The Most Visited National Park in America (And Where to Stay)
Discover the most visited national park in America, why Great Smoky Mountains is so popular, where to stay nearby, and what to pack for an easier trip.
If you’re planning a trip around Earth Day or looking for your next outdoor getaway, one question comes up fast:
What is the most visited national park in America?
With so many incredible national parks across the country, from desert landscapes to alpine peaks, the answer might surprise you.
What Is the Most Visited National Park in America?
The most visited national park in America is Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
This park consistently sees over 13 million recreation visits each year, making it the most popular destination in the entire national park system.
Located along the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, the smoky mountains national park attracts more visitors than famous parks like Grand Canyon National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and Yosemite National Park.
So why do so many people choose the Great Smoky Mountains over other visited national parks?
Why Great Smoky Mountains National Park Is #1
There are several reasons this park leads all visited parks in the United States.
1. Free Entry
Unlike many national parks, there is no entrance fee. This alone brings in more visitors than almost any other destination managed by the national park service.
2. Easy Access
The park is within driving distance for a huge portion of the U.S. population. Cities across the East and Midwest can reach it without flying, making it one of the most accessible parks in the country.
3. Diverse Ecosystems
The Smokies are known for their diverse ecosystems, including:
- Lush temperate rainforests
- Rolling mountain landscapes
- Wildlife-filled valleys
- Flowing rivers and waterfalls
This range of environments rivals places like Olympic National Park, which is also known for its rainforest landscapes.
4. Scenic Drives and Views
Routes like Cades Cove and connections to the Blue Ridge Parkway make it easy to experience breathtaking views without long hikes.
5. Year-Round Appeal
From spring wildflowers to fall foliage, the park offers stunning views in every season, keeping visitor numbers high all year.
Best Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains
With millions of visitors each year, there’s no shortage of things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Explore Cades Cove
One of the most popular areas in the park, Cades Cove offers:
- Wildlife viewing
- Historic cabins
- A scenic driving loop
It’s one of the top reasons people explore Cades Cove when visiting the Smokies.
Visit Clingmans Dome
The highest point in the park, offering panoramic scenic views and some of the best photo opportunities in the region.
Hike to Waterfalls
The Smokies are packed with waterfalls, making it perfect for short hikes and family-friendly outdoor activities.
Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway
One of the most famous scenic drives in the U.S., connecting travelers to even more natural beauty beyond the park.
Most Visited National Parks in America
While the Smokies lead the list, several other most visited national parks draw millions each year:
- Grand Canyon National Park – Known for the massive grand canyon and dramatic landscapes
- Zion National Park – Famous for hikes like Angels Landing in southern Utah
- Rocky Mountain National Park – Home to towering peaks and alpine lakes
- Yellowstone National Park – The first national park with geothermal features
- Yosemite National Park – Known for waterfalls and granite peaks
- Acadia National Park – Coastal views and scenic drives
- Grand Teton National Park – Dramatic mountain landscapes
These parks are some of the most crowded parks in the country due to their popularity and accessibility.
Least Visited National Parks (Hidden Gems)
On the opposite end, some parks receive very few recreation visits due to their remote locations.
These least visited national parks include:
- Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve – Located above the Arctic Circle with no roads
- Kobuk Valley National Park – Known for remote sand dunes
- Lake Clark National Park and Preserve – Wild landscapes and volcanoes
- Isle Royale National Park – Accessible only by boat or seaplane
- North Cascades National Park – Stunning but less visited
These parks offer incredible experiences but require more planning compared to the Great Smoky Mountains, similar to planning a trip around Joshua Tree National Park hotels and lodging.
Disclosure: Journey Fanatics earns from purchases, no extra cost to you!
Where to Stay Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Since there are no traditional hotels inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, most travelers stay in nearby towns like Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge.
Best Hotel Near the Smoky Mountains
One of the top-rated options is Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg.
This resort stands out as one of the best Expedia options near the park.
Why It’s a Top Choice
- 9.6/10 guest rating with over 2,000 reviews
- Located right in downtown Gatlinburg, close to park entrances
- Walking distance to attractions like Anakeesta and Ripley’s Aquarium
- Indoor pool plus two outdoor pools and hot tub
- Full-service spa with massages and relaxation treatments
- Multiple room types including suites for families
Room Options
You can choose from:
- Standard king or double queen rooms
- Junior suites with sofa beds
- Family suites and multi-bed layouts
This makes it ideal for travelers who might be arriving with rolling duffle bags designed for easy transit:
- Couples trips
- Family vacations
- Group travel
Why It Works for National Park Trips
After long days exploring smoky mountains national park, having:
- Comfortable beds
- Pools for relaxing
- Easy access to food and entertainment
makes a big difference.
What to Pack for a National Park Trip
When visiting high-traffic visited national parks, being organized can completely change your experience.
One simple item that helps more than people expect:
On a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains, you’ll quickly deal with:
- Muddy hiking clothes
- Sweaty outfits from long walks
- Wet items from pools or hot tubs
- Multiple outfit changes across several days
That’s where a dedicated travel laundry bag designed to keep clothes organized makes travel easier.
Why It’s Useful
The Travel Fanatics Dirty Laundry Bag pairs perfectly with compact travel laundry detergent for washing on the go and is designed specifically for travel:
- High-quality nylon material that handles moisture and heavy loads, and easily packs alongside outdoor camping rugs for your campsite or picnic setup
- Lightweight and foldable, packing down to just 6"x6"
- Opens to a roomy 22" x 21" size for longer trips
- Zipper + drawstring closure to keep everything contained
- Keeps clean clothes separate from dirty items in your suitcase
Real Travel Use Cases
- Toss in dirty clothes after a full day at Cades Cove
- Store wet swimsuits after using hotel pools
- Keep hiking gear separate from clean outfits
- Use it across multi-stop trips visiting multiple national parks while relying on durable travel vacuum bags to maximize suitcase space
Whether you’re staying at a hotel like Margaritaville or moving between destinations, tools like a travel document holder to keep passports and tickets secure make it a simple way to stay organized without adding bulk to your luggage.
Final Thoughts
From its accessibility to its stunning views, it’s easy to see why Great Smoky Mountains National Park remains the most visited national park in America.
While other parks like Glacier National Park or destinations in the four corners region offer unique landscapes, the Smokies provide one of the most approachable ways to experience the best of the national park system.
If you’re looking for a destination with incredible scenery, endless outdoor activities, and easy travel planning, this park delivers.
And with the right place to stay and a few smart travel essentials, your trip becomes even easier to enjoy.
Happy Travels! 🌍