If you love nature and the great outdoors, then you'll be pleased to know that the United States is home to some of the most breathtaking national parks in the world. From the towering peaks of Denali in Alaska to the stunning vistas of Yosemite in California, there's no shortage of magnificent landscapes to explore. But just how many national parks are there in the US, and where are they located? In this article, we'll answer these questions and more.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction
If you love nature and the great outdoors, then you'll be pleased to know that the United States is home to some of the most breathtaking national parks in the world. From the towering peaks of Denali in Alaska to the stunning vistas of Yosemite in California, there's no shortage of magnificent landscapes to explore. But just how many national parks are there in the US, and where are they located? In this article, we'll answer these questions and more.
What is a National Park?
Before we dive into the numbers, let's first define what we mean by a national park. According to the National Park Service, a national park is "a large natural or semi-natural area designated for conservation and recreation." These areas are protected by the government and are open to the public for activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
Question: How Many National Parks Are There in the US?
As of 2023, there are a total of 63 national parks in the US. These parks are spread out across 29 states and two US territories. While some states have only one national park, others have several. Let's take a closer look at which states have the most national parks.
Question: Which State Has the Most National Parks?
California takes the prize for the state with the most national parks, with a total of nine. These parks include Yosemite, Joshua Tree, and Death Valley, among others. Alaska comes in second place with eight national parks, including Denali and Glacier Bay. Utah and Colorado tie for third place with five national parks each.
Complete List of National Parks by State
Here's a complete list of all the national parks in the US, organized by state:
Alaska
Denali National Park and Preserve
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
Katmai National Park and Preserve
Kenai Fjords National Park
Kobuk Valley National Park
Lake Clark National Park and Preserve
Wrangell - St. Elias National Park and Preserve
Arizona
Grand Canyon National Park
Petrified Forest National Park
Saguaro National Park
Arkansas
Hot Springs National Park
California
Channel Islands National Park
Death Valley National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
Kings Canyon National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Pinnacles National Park
Redwood National and State Parks
Sequoia National Park
Yosemite National Park
Colorado
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Mesa Verde National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Preserve
Florida
Biscayne National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park
Everglades National Park
Georgia
Cumberland Island National Seashore
Hawaii
Haleakalā National Park
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
Idaho
Yellowstone National Park
Grand Teton National Park
Indiana
Indiana Dunes National Park
Kentucky
Mammoth Cave National Park
Maine
Acadia National Park
Michigan
Isle Royale National Park
Minnesota
Voyageurs National Park
Mississippi
Vicksburg National Military Park
Missouri
Ozark National Scenic Riverways
Montana
Glacier National Park
Nevada
Great Basin National Park
New Mexico
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
White Sands National Park
North Carolina
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
North Dakota
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Ohio
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Oregon
Crater Lake National Park
Pennsylvania
Gettysburg National Military Park
Valley Forge National Historical Park
South Carolina
Congaree National Park
South Dakota
Badlands National Park
Wind Cave National Park
Tennessee
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Texas
Big Bend National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Utah
Arches National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park
Canyonlands National Park
Capitol Reef National Park
Zion National Park
Virginia
Shenandoah National Park
Washington
Mount Rainier National Park
North Cascades National Park
Olympic National Park
Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park
Grand Teton National Park
Conclusion
Whether you're an avid hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of nature, the national parks in the US offer something for everyone. From the towering peaks of Denali to the sun-drenched deserts of Joshua Tree, these parks are a testament to the natural wonders of our world. So why not plan a visit to one (or more) of these national treasures today?
