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The country’s National Parks are protected areas that host not only various species of animals and plants, but incredible geographical features. There are a total of 59 National Parks in the US, and each is like a living laboratory filled with natural wonders and beauty. While National Parks are an excellent place to vacation, explore in, and detail in your latest adventure stories, they are National Parks for a reason. These parks are to be protected and not taken advantage of. Be sure to follow all rules posts at each park.
Here are 10 cities with some of the highest rated national parks in the U.S.
1. Gatlinburg, Tennessee – Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Gatlinburg, Tennessee is a historical town and serves as a primary gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This park spans a massive 520,000 acres and is packed with visitors year round. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the nation’s busiest National park — over 9 million people visit per year, which is twice the number of all other parks in the U.S. The quarter-mile paths, numerous walkways, and over 800 miles of trails are a huge draw, but the sight of the Smoky Mountains itself is worth a trip. These mountains, which are some of the oldest on the planet, are home to thousands of species of plants and animals. It’s not just the natural sights that are preserved in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but cultural artifacts from centuries past, such as farmhouses, cabins, and buildings from the 18th century — some people still live there today.
2. Gardiner, Montana – Yellowstone National Park
One of the biggest draws of Gardiner, Montana is its proximity to Yellowstone National Park. Why is this National Park so popular? Because it holds a wealth of incredible wildlife. The variety of species in Yellowstone National Park is comparable to that of the Galapagos Islands or the Serengeti plains. Few people in the country have ever been close to a grizzly bear, mountain lion, or moose, but you’ll be surrounded by them in Yellowstone National Park. Elk and bison also roam the area, and there are hundreds of birds to see. The dramatic mountain backdrop adds to the experience, and you’ll be hard pressed to find bluer waters anywhere else. Since it became the nation’s first National Park in 1872, Yellowstone has thrilled many generations of visitors.
3. Mariposa, California – Yosemite National Park
Set against California’s Sierra Nevada mountain range is the city of Mariposa, which is next to Yosemite National Park. One of the most iconic aspects of this park is its forests of enormous, ancient sequoia trees. The Half Dome and El Capitan cliffs are also popular attractions, as is Bridalveil Fall. Yosemite National Park attracts large numbers of tourists year round, especially during the summer, but it’s so vast that there’s room for everyone to share. Besides, with views like the ones at Yosemite, you’ll hardly notice all of the people around you.
4. Tusayan, Arizona – Grand Canyon National Park
Tusayan sits right next to Grand Canyon National Park, which is one of the world’s most famous tourist sites. The Grand Canyon is a majestic sight to behold, and visitors come to this National Park from all over the world. At a mile deep and 18 miles wide at some points, it’s impossible to see the Grand Canyon in its entirety from any one point — it spans a total of 277 miles. Five million tourists come to Grand Canyon National Park each year, and it’s known for having some of the cleanest, most refreshing air in the country. When you look at the rocks that comprise the Grand Canyon, you’re looking at nearly 2 billion years of geological history. Hiking, mule trips, and whitewater rafting are all popular activities that visitors enjoy at Grand Canyon National Park.
5. Columbia Falls, Montana – Glacier National Park
Columbia Falls provides an entrance to what is referred to as the crown jewel of the North American continent: Glacier National Park. This park’s more than one million acres of natural splendor contains dramatic mountain ranges, expanses of meadows, sparkling rivers, and towering waterfalls that drop hundreds of feet. Visitors here explore the area by trail, roadway, and waterways, and it’s open year round. Glacier National Park is a prime place for families to head for outdoor sightseeing, and the park becomes a winter paradise for ice climbers, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing during the colder months of the year.
6. St. George, Utah – Zion National Park
St. George, Utah is noted for its hospitality and excellent amenities, but it’s most well known as being a gateway to Zion National Park. This park attracts over 3 million visitors each year, and just one look at the scenery will tell you why. The cliffs, canyons, and rock towers at Zion National Park are simply striking. You can witness the very rivers that helped carve the geological features still running through the canyon floors. There’s an interesting variety of terrains within Zion National Park, including pine forests, riparian zones, and sandstone deserts. It’s open year round and has a great selection of dining, shopping, and resorts nearby, which is another reason that so many people are drawn to this National Park.
7. Bryce Canyon City – Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park, located in Bryce Canyon City, is another popular U.S. national park. The thing that sets it apart from other sites is its colorful horseshoe shaped amphitheaters, spires, and arches in an amazing array of sizes and shapes. This is the National Park that people head to when they was an escape from the ordinary and a retreat from the summer heat. Bryce Canyon National Park also offers horseback riding, miles upon miles of hiking trails, and cross country skiing in the winter months.
8. Port Angeles, Washington – Olympic National Park
Port Angeles hosts Olympic National Park, home to the most gorgeous temperate rain forests on the continent. Visitors gladly don their rain gear and head into the thick, lush greenery that surrounds this serene and beautiful place. There are no roads crossing the area, which makes Olympic National Park a favorite destination for outdoor adventurers. Backpacking, camping, and hiking through Hoh Rain Forest are some of the most popular activities here.
9. Florida City, Florida – Everglades National Park
In Florida City lies Everglades National Park, one of the most iconic parks in the nation. Its boardwalk trails and famous Shark Valley draw million of visitors each year. There’s simply nothing else like the Everglades and its amazing flora, fauna, and water features. If you’re a lover of watersports, Everglades National Park should be on your must-visit list.
10. Alpine, Texas – Big Bend National Park
The largest protected expanse of Chihuahuan Desert in the United States is located within Big Bend National Park. It’s become known as an archaeological hot spot and contains a wealth of fossils and artifacts. The Rio Grande river runs through the park’s more than 801,000 acres, and there are thousands of species that call Big Bend National Park home. Big Bend is also an important cultural resource that contains keys to understanding the lives of tribes that lived there many thousands of years ago.
References
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/national-parks/most-visited-parks-photos/
http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/the-national-parks-have-never-been-more-popular/
https://irma.nps.gov/Stats/SSRSReports/National%20Reports/Annual%20Park%20Ranking%20Report%20%281979%20-%20Last%20Calendar%20Year%29
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