🇺🇸 USA National Parks: Explore All 63 Parks Across the States
The United States is home to one of the most diverse and awe-inspiring national park systems in the world. In total, there are 63 officially designated National Parks, offering everything from towering peaks and lush forests to ancient deserts, deep canyons, and remote tropical islands. These parks span 30 states and 2 U.S. territories, preserving the country’s most iconic landscapes and natural treasures.
Whether you’re planning your first visit or ticking off your latest adventure on a cross-country trip, this guide helps you discover every National Park in the country. In either case, you’ll find links to every state-level guide we’re building.
Plus, we’ll be updating this post regularly as new guides are added. 📌 Save it for future travel inspiration! For your convenience, states are listed alphabetically below.
🔤 Jump to a State’s Letter
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
🏔️ Alaska
Alaska has more National Parks than any state besides California. It offers immense wilderness and jaw-dropping scenery. From the towering peaks of Denali to the glaciers and coastal rainforests of the south, Alaska’s parks offer true adventure at the edge of the map.
National Parks in Alaska:
- Denali National Park and Preserve
- Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve
- Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
- Katmai National Park and Preserve
- Kenai Fjords National Park
- Kobuk Valley National Park
- Lake Clark National Park and Preserve
- Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve
🌵 Arizona
To start, Arizona’s national parks offer a breathtaking blend of canyons, deserts, and ancient history. For example, the Grand Canyon is one of the most iconic landscapes on Earth. Meanwhile, lesser-known parks like Petrified Forest showcase surreal beauty and fossil-rich terrain.
National Parks in Arizona:
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Petrified Forest National Park
🌄 Arkansas
Admittedly, Arkansas may not be the first state that comes to mind when thinking of National Parks, but it offers a gem of wellness and natural beauty at Hot Springs. In fact, it’s the oldest area managed by the National Park Service, thanks to its therapeutic waters and lush surroundings.
National Park in Arkansas:
- Hot Springs National Park
Explore Arkansas’s Parks → (Coming Soon)
🌉 California
California is a National Parks powerhouse. It has more parks than any other state. Whether you’re exploring tidepools or climbing peaks, California offers something unforgettable in every park. From towering granite cliffs in Yosemite to volcanic landscapes, desert ecosystems, and ancient forests, the variety is unmatched.
National Parks in California:
- Channel Islands National Park
- Death Valley National Park
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Sequoia National Park
- Kings Canyon National Park
- Lassen Volcanic National Park
- Pinnacles National Park
- Redwood National and State Parks (co-managed with California State Parks)
- Yosemite National Park
🏞️ Colorado
In the heart of the Rockies, Colorado’s National Parks showcase dramatic mountain ranges, rugged canyons, and ancient history. From the towering Rockies to the mysterious cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde, this state blends outdoor adventure with cultural heritage.
National Parks in Colorado:
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
- Mesa Verde National Park
- Rocky Mountain National Park
Explore Colorado’s Parks →
🌿 Florida
Meanwhile, Florida’s National Parks are full of biodiversity and natural wonder. You’ll find lush mangroves, coral reefs, and unique ecosystems unlike anywhere else in the U.S.
National Parks in Florida:
- Biscayne National Park
- Dry Tortugas National Park
- Everglades National Park
🌴 Hawaii
Far across the Pacific, Hawaiian National Parks offer otherworldly beauty shaped by volcanoes, lush rainforests, and deep cultural stories. A visit to one of these parks is a journey through both geology and tradition.
National Parks in Hawaii:
- Haleakalā National Park
- Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Explore Hawaii’s Parks →
🏔️ Idaho
Idaho shares one of America’s most iconic national parks with neighboring states — Yellowstone. While most of the park lies in Wyoming, its western edge stretches into Idaho, offering access to wild beauty, geothermal wonders, and rugged backcountry trails.
National Park in Idaho:
- Yellowstone National Park (shared with Wyoming and Montana)
Explore Idaho’s Parks →
🏞️ Indiana
Surprisingly, Indiana may surprise you with its rugged cliffs and scenic trails. Its single National Park celebrates the beauty of the Great Lakes and the diverse landscapes of the Midwest.
National Park in Indiana:
- Indiana Dunes National Park
Explore Indiana’s Parks →
🐴 Kentucky
Home to the longest cave system in the world, Kentucky’s national park is a subterranean marvel of exploration and discovery.
National Park in Kentucky:
- Mammoth Cave National Park
Explore Kentucky’s Parks →
🍁 Maine
Along the Atlantic, Maine’s coastal park is famous for its rocky shores, mountain summits, and colorful fall foliage. Acadia is one of the most beloved national parks in the eastern U.S.
National Park in Maine:
- Acadia National Park
Explore Maine’s Parks →
🌊 Michigan
Tucked away, Michigan’s National Park is a secluded wonderland of forests, lakes, and wildlife — only accessible by boat or plane.
National Park in Michigan:
- Isle Royale National Park
Explore Michigan’s Parks →
🏞️ Minnesota
Minnesota’s national park showcases a water-based wilderness perfect for canoeing, camping, and spotting bald eagles.
National Park in Minnesota:
- Voyageurs National Park
Explore Minnesota’s Parks →
🏞️ Missouri
In the Midwest, Missouri is home to stunning riverways and underground wonders. Its lone national park is famous for its extensive cave system and Ozark charm.
