Ever wondered what makes America's national parks so special? Spanning over 84 million acres, these parks showcase some of the most stunning and diverse landscapes in the world. From the towering granite cliffs of Yosemite to the vast wetlands of the Everglades, each park offers unique experiences and natural wonders. Managed by the National Park Service, these 59 parks attract millions of visitors annually, eager to explore their rich history, geology, and wildlife. Whether you're a nature lover, history buff, or adventure seeker, there's a national park waiting to captivate you. Ready to dive into some amazing facts about these natural treasures?
Number of National Parks
The United States boasts a remarkable collection of national parks, each offering unique experiences and breathtaking landscapes.
- The U.S. has a total of 59 national parks, managed by the National Park Service (NPS), which oversees 423 areas across the country and its territories.
Visitation Numbers
National parks attract millions of visitors each year, showcasing their enduring appeal and natural beauty.
- In 2022, U.S. national parks saw 237 million visitors. Great Smoky Mountains National Park alone welcomed over 12.9 million visitors.
Historical Significance
Many national parks have rich histories that add to their allure.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park was established in 1934 and officially dedicated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1940. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. contributed $5 million to its creation.
Geological Wonders
The geological diversity of national parks is truly astounding.
- Yellowstone National Park sits atop North America's largest supervolcano, creating hot springs and geysers.
Biodiversity
National parks are havens for a wide variety of plant and animal species.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known as the "Salamander Capital of the World," with around 30 species of salamanders. The park also has over 100 species of trees and more than 10,000 species of plants and animals.
Wildlife
The wildlife in national parks is diverse and fascinating.
- Shenandoah National Park in Virginia is home to black bears, elk, and white-tailed deer. Great Smoky Mountains National Park also features black bears, elk, and wild boar.
Trail Systems
Hiking and backpacking enthusiasts will find extensive trail systems in national parks.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers over 850 miles of trails, including 70 miles of the Appalachian Trail.
Cultural Heritage
National parks often preserve important cultural heritage sites.
- Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with thousands of archaeological sites dating back to A.D. 550, including cliff dwellings and masonry towers.
Educational Programs
Many national parks provide educational programs and guided tours.
- The Junior Ranger Program encourages children to explore, learn about, and protect national parks.
Accommodations
Some national parks offer unique and historic accommodations.
- The Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite National Park is a National Historic Landmark, offering luxury accommodations with stunning park views. Notable guests include John F. Kennedy, Herbert Hoover, Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie, and Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.
Film Locations
National parks have served as the backdrop for many famous films.
- Death Valley National Park was used to film scenes for "Episode IV: A New Hope" and "Return of the Jedi" in the Star Wars series.
Mosquitoes in Everglades
Everglades National Park has a unique ecosystem that includes many mosquito species.
- The park is home to 43 types of mosquitoes, with only 13 biting humans. Most mosquitoes prefer the park’s cotton rat population.
Protected Rivers
The National Park Service manages numerous protected rivers.
- The NPS oversees 60 protected rivers and wild and scenic river segments, preserving their natural beauty and ecological importance.
Archaeological Sites
National parks contain numerous archaeological sites that offer insights into history.
- There are more than 75,000 archaeological sites within the national parks system, providing valuable information about Native American tribes and early settlers.
Rock Climbing
Some national parks are popular destinations for rock climbers.
- Pinnacles National Park in California offers unique rock formations and challenging routes for climbers of all skill levels.
Going-to-the-Sun Road
Glacier National Park features a famous scenic road.
- The 50-mile-long Going-to-the-Sun Road traverses around glacier lakes, offering breathtaking views of the park's landscapes.
General Sherman Tree
Sequoia National Park is home to an impressive natural wonder.
- The General Sherman Tree, standing at 84 meters, is the world's largest living thing. Its bark can be up to two feet thick at the base, providing protection against extreme elements.
Skyline Drive
Shenandoah National Park offers a scenic drive with stunning views.
- Skyline Drive is a 105-mile, three-hour-long scenic drive that offers breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Hoodoos in Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its unique rock formations.
- The park has the largest collection of hoodoos—odd-shaped pillars of rock—in the world, formed by erosion over millions of years.
Shipwrecks in Biscayne
Biscayne National Park has a rich maritime history.
- The park is home to six shipwrecks mapped on its Maritime Heritage Trail, offering opportunities for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Arches in Arches National Park
Arches National Park boasts an impressive number of natural arches.
- The park has more than 2,000 documented arches, some spanning up to 300 feet, formed by millions of years of erosion.
Badlands Fossils
Badlands National Park is a treasure trove of ancient fossils.
- The park contains the largest known cluster of late Eocene and Oligocene mammal fossils, providing valuable insights into the region's geological history.
Hot Springs in Big Bend
Big Bend National Park features historic hot springs.
- The Hot Springs Historic District offers visitors a chance to soak in 105-degree water that gushes from the old foundation of a bathhouse.
Caves in Carlsbad Caverns
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is home to numerous underground wonders.
- The park has more than 119 caves hidden beneath the surface of the Chihuahuan Desert, offering guided tours for a unique experience.
