Best National Parks In The US

Alex Evans

Casino expert

 Updated:
The Best National Parks in the US

The allure of America’s National Parks knows no bounds. Each year, countless visitors venture into these breathtaking destinations. Curious about which ones are the cream of the crop? Read on to discover.

Top National Parks in the US

Rank Park Name Voted “Very Good” (%)

1

New River Gorge NR

87.76

2

Carlsbad Caverns NP

86.40

3

Lewis and Clark NHP

86.10

4

Acadia NP

86.02

5

Gates of the Arctic NP & Pres

85.95

6

Congaree NP

85.05

7

Arches NP

84.38

8

Wrangell -St. Elias NP & Pres

83.86

9

Great Smoky Mountains NP

83.09

10

Grand Teton NP

83.06

Here's how we determined the top 10 National Parks in the US

By diving into data from surveys on official National Park sites, we gauged visitor satisfaction and amenity quality. Each park that received top marks earned its place, much like our other rating systems. best online casino bonuses.

1. New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, located in the charming state of West Virginia

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve takes the crown as the top spot.

Offering a wealth of activities and breathtaking scenery, West Virginia's gem stands out with an impressive 87.76% 'Very Good' rating.

2. Experience the depths of wonder at Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico

Coming in strong at 86.4% 'Very Good' is the awe-inspiring Carlsbad Caverns National Park, nestled in the Chihuahuan Desert.

Renowned as a top cave system globally, Carlsbad Caverns boasts a spectacular array of over 119 caves.

3. Relive history at Lewis and Clark National Historic Park in Oregon

Third place is held by the historically rich Lewis and Clark National Historic Park with a solid 86.1% 'Very Good' score.

Nestled in Oregon, this park offers stunning views, abundant activities, and commemorates the epic journey of legendary explorers along the rugged Pacific.

4. Acadia National Park, Maine

With a strong 82.02% 'Very Good' rating, Acadia National Park in Maine stands proudly in fourth position.

A must-visit for millions, this 47,000-acre park on Maine’s coast draws over four million visitors annually.

5. The serene wilderness of Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve in Alaska

Fifth belongs to Alaska’s untouched Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve with an 85.95% 'Very Good' score.

6. Explore the lush landscapes of Congaree National Park in South Carolina

South Carolina's lush beauty represented by Congaree National Park lands sixth with an 85.05% 'Very Good' rating.

7. Arches National Park, Utah

Seventh on our list with an 84.38% 'Very Good' rating for overall excellence is Arches National Park in Utah.

8. The expansive wilderness of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, Alaska

Eighth place is secured by Alaska’s iconic Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve with an 83.86% 'Very Good' score.

9. The classic charm of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, straddling Tennessee and North Carolina

Not far behind, in ninth with an 83.09% 'Very Good' score, is the enchanting Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Last year, almost 13 million people chose to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park, making it the busiest. Trailing right behind as a runner-up was the renowned Grand Canyon National Park, attracting 4.7 million visitors in 2022.

10. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Completing our top ten is Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park, lauded for its quality with an 83.06% 'Very Good' rating.

Curious about where the rest of America's natural gems fall on the list?

Rank Park Name Voted “Very Good” (%)

11

Channel Islands NP

83.06

12

Hot Springs NP

79.00

13

Canyonlands NP

78.97

14

Saguaro NP

78.91

15

Biscayne NP

78.87

16

Voyageurs NP

78.30

17

Badlands NP

77.89

18

Shenandoah NP

77.86

19

Petrified Forest NP

77.42

20

Glacier Bay NP & Pres

77.01

21

North Cascades NP

76.22

22

Rocky Mountain NP

75.94

23

Great Basin NP

75.91

24

Mammoth Cave NP

75.91

25

Kenai Fjords NP

75.85

26

Wind Cave NP

75.26

27

Denali NP & Pres

75.13

28

Katmai NP & Pres

74.87

29

Capitol Reef NP

74.13

30

Theodore Roosevelt NP

73.97

31

Cuyahoga Valley NP

73.90

32

Guadalupe Mountains NP

73.79

33

Big Bend NP

73.08

34

White Sands NM

72.97

35

Isle Royale NP

72.87

36

Bryce Canyon NP

72.11

37

Death Valley NP

71.70

38

Grand Canyon NP

69.89

39

Yellowstone NP

69.14

40

Mount Rainier NP

68.95

41

Joshua Tree NP

68.05

42

Glacier NP

67.92

43

Everglades NP

67.78

44

Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP

67.53

45

Crater Lake NP

66.06

46

Hawaii Volcanoes NP

65.29

47

Olympic NP

65.10

48

Lassen Volcanic NP

63.33

49

Redwood NP

62.28

50

Indiana Dunes NL

62.09

51

Zion NP

62.00

52

Pinnacles NP

61.54

53

Haleakala NP

61.09

54

Great Sand Dunes NP

58.46

55

Dry Tortugas NP

57.02

56

Yosemite NP

56.98

57

Virgin Islands NP

56.35

How was the study conducted?

We pored over National Park Service data to determine visitor satisfaction scores, focusing on excellent facilities and services as judged by past visitors. casino bonuses We've employed similar methods in past analyses of Canadian parks, so this process felt very familiar.

What parks do Americans favor the most?

Our findings point to New River Gorge National Park & Preserve as America's darling park.

Following closely are Carlsbad Caverns, Lewis and Clark, Acadia, and Gates of the Arctic National Parks, all revered by those who visit.

Thoughts on the study

Our study unearthed surprising insights beyond just the American National Parks’ favorites.

Alaska shines brightly in the top 10, claiming two spots, while California's diverse parks feature only once.

This research not only highlights favorites but underscores the remarkable beauty for families seeking adventure.

National Parks are havens for unplugging, reconnecting with nature, and making cherished memories.

With activities from hiking to wildlife watching, parks are splendid escapes for all ages, underscoring their importance for future generations.