Explore the Hidden Treasures of America’s Wilderness as You Plan Your Spring and Summer Travels! National parks continue to be a top choice for many travelers, with a record-breaking total of nearly 332 million visits reported by the National Park Service last year. These visits encompass a variety of sites, including parks, battlefields, recreation areas, and more. Among the 63 national parks, some stand out as clear favorites based on popularity. Let’s take a closer look at the most and least visited national parks, along with some insights on weather conditions.
Which National Park Reigns Supreme?
According to visitor data, Great Smoky Mountains National Park takes the top spot. Located in parts of Tennessee and North Carolina, this park welcomed over 12 million visitors in 2024. The park’s popularity can be attributed to its proximity to major cities like Atlanta, Nashville, and Knoxville, as well as the nearby attractions in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. With easy access to scenic hiking trails, the Great Smoky Mountains are a favorite destination for families embarking on road trips across the country.
Furthermore, the park boasts a major seasonal draw. “In the fall, you can experience stunning foliage colors and enjoy pleasant temperatures,” noted weather.com digital meteorologist Sara Tonks. “The weather is not as hot as in summer, yet there’s no need to bundle up as you would in winter just yet.”
A Close Second: Zion National Park in Utah
Zion National Park recorded 4.94 million visits last year, narrowly edging out its nearest competitor. While it may not rival the visitation numbers of the Great Smoky Mountains, Zion shares similar appeal factors. With Las Vegas just a two-hour drive away and Salt Lake City within proximity, this park attracts visitors seeking natural beauty and outdoor adventure.
However, the weather in the Desert Southwest can be more extreme compared to the Great Smoky Mountains, especially during the scorching summer months. “Average afternoon highs in the park can soar well into the 90s at lower elevations,” cautioned weather.com senior digital meteorologist Jonathan Erdman. “July sees many days with temperatures in the triple digits, and June and August also commonly reach over 100°F.”
Additionally, southern Utah experiences a monsoon season from July through August, bringing daily afternoon and evening thunderstorms. “It’s advisable to embark on hikes early in the day to avoid the scorching heat and minimize the risk of thunderstorms,” Erdman advised. “Exercise caution in slot canyons during thunderstorms, as flash floods can rapidly surge through these narrow passageways with little warning.”
Ranking Third: The Majestic Grand Canyon
Nearly tied with Zion, the Grand Canyon drew 4.91 million visitors in 2024. This iconic park is a popular summer destination for many travelers. However, it is also recommended to visit during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall when crowds are fewer and temperatures more moderate, though sometimes chilly
In 2023, the South Rim experiences average high temperatures in the 50s during March, rising to the low 60s in April and reaching the mid-70s in May. According to Erdman, visitors should ensure they have an ample supply of water when venturing into the canyon, but need not be overly concerned about extreme heat at the valley floor during these months. However, due to the elevation, unexpected snowy weather can occur in the spring. Erdman recounted a personal experience of encountering a 6-inch-plus snowstorm during a March visit to the canyon as a college student. Even light snowfall can lead to the closure of certain roads. Despite this, Erdman mentioned that these occasional spring storms have a silver lining – they can help to clear the air, resulting in clearer skies compared to the haze often seen in early summer. Additionally, Erdman noted that after a snowstorm passes, the view of the snow-covered canyon is truly enchanting.
The list of the 10 most popular national parks last year includes Yellowstone with 4.7 million visits, Rocky Mountain with 4.15 million visits, Yosemite with 4.12 million visits, Acadia with 3.9 million visits, Olympic with 3.7 million visits, Grand Teton with 3.6 million visits, and Glacier with 3.2 million visits.
For those seeking a more secluded natural experience, Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve in northern Alaska is the least visited national park, recording just 11,907 visits in the past year. This park’s remote location and harsh weather conditions contribute to its low visitation numbers, with exceptionally long and cold winters featuring temperatures well below zero. Snow and freezing conditions can persist throughout the year, even in summer.
Weather.com senior writer Jan Childs covers a range of topics including breaking news, features related to weather, space, climate change, the environment, and more.
