We now know what the top 10 most popular national parks in the USA for 2022 are. Yes, it’s that time of year again. In March, the National Park Service published the official stats for the 2022 visitations in the National Park System of the country.
Hiking, backpacking, and exploring natural parks are among the most popular hobbies in the United States in recent years. Today (as of March 2023), there are 63 national parks in the National Park System. These amazing places in the great outdoors are perfect for an affordable vacation among beautiful natural landscapes, breathtaking sceneries, cultural and historical landmarks. If you want to learn more about the US national parks, we recommend National Geographic’s Atlas of the National Parks. It is a great read with fantastic photos, plenty of information, and informative descriptions. Published in 2022, the Moon USA National Parks is a well-organized guide with interesting info and photos covering all 63 national parks. 100 Parks, 5000 Ideas is another book that provides plenty of information about interesting destinations, things to do during your vacation, and helpful travel tips (100 Trails, 5000 Ideas is a similar but newer book that offers great info about exploring hiking trails across the US and Canada). For those who’d love to see photographs from various national parks, we recommend Treasured Lands: A Photographic Odyssey Through America’s National Parks. This invaluable guide includes fantastic images, iconic landscapes, and location notes for each photograph from 62 national parks. Another available resource to explore the national parks nationwide is the NPS app (the official app for the National Park Service can offer lots of maps, tools, and accessibility information).
The National Park System attracted nearly 312 million visitors in 2022 (the actual number of visitors is 311 985 998 as 28.42% of them or 88 662 181 are those who have visited various national parks) or an increase of roughly 15 million visitors in comparison with 2021 (with 297 115 406 recreational visitors in total; national parks welcomed 92 251 857 or 31.05% of them). Only three national parks in the Top 10 saw an increase in comparison to 2021: Cuyahoga Valley NP, Yosemite NP, and Grand Canyon NP with an increase of 13.13%, 11.56%, and 4.40% respectively. Six parks registered a single-digit decrease between a minuscule 0.20% for Joshua Tree NP and a nearly two-digit 8.64% for the Great Smoky Mountains NP. The tenth national park, Yellowstone NP, saw an enormous decrease in welcoming outdoor lovers – a staggering 1.57 million people or 32.30%.
Unsurprisingly, the most visited national park in the USA in 2022 was the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with more than 12.9 million visitations – less than 1 million fewer visitations than the second (Grand Canyon), third (Zion), and fourth (Rocky Mountain) most popular national parks combined. The least visited parks among the Top 10 most popular parks were Cuyahoga Valley National Park with 2.9 million annual visitations (13.13% more than the annual visitations in 2021) and Glacier National Park with 2.9 million (5.62% less than the annual visitations in 2021). It’s worth noting that Grand Teton NP dropped out of the Top 10 most visited US national parks as it registered a decrease of more than 1 million or roughly 28%. You can see the exact numbers as well as the difference between the numbers in 2022 and 2021 in the bar chart and the table below.
Source: National Park Service Statistics
Source: National Park Service Statistics
America’s Top 10 national parks with the most recreational visits in 2022 are:
Table of Contents
10. Glacier NP – 2.91 million visitors
Glacier National Park welcomed 2 908 458 visitors in 2022 making it the tenth most visited national park in the USA for this year. This number means that the annual visitations dropped by nearly 6% between 2021 and 2022.
Glacier National Park is an astounding place where the earth’s forces have left their imprints on the landscape with rugged mountains, red pinnacles, spectacular glacier-carved basins, and waterfalls. A perfect place for those seeking wilderness and solitude, the national park is located in northwestern Montana and covers over a million acres.
In 1910, when Glacier was established, it had over 100 glaciers. However, during the course of the last century (and especially since 1966) and thanks mainly to climate change, this number has shrunk to 26 active glaciers today. Moreover, every glacier in the park is melting at an alarming rate affecting the entire ecosystem. Glacier preserves some of the nation’s wildest country. 71 species of mammals (including large and/or animals such as bears, wolves, wolverines, lynx, mountain lions, elk, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep), 276 species of birds (among them ospreys, bald and golden eagles, harlequin ducks, and northern hawk owls), native and invasive species of fish, as well as several species of reptiles and amphibians call Glacier home. The flora consists of 30 species that are endemic to the region as well as more than 1100 other species of plants.
