10 most famous national parks in the world: Trails, wildlife, and landscapes

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States, attracting approximately 13 million visitors annually. This is nearly three times the Grand Canyon, the second most-visited national park in the USA. Established in 1934 on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park spans 522,419 acres (2,114 km2) and is part of the Appalachian Mountain range. It features mist-covered peaks, deep valleys, and lush forests.

Among its most iconic landmarks are Clingmans Dome (also known as Kuwohi) – the highest peak in Great Smoky Mountains National Park at 6,643 feet (2,025 m), and Cades Cove – a picturesque valley known for historic cabins, barns, and churches, as it was home to early settlers. The park also boasts a diverse ecosystem, with over 19,000 documented species, including black bears, elk, and synchronous fireflies. It’s also home to one of the largest deciduous forests in North America.

View from Mount Le Conte in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Source: Flickr

Popular activities in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park include hiking along the Appalachian Trail, which spans 71.6 miles (115.2 km). Visitors can also enjoy scenic drives such as the Newfound Gap Road (Route 441), and wildlife watching. The best time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park is in autumn (September to November) when the fall foliage is at its peak or in spring (April to June) for wildflower blooms. The park remains open year-round, offering stunning views and outdoor adventures at no fee, in all seasons.

2. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China

Situated in Hunan Province, China, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is one of the country’s most breathtaking natural wonders, attracting around 5 million visitors per year. But the actual number can be much more. Established in 1982, the park covers 11,900 acres (48 km2) and is known for its dramatic sandstone pillars, deep ravines, and lush greenery. Remember the floating Hallelujah Mountains in the film Avatar? It was inspired by one of the sandstone pillars in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.

The most iconic landmark in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, of course, is the Avatar Hallelujah Mountain (formerly Southern Sky Column before 2010), standing at 3,540 feet (1,080 m). Other notable sites include Tianzi Mountain Cable Car. At 6,860 feet (2,091 m) long and with 41 carriages, it offers panoramic views of misty peaks. The Bailong Elevator (literally translated to “hundred dragons sky lift”) is the world’s tallest outdoor elevator, which ascends 1,070 feet (326 m) in less than two minutes.

Zhangjiajie is known for its sandstone pillars and deep ravines. Source: Flickr

Zhangjiajie is home to over 500 animal species and rare plants, including the dawn redwood, a species once thought extinct until it was found again here in 1948. Popular activities in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park include hiking and experiencing glass bridge walks at Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, the longest and highest glass bridge for pedestrians in the world at 1.410 feet (430 m) long and 980 feet (300 m) high. The best time to visit Zhangjiajie is spring (April to May) and autumn (September to November).

3. Grand Canyon National Park, USA

Have you ever seen Into the Wild (2007) and remember the scene where Christopher McCandless paddles down a river surrounded by towering canyon walls? It was filmed in Grand Canyon National Park. Located in Arizona, USA, the Grand Canyon is one of the most famous national parks in the world, welcoming 4.74 million visitors annually. Established in 1919, the park spans 1.2 million acres (4,926 km2) and is home to the Grand Canyon, a 277-mile-long (446 km) gorge carved by the Colorado River.

The most iconic landmark of Grand Canyon National Park must be the South Rim, which offers breathtaking panoramic views. This location alone attracts 90% of all park visitors. Another attraction is the Skywalk, a 70-foot-long glass bridge extending over the canyon opened in 2007. The North Rim is less crowded but equally stunning, featuring towering cliffs and dense forests. The park’s ecosystem sustains diverse wildlife, including 447 documented bird species, 91 mammal species, 48 reptile species, and more.

South Rim is the most visited attraction of Grand Canyon National Park. Source: Flickr

Visitors to Grand Canyon National Park can enjoy hiking the famous Widforss Trail, Bright Angel Trail, or North Kaibab Trail. Rafting on the Colorado River (may require a permit and an advanced registration process) and stargazing are also some top activities in Grand Canyon National Park. The best time to visit the Grand Canyon is spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when temperatures are cooler and crowds are smaller. Summer can be extremely hot, while winter brings snow.

4. Rocky Mountain National Park, USA

Located in Colorado, USA, Rocky Mountain National Park attracts 4.5 million visitors annually. Established in 1915, the park covers 265,461 acres (1,075 km2) and features towering peaks, alpine lakes, and vast meadows. The Continental Divide, a natural boundary that determines the direction of precipitation flow, dividing water drainage across the continent, runs through Rocky Mountain National Park. This creates distinct eastern and western ecosystems within one single national park.