Winfield Scott Shipwreck
Channel Islands National Park has a significant maritime heritage site.
- The park features the watery remains of the Winfield Scott shipwreck, one of at least 33 ships wrecked in the Santa Barbara Channel between 1850 and 1900.
Black Canyon of Gunnison
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a stunning natural wonder.
- The canyon is 48 miles long, sculpted over two million years by the Gunnison River and weather forces.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park offers peace and relaxation.
- Named after the Hebrew word "Zion," the park features unique red rock formations and numerous hiking trails.
Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park protects stunning mountain vistas.
- Established in 1929 and re-established in 1950, the park offers abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.
Denali National Park
Denali National Park is known for its extreme environment.
- The park is the deadliest national park when looking at deaths per visitor, with falls being the most common cause of death.
Search and Rescue Missions
Safety measures are crucial in national parks.
- In 2017, there were 3,453 search and rescue (SAR) missions executed in national parks.
Missing Persons
Missing persons in national parks are a significant concern.
- Since 1916, approximately 1,600 people have gone missing in national parks, though 600,000 people go missing in the U.S. every year.
Bear Encounters
Bear encounters in national parks are relatively rare but can be dangerous.
- Eighteen national parks have bears, including black, brown, grizzly, and polar bears. Only one person has been killed by a bear at Denali National Park, while 22 people die from cattle-related incidents each year.
Clingmans Dome
Great Smoky Mountains National Park features the highest peak in the park.
- Clingmans Dome stands at 6,643 feet, with the Appalachian Trail crossing it, marking the highest point along its 2,178-mile journey.
Cades Cove
Cades Cove is a popular area in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- This historic area contains log cabins, barns, and churches, providing a glimpse into the region's past.
LeConte Lodge
LeConte Lodge offers rustic accommodations atop Mt. LeConte.
- Built in 1926, the lodge has no electricity, telephones, or running water. Supplies are carried by llamas.
Fontana Dam
Fontana Dam is an impressive engineering feat.
- Located on the southwestern boundary of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the dam is the tallest in the Eastern United States at 480 feet.
Wildflowers
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its vibrant wildflowers.
- The park has approximately 1,500 species of wildflowers, with fall being the most popular visitation time when leaves change to brilliant colors.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is a popular activity in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- Around 550 miles of hiking trails are open to horses, allowing visitors to explore the park's diverse landscapes.
Festivals
The park hosts several festivals throughout the year.
- Events like Music of the Mountains, Festival of Christmas Past, and Old Timers Day celebrate the park's natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Backcountry Campsites
Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers numerous backcountry campsites.
- More than 100 backcountry campsites provide a chance for visitors to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy the park's wilderness areas.
No Entrance Fee
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is accessible to everyone.
- The park has no entrance fee and never will, encouraging more people to explore and enjoy its natural beauty.
Bicycling in Cades Cove
Cades Cove Loop Road offers a unique experience for cyclists.
- Bicyclists and pedestrians have free reign of the road on Saturdays and Wednesdays until 10 AM from May to September, with no motor vehicles allowed during that period.
Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail passes through Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- Hikers can explore the park's diverse landscapes and enjoy scenic views along the trail, which crosses Clingmans Dome.
Qualla Boundary
The Eastern gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
- More than 13,000 members live in the 56,000-acre Qualla Boundary in North Carolina.
Llama Carrying Supplies
Llamas are used to carry supplies to LeConte Lodge.
- This unique method of transportation adds to the lodge's rustic charm and provides a memorable experience for visitors.
Historical Areas
The park has numerous historical areas to explore.
- Log cabins, barns, and churches offer a glimpse into the region's past and provide a chance for visitors to explore historical sites.
Grist Mills
Great Smoky Mountains National Park preserves historic grist mills.
- These mills, used to grind grain, offer a glimpse into the region's agricultural past.
Trail Maintenance
Federal organizations made significant improvements to the park during the Great Depression.
- The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), the Works Progress Administration (WPA), and others improved trails, fire watchtowers, and infrastructure.
Disney Filming
Great Smoky Mountains National Park has a connection to popular culture.
- Parts of Disney's 1950s TV series, Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier, were filmed inside the park.
Conservation Efforts
The National Park Service is dedicated to preserving natural wonders.
- The NPS works tirelessly to protect wildlife habitats, historical sites, and the integrity of America's national parks for future generations.
America's Natural Treasures
National parks are more than just scenic spots; they're a blend of history, culture, and biodiversity. From the towering peaks of Grand Teton to the unique rock formations in Bryce Canyon, each park offers something special. Whether you're hiking the Appalachian Trail in Great Smoky Mountains or exploring the caves of Carlsbad Caverns, there's always an adventure waiting. These parks also preserve important cultural heritage sites, like the cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde. With over 84 million acres to explore, there's no shortage of natural wonders. So, pack your bags, grab a map, and set out to discover the beauty and history that America's national parks have to offer. Remember, these parks are protected for a reason—let's keep them pristine for future generations to enjoy.
Was this page helpful?
Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.