By Sophia Adams 
Discover the best national parks to visit in the US, where towering mountains, deep canyons, winding rivers, lush forests and shining lakes awaits adventure. Whether one is a special hiker, wildlife enthusiast, or simply in search for a vacation that will prove unforgettable, America boasts some pretty fantastic national parks.
With help of a comprehensive overview of the Best National Parks to visit in the US you got more specific information about the national parks in general and have received tips on how to prepare for the next trip. So from the scenes of grand landscapes such as the Yellowstone to the hidden gems, from the Grand Canyon, this list must give you that kick to still pack your bags, stand at the first ray of the dawn and have a look at these great places.
Yellowstone National Park
Location: Wyoming, Montana and Idaho
Best travel period: June to September
Yellowstone in America is the first national park, but it is, definitely the type of place that one hears about but never visualizes when seeing postcards, until one goes there. A destination that offers enough geysers, springs with hot water, and immense wild life for those interested in traveling, nature and adventure. It comprises of the paperback Geyser, the Old Faithful geyser and the Grand Prismatic Spring. They vary from easy strolls to steep hikes, thus suitable for all different skill levels.
- Things to Do: Hot springs and geyser eruptions, trampling on paths and trails and watching wild animals, and the Yellowstone lake.
- Must-see Sights: Grand Prismatic Spring, Old Faithful, Canyon, Yellowstone National Park.
- Wildlife: Hlions, bisons, elks, grizzly bears, wolves.
- Crowds: But during the summer time the park is still crowded; however this is good for all passer-byes since crowds equal fall, plus eye-popping autumn scenes.
Grand Canyon National Park
Location: Arizona
Peak Season: March to May and September to November.
It is a natural wonder visited annually by millions of people. The canyon runs for 277 miles with one of the world’s best views for sunrise and sunset. Other good options are there in hiking trails that give different options from a small walk along the rim and then challenging hikes down to the Colorado River.
- Things to See: It’s a long hike over the South Rim Trail, a mule ride down the canyon, and scenery from several viewpoints.
- Must see: Mather Point, Bright Angel Trail, Desert View Watchtower
- Wildlife: Deer, mountain lions, as well as the California condor, which is very rare
- Crowds: If you’re looking for solitude, avoid the South Rim, and if you have time, consider making a stop, even if it is brief, at the North Rim.
Yosemite National Park
California
Visiting time: May-September
Famous for its spectacular waterfalls, giant sequoia trees, and dramatic rock formations. For walkers and nature lovers, Yosemite is heaven on earth. Famous sites like El Capitan, Half Dome, and various trails are trying their best to woo the bags of all the tourists. Other attractive views of these granite cliffs and beautiful green valleys surround Yosemite.
- To Do: Hike Yosemite Falls, scenic drive to Glacier Point, and visit Mariposa Grove.
- Places: Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, El Capitan.
- Wildlife: Black bears, mule deer, and a number of birds.
- Crowds: Crowded in the summer; visit the place in late spring or early fall.
Zion National Park
Utah Location
To Visit: April to October
Zion National Park a majestic landscape of it’s characterized by towering red cliffs, deep canyons, and wonderful landscapes. A finest trails in the park is Angels Landing Trail, though this one should only be attempted by those who are experienced hikers, as it offers some dramatic views. For those looking for less strenuous hiking, The Narrows allows you to hike through the Virgin River amidst towering high canyon walls.
- Do: Hike Angels Landing and Narrows, drive on the Highway of Zion-Mount Carmel.
- Not to Miss: Angels Landing, The Narrows, Zion Canyon.
- Wildlife: Desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, and golden eagles.
- Celerity: Very busy during the summer months. Good weather if you can make it in the spring or fall.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Location: Colorado
To Visit: June to September
Perhaps the most picturesque mountain landscapes could be appreciated in the summer months at Rocky Mountain National Park, which is some 355 miles trails, an ideal holiday spot for hiking enthusiasts. Here, find different ecosystems, such as forests and alpine lakes, as well as tundra, all decorated with a splendor of aspens and change their color in autumn.
- Do: Take in the views on Trail Ridge Road, hike at Bear Lake, enjoy the viewpoints at Moraine Park
- Must See: Trail Ridge Road, Bear Lake, and Longs Peak.
- Wildlife: Elk, moose, black bears
- Crowd: It gets really very busy during summers, but for most part, morning or on weekdays time would be good to search for fewer people.
Acadia National Park
Location: Maine
Visit in: September to October
Comes with both coastal beauty and mountain scenery. The sunrises here are pretty spectacular and having many trails that go to a dramatic Atlantic coastline. The tourists here enjoy Cadillac Mountain, a best spots where first sunrise in U.S is witnessed.
