America’s Top National Parks Will Give You A Serious Sense Of Wanderlust

@glaciernps

The U.S. Department of the Interior announced that 2016 was a record year for visitation to United States national parks — with 331 million visits. And, it’s easy to see why. From majestic mountains to amazing forests, these natural landscapes can only be described as stunning.

U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke said, “Our National Parks are our national treasures, and it’s important to recognize that they are more than just beautiful landscapes.” He continued, “Growing up near Glacier National Park, I understand the value these places bring to local economies and in preserving our heritage. As we enter into a second century of service and visitation numbers continue to increase, we will focus on maintenance backlogs and ensuring these special places are preserved for future generations.”

Below are the top take U.S. national parks in terms of visitation for last year.

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, Tenn. – 11,312,786

A air quality warning has been issued for @greatsmokynps due to nearby fires. Perhaps the next couple days might be better doing a gentle stroll as opposed to a strenuous hike. Be safe out there. (Photo courtesy of @trailwandering).

A post shared by Great Smoky Mountains NP (@greatsmokynps) on Nov 7, 2016 at 5:06pm PST

2. Grand Canyon National Park, Ariz. – 5,969,811

"Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why it's called the present." –Alice Morse Earle (Sunrise from Yavapai Point on the South Rim courtesy of Christian Schroll) #GrandCanyon #Arizona #Sunrise -mq

A post shared by GrandCanyonNPS (@grandcanyonnps) on Jan 17, 2017 at 6:45am PST

3. Yosemite National Park, Calif. – 5,028,868

I spy with my little eye… a little bit of green! Although it's impossible to predict what incoming weather might bring, we are starting to notice some signs of Spring in Yosemite Valley. Have you seen any changes where you live? #yosemite #nationalpark

A post shared by Yosemite National Park (@yosemitenps) on Mar 3, 2017 at 5:07pm PST

4. Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, Colo. – 4,517,585

“The trick is to enjoy life. Don't wish away your days, waiting for better ones ahead.” ― Marjorie Pay Hinckley Photo by @jillijack #findyourpark #explore #havefun #letsgosomewhere #nationalparks #discover #nationalparks #rmnp

A post shared by Rocky Mountain National Park (@rockynps) on Feb 21, 2017 at 12:04pm PST

5. Zion National Park, Springdale, Utah – 4,295,127

The Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive will be closed all day on Sunday, November 27th due to snow. Wilderness backpackers will need to park at the visitor center and hike to the Lee Pass Trailhead. – #zion #nps #doi #utah #snow #kolobcanyon #nature #outdoors #roadcondtions

A post shared by Zion National Park (@zionnps) on Nov 27, 2016 at 9:46am PST

6. Yellowstone National Park, Wyo. – 4,257,177

Today's #tbt view comes from high above the boardwalks (in a fixed-wing plane) over Midway Geyser Basin. One of the statements of the Yellowstone Pledge is to stay on boardwalks in thermal areas. It helps protect both you and the park. Thanks to @lifeandmylens for taking the #YellowstonePledge and helping to protect the park! To see the full pledge, visit the link in our bio!

A post shared by Yellowstone National Park (@yellowstonenps) on Mar 9, 2017 at 10:25am PST

7. Olympic National Park, Port Angeles, Wash. – 3,390,221

The shortest day of the year—the Winter Solstice—is tomorrow in the Northern Hemisphere. Now the sun sets more than 3 hours earlier than when this photograph was taken this summer on Ruby Beach! After tomorrow, the days will start to slowly lengthen again. Photo: @grantolio #solstice #isitsummeryet #rubybeach #sunset #shortdays

A post shared by Olympic National Park (@olympicnationalpark) on Dec 20, 2016 at 3:55pm PST

8. Acadia National Park, Bay Harbor, Maine – 3,303,393

Someone told us long ago there's a flood after the storm, we knew it was comin' for some time. When it's over so they say, it'll bring a sunny day, we know streaming down the water. We wanna know have you ever seen the rain? #parksingalong Photo: NPS / Kristi Rugg

A post shared by Acadia National Park (@acadianps) on Dec 2, 2016 at 1:50pm PST

9. Grand Teton National Park, Moose, Wyo. — 3,270,076

"However far the stream flows, it never forgets its source." –Nigerian proverb The headwaters of Cottonwood Creek at Jenny Lake this morning at sunrise. #mygrandteton NPS Photo

A post shared by Grand Teton National Park (@grandtetonnps) on Sep 28, 2016 at 8:50am PDT

10. Glacier National Park, West Glacier, Mont. – 2,946,681

#MountGrinnell near #SwiftcurrentLake has got to be one of the most photogenic peaks in #GlacierNPS. @petercoskunnaturephotography caught this #sunrise scene one blustery morning.

A post shared by Glacier National Park (@glaciernps) on Mar 7, 2017 at 9:37am PST