Record-Breaking National Park Visits in 2024: Top 10 Most Visited Sites

In 2024, the National Park Service (NPS) reached a historic milestone, recording nearly 331.9 million recreation visits across its 433 protected sites. This figure surpasses the previous record set in 2016, when 330.9 million visits were logged. Compared to 2023, national park visits increased by 6.36 million (2%), highlighting a growing enthusiasm for nature, history, and outdoor adventures.

Top 10 Most Visited National Park Service Sites in 2024

One of the most significant shifts this year was Golden Gate National Recreation Area taking the No. 1 spot from Blue Ridge Parkway, which was impacted by temporary closures following Hurricane Helene in September. Here’s a look at the most-visited NPS sites in 2024:

Golden Gate National Recreation Area (17.18 million visits) – Spanning Northern California, this vast site includes the Presidio in San Francisco, breathtaking coastlines, and diverse ecosystems.
Blue Ridge Parkway (16.73 million visits) – Known for its scenic mountain views, this iconic drive through Virginia and North Carolina has historically been the most-visited site.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park (12.19 million visits) – The most visited headliner national park, straddling North Carolina and Tennessee.
Gateway National Recreation Area (8.92 million visits) – Located in New York and New Jersey, this site includes Fort Hancock and scenic beaches.
Lincoln Memorial (8.47 million visits) – A landmark in Washington, D.C., dedicated to President Abraham Lincoln.
Gulf Islands National Seashore (7.80 million visits) – Stretching across Florida and Mississippi, offering pristine beaches and historic forts.
Natchez Trace Parkway (7.36 million visits) – A 444-mile historic route through Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee.
George Washington Memorial Parkway (6.78 million visits) – A scenic route in the D.C. metro area, featuring Theodore Roosevelt Island.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area (6.41 million visits) – Covering 1.5 million acres in Arizona and Nevada, this park is known for boating and outdoor recreation.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial (5.29 million visits) – Honoring Vietnam War veterans in Washington, D.C..

Top 10 Most Visited National Parks in 2024

Record-Breaking National Park Visits in 2024: Top 10 Most Visited Sites

Among the 63 official National Parks, Great Smoky Mountains National Park remains the most popular, drawing over 12 million visitors. Here’s how the top national parks ranked in 2024:

Great Smoky Mountains National Park (12.19 million visits)
Zion National Park (4.94 million visits)
Grand Canyon National Park (4.91 million visits)
Yellowstone National Park (4.74 million visits)
Rocky Mountain National Park (4.15 million visits)
Yosemite National Park (4.12 million visits)
Acadia National Park (3.96 million visits)
Olympic National Park (3.71 million visits)
Grand Teton National Park (3.62 million visits)
Glacier National Park (3.20 million visits)

Key Trends & Insights from 2024

New Record Set – The 331.9 million visits in 2024 exceeded the previous record from 2016.

Increased Outdoor Interest – More people are turning to nature and historic sites for travel and recreation.

Parkway Closures Impact Rankings – Hurricane Helene led to temporary closures on the Blue Ridge Parkway, causing a drop to second place.

More Than Just National Parks – While headliner national parks are popular, they account for just 28% of total NPS visits. Memorials, seashores, and parkways also attract millions of visitors.

New NPS Sites Opened in 2024 – Four new sites were added to the National Park System, contributing to the overall increase in visitors.

Final Thoughts

With record-breaking attendance, diverse attractions, and growing public interest, the National Park Service continues to be a cornerstone of American tourism and conservation. Whether you’re seeking scenic drives, historic landmarks, or immersive nature experiences, the U.S. national parks have something for everyone.

Want to plan your next visit? Check out the official NPS website for updates on park conditions, new sites, and travel tips!
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