscapes.
45. Olympic National Park
Located in Washington State, Olympic National Park offers a diverse range of ecosystems, including rugged coastline, old-growth forests, and snow-capped mountains. Visitors can go hiking, camping, beachcombing, or exploring enchanting rainforests.
46. Petrified Forest National Park
Situated in Arizona, Petrified Forest National Park is home to a unique landscape filled with colorful petrified wood and ancient fossils. Visitors can hike among petrified logs, explore ancient ruins, and learn about the park's rich geological history.
47. Pinnacles National Park
Located in California, Pinnacles National Park showcases towering rock formations, caves, and diverse wildlife. Visitors can go rock climbing, hiking through stunning canyons, or witness the park's unique bat population.
48. Redwood National and State Parks
Spanning California's coast, Redwood National and State Parks protect some of the world's tallest trees, the magnificent coastal redwoods. Visitors can hike through ancient forests, enjoy scenic drives, and witness the incredible biodiversity of the area.
49. Rocky Mountain National Park
Nestled in Colorado's Rocky Mountains, Rocky Mountain National Park offers breathtaking alpine landscapes, pristine lakes, and a wide variety of wildlife. Visitors can hike to alpine meadows, spot elk and bighorn sheep, or even climb the park's majestic peaks.
50. Saguaro National Park
Located in Arizona, Saguaro National Park showcases the iconic saguaro cactus, symbolizing the desert Southwest. Visitors can hike among these towering cacti, explore desert ecosystems, and marvel at spectacular sunsets.
51. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Situated in California's Sierra Nevada mountains, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are home to giant sequoia trees and stunning mountain landscapes. Visitors can explore groves of massive trees, hike scenic trails, and marvel at towering granite cliffs.
52. Shenandoah National Park
Located in Virginia, Shenandoah National Park offers panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can hike along the scenic Skyline Drive, go camping, or enjoy picnicking in the park's picturesque settings.
53. Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Nestled in North Dakota, Theodore Roosevelt National Park pays homage to the conservationist president and showcases the rugged Badlands. Visitors can hike, camp, and explore the park's diverse landscapes while spotting bison, prairie dogs, and wild horses.
54. Virgin Islands National Park
Situated in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Virgin Islands National Park encompasses pristine beaches, coral reefs, and tropical forests. Visitors can go snorkeling, swimming, hiking, or simply relax on the idyllic beaches of this Caribbean paradise.
55. Voyageurs National Park
Located in Minnesota, Voyageurs National Park is known for its interconnected waterways, including lakes and rivers, perfect for boating and canoeing adventures. Visitors can explore the park's scenic landscapes, go fishing, or even spot the Northern Lights.
56. White Sands National Park
Situated in New Mexico, White Sands National Park features expansive gypsum dunes that create a mesmerizing white landscape. Visitors can hike, sled down the dunes, or marvel at the unique flora and fauna adapted to this desert environment.
57. Wind Cave National Park
Located in South Dakota, Wind Cave National Park is home to one of the world's longest and most complex caves. Visitors can explore underground passages, go hiking in the park's prairies, or observe wildlife such as bison and pronghorn.
58. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Spanning Alaska's Wrangell and St. Elias mountain ranges, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is the largest national park in the United States. Visitors can experience remote wilderness, witness massive glaciers, go hiking, or explore historic mining sites.
59. Yellowstone National Park
One of the most iconic national parks, Yellowstone National Park spans three states and features geothermal wonders, such as geysers and hot springs, along with abundant wildlife and scenic landscapes. Visitors can enjoy wildlife watching, hiking, and marveling at the famous Old Faithful geyser.
60. Yosemite National Park
Situated in California's Sierra Nevada mountains, Yosemite National Park is renowned for its granite cliffs, waterfalls, and ancient sequoia groves. Visitors can go hiking to iconic landmarks like Half Dome and El Capitan, enjoy camping, or simply soak in the park's natural beauty.
61. Zion National Park
Located in Utah, Zion National Park showcases stunning red rock formations, deep canyons, and the dramatic Zion Canyon. Visitors can hike the famous Narrows, go rock climbing, or take in breathtaking views from the park's scenic overlooks.
62. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Situated in Colorado, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers dramatic cliffs and deep canyons carved by the Gunnison River. Visitors can marvel at the sheer rock walls, go hiking or fishing, and enjoy the park's rugged beauty.
63. Indiana Dunes National Park
Located in Indiana along the southern shore of Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes National Park features sandy beaches, rolling dunes, and diverse ecosystems. Visitors can swim, hike, bird-watch, or explore the park's unique flora and fauna.