5 most crowded national parks in the USA; what travellers should know

When it comes to the national parks, the United States scores high for being home to some of the iconic parks in the world. And that’s the reason why some of these iconic parks are also the most crowded. Using visitor data from the U.S. National Park Service and a report published in AOL, here is a list of five national parks that attract millions of wildlife lovers, photographers and tourists every year—making them a must visit. For travellers, the parks offer otherworldly landscapes, unique animals and misty mountains. But come peak-season, these parks transform your notion about exploring national parks in the USA. Long queues, and limited accommodation are some of the issues worth mentioning.

On this note, let’s have a closer look at America’s five most crowded national parks, and travel tips on how to explore these.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park remains the ultimate winner by a huge margin. The park, spread across Tennessee and North Carolina, is among the most visited in the US and attracts over 12 million visitors annually. The Smokies are noted for their misty mountains and rich biodiversity. It is suggested to visit in early spring or winter for fewer crowds.

Then comes Zion in Utah which as per reports draws over 5 million visitors annually. It is noted for its dramatic red cliffs, canyons, and adventure trails. Travellers can enjoy activities like hiking Angel’s Landing and walking through The Narrows. These experiences have gained massive popularity, thanks to social media. Plan a trip in winter for fewer crowds. There are better chances of getting permits for hikes.

Grand Canyon National Park is counted among the world’s most famous natural wonders. You won’t believe it, but the reports suggest that the national park attracts nearly 5 million visitors annually. The South Rim is the most crowded. But North Rim is the quieter side. The canyon’s immense size and geological beauty make it a must-visit. Visit in January or February for fewer crowds.

Yellowstone is spread across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. It is also the world’s first national park. As per reports, the global icon receives over 4.7 million visitors every year. The park is known for being home to unique wildlife sightings including bison and bears. The geothermal wonders like geysers are also a major draw. Plan a trip around late winter for fewer visitors.

Rocky Mountain National Park attracts more than 4 million visitors every year making it one of the most crowded national parks in the USA. Situated in Colorado, the park is noted for alpine lakes, snow-covered peaks, and hiking trails. To manage the heavy flow of the visitors, the park has introduced timed-entry systems, making it more regulated. Book entry permits in advance.