Plan Your Next Trip: Complete List of National Parks.
The United States is home to over 400 national park areas, including 63 designated national parks stretching from Death Valley's deserts to the forests of the Great Smoky Mountains. This protected land network encompasses monumental landscapes, historical sites, and cultural areas, reflecting America's diverse tapestry.
If you want to explore some of these most stunning U.S. places, you're in the right place. Planning a trip to these natural wonders can be as exciting as the adventure.
Origins of the National Park System.
The story of America's national parks is as expansive and varied as the landscapes they protect. It's a tale woven into the nation's fabric, beginning with Yellowstone, the world's first national park, in 1872. This pioneering act marked a commitment to preserving the majestic and wild and sparked a movement that would echo worldwide. The creation of Yellowstone set a precedent, establishing the idea that natural beauty should be preserved for public enjoyment and future generations.
As more Americans began to appreciate the value of their natural heritage, the call to protect other unique landscapes grew louder. This culminated in the formation of the National Park Service (NPS) in 1916, tasked with a mission as clear as the waters of Crater Lake: safeguarding America's natural and cultural resources. Hence, they remain untouched for those who follow.
The creation and evolution of America's national parks testify to the country's enduring love of its natural landscape. These parks guard America's environmental and cultural treasures and symbolize democracy and collective stewardship. They remind us of what we've achieved as a nation and the continuous journey to protect these wonders for future generations.
So, whether you're into hiking, camping, or just a laid-back day trip, let's dive into the complete list of the 63 National Parks.
Northeast
Acadia National Park: Maine
Southeast
Biscayne National Park: Florida
Congaree National Park: South Carolina
Dry Tortugas National Park: Florida
Everglades National Park: Florida
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: North Carolina & Tennessee
Hot Springs National Park: Arkansas
Mammoth Cave National Park: Kentucky
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve: West Virginia
Shenandoah National Park: Virginia
Virgin Islands National Park: U.S. Virgin Islands
Southwest
Big Bend National Park: Texas
Carlsbad Caverns National Park: New Mexico
Grand Canyon National Park: Arizona
Guadalupe Mountains National Park: Texas
Petrified Forest National Park: Arizona
Saguaro National Park: Arizona
White Sands National Park: New Mexico
Midwest
Badlands National Park: South Dakota
Cuyahoga Valley National Park: Ohio
Gateway Arch National Park: Missouri
Indiana Dunes National Park: Indiana
Isle Royale National Park: Michigan
Theodore Roosevelt National Park: North Dakota
Voyageurs National Park: Minnesota
Wind Cave National Park: South Dakota
Grand Teton National Park
West
Arches National Park: Utah
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: Colorado
Bryce Canyon National Park: Utah
Canyonlands National Park: Utah
Capitol Reef National Park: Utah
Channel Islands National Park: California
Crater Lake National Park: Oregon
Death Valley National Park (also extends into Nevada): California
Glacier National Park: Montana
Grand Teton National Park: Wyoming
Great Basin National Park: Nevada
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve: Colorado
Joshua Tree National Park: California
Kings Canyon National Park: California
Lassen Volcanic National Park: California
Mesa Verde National Park: Colorado
Mount Rainier National Park: Washington
North Cascades National Park: Washington
Olympic National Park: Washington
Pinnacles National Park: California
Redwood National and State Parks: California
Rocky Mountain National Park: Colorado
Sequoia National Park: California
Yellowstone National Park: Wyoming
Yosemite National Park: California
Zion National Park: Utah
Alaska, Hawaii, and American Samoa
Denali National Park and Preserve: Alaska
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve: Alaska
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve: Alaska
Haleakalā National Park on Maui: Hawaii
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on the island of Hawaii: Hawaii
Katmai National Park and Preserve: Alaska
Kenai Fjords National Park: Alaska
Kobuk Valley National Park: Alaska
Lake Clark National Park and Preserve: Alaska
National Park of American Samoa: American Samoa
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve: Alaska
National Parks
Visiting a national park connects you with nature, offering health benefits, adventure, and a chance to learn about cultural and historical heritage. It's an enriching experience that combines relaxation, education, and the beauty of untouched landscapes, appealing to everyone from adventurers to those seeking peace and introspection.
We have been to a few and plan to see more. Each is unique and amazing; sometimes, you can’t believe this place is real.
To learn more about Yellowstone and Grand Teton, check out our site's travel section.