Over 1126 km (700 miles) of trails make Glacier National Park a hiker’s paradise. It is a place for adventurous visitors who are not afraid to explore the idyllic backcountry havens, impressive mountains, and century forests with huge hemlocks and western red cedars. White-water river rafting, horseback riding, fishing, kayaking, and boating are among the most popular activities in Glacier National Park.
Good guides and maps worth checking:
Lonely Planet Banff, Jasper & Glacier National Parks 6th ed.
Glacier National Park Trails Map
9. Cuyahoga Valley NP – 2.91 million visitors
Cuyahoga Valley National Park welcomed a bit more than 2.91 million visitors in 2022, which made it the ninth most popular national park in the US. After 13th place in 2021, it rushed into the top 10 thanks to the 13% increase in the number of visitations.
The national park is located in northeastern Ohio and covers 33 000 acres. Unlike other national parks, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is in close proximity to large urban areas. Cuyahoga Valley is home to many different ecosystems such as wetlands, grasslands, forests, lakes and ponds as well as rivers and streams.
More than 200 km (125 miles) of hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging, give you a chance to take a hike and experience Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Good guides and maps worth checking:
Trail Guide Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park Handbook
8. Joshua Tree NP – 3.06 million visitors
Joshua Tree National Park welcomed 3 058 294 visitors in 2022 making it the eighth most visited national park in the USA for this year. This number means that the annual visitations decreased by around 0.2% between 2021 and 2022.
Joshua Tree National Park is an astounding place with amazing natural landscapes. Filled with desert adventure – sand dunes, dry lakes, granitic monoliths, and rugged mountains – it is a perfect place for those seeking wilderness and solitude. The national park is located in southeastern California, covers over 795 thousand acres, and includes parts of the Mojave Desert and the Sonoran Desert.
Joshua Tree preserves some of the nation’s wildest country as 85% or 585,000 of the park’s 795,000 acres are designated wilderness. Known for its plant diversity, 750 vascular plants call Joshua Tree home. Among them, many wildflowers, trees, shrubs, cacti, and other rare plants. 57 species of mammals (including mainly small animals such as bats, ground squirrels, and kangaroo rats; there are also bigger animals such as black bears, deer, mountain lyons, lynx, and coyotes), 250 species of birds (among them ospreys, golden eagles, red-tail and Cooper’s hawks, roadrunners, and black-throated sparrows), 46 species of reptiles (including lizards, snakes, and tortoises), several species of amphibians, tarantulas, scorpions, and 75 species of butterflies call Joshua Tree home.
Over 1180 km (734 miles) of trails make the Joshua Tree National Park a desert hiker’s paradise. It is a place for adventurous visitors who are not afraid of a wide range of conditions, abandoned mines, rattlesnakes, and flash floods. Extended hikes can be very dangerous because of the desert climate but day hikes are quite popular among outdoor lovers of all ages. The park is also among the nation’s premier climbing destinations, especially in winter. Rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and camping are among the most popular activities in Joshua Tree National Park. Unlike this year’s #10 Glacier where you should beware of mosquitos and flies and bring some repellent or Permethrin, having good-quality sunglasses and sunscreen is essential for your comfort. And one last thing – if you want to have an enjoyable experience, make sure that you visit the national park in early spring or late autumn when daytime temperatures are far from the extremes typical of desert summer or winter.
Good guides and maps worth checking:
Joshua Tree: The Complete Guide
Hike The Parks: Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park Trails Map
7. Yellowstone NP – 3.29 million visitors
Quite a popular destination for American and foreign hikers, adventurers and ordinary tourists, Yellowstone attracted 3 290 242 visitors in 2022 (compared to 4 860 242 in 2021). This number made it the seventh most popular national park in the US last year. Due to the huge 32.3% fall in annual visitations, Yellowstone fell down from 3rd to 7th place.
The national park is located in three different states (Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho), with 96% of its territory in Wyoming. Yellowstone encompasses 2.2 million acres, which makes it one of the biggest and most diverse national parks in the US. The park is famous for its diverse terrain and the combination of geothermal fireworks, pristine glacial lakes, jagged mountains, open meadows, and deep canyons. All these have made Yellowstone a symbol of the great outdoors and a preferred destination for millions of people.
More than 1449 km (900 miles) of hiking trails are available for day hikes and overnight backpacking trips on the territory of the park. Except for its vastness and beauty, Yellowstone is famous for its mercurial weather. Thus be prepared for the possibility of extreme conditions and four seasons in a single day. Hiking in winter conditions is typical for Yellowstone National Park (at least for 9 months each year). Also, be prepared for afternoon thundershowers that make hiking in the rain a good possibility.
