The U.S. National Park Service (NPS) has recorded over 16.4 billion visits since it began keeping records in 1904. The allure of America’s diverse natural landscapes, from sprawling mountain ranges to coastal wildernesses, continues to draw significant crowds. In 2024, some of the nation’s most renowned parks witnessed record attendance. Notably, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, attracted over 12 million recreational visits. Meanwhile, around 3.2 million visitors explored Montana’s Glacier National Park, renowned for its glacier-carved terrain.
The breadth of the NPS is remarkable, spanning 85 million acres across the United States, including astonishing sites in Alaska and Hawaii. It boasts 150,000 miles of rivers and streams, along with more than 21,000 miles of trails, showcasing the country’s natural beauty. Although the following ten parks are among the most frequented, they represent only a fraction of the diversity found within the 429 park units, including 63 designated national parks.
Here are the top ten most visited parks in the National Park System for 2024:
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Glacier National Park
Nestled in the Rocky Mountains of northern Montana, Glacier National Park is famed for its glacially-sculpted landscapes. In 2024, this natural mosaic of rock, ice, forest, and water attracted approximately 3,208,755 visitors. -
Grand Teton National Park
The majestic peaks of the Teton Range rise nearly 7,000 feet, offering breathtaking vistas in Wyoming. In 2024, Grand Teton National Park welcomed 3,628,222 visitors, drawn by its pristine lakes, striking glaciers, and impressive granite formations. -
Olympic National Park
Over 3.7 million people visited Washington State’s Olympic National Park in 2024. The park is known for its diverse ecosystems, including rugged Pacific coastlines, glacier-capped mountains, and old-growth temperate rainforests. -
Acadia National Park
Located in Maine, Acadia National Park saw 3,961,661 visitors in 2024. The park, largely on Mount Desert Island, offers a blend of parkland, private property, and scenic waterside villages. -
Yosemite National Park
With its formidable granite cliffs and towering waterfalls, California’s Yosemite National Park hosted 4,121,807 visitors in 2024. Most visitors explored the iconic Yosemite Valley, shaped by both river and glacial forces. -
Rocky Mountain National Park
Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park drew 4.2 million visitors in 2024, offering sweeping alpine views, 150 lakes, and diverse ecosystems ranging from wetlands to alpine tundra. -
Yellowstone National Park
As the world’s first national park, Yellowstone, spanning Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana, welcomed 4.7 million visitors in 2024. The park’s vast landscapes are home to geysers, alpine lakes, deep forests, and a variety of wildlife. -
Grand Canyon National Park
In 2024, 4,919,163 visitors came to experience the immense Grand Canyon, a natural wonder that offers hiking, mule riding, and rafting opportunities along the Colorado River. -
Zion National Park
Utah’s Zion National Park, characterized by its dramatic rock towers and sandstone canyons, attracted 4,946,592 visitors in 2024. The Virgin River’s journey through the canyon highlights the park’s striking topography. -
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
With over 12 million visitors in 2024, Great Smoky Mountains National Park remains the most visited, offering breathtaking misty peaks and waterfall-laden valleys along scenic highways and extensive hiking trails across North Carolina and Tennessee.
This overview is part of an annual update, republished on April 16, 2025, to reflect recent visitor trends and park developments. For enthusiasts looking to explore these national treasures, National Geographic’s Trails Illustrated maps provide detailed guides for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing, crafted in collaboration with local land management agencies.
Your Takeaway
The increasing visitation to the U.S. National Parks highlights their continued popularity and the vital role they play in conservation and recreation. For local communities and businesses, this surge in tourism can lead to economic benefits, providing job opportunities and increased revenue for local enterprises dependent on visitor spending. Additionally, these parks offer a natural refuge for city dwellers seeking outdoor adventure, tranquility, and a connection to nature.
However, the growing number of visitors also raises concerns about environmental impact and the need for sustainable tourism practices. Increased foot traffic can strain park resources and lead to degradation of natural habitats if not managed appropriately. Visitors are encouraged to practice responsible tourism, including adhering to park regulations, respecting wildlife, and minimizing their ecological footprint to ensure these national treasures are preserved for future generations.
