Major National Parks in the United States

The United States is home to a wide variety of significant national parks that highlight the spectacular natural beauty of the nation. These protected regions offer beautiful scenery, an abundance of animals, and chances for outdoor activity, from the towering peaks of Yosemite National Park to the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon.

These national parks are priceless gems that encourage tourists to get in touch with nature and explore the breathtaking environment of the nation.

Features of Major National Parks in the United States

Here’s are some notable features of major national park in the United States.

Yellowstone National Parks

• Established in 1872, Yellowstone was the first national park in the United States and the world.

• It spans approximately 2.2 million acres, making it one of the largest national parks in the U.S.

• Yellowstone is renowned for its geothermal features, including over 500 geysers and 10,000 geothermal features.

• The Park sits atop a massive super volcano, with potential for catastrophic eruptions.

• It is home to diverse wildlife, such as grizzly bears, gray wolves, bison, and elk.

• Yellowstone Lake is one of the largest high-elevation lakes in North America.

• The Park features the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, carved by the Yellowstone River.

• With over 1,700 plant species and more than 300 bird species, Yellowstone exhibits remarkable biodiversity.

Yosemite National Parks

• Yosemite National Park was established on October 1, 1890, and is one of the oldest national parks in the United States.

• Covering an area of around 748,436 acres, Yosemite is located in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California.

• Situated in the eastern part of California, Yosemite is bordered by the Sierra National Forest and Stanislaus National Forest.

• Yosemite is famous for its iconic granite cliffs, including El Capitan and Half Dome, which attract rock climbers from around the world.

• Yosemite is home to groves of giant sequoia trees, the largest living organisms on Earth, including the famous Mariposa Grove.

• The Park features many towering peaks, such as Mount Lyell, the highest point in Yosemite National Park.

• Yosemite is inhabited by a variety of wildlife, including black bears, mule deer, bobcats, and a wide range of bird species.

Grand Canyon National Parks

• Grand Canyon National Park was established on February 26, 1919, as the 17th national park in the United States.

• The Park spans approximately 1,217,262 acres in northwestern Arizona.

• Situated in northern Arizona, the Grand Canyon is surrounded by Kaibab National Forest and lies adjacent to the Navajo Nation.

• The Grand Canyon is a massive gorge carved by the Colorado River, exposing nearly 2 billion years of geologic history.

• The Grand Canyon is about 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and reaches depths of over a mile.

• The canyon reveals distinctive rock layers, including the famous Vishnu Schist, Bright Angel Shale, and Coconino Sandstone.

Rocky Mountain National Parks

• Rocky Mountain National Park was established on January 26, 1915, becoming the 10th national park in the United States.

• The Park covers approximately 265,807 acres in the central Rocky Mountains of Colorado.

• Situated in north-central Colorado, the park is surrounded by Roosevelt National Forest and Arapaho National Forest.

• Rocky Mountain National Park is home to over 60 peaks that exceed 12,000 feet in elevation, including Longs Peak, which stands at 14,259 feet.

• The Park is inhabited by diverse wildlife, including elk, moose, mule deer, bighorn sheep, and a variety of bird species.

Everglades National Parks

• Everglades National Park was established on December 6, 1947, becoming the largest tropical wilderness in the United States.

• The Park covers approximately 1.5 million acres in southern Florida, making it the third-largest national park in the contiguous United States.

• Situated in the southern part of the Florida peninsula, the park spans across Miami-Dade, Monroe, and Collier counties.

• Everglades National Park is renowned for its unique wetland ecosystem, known as the "River of Grass."

• Everglades National Park is home to a diverse array of plants and animals, including alligators, crocodiles, manatees, and numerous bird species.

• The Park supports the recovery of several endangered species, such as the Florida panther and the West Indian manatee.

Great Smoky Mountains National Parks

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park was established on June 15, 1934, becoming the most visited national park in the United States.

• The Park covers approximately 522,427 acres across Tennessee and North Carolina, making it one of the largest protected areas in the eastern United States.

• Situated in the southern Appalachian Mountains, the park spans across Blount, Sevier, and Cocke counties in Tennessee, and Swain and Haywood counties in North Carolina.

• The Park is part of the Great Smoky Mountains, a subrange of the Appalachian Mountains.

• The Park is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, including black bears, white-tailed deer, salamanders, and numerous bird species.

