The United States boasts stunning natural beauty. This list of American national parks is a must-see for everyone visiting the country. The landscape of the U.S. is incredibly beautiful—with its lofty hills, deep valleys, gentle flatlands, and vast forests. The public parks, protected by the U.S. government, are incredibly beautiful with towering hills, enormous woods, rolling plains, and sweeping valleys. In the list below you can see some of the nation's finest parks and how many national parks in the US currently exist, as well as learn interesting facts about the formation of national parks.
Total Number of National Parks in the US
How many national parks are there in the United States? There are currently 63 The National Park System is a large interconnected grid of conserved and sheltered landscapes that include national scenic landmarks, historical sites, and monuments.
National Parks vs. National Monuments: What's the Difference?
National park maps and national monuments differ from one another in terms of their classification and function:
- National Park Travel Maps: Conserved for their recreational activities, ecology, and scenic beauty;
- National Monuments: Usually smaller regions or tourist attractions that have been preserved for their scientific or historical value.
National parks provide possibilities for recreation and exploration while placing a high priority on the preservation of species and natural environments.
The History of the National Park System
In the United States, the concept of a map of national parks was initially proposed in the 19th Century. One of the first people to come up with the concept of a "national park" was George Catlin (1796–1872), a mostly self-taught artist who had extensive contact with the Native American inhabitants of North America. Catlin created scenes of native villages, including landscapes, people, and portraits.
In Catlin's own words, "through government policies, the natural environment in scenic parks could be designated protected areas in which people and animals would coexist surrounded by the natural beauty of nature." He envisioned the creation of unique land parcels that would not be involved in typical industrial or agricultural development and would preserve the natural grandeur comparable to Native American territories.
Complete List of National Parks in the US
From coast to coast, the US National Parks list offers a breathtaking variety of parks with distinctive experiences and environments.
Here is a breakdown of the parks by region for convenience:
Famous National Parks You Shouldn't Miss
Famous parks like Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon feature awe-inspiring geography and get a lot of visitors. These national parks are well-known both in the United States and internationally.
Lesser-Known Parks That Deserve Attention
Just as inspiring are the little-known gems that allow you to step away from the hustle and bustle, such as the remote Dry Tortugas in Florida and Congaree National Park in South Carolina. Though lesser known, these spots are just as amazing and well worth a visit.
|
Region |
National Park |
Location |
|
East Coast |
Acadia, Shenandoah |
Maine, Virginia |
|
West Coast |
Yosemite, Olympic |
California, Washington |
|
Midwest |
Badlands, Isle Royale |
South Dakota, Michigan |
|
South |
Everglades, Big Bend |
Florida, Texas |
Below you can see the national parks map that currently exist in the United States.
The Oldest and Newest National Parks in the US
More than 150 years ago, the first national park was established, beginning the distinguished history of the National Park System. In the years that followed, more National Parks were established as a demonstration of the nation's resolve to conserve its vast resources for the enjoyment of outdoor recreation. Click here to see America's oldest and newest national parks in the USA.
Yellowstone: The First National Park
Yellowstone was created in 1872 as the United States’ first national park. The world's largest sub-volcano, the Yellowstone Caldera, is its most impressive characteristic. Numerous geysers are the result of underground volcanic activity. There are about 3,000 of them in the world—over half the world's total geysers.
New River Gorge: The Newest Addition
The New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia is expected to join the National Park System by 2020. The park features the New River, which is thought to be the oldest river on the continent and amazing cliffs. With rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and hiking, it is rapidly increasing in popularity among nature lovers.
Conclusion
National parks in the United States are now hubs for research, education, and recreation, in addition to representing the splendor of the wilderness. Wildlands and US wilderness areas are excellent educational resources. To raise awareness of conservation and the beauty and fragility of the environment, they provide lectures, seminars, and guided tours.
They are essential for maintaining species variety, controlling global warming, and guaranteeing ecosystems continue to operate normally. These parks educate, inspire, and preserve the amazing places on our globe for future generations thanks to the actions of people who see the need for conservation in their own time.
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