The iconic landmarks that make Rocky Mountain National Park one of the most famous national parks in the world include Longs Peak (14,256 feet / 4,345 m), the highest summit in the park, and Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in North America at 12,183 feet (3,713 m) elevation. Rocky Mountain National Park is also a paradise for those with a love for wildlife watching, as the park is home to elk, moose, black bears, and marmots, as well as over 280 bird species.

Rocky Mountain National Park features towering peaks and alpine lakes. Source: Flickr

Similar to other famous national parks in the world, popular activities in Rocky Mountain National Park include hiking the Emerald Lake Trail, horseback riding to Beaver Meadows Loop, wildlife watching in Moraine Park, and driving the Trail Ridge Road while enjoying the scenic view from the car window. Winter visitors can enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park is June to September when the weather is mild and most trails are accessible.

5. Banff National Park, Canada

Thanks to its vast and diverse landscapes, Canada has some of the largest networks of national parks in the world. Among them, Banff National Park is the oldest and most famous national park in Canada, welcoming 4.28 million visitors every year, about the same as the population in Alberta, where it is located. The park was established in 1885, spans 2,564 sq mi (6,641 km2), and is part of the Canadian Rockies. This is also home to several other national parks in Canada featuring glaciers, alpine forests, and lakes.

Among the famous attractions in Banff National Park is Lake Louise, one of the most visited lakes in the world. Located 60 km northwest of Downtown Banff, Lake Louise is known for its stunning blue waters and a spectacular mountain setting. Just 15 km from Lake Louise, Moraine Lake sits amid the striking Valley of the Ten Peaks, its waters shimmering in a unique shade of azure blue. Banff National Park is also home to an incredible ecosystem with grizzly bears, wolves, cougars, elk, and mountain goats.

Banff National Park is the most famous national park in Canada. Source: Flickr

Visitors can explore trails such as the Plain of Six Glaciers, beginning at Lake Louise and leading to a breathtaking glacier viewpoint. For panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies, take a ride on the Banff Gondola, which ascends to Sulphur Mountain. In winter, Banff is a world-class destination for skiing and snowboarding at resorts like Lake Louise Ski Resort. The best time to visit Banff is June to September for hiking and sightseeing, while December to March is perfect for winter sports.

6. Yellowstone National Park, USA

Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park is the first national park in the USA and also in the world. The park is so big that it spans across a tri-state area, including Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, with a total area of 3,472 sq mi (8,983 km2). It sits atop a supervolcano, which is said to have erupted over 60,000 years ago. This results in an array of geothermal features (geysers, hot springs, mud pots, and steam vents), canyons, and rivers, attracting 4 million visitors coming to Yellowstone every year.

In Yellowstone National Park, every step feels like traveling to a different continent—or even another world. Iconic attractions include Old Faithful, a geyser that erupts every 90 minutes, and Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in Yellowstone at 330 feet (100 m) in diameter and over 120 feet (36.5 m) deep. Here, visitors can hear the water bubble and boil as it rises from the depths of the earth. Despite its intense geothermal activity, Yellowstone is home to diverse wildlife, from bison and elk to wolves and bears.

A boiling geyser in Yellowstone National Park. Source: Flickr

Some of the best activities in Yellowstone National Park include geothermal sightseeing at the Upper Geyser Basin (where the Old Faithful geyser is located), wildlife watching, and hiking to Lower Falls. Mammoth Hot Springs is another attraction in Yellowstone boasting cascading limestone terraces formed by thermal water flowing over thousands of years. The best time to visit Yellowstone National Park is May to October when most roads and trails are open. Wintertime offers opportunities for snowcoach tours.

7. Yosemite National Park, USA

Located in California, USA, Yosemite National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous national parks in the world, attracting 4 million visitors every year. Established in 1890, the park covers 759,620 acres (3,074 km2) and is known for its granite cliffs, waterfalls, and ancient sequoia trees that are of massive size.

One of the most famous attractions in Yosemite National Park is El Capitan, a 3,000-foot (914-meter; from base to summit) granite monolith (a large, single block of stone) popular among climbers. Another impressive rock is Half Dome, a distinctive granite formation that appears like a dome cut in half, hence the name. Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in Yosemite National Park at 2,425 feet (739 m), is another highlight. The park’s diverse ecosystems range from oak woodlands and alpine meadows to glacial valleys, where black bears, mule deer, and over 250 bird species inhabit.