• The Park encompasses a wide range of elevations, from lush valleys to towering peaks, with Clingmans Dome being the highest point at 6,643 feet.

• The Park features numerous picturesque waterfalls, including Grotto Falls, Laurel Falls, and Abrams Falls.

Zion National Parks

• Zion National Park was established on November 19, 1919, making it the oldest national park in Utah.

• The Park covers approximately 147,551 acres, providing a diverse range of landscapes and ecosystems.

• Situated in southwestern Utah, the park is located in Washington, Iron, and Kane counties.

• The park's main attraction is Zion Canyon, a breathtaking gorge carved by the Virgin River.

• The Park encompasses a significant elevation range, with the highest point being Horse Ranch Mountain at 8,726 feet.

• Zion National Park is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including mule deer, golden eagles, and a diverse array of desert plants.

Olympic National Parks

• Olympic National Park was established on June 29, 1938, making it one of the oldest national parks in the United States.

• The Park covers approximately 922,650 acres, encompassing diverse ecosystems and landscapes.

• Situated in the state of Washington, Olympic National Park is located on the Olympic Peninsula.

• The Park includes the Olympic Mountains, a prominent mountain range known for its rugged peaks and glaciers.

• Olympic National Park boasts a rich variety of plant and animal species, including Roosevelt elk, black bears, Douglas-firs, and western hemlocks.

Acadia National Parks

• Acadia National Park was established on February 26, 1919, becoming the first national park east of the Mississippi River.

• The Park covers approximately 49,075 acres, encompassing diverse landscapes, including forests, mountains, and rocky coastlines.

• Situated on Mount Desert Island, Maine, Acadia National Park is known for its scenic beauty and stunning views.

• The Park is home to Cadillac Mountain, the tallest peak on the U.S. Atlantic coast.

• The Park includes Jordan Pond, a pristine glacial pond known for its clear waters.

• Acadia National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, moose, porcupines, and various bird species.

Glacier National Parks

• Glacier National Park was established on May 11, 1910, making it one of the oldest national parks in the United States.

• The Park covers approximately 1,013,572 acres, encompassing stunning landscapes, including mountains, lakes, and glaciers.

• Situated in the state of Montana, Glacier National Park is located along the U.S.-Canada border and forms part of the larger Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park.

• The Park features the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, a scenic highway that offers breathtaking views and connects the east and west sides of the park.

• Glacier National Park is known for its remaining glaciers, which are slowly disappearing due to climate change. At its peak, the park had approximately 150 glaciers.

• The Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including grizzly bears, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and various bird species.

List of 10 Major National Parks in the United States

Here's a table listing some major national parks in the United States, their locations, and an additional column for a notable feature or characteristic −

National Park	Location	Notable Feature/Characteristic
Yellowstone	Wyoming, Montana, Idaho	Geothermal wonders and wildlife
Yosemite	California	Granite cliffs and giant sequoias
Grand Canyon	Arizona	Spectacular canyon formations
Rocky Mountain	Colorado	Majestic mountain vistas and alpine ecosystems
Everglades	Florida	Unique wetland ecosystem and diverse wildlife
Great Smoky Mountains	Tennessee, North Carolina	Scenic mountain ranges and old-growth forests
Zion	Utah	Striking red rock canyons and hiking trails
Olympic	Washington	Pristine forests, alpine meadows, and rugged coastline
Acadia	Maine	Coastal cliffs, rocky shores, and picturesque landscapes
Glacier	Montana	Glaciated peaks, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife

Conclusion

Some of the most unique and alluring scenery in the United States can be found in its national parks. These protected regions provide a variety of natural beauty and recreational activities, from the renowned Yellowstone National Park with its geothermal wonders to the spectacular Yosemite National Park with its towering granite cliffs. The parks serve as living examples of the value of conservation and preservation by defending distinctive ecologies and wildlife habitats.

The national parks provide visitors immersive experiences and an opportunity to connect with nature thanks to its picturesque roadways, hiking trails, and historical sites. These special places provide as a constant reminder of the country's dedication to environmental protection and the lasting importance of maintaining natural beauties for future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many national parks are there in the United States?

There are 63 designated national parks in the United States.

Which is the oldest national park in the United States?

Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872, is the oldest national park in the United States.

What is the largest national park in the United States?

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve in Alaska is the largest national park in the United States.

Which national park has the highest peak in the United States?

Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska is home to Denali (Mount McKinley), the highest peak in the United States.