Discovering Untouched Nature: Uncovering Wilderness within the Heart of America's Bustling National Parks
Top 10 Most Visited National Parks in the United States in 2023
The allure of America's national parks continues to draw visitors from near and far, with a record-breaking 331.9 million people exploring these natural wonders in 2024. Here's a look at the top 10 most visited parks in 2023.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park Approximately 12.2 million visitors in 2023 were captivated by the diverse Appalachian landscapes, abundant wildlife, and historic buildings of this park, which is free to enter though parking is regulated.
- Grand Teton National Park With over 3.4 million visitors, the Teton Range dominated the park's skyline, attracting outdoor enthusiasts to its hiking, mountaineering, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Yosemite National Park Yosemite's granite cliffs, waterfalls, giant sequoias, and diverse ecosystems drew an estimated 4-5 million visitors, who were also captivated by the park's cultural history.
- Zion National Park Renowned for its dramatic sandstone cliffs, narrow canyons, and unique desert flora and fauna, Zion welcomed around 4-5 million visitors in 2023.
- Rocky Mountain National Park Alpine lakes, mountain peaks, wildlife, and scenic drives drew nearly 4-5 million visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park in 2023.
- Acadia National Park Maine’s rugged coastline, forests, and boating opportunities attracted over 3 million visitors to Acadia National Park in 2023.
- Glacier National Park Glacially carved terrain, alpine meadows, wildlife, and historic lodges attracted around 3 million visitors to Glacier National Park in 2023.
- Olympic National Park Despite wildfires in mid-2023 that damaged Hurricane Ridge, Olympic National Park remained a top destination, with over 2.9 million visitors exploring its temperate rainforests, remote beaches, and alpine regions.
- Joshua Tree National Park Located in southeastern California, Joshua Tree National Park saw over 3.27 million visitors in 2023. Visitors were drawn to the park's rugged terrain, cultural history, and dark night skies.
- Shenandoah National Park Skyline Drive, waterfalls, and abundant hiking trails in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains attracted 1.3 to 1.5 million visitors to Shenandoah National Park in 2023.
Visitors are reminded to be mindful of each park's fragile ecosystems and to adhere to Leave No Trace principles. Check for updates on Hurricane Ridge restoration efforts as they continue into 2024.
Tips for a successful trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited National Park in 2023, might include researching parking regulations and planning hikes to appreciate the diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife. Meanwhile, for those interested in lifestyle changes and home-and-garden projects, a visit to Acadia National Park, with its rugged coastline, forests, and boating opportunities, could provide inspiration.
