Home to a large population of birds and animals including many endangered ones, a holiday in the USA is incomplete without exploring its famous national parks and protected areas. So, here’s our list of the must visit national parks in the country.
Yellowstone National Park
Initially inhabited by Native Americans, Yellowstone National Park is the oldest national park in the country. Founded in 1872, this park is famed for its surreal surroundings and is one of the finest megafauna (comprising of giant or large animals) habitats. Gray wolf, coyote, threatened Canadian lynx, grizzly bears, bison, elk, mule-deer, pronghorn and cougar are among the animals that can be spotted here. There are 9 visitor centres and a few museums in and around the park. Camping, horseback riding and other recreational activities can also be enjoyed here.
Yosemite National Park
Established in 1890, Yosemite National Park is home to a large population of native birds and animals including a few endangered ones as well. Black bear, coyote, raccoon, Gilbert’s skink, white-headed woodpecker, river otter, gray fox, red fox, yellow-bellied marmot, white-tailed jackrabbit and brown creeper are some of the animals and birds spotted here. Besides, you can enjoy hiking and trekking around the park.
Grand Canyon National Park
A perfect spot to enjoy the picturesque views of the Grand Canyon (layered bands of red rocks) and the beautiful Colorado River, Grand Canyon National Park is a major attraction in the USA. Comprising several ecosystems and housing a large population of animals and birds, the park, expectedly, is loved by nature lovers. Coyote willow, western honey mesquite, catclaw acacia and exotic tamarisk (saltcedar), canyon tree frog, red-spotted toad, and Woodhouse’s Rocky Mountain toad can all be spotted here.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Home to around 200 species of birds, 39 different types of reptiles and 43 varieties of amphibians, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the key national parks in the country. Established in 1934, the park is an ideal place to spot a variety of wild animals in their natural habitat. About 1500 black bears call this park their home.
Grand Teton National Park
Featuring the famous 40-mile long Teton Range, Grand Teton National Park remains popular among the nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts in the USA. Found in 1929, the park is home to American black beer, snowshoe hare, porcupine, bison, pronghorn, ungulates, least chipmunk, river otter and badger. Boating and fishing can also be enjoyed in the area. Cross-country skiing is one of most popular activities here.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park is among the oldest national parks in the country. Featuring nine beautiful formations and offering picturesque views, the park is a popular attraction among nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. Around 79 mammals, 28 reptiles and 289 species of birds can be found in the park. Mule deer, pinyon jays, whiptail, collared lizards, desert cottontails, jackrabbits, cougars, bobcats, coyotes, badgers and gray foxes can be spotted here. Moreover, you can enjoy camping, hiking and trekking in the park.
Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is a well-known attraction in the country. Home to over a thousand species of birds and animals including a few native and endangered ones, a visit to this beautiful national park could be an unforgettable experience. Moose, elk, skunk, bobcat, cougar, and big horn sheep can all be spotted at this park. Grizzly bear and Canadian lynx are the famous but threatened species which call Glacier National Park their home.