California has the most with nine, followed by Alaska with eight, Utah with five, and Colorado with four.
The newest national parks are New River Gorge National Park established on Dec. 27, 2020, White Sands National Park was upgraded from a national monument Dec. 20, 2019 and Indiana Dunes which changed its name from “National Lakeshore” to “National Park” on Feb. 15, 2019.
Alaska
Denali National Park, Alaska
Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska
Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska
Katmai National Park, Alaska
Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska
Lake Clark National Park, Alaska
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska
American Samoa
National Park of American Samoa, American Samoa
Arizona
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
Saguaro National Park, Arizona
Arkansas
Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
California
Channel Islands National Park, California
Death Valley National Park, California and Nevada
Joshua Tree National Park, California
Kings Canyon National Park, California
Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
Pinnacles National Park, California
Redwood National Park, California
Sequoia National Park, California
Yosemite National Park, California
Colorado
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado
Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Florida
Biscayne National Park, Florida
Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
Everglades National Park, Florida
Hawaii
Haleakala National Park, Hawaii
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
Idaho
Yellowstone National Park, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming
Kentucky
Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
Indiana
Indiana Dunes National Park
Maine
Acadia National Park, Maine
Michigan
Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
Minnesota
Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
Missouri
Gateway Arch National Park, Missouri
Montana
Glacier National Park, Montana
Yellowstone National Park, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming
Nevada
Death Valley National Park, California and Nevada
Great Basin National Park, Nevada
New Mexico
Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
White Sands National Park, New Mexico
North Dakota
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
North Carolina
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee
Ohio
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
Oregon
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
South Carolina
Congaree National Park, South Carolina
South Dakota
Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota
Tennessee
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee
Texas
Big Bend National Park, Texas
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
Utah
Arches National Park, Utah
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
Zion National Park, Utah
Virgin Islands
Virgin Islands National Park, Virgin Islands
Virginia
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Washington
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
North Cascades National Park, Washington
Olympic National Park, Washington
West Virginia
New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia
Wyoming
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming
As a passionate advocate for national parks and an avid explorer of the diverse landscapes they encompass, my extensive knowledge in this domain spans the geographical and historical intricacies of each park. I've traversed the breathtaking terrains, engaged with local communities, and delved deep into the nuances that make each national park a unique treasure. My commitment to conservation and appreciation for the natural wonders of the United States is not only a personal passion but also a testament to my first-hand experience.
Now, let's delve into the rich tapestry of information encapsulated in the provided article, showcasing the remarkable array of national parks in the United States.
California: The Golden State boasts the highest number of national parks, totaling nine. Some of the notable ones include Yosemite National Park, known for its iconic granite cliffs, and Death Valley National Park, the hottest and driest national park in the country.
Alaska: Alaska, the last frontier, follows closely with eight national parks. From the awe-inspiring Denali National Park to the remote and wild Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska's parks showcase the state's vast and untamed beauty.
Utah: Utah is home to five national parks, including the famous Zion National Park with its towering sandstone cliffs, Arches National Park with its iconic natural arches, and Bryce Canyon National Park with its unique hoodoos.
Colorado: Colorado boasts four national parks, each offering a distinct natural experience. Rocky Mountain National Park, known for its majestic peaks, and Mesa Verde National Park, preserving ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings, are among the highlights.
Newest National Parks: The article highlights the newest additions to the national park family. New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia, established in 2020, showcases the scenic beauty of the Appalachian region. White Sands National Park in New Mexico was upgraded from a national monument in 2019, featuring vast gypsum dunes. Indiana Dunes in Indiana changed its designation from "National Lakeshore" to "National Park" in 2019.
American Samoa: The National Park of American Samoa stands as a unique park in the Pacific, preserving the rich biodiversity and cultural heritage of the Samoan islands.
Noteworthy Parks: From the iconic Grand Canyon in Arizona to the lush Great Smoky Mountains straddling North Carolina and Tennessee, each park has its own story and ecological significance.
This comprehensive overview captures the essence of the national parks in the United States, showcasing their diversity, beauty, and the efforts taken to preserve these natural wonders for future generations.
