The United States is home to some of the most diverse and breathtaking landscapes on Earth—towering mountains, ancient forests, vast deserts, coral reefs, volcanic craters, and pristine coastlines. These natural treasures are protected within the National Park System, a network of 63 national parks that preserve the country’s most extraordinary environments.
This comprehensive guide explores every region of the United States, highlighting the national parks within each area and linking directly to detailed pages for each park. Whether you’re planning a cross‑country adventure or simply exploring from home, this mega‑guide is your gateway to America’s greatest natural wonders.
National Parks by Region
To make exploring easier, the parks are organized into nine major regions:
- Northeast
- Southeast
- Midwest
- Southwest
- Rocky Mountains
- Pacific Coast
- Alaska
- Hawaii
- U.S. Territories
Northeast
The Northeast blends rugged coastlines, ancient mountains, and deep forests. It is home to some of the oldest protected lands in the country.
- Acadia National Park — Granite peaks, rocky shores, and the first sunrise in America.
- Shenandoah National Park — Blue Ridge vistas and historic Skyline Drive.
Southeast
The Southeast is a biodiversity hotspot, with ecosystems ranging from Appalachian peaks to subtropical wetlands.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Congaree National Park
- Everglades National Park
- Dry Tortugas National Park
- Biscayne National Park
Midwest
The Midwest offers peaceful forests, glacial lakes, rolling prairies, and dramatic badlands.
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park
- Isle Royale National Park
- Voyageurs National Park
- Badlands National Park
- Wind Cave National Park
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park
- Gateway Arch National Park
Southwest
The Southwest is a land of red rock canyons, desert landscapes, and ancient geological formations.
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Petrified Forest National Park
- Saguaro National Park
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park
- White Sands National Park
- Big Bend National Park
- Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Rocky Mountains
The Rockies are the backbone of the American wilderness—towering peaks, alpine lakes, and dramatic canyons.
- Glacier National Park
- Yellowstone National Park
- Grand Teton National Park
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Arches National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- Capitol Reef National Park
- Zion National Park
Pacific Coast
The Pacific Coast is home to ancient redwoods, volcanic landscapes, temperate rainforests, and rugged shorelines.
- Redwood National and State Parks
- Yosemite National Park
- Sequoia National Park
- Kings Canyon National Park
- Lassen Volcanic National Park
- Channel Islands National Park
- Mount Rainier National Park
- North Cascades National Park
- Olympic National Park
Alaska
Alaska is America’s last frontier—vast, wild, and largely untouched. Its parks are among the largest and most remote in the world.
- Denali National Park
- Gates of the Arctic National Park
- Glacier Bay National Park
- Katmai National Park
- Kenai Fjords National Park
- Kobuk Valley National Park
- Lake Clark National Park
- Wrangell–St. Elias National Park
Hawaii
Hawaii’s parks protect volcanic landscapes, tropical rainforests, and rare island ecosystems found nowhere else on Earth.
U.S. Territories
America’s territories offer some of the most remote and unique environments in the National Park System.
Final Thoughts
The U.S. National Park System protects some of the most extraordinary landscapes on Earth. From the volcanic peaks of Hawaii to the coral reefs of Florida, from the deserts of the Southwest to the glaciers of Alaska, these parks preserve the natural and cultural heritage of the United States for future generations.
Whether you’re planning your next adventure or simply exploring from home, this guide connects you to every national park in the country—one click at a time.