Good guides and maps worth checking:
Fodor’s Compass American Guides: Yellowstone & Grand Teton
Frommer’s Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks
Hiking Yellowstone National Park: A Guide To More Than 100 Great Hikes
Yellowstone National Park Trails Map
6. Yosemite NP – 3.67 million visitors
Yosemite National Park welcomed nearly 3.67 million visitors in 2022, which made it the sixth most popular national park in the US. Yosemite regained sixth place after losing it in 2021 when the park was eighth with a bit more than 3.28 million visitations.
The national park is located in the Western Sierra Nevada of Central California and covers nearly 760 00 acres. Yosemite was the first federal land to be set aside as “any” kind of park in 1864. Famous for its dashing waterfalls, clear streams, and steep granite cliffs, the national park is considered by many one of the most spectacular places in the US.
More than 1200 km (750 miles) of trails give you a chance to take a hike and experience Yosemite just like John Muir and the other pioneers did so more than a century ago. Keep in mind that like Olympia, 95% of Yosemite National Park is designated as wilderness. Thus stay on trails as off-trail hiking is both dangerous and illegal. Camping, biking, boating, fishing, and rock climbing (the national park has an elevation range of nearly 3500m) are also extremely popular.
Good guides and maps worth checking:
5. Acadia NP – 3.97 million visitors
The fifth most popular national park, Acadia, welcomed approximately 3.97 million visitors in 2022, roughly 99 000 less than the number of people who had visited it in 2021 when it welcomed 4.07 million visitors.
Located in Maine, Acadia National Park is the only national park in the northeastern United States. It encompasses nearly 50 000 acres. Due to the mountains, ocean coastline, woodlands, and wetlands, Acadia offers landscape and biological diversity.
More than 254 km (158 miles) of trails that vary from easy to rugged can be hiked in Acadia. Plenty of other activities ranging from swimming, boating, and fishing to rock climbing, snowshoeing, and skiing can also be practiced on the territory of the national park depending on the season and weather conditions.
For those interested in visiting Acadia NP, this complete guide and waterproof trail map will be of great use. The guide is a wonderful book – well-written and comprehensive – a must-have for anyone visiting Acadia. The trail map is an excellent map that covers all the trails (even some of those not particularly well-marked ones), shows terrain relief, bus stops, parking, and describes some bicycle loop tours. All these make it perfect for hiking, biking or driving trips in the area of Acadia National Park.
Good guides and maps worth checking:
Lonely Planet Maine & Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park Waterproof Trail Map
Acadia National Park Trails Map
4. Rocky Mountain NP – 4.3 million visitors
Last year was not very different from 2021 with 4.43 million visitations and the record-breaking 2019 when Rocky Mountain National Park attracted more than 4.67 million people. In 2022, 4.3 million people or 3.03% less visited the national park famous for its scenic grandeur, watchable wildlife, and recreational opportunities. For those curious to learn more about Rocky Mountain NP as well as other famous national parks located in the West, see Fodor’s The Complete Guide to the National Parks of the West. It is a comprehensive guide and a great tool for trip planning. Packed with beautiful photos, customizable itineraries, practical travel tips, and honest advice and recommendations, the book is a very helpful guide.
Established more than 100 years ago, Rocky Mountain National Park is located in north-central Colorado. It occupies more than 265 000 acres of spectacular mountain environments ranging from 2396m to 4346m. Sixty peaks over 3600 meters high, glacial cirques, sparkling lakes, and picturesque mountain views attract crowds of people from all over the world.
As of 2023, there are 571 km (355 miles) of trails available for hiking and backpacking. The national park has a lot to offer to both those who would like to enjoy the beauty of the park in the warm months and to those who would prefer to relish the many advantages of winter hiking. Beware of the changing weather and the potential for avalanches. Always check out the weather forecast as well as the avalanche forecast when planning your hike. Additionally, if you decide to go for a high-altitude backpacking trip, learn more about the dangers associated with hiking at altitude.
Good guides and maps worth checking:
Hiking Rocky Mountain National Park: The Essential Guide
Rocky Mountain National Park: The Complete Guide
Rocky Mountain National Park Trails Map
3. Zion NP – 4.69 million visitors
With more than 4.69 million visitors, Zion National Park was the third most visited national park in the US in 2022. It attracted nearly 5.04 million visitors in 2021 or there was a decrease of around 350 000 recreational visits between 2022 and 2021.
