The National Park system is a staple of the United States. From vast mountain ranges to rainforests to white sandy beaches, they truly encompass the diversity that the country has to offer. The parks have only become more and more popular in recent years, especially with the rise of online advertising for their safety and preservation. Millions of people visit the parks every year, but which ones are visited the most? Are they still worth visiting even with the crowds? And why are so many people drawn to them?
The 8th most visited National Park in the US is the renowned Grand Tetons National Park. This park sees around 3.8 million visitors annually, but you wouldn’t realize it. The park houses over 450 square miles of mostly wilderness, as well as plenty of camping sites, helping spread out visitors. It’s easy to escape the crowds and experience the nature of the park due to thousands of hiking trails. A common yet still isolated trail at this park is the Teton Canyon Trail, which gives both stunning views of the Tetons close up, as well as the chance to see wildlife such as moose and bears. So, despite the occasional crowds, the park is still well worth it, and its size makes it easy to forget there is anyone else there at all.
Number 7 on the list is the only Park in New England, that being Acadia National Park. This park is incredibly unique, with dramatic shorelines and oceanside forests. The park hosts just over 4 million visitors a year and can feel much more crowded than the Tetons. The most important thing is to keep an eye on when you visit. June through September are the parks busy months, and even though this is the Parks prime season, it can feel too crowded in such a small park with this many people. Despite all this, the park is still worth it, especially if you visit in early fall or late spring.
