Check Out The Top National Parks in the United States

Established in 1916, this Maine gem covers 49,075 acres and welcomes over 3.5 million visitors annually. It offers a unique blend of oceanic shoreline, dense forest areas, and rugged peaks.The park's varied scenery includes Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the US East Coast, and a range of fauna. Visitors can enjoy over 120 miles of hiking trails, scenic drives, and the chance to spot moose, bears, and numerous bird species. Acadia is a perfect blend of marine and terrestrial environments.

This Utah park, known for its over 1,500 natural sandstone arches, covers 76,679 acres. Established in 1929, it presents a striking landscape of geological formations. The park's unique features include the Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, and Balanced Rock. Ideal for hikers and nature photographers, the park offers a range of trails from easy to strenuous. The contrasting colours of the rock formations against the blue sky create a visual spectacle, especially at sunrise and sunset, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.

South Dakota's Badlands, spanning 242,756 acres, was established in 1978. The park is renowned for its striking landscapes, characterised by layered rock formations, steep canyons, and towering spires. It's also a significant paleontological site with rich fossil beds revealing ancient mammals. The park's rough beauty draws over a million people each year, who come to walk the trails, study the rich animals, and wonder at the spectacular vistas that change colour with the light.

Bryce Canyon in Utah, established in 1928, spans 35,835 acres and is famous for its unique hoodoos – spire-shaped rock formations. The park's high altitude offers breathtaking panoramic views and exceptionally clear night skies, ideal for stargazing. The Bryce Amphitheater, a natural amphitheatre filled with hoodoos, is a highlight. Hiking trails range from easy walks to challenging backcountry treks, providing opportunities for visitors of all skill levels to explore the park's extraordinary landscape.

Oregon's Crater Lake, formed over 7,700 years ago, is the main attraction of this 183,224-acre park established in 1902. Known as the deepest lake in the United States, it's renowned for its striking blue colour and water clarity. The lake was formed by the collapse of a volcano, creating a caldera that filled with rain and snowmelt. Visitors can drive around the rim, hike trails for spectacular views, and in summer, take boat tours to Wizard Island, a cinder cone inside the lake.

This unique Ohio park, founded in 2000, covers 32,950 acres. It offers a blend of natural landscapes and historical structures, including waterfalls, rolling hills, and historic buildings. The Cuyahoga River runs through the park, providing scenic vistas and opportunities for kayaking and canoeing. The park's extensive trail system is perfect for hiking, biking, and wildlife observation. The Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail is a highlight, offering a glimpse into the area's past while enjoying its natural beauty.

Home to North America's highest peak, this Alaskan park covers 6,075,030 acres and was established in 1917.It's a large wilderness region with a variety of species, including grizzly bears, caribou, and wolves. The park's centrepiece, Denali (formerly Mount McKinley), stands at 20,310 feet. Visitors can explore the park via bus tours, hiking, and backcountry camping. The park's size and remote location offer a true wilderness experience, with stunning landscapes ranging from tundra to forests.

Florida's Everglades, covering 1,508,976 acres, was established in 1947. This vast wetland ecosystem is a critical habitat for numerous wildlife species, including endangered ones like the manatee and Florida panther. The park offers unique opportunities for bird watching, hiking, and boat tours. The Anhinga Trail and Shark Valley are popular areas to observe the park's rich fauna. The Everglades is not only a national park but also a World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, and Wetland of International Importance.

This park, which straddles North Carolina and Tennessee, comprises 522,427 acres and was founded in 1934. It is America's most popular national park, known for its plant and animal variety, the majesty of its ancient mountains, and remains of Southern Appalachian culture. The park offers over 800 miles of trails, including a portion of the Appalachian Trail. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and wildlife observation, with opportunities to see black bears, elk, and over 200 species of birds.

In Hawaii, Haleakalā National Park covers 33,265 acres and was established in 1961. The park is named after its dormant volcano, Haleakalā, which offers spectacular sunrise and sunset views. The park's habitats vary from lush tropical areas along the shore to desolate volcanic landscapes at higher elevations. Visitors may take a trek around the volcano crater, witness native animals, and learn about the area's unique cultural legacy. The park's elevation makes it a prime spot for stargazing.

Michigan's Isle Royale, covering 571,790 acres, was established in 1940. This unique island park in Lake Superior is a remote wilderness area, accessible only by boat or seaplane. It offers a true escape from civilization, with opportunities for backpacking, kayaking, and wildlife observation. The park is known for its moose and wolf populations, which are part of a long-term ecological study. The island's rugged beauty, combined with its isolation, makes it a unique destination for adventurous travellers.

Alaska's Kenai Fjords, established in 1980, covers 669,984 acres. The park is known for its stunning glaciers and fjords, and abundant marine wildlife, including whales, seals, and sea otters. Visitors can tour the area on boat cruises that provide up-close views of the glaciers and animals. The Harding Icefield, one of the park's main attractions, feeds nearly 40 glaciers. Hiking trails, like the Exit Glacier trail, provide access to remarkable views and the chance to witness the effects of climate change on the landscape.

Established in 1916, California's Lassen Volcanic National Park covers 106,372 acres. The park is unique for its volcanic landscape, including fumaroles, boiling springs, and mud pots. Lassen Peak, the largest plug dome volcano in the world, is a highlight. The park offers over 150 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging summit attempts. Visitors can also enjoy camping, fishing, and skiing in winter. The park's geothermal features are a reminder of the Earth's dynamic processes.

Kentucky's Mammoth Cave, established in 1941, covers 52,830 acres and features the world's longest cave system. The park offers a range of cave tours, from easy walks to adventurous crawls, revealing a variety of formations and vast chambers. Above ground, the park's richly forested hills and river valleys offer hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife watching. The cave's constant temperature and unique ecosystem make it a fascinating study in biology and geology.

Arizona's Petrified Forest, covering 221,390 acres, was established in 1962. The park is famous for its vast deposits of petrified wood, creating a landscape of colourful badlands. The park's unique geology tells a story of Earth's history, with fossilised remains of ancient trees and other organisms. Visitors can walk the park's trails and exhibits to learn about the processes that petrified these once-living trees. The Painted Desert, a portion of the park, offers stunning vistas of stratified rock formations.

Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park, established in 1915, covers 265,807 acres. It's a mountainous wonderland with unique wildlife and alpine landscapes. The park offers over 300 miles of hiking trails, scenic drives like Trail Ridge Road, and opportunities for wildlife viewing, including elk, bighorn sheep, and moose. The park's varied elevations create distinct ecological zones, from montane forests to alpine tundra. Visitors can enjoy activities like hiking, camping, and in winter, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Utah's Zion, established in 1919, spans 146,597 acres. It's famous for its steep red cliffs and narrow canyons, including the renowned Zion Canyon. The park offers a variety of hikes, from easy riverside walks to challenging adventures like Angel's Landing. The Virgin River, which carved Zion Canyon, is a popular spot for wading and enjoying the serene environment. Zion's wide variety of habitats support a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, golden eagles, and the endangered California condor.