2022 National Park Visitors

**2022: National Parks saw 312 million recreation visits.**

In 2022, America's national parks continued their reign as beloved destinations, with several iconic locations drawing millions of visitors eager to experience their natural splendor. While parks like Zion, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and Rocky Mountain National Park consistently ranked among the most visited, showcasing diverse landscapes from dramatic canyons to geothermal wonders and alpine peaks, it was the majestic Great Smoky Mountains National Park that once again claimed the top spot in visitation. Straddling the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, this ancient mountain range is famed for its lush, old-growth forests, which contribute to the characteristic "smoky" haze that gives the mountains their name, and boasts unparalleled biodiversity, particularly its rich array of plant species and a dense population of black bears, making it a prime spot for wildlife viewing. Visitors flock to its winding scenic drives like Newfound Gap Road and Cades Cove, explore over 800 miles of hiking trails leading to stunning waterfalls and panoramic vistas, and immerse themselves in the region's rich Appalachian culture and history, all contributing to its status as a consistently cherished natural wonder.

Data Source: National Park Service Stats