For nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, a visit to one of the United States' many national parks is an unforgettable experience. The country’s diverse terrain offers countless opportunities to explore, take pictures, and create memories. Here is a list of the best national parks in the U.S. to inspire and plan your next trip.
1. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone is the world’s first national park, known for its spectacular geysers and hot springs. This natural wonder has over 2.2 million acres of wilderness and offers various activities like hiking, wildlife watching, camping, and rafting. The Grand Prismatic Spring with its vivid colors, and Old Faithful at 130-feet, is the most famous and predictable geyser in the park.
2. Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite National Park is a hiker's paradise with over 750,000 acres of valleys, waterfalls, and towering peaks. The granite walls of El Capitan and Half Dome are prominent landmarks, and the park is home to ancient Giant Sequoias. The park has 13 campgrounds and more than 750 miles of trails suitable for novice and experienced hikers alike.
3. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
The Grand Canyon is one of the world's most incredible natural wonders, with stunning views from the South Rim and North Rim, and millions of visitors per year. Hiking, rafting, and mule rides offer exciting ways to experience the canyon, which is 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep.
4. Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park is known for its rugged red-rock canyons and extraordinary hiking and rock-climbing opportunities. Visitors can hike The Narrows, a stunning slot canyon with walls a thousand feet tall, or Angel's Landing, a 1,500-foot vertical climb. The park has an 80-mile scenic drive along the Virgin River and offers some of the best backcountry camping in the country.
5. Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park is located on Mount Desert Island, Maine's largest island, providing visitors with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can enjoy hiking, cycling, and swimming in the park, and summit Cadillac Mountain for the first glimpse of sunrise in the United States.
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