Yosemite Valley is a great location for wildlife watching. Source: Flickr

Visitors at Yosemite National Park can enjoy hiking along famous trails like the Mist Trail, rock climbing on El Capitan, and wildlife watching in Yosemite Valley. Across the national park, visitors can still see traces of the Ahwahneechee, the first dwellers in Yosemite. In winter, snowshoeing and skiing are popular in the Badger Pass Ski Area. The best time to visit Yosemite National Park is from May to September, when most trails and roads are open, though spring is better for seeing waterfalls.

8. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam

Located in Quang Binh Province, Phong Nha-Ke Bang is one of the best national parks in Vietnam, renowned for its limestone karst landscapes and extensive cave systems. The park spans over 123,000 hectares (1,230 km2) and attracts approximately 870,000 visitors annually. Despite its modest visitor numbers compared to other national parks on the list, Phong Nha-Ke Bang is rapidly gaining global fame, especially after its UNESCO recognition in 2003, which highlights its breathtaking caves and rich biodiversity.

However, UNESCO recognition isn’t the only reason this place is getting famous. Phong Nha-Ke Bang is home to Son Doong Cave – the largest cave in the world. With a total volume of 38.5 million m3, Son Doong Cave is big enough to fit a Boeing 747 flying through its largest passage. Phong Nha-Ke Bang is also home to Phong Nha Cave and Paradise Cave, each featuring massive chambers and stunning stalactites. The region’s dense jungles, rivers, and karst formations provide a habitat for rare langurs, saola (a rare and endangered species), and over 300 bird species.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang is home to Son Doong Cave – the largest cave in the world. Source: Oxalis Adventure

Visitors can explore Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park by boat tours through Phong Nha Cave, trekking expeditions to Son Doong Cave, or ziplining and kayaking at Chay River-Dark Cave. The best time to visit Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is March to August when the weather is warm and dry. From September to November, heavy rains may cause flooding in some areas, while December to February can be chilly.

9. Mammoth Cave National Park, USA

Mammoth Cave National Park is home to the world’s longest cave system of the same name, spanning over 426 miles (685 km) of explored passages in central Kentucky. Established in 1941 and later designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, the park covers 52,830 acres (213.8 km2) of forests, rivers, and diverse ecosystems. Among the most iconic features inside Mammoth Cave is the Frozen Niagara, known for its stunning stalactites that resemble a frozen waterfall.

Just as remarkable is the Grand Avenue, where the national park’s longest guided hiking tour takes place. Meanwhile, the eerie Gothic Avenue was where early explorers in the 19th century were encouraged to leave their signatures on the cave ceiling using candle smoke. Interestingly, the park service once referred to these markings as “historical graffiti.” Beyond the cave, Mammoth Cave National Park features lush landscapes intertwined with an intricate network of waterways. The Green and Nolin Rivers, hundreds of kilometers in length, add to the park’s natural beauty above ground.

The Grand Avenue inside Mammoth Cave. Source: Flickr

The ecosystem in Mammoth Cave National Park is rich, supporting rare cave species like cave shrimp and blind fish, alongside deer, foxes, bats, and roughly 200 bird species on the surface. Popular activities in Mammoth Cave National Park include guided cave tours, hiking, canoeing, and wildlife spotting. The best time to visit the park is spring and fall when mild weather is great for both underground and outdoor exploration.

10. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Serengeti National Park is one of the most famous wildlife reserves in Africa, attracting 470,000 visitors annually. Located in northern Tanzania, The park covers 5,700 sq mi (14,750 km2) and forms part of the larger Serengeti ecosystem, which includes the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Masai Mara in Kenya. Interestingly, the name “Serengeti” originates from the Maasai word “siringet,” which translates to “endless plains” or “the place where the land stretches on forever.”

Serengeti National Park is home to one of the largest and oldest ecosystems in the world. The park is best known for the Great Migration, where over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles migrate across the plains in search of fresh grazing every year. Here, visitors can explore the endless Serengeti Plains, the Grumeti River, where crocodiles are often seen waiting to ambush migrating herds, and the Moru Kopjes, a collection of granite outcrops home to lions and leopards.

Serengeti National Park is best known for the Great Migration. Source: Flickr

The ecosystem in Serengeti National Park includes savannas, woodlands, and riverine forests, where big cats, elephants, rhinos, and over 500 bird species live. Some top activities in Serengeti National Park include game drives (exploring by jeep, following trails to spot wildlife species), hot air balloon safaris, and birdwatching. The best time to visit Serengeti National Park is June to October for wildlife viewing, while December to March offers excellent opportunities to see newborn animals and predator action.

Which of these famous national parks in the world captivates you the most? Each offers breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and once-in-a-lifetime adventures. Whether you seek towering mountains, vast deserts, or lush jungles, these national parks promise incredible experiences.