The 12 Most Beautiful National Parks in the United States

Every year, millions of people visit U.S. national parks to hike, camp, and bike. According to the National Park Service, interest in outdoor recreation is growing daily. Travel & Leisure compiled a list of the 12 most beautiful national parks in the United States.

Each park boasts distinct landscapes, observation decks, and wildlife, so you'll find something interesting in any of them, no matter where you choose. The parks boast waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, dense forests, and other natural attractions. These are preserved through protected areas and conservation measures. A trip to these places offers a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Sequoia National Park, California

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This park is home to the world's largest tree, the General Sherman Sequoia, which stands approximately 83 meters tall. Situated on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada, the park is known for its groves of giant sequoias. The Giant Forest boasts trees tens of meters tall. The park offers numerous hiking trails, granite domes, and Moro Rock. Kings Canyon National Park is located nearby, connected by the scenic Kings Canyon Scenic Byway.

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee

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The park gets its name from the fog that often shrouds the mountain peaks. It's the most visited national park in the United States, home to numerous rivers, streams, forests, and wildlife. Situated on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, the park is open year-round but especially popular in the fall, when the leaves turn red, orange, and yellow. Elk can be seen in the Cataloochee Valley, and black bears, waterfalls, and old farm buildings can be seen in Cades Cove.

Denali National Park, Alaska

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Denali covers approximately 2 million hectares. It is home to North America's highest mountain, Denali (Mt. McKinley). Although the park is accessible by car, many travel by tour bus. The park features rivers, lakes, tundra, and diverse wildlife. It is most frequently visited in the summer.

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

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The park, covering approximately 265,000 acres (approximately 106,000 hectares), is known for its flowering meadows, mountains, alpine lakes, and more than 300 miles of hiking trails. Elk, bighorn sheep, black bears, and other animals inhabit the area. Visitors often fish on Sprague Lake or watch the sunrise at Bear Lake.

Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

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The park is named after Mount Rainier, the highest peak in the Cascade Range. Dozens of glaciers cover it, making it the most glaciated peak in the continental United States. The park boasts over 300 kilometers of hiking trails leading to waterfalls, lakes, and wildflower meadows. Panoramic views can be enjoyed from Sunrise Viewpoint, the park's highest point accessible by car.

Haleakala National Park, Hawaii

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The park's main attraction is the enormous shield volcano that occupies most of the island of Maui. It boasts waterfalls and tropical forests. Tourists climb to Haleakala Crater to watch the sunrise above the clouds. Reservations are required. After sunrise, numerous hiking trails are available.

Yosemite National Park, California

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Yosemite is one of the most famous national parks in the United States. It is renowned for its waterfalls and granite cliffs. Key attractions include El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls, one of the highest in the world. Many tourists stay at Yosemite Valley campgrounds.

Arches National Park, Utah

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The park is known for its red rock formations and natural arches. There are over 2000 stone arches here. The most popular spots are the Windows area and Delicate Arch. Visitors come in the morning or evening to avoid the crowds, and they also stay overnight to observe the starry sky.

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

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The park's main feature is the Teton Mountain Range. Located in the Jackson Hole area, it boasts lakes, rocky mountains, and a variety of wildlife, including elk, bison, and deer. Tourists enjoy rock climbing, hiking, fishing, and driving along the scenic roads around Jenny Lake.

Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska

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The park is located on the Kenai Peninsula and is known for the Harding Ice Field and coastal fjords. Tourists can take the Exit Glacier View Loop to see the glacier. Boat tours from Seward and fishing are also popular.

Yellowstone National Park: Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho

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Yellowstone is the first national park in the United States. It covers over 2,2 million acres (approximately 0,88 million hectares). The park is known for its geysers and hot springs, including Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring.

Visitors are advised to maintain a safe distance from wild animals such as bison, bears, and elk. While driving through the park and walking along the trails, it's common to see animals in their natural habitat.

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Glacier National Park, Montana

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The park is known for its mountains, lakes, and over 700 miles of hiking trails. It's known as the "Crown of the Continent." Hiking, camping, biking, fishing, and boating are popular activities here. The 50-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road, which divides the park into eastern and western sections and passes through scenic mountainous areas, runs through the park.

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