- To Do: Cadillac Mountain hiking, visiting of Sand Beach, and watch for wildlife.
- Views: On one of the best view locations in the country, are the viewpoints on Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond, and at Thunder Hole.
- Wildlife: Acadia is home to white-tailed deer and peregrine falcons. There are many seals along the coast.
- Crowds: Even less crowded during fall with fabulous fall foliage.
Glacier National Park
State: Montana
Time to Visit: July through September
Referred as the “Crown of the Continent” Rugged mountains, serene lakes, and glaciers encompass this tremendous and vast park, which is one of the beautiful drives in America. When you go to Sun Road, you will look and hold a view on every turn. 700 miles trails for hiking Glacier.
- Do: Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road, hike to Hidden Lake, kayak through Lake McDonald.
- Must See: Going-to-the-Sun Road, Logan Pass, Many Glacier.
- Wildlife: Grizzly bears, mountain goats and bighorn sheep.
- Crowds: Late summer is high season, go early in the morning in less crowded.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Location: Tennessee and North Carolina
Peak Season: September to November; April to May
Most visited national park in America, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an epitome of biodiversity, misty mountains, and its challenging trails. Wildflowers in spring or fall foliage, this park be added in your must-visit list.
- Things to Do: Hike the Appalachian Trail; see Cades Cove, which has great views; see the waterfalls
- Must See: Clingmans Dome, Cades Cove, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
- Wildlife: Black bears, elk, and several species of birds
- Crowd: Extremely crowded during the fall because of foliage visitors. Best time to visit is early in the morning when it is less crowded.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Location: Hawaii
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is home to two active volcanoes-the Kilauea and Mauna Loa-located on the Big Island of Hawaii. This is an interesting park that allows the visitor to witness, first hand, volcanic landscapes and lava flows. Chain of Craters Road offers views of the landscape that are unbelievable to anyone, while the Thurston Lava Tube gives a glimpse into the past geographic history of the land.
- Tourist activities: Drive Chain of Craters Road, hike to lava viewing areas, visit Thurston Lava Tube.
- Sites of interest: Kilauea Crater, Chain of Craters Road, Mauna Loa
- Wildlife: Nene (Hawaiian goose), sea turtles, and some endemic bird species
- Tourist season: Very few visitors in winter; it is best when the weather and volcanic activity are reasonable.
Role in Health and Nature: US National Parks
Much more than providing a panoramic view of the vistas on offer, national parks are sensitive zones that are crucial to environmental and human health. They must be protected because they ensure biodiversity while raising climate resilience and giving people a haven where the physical and psychological selves can rest:-
Health Benefits
The opportunities for outdoor recreation in national parks can greatly contribute to health and wellbeing. Hiking, birdwatching, camping, and many others let people continue moderate physical exercise, thereby improving cardiovascular health, strengthening muscles, and developing overall fitness. Even studies show that spending some time in nature reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and improves mood. Being in fresher and cleaner air with peaceful surroundings in parks gets people away from urban pollution-related respiratory problems, hence contributing to healthy body strength and vitality.
The preservation of these natural areas has massive benefits to mental well-being. Studies reveal that time spent within nature cuts down symptoms of anxiety, depression, and mental exhaustion. To so many, national parks present a silent retreat for reflection, rest, and renewed relationship with nature. The more people connect with nature, the clearer they become in the mind and are endowed with stewardship, making them want to contribute to its conservation efforts.
Environmental Benefits
From the naturalistic point of view, a national park becomes an essential component in biodiversity and environmental preservation. These parks sustain the ecosystem that hosts several kinds of flora and fauna, some of them being threatened or existing only in certain geographical sites. For example, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is hosting an ecosystem containing different species of flora and fauna, among them hundreds of the different bird species and salamanders unique in nature. Such ecosystems have been preserved; hence, local and global ecosystems benefit properly through balanced food chains and natural cycles.
Thirdly, national parks are carbon sinks because they absorb enormous carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, slowing down global warming. Carbon held in the forests, grasslands, and wetlands within the national parks hinder global warming. Additionally, ensuring that the rivers and lakes within these parks remain pristine implies that there will always be clean water flowing to neighboring communities.
Conclusion
National parks in America are as diverse and vast in adventure as the country’s landscapes. Among them, ranging from Zion’s high desert landscape to the deep abyss of the Grand Canyon, to the green forests of the Great Smoky Mountains or the volcanic wonders of Hawai’i, everyone has an exclusive attraction. It offers a hike of scenic trails, the face-to-face encounter with wildlife sights, or the simple soaking up of views and then leaving you with memories to be etched for eternity. Plan that next road trip, pack those hiking boots, and get ready to explore the natural beauty of America’s best national parks!