Let us start by stating that the research we're about to highlight isn't necessarily scientific but this new ranking by outdoor travel site Outforia is sure to inspire some exciting conversation about the country's top national parks. The company analyzed 58 national parks in the United States and came up with a list of the 10 most scenic ones based on average annual temperature and rainfall, sights and landmarks, Instagram hashtags, highest peaks and wildlife spotting opportunities.
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Boasting the highest number of sights and landmarks (a total of 44), the Grand Canyon tops the overall list and also happens to be the most loved national park on Instagram (the site found 3.8 million posts on the platform mentioning the destination).
If you're after seeing animals, consider visiting the Great Smoky Mountains, home to the highest number of animal species (1778 ini total!). Expect to lock eyes with 200 types of birds, 50 species of fish, 43 amphibians, 39 reptiles and "notable populations of black bears and elk). The destination also happens to be the most diverse in terms of plant life—visitors will get to gaze at 3,600 different sorts of plants within the area—and the most visited around (12,547,743 people come here annually).
So, without further ado, here are the 10 most scenic national parks in the United States according to Outforia. How do you feel about the ranking?
1. Grand Canyon, Arizona
2. Yosemite, California
3. Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina/Tennessee
4. Yellowstone, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho
5. Sequoia & Kings Canyon, California
6. Rocky Mountain, Colorado
7. Death Valley, California/Nevada
8. Zion, Utah
9. Big Bend, Texas
10. Grand Teton, Wyoming
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