Zion is the most heavily visited national park in Utah and is located in the southwestern part of the state. It covers 148 000 acres with 1500 meters of elevation change (from 1117m to 2660m). Zion is an area of astonishing biological diversity due to the unique geography, the variety of life zones, and the wide range of weather conditions in the national park.
You can explore over 150 km (90 miles) of trails that vary, from paved and flat river strolls to precarious cliff-side scrambles. While day hiking is a popular activity in Zion National Park, the array of canyons makes it a great place for scrambling, rappelling, climbing, and descending. Some of the most popular trails are located in Zion Canyon so beware of the hiking hazards such as flash floods and summer thunderstorms. If you want to learn more about the beauty and danger of Zion, we recommend a very interesting book called Deaths and Rescues in Zion National Park. The book is full of useful information and offers great life accounts and meaningful commentary.
Keep in mind that the park is packed from April to October. If you enjoy solitude, it is a good idea to visit the national park at some other time of the year.
Good guides and maps worth checking:
2. Grand Canyon NP – 4.73 million visitors
After the record-breaking 2018, Grand Canyon National Park saw a decrease in the number of visits in 2019 and 2020. In 2021 it was the fourth most popular national park in the US with 4.5 million visits. This changed because the Grand Canyon NP attracted more than 4.73 million visitors in 2022 or a 4.40% increase in the annual recreational visits between 2021 and 2022.
One of the most popular tourist destinations in the USA, Grand Canyon National Park occupies around 1.22 million acres in northern Arizona. It’s probably one of the most famous and scenic national parks in the world. The immense size of the canyon (446 km length, up to 29 km width, 1.6 km depth) overwhelms millions of people from around the world each year.
Hiking the Grand Canyon is markedly different from hiking elsewhere. The rough terrain, as well as the hefty elevation changes, the desert environment, and unique climate, make hiking especially challenging. Thus, careful preparation for your day hikes as well as for your multi-day trips into the canyon is recommended. Winter hiking is spectacular, however, keep in mind that only the South Rim remains open. In addition, you’ll need appropriate hiking boots and a pair of crampons.
Good guides and maps worth checking:
Lonely Planet Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon: The Complete Guide
1. Great Smoky Mountains NP – 12.94 million visitors
Just like in each of the previous more than a dozen years, the Great Smoky Mountains was the most visited national park in the USA in 2022. With nearly 13 million visitors in 2022 (the actual number is 12 937 633), this pristine natural area registered a decrease of 8.64% in comparison with the 14 161 548 million people that were welcomed in the park in 2021.
Great Smoky Mountains National park is located along the Tennessee-North Carolina line and covers 522 427 acres. The national park encompasses mountains, heavy hardwood forests, rushing rivers, pristine streams, and abundant waterfalls. Though the Great Smoky Mountains (also called the Salamander Capital of the World) are just a small part of the Appalachian Mountain Chain, they are home to an incredible diversity of species.
There are 1370 km (850 miles) of trails that crisscross the landscape. Hiking and backpacking are preferred choices for many visitors of the park and it can’t be different when 113 km (70 miles) of the world-famous Appalachian Trail are on the territory of the park. The trails stay open year-round, however, the forces of nature determine trail conditions. Keep this in mind when planning your hiking or backpacking trip. Also, take into account that in the Smoky Mountains most people travel less than 2.5 km (1.5 miles) per hour. For more up-to-date information and advice on what to see and do in the park, check out either Fodor’s InFocus Great Smoky Mountains National Park or Moon’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Both books provide lots of relevant information and useful tips for a nice vacation trip to the national park.
Good guides and maps worth checking:
Fodor’s InFocus Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Moon’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Top Trails: Great Smoky Mountains National Park: 50 Must-Do Hikes
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Trails Map
Conclusion
Visiting one or more of the top 10 most popular national parks in the US during your next vacation can be a great reason to start hiking. Walking through beautiful landscapes and magnificent sceneries is an excellent opportunity to relax in nature. It’s a great way to find peace, regain your balance, and recharge your batteries amid impressive mountains and old-grown forests.
Now that you know the most visited national parks in the US in 2022, we’re curious to learn which one is your favorite national park. Why? Drop your thoughts in the comments section below.
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