National Park in Missouri:
- Gateway Arch National Park
Explore Missouri’s Parks →
🏔️ Montana
Nestled in the Northern Rockies, Montana’s National Park is pure mountain majesty. Glacier offers rugged peaks, alpine meadows, and some of the best scenic drives in America.
National Park in Montana:
- Glacier National Park
Explore Montana’s Parks →
🌄 Nevada
Tucked away in the Great Basin, Nevada’s national park is a hidden gem, featuring snow-capped peaks, ancient bristlecone pines, and intricate limestone caves far from the crowds.
National Park in Nevada:
- Great Basin National Park
Explore Nevada’s Parks →
🏜️ New Mexico
New Mexico’s parks offer white sand dunes and deep caverns. These unique places hold rich geology, vibrant culture, and desert magic.
National Parks in New Mexico:
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park
- White Sands National Park
Explore New Mexico’s Parks →
🌄 North Carolina
North Carolina shares one of the most visited national parks in the country — a natural border of misty peaks and Appalachian wonders.
National Park in North Carolina:
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park (shared with Tennessee)
Explore North Carolina’s Parks →
🌻 North Dakota
The rugged badlands and painted canyons of North Dakota’s park are closely tied to the legacy of President Theodore Roosevelt.
National Park in North Dakota:
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Explore North Dakota’s Parks →
🌲 Ohio
Ohio’s national park is a green escape between two major cities, filled with trails, waterfalls, and year-round recreation.
National Park in Ohio:
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Explore Ohio’s Parks →
🌋 Oregon
Oregon’s single national park protects a lake-filled caldera with jaw-dropping views and a deep-blue lake born from a volcanic eruption.
National Park in Oregon:
- Crater Lake National Park
Explore Oregon’s Parks →
🌾 South Carolina
South Carolina’s park preserves one of the largest old-growth hardwood forests in the Southeast — a peaceful spot for paddling and birding.
National Park in South Carolina:
- Congaree National Park
Explore South Carolina’s Parks →
🌻 South Dakota
South Dakota features two very different parks — one sculpted by erosion, the other filled with bison and sacred landscapes.
National Parks in South Dakota:
- Badlands National Park
- Wind Cave National Park
Explore South Dakota’s Parks →
🎸 Tennessee
Tennessee shares one of the most visited parks in the U.S. with North Carolina — but also features music history and scenic drives.
National Park in Tennessee:
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park (shared with North Carolina)
Explore Tennessee’s Parks →
🏜️ Texas
Big skies and bigger adventures — Texas offers everything from desert solitude to lush canyon hikes.
National Parks in Texas:
- Big Bend National Park
- Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Explore Texas’s Parks →
🏔️ Utah
Utah is famous for its “Mighty Five” — stunning red rock parks on nearly every adventurer’s bucket list.
National Parks in Utah:
- Arches National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- Capitol Reef National Park
- Zion National Park
Explore Utah’s Parks →
🏞️ Virginia
Shenandoah National Park in Virginia features skyline drives, waterfalls, and wide views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
National Park in Virginia:
- Shenandoah National Park
Explore Virginia’s Parks →
🌲 Washington
Washington state is home to lush rainforests, glacier-capped volcanoes, and rugged coastal beauty.
National Parks in Washington:
- Mount Rainier National Park
- North Cascades National Park
- Olympic National Park
Explore Washington’s Parks →
⛰️ West Virginia
The newest addition to the National Park system, New River Gorge celebrates Appalachian adventure and dramatic landscapes.
National Park in West Virginia:
- New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Explore West Virginia’s Parks →
🌲 Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s Ice Age National Scenic Trail traces the remnants of the last glacier, stretching across the state’s rolling landscapes.
National Park in Wisconsin:
- Ice Age National Scenic Trail (recognized within the broader National Park Service)
Explore Wisconsin’s Parks →
🌴 U.S. Territories
America’s tropical and island territories hold two unforgettable national parks. These parks bring adventure, nature, and culture — all far from the mainland.
National Parks in the Territories:
- National Park of American Samoa (American Samoa)
- Virgin Islands National Park (U.S. Virgin Islands)
🧭 Planning Your National Parks Adventure
Here are a few helpful tips to make the most of your journey:
- 🎟️ Get the America the Beautiful Pass — For $80/year, this pass gives you access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including all National Parks.
- 📅 Plan ahead — Popular parks require reservations and fill up fast, especially in summer months.
- 🌤️ Check conditions — Visit NPS.gov for real-time info on closures, weather, trail status, and permits.
- 🧳 Pack smart — Bring water, maps, sun protection, layers, and good shoes.
- 🗓️ Best times to go — Spring and fall usually offer great weather and fewer crowds, but it varies by region.
🌟 Why America’s National Parks?
National Parks are more than scenic places. They showcase the natural world, cultural heritage, and pivotal moments in American history. Each one tells a different story. Some are shaped by volcanic eruptions. Others highlight Civil War history. Many protect old-growth forests filled with towering sequoias. Whatever your interest, there’s a National Park ready to inspire you.
We’re continuing to explore and write about every park. This guide will grow with fresh ideas to inspire your next outdoor trip. 🌄
Ready to start your journey? Let’s explore the National Parks state by state.
