Best United States National Parks to Visit

In need of some travel inspiration for your next trip? These four parks are some of the best United States National Parks you can visit!

Best United States National Parks to Visit

It is an amazing experience to visit any National Park. Everyone has their favorites, so when I say these are the best United States National Parks to visit, it just means I absolutely love them! (But I also love SO many other ones.) Whether you have to travel across the country to visit, or they’re just a state or two away, make an effort to visit National Parks with your family. You’ll create memories that will last a lifetime.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

While the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has breathtaking views year-round, the end of Summer or beginning of Fall is probably the best time to visit. The vibrant colors are like no other! Go horseback riding, hiking, or even bird watching, but don’t forget your camera! The park is home to 11 major waterfalls, including the famous Rainbow Falls. There are many camping options while visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including beautiful lodges on mountaintops.

Need more reasons to go? Check out 101 Reasons to Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The list will keep you busy for quite some time!

Can’t get enough of Gatlinburg? Super inexpensive trolley rides are also available. Check out the trolley routes before you plan your trip.

Glacier National Park

Located in Montana, Glacier National Park is exactly what it sounds like: water, water, and more water! Whether you’re hiking to see the waterfalls or driving around the lakes, Glacier National Park has some of the most beautiful views in the world! Crystal Lake has the most crystal clear blue waters, and views of snow-covered mountaintops that can’t be beat.

Going-to-the-Sun Road is ranked #1 on TripAdvisor for Glacier National Park. Jackson Glacier Overlook is the easiest view of a glacier without a long hike, according to one reviewer.

If you visit when the road is open, you’ll have photos with bragging rights for years to come. There are many spots to pull over and take pictures, so take advantage of them… just watch out for the grizzlies and the mountain goats!

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is massive. Pretty much all National Parks are, but some first-time visitors to the Grand Canyon don’t understand just how enormous the Grand Canyon is!

The South Rim is known as the “best” part of the Grand Canyon, but you’ll get amazing views no matter which side you visit. The North, East, and West Rims all have unique viewpoints but most first-time visitors choose the South Rim, and for good reason! From the South Rim, you have twelve viewpoints – one that lets you see all the way down to the Colorado River.

No matter which side you pick, be sure to take your time and take lots of pictures!

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is located in the great state of California. If you’ve been to San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, you might think of California as a place full of hustle and bustle. Venture out to Yosemite and you will experience this World Heritage Site (designated as such in 1984) in its full and majestic glory.

Known for its stunning waterfalls, cliffs, and giant sequoias, Yosemite is also home to 800 miles of hiking trails and 282 miles of picture-perfect roadways. The park’s vegetation and wildlife change as you change elevation. Yosemite is home to more than 400 species, including fish, amphibians, and even some species that haven’t been found anywhere else in the world!

These videos might help you plan your trip to Yosemite.

Be on the lookout!

Before traveling to any National Park, be sure to check their official website or social media feeds to check for road and park closures.

I want to know: Have you ever visited any of the parks? What do you consider to be the best United States National Parks? 

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