Key Highlights
- Over 400 national parks exist across the United States
- More than 300 million visitors come to National Parks annually in the U.S.
- The total area of U.S. National Parks exceeds 84 million acres
- Yellowstone National Park, the first national park in the world, was established in 1872
- The Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim attracts over 6 million visitors annually
- Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness of its kind in the U.S., covering 1.5 million acres
- Zion National Park covers 146,000 acres, and receives about 4.3 million visitors annually
- Yosemite National Park receives approximately 4 million visitors each year
- Acadia National Park has over 100 miles of historic hiking trails
- The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the U.S., with over 14 million annual visitors
- Denali National Park in Alaska covers 6 million acres and hosts the tallest mountain in North America, Mount Denali
- The National Park Service manages over 400 sites, including parks, monuments, and historic places
- The total number of species documented in National Parks exceeds 200,000, including over 2,300 bird species
Did you know that the United States is home to over 400 stunning national parks, attracting more than 300 million visitors annually and supporting a billion-dollar economy while protecting over 200,000 species across 84 million acres of breathtaking landscapes?
Economic and Cultural Impact
- Over 40% of visitors to National Parks come from outside the local region, contributing significantly to local economies
- The National Parks contribute approximately $35 billion annually to the U.S. economy and support over 340,000 jobs
Economic and Cultural Impact Interpretation
With over 40% of visitors venturing from afar and a hefty $35 billion yearly boost, national parks prove that saving scenic wonders is not just good for the soul but also a critical engine for local economies and job creation.
Educational and Recreational Activities
- Over 250 site-specific educational or ranger-led programs are offered across various parks annually
- The average length of stay for visitors in National Parks is approximately 2.3 days
Educational and Recreational Activities Interpretation
With over 250 educational opportunities illuminating their natural wonders each year, visitors averaging just 2.3 days remind us that while time may be fleeting, the lessons learned in national parks are timeless.
Environmental and Biodiversity Data
- The total number of species documented in National Parks exceeds 200,000, including over 2,300 bird species
- The National Park System was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, acknowledging its global significance
- Over 120 species of fish live in the waters of Everglades National Park, including the endangered Florida panther
Environmental and Biodiversity Data Interpretation
With over 200,000 species, including the remarkable Florida panther amid the 120 fish varieties, and UNESCO’s nod in 1978, America’s National Parks are not just scenic escapes but vital, globally recognized sanctuaries for biodiversity that demand our protection and awe.
Geographical Extent and Size
- Over 400 national parks exist across the United States
- The total area of U.S. National Parks exceeds 84 million acres
- Yellowstone National Park, the first national park in the world, was established in 1872
- Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness of its kind in the U.S., covering 1.5 million acres
- Zion National Park covers 146,000 acres, and receives about 4.3 million visitors annually
- Acadia National Park has over 100 miles of historic hiking trails
- Denali National Park in Alaska covers 6 million acres and hosts the tallest mountain in North America, Mount Denali
- Nearly 60% of Americans live within 60 miles of a National Park, increasing accessibility
- The Crater Lake National Park in Oregon contains the deepest lake in the United States at 1,949 feet deep
- Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks host over 650 giant sequoia trees, some of the largest and oldest living trees on Earth
- The Appalachian Trail passes through 14 states and over 2,190 miles within national parks and protected areas
- The Pacific Crest Trail, which runs through multiple national parks, spans 2,650 miles from California to Washington
Geographical Extent and Size Interpretation
With over 400 national parks encompassing more than 84 million acres—including treasures like Yellowstone's pioneering legacy, Denali's towering heights, and the ancient giants of Sequoia—it's clear that America’s most treasured landscapes are not only accessible to nearly 60% of the population within 60 miles but also serve as the grand stage for epic hikes like the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails, reminding us that the wilderness is alive, vast, and just a trail away.
Visitor Numbers and Popularity
- More than 300 million visitors come to National Parks annually in the U.S.
- The Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim attracts over 6 million visitors annually
- Yosemite National Park receives approximately 4 million visitors each year
- The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the U.S., with over 14 million annual visitors
- The National Park Service manages over 400 sites, including parks, monuments, and historic places
Visitor Numbers and Popularity Interpretation
With over 300 million visitors annually flocking to a network of more than 400 sites—including the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Smoky Mountains—the U.S. National Park Service proves that America's love affair with nature and history is truly a national pastime.