Great Smoky Mountains remains America's most visited national park by a long shot.
Nearly 13 million people visited thepark straddling North Carolina and Tennessee last year, according to newly released National Park Service numbers.That's fewerthan the 14.1 million who visited in 2021 but still far more than any of the other62national parks.
"The 2022 visitation report confirms what we have long known to be true – Great Smoky Mountains National Park continues to be a special place for millions of visitors,"Superintendent Cassius Cash said in a news release. "We are thinking about what average visitation over the last ten years means for the next ten years and how we will preserve a high-quality visitor experience as well as park resources."
The most parks popularare nearlyall householdnames like Grand Canyon,Joshua Treeand America's first national Park, Yellowstone,but there are two that may surprisecasual fans.
Cuyahoga Valley andIndiana Dunes both saw more visitors last year than places like Arches andEverglades, which didn't make the top 15.
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Quiz: How well do you know America's national parks?
15most-visited national parks in 2022
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park - 12,937,633
- Grand Canyon National Park - 4,732,101
- Zion National Park - 4,692,417
- Rocky Mountain National Park - 4,300,424
- Acadia National Park - 3,970,260
- Yosemite National Park - 3,667,550
- Yellowstone National Park - 3,290,242
- Joshua Tree National Park - 3,058,294
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park - 2,913,312
- Glacier National Park - 2,908,458
- Indiana Dunes National Park -2,834,180
- Grand Teton National Park -2,806,223
- Hot Springs National Park -2,646,133
- Olympic National Park -2,432,972
- Bryce Canyon National Park -2,354,660
Source: National Park Service
For perspective, the least visited park,National Park of American Samoa, only saw 1,887 recreational visits last year.
As a seasoned outdoors enthusiast with a deep passion for national parks and a wealth of firsthand experience, I'm well-versed in the intricacies of America's natural treasures. Having explored numerous national parks across the country, I bring a wealth of knowledge about their unique features, visitor patterns, and the delicate balance required to preserve these natural wonders.
The recently released National Park Service numbers for the year shed light on the continued popularity of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With almost 13 million visitors in the past year, it remains the most visited national park in the United States, a trend that has persisted for several years. This is a testament to the park's enduring appeal, drawing millions of nature enthusiasts, hikers, and wildlife admirers annually.
Superintendent Cassius Cash's statement highlights the park's significance and the ongoing challenge of maintaining a high-quality visitor experience while preserving the park's resources. This is a crucial aspect of park management, and it reflects the delicate balance that all popular national parks must strive to achieve.
The list of most-visited national parks in 2022 includes iconic names such as Grand Canyon, Joshua Tree, Yellowstone, and others. These parks have become household names, attracting millions with their breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Interestingly, two lesser-known parks, Cuyahoga Valley and Indiana Dunes, surpassed some more famous counterparts in terms of visitation, outpacing places like Arches and Everglades.
The provided visitation statistics offer a glimpse into the popularity of various national parks, with Great Smoky Mountains National Park leading the pack with over 12 million visitors. The numbers also showcase the diversity of attractions across different parks, from the towering cliffs of Zion to the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone.
For perspective, the article highlights the least-visited national park, the National Park of American Samoa, which saw only 1,887 recreational visits last year. This emphasizes the vast differences in popularity among national parks, catering to both those who seek solitude in nature and those who revel in the vibrant energy of more crowded destinations.
In conclusion, these insights into national park visitation trends underscore the enduring allure of America's natural wonders and the ongoing need for thoughtful management to ensure a harmonious balance between visitor experiences and the preservation of these ecologically vital landscapes.
