Empire State Review Team 
America’s Most Popular National Parks
The United States boasts a remarkable array of 63 national parks, each offering breathtaking vistas and diverse ecosystems. As of 2024, these parks have seen a record-breaking increase in visitation, with an astonishing 331.9 million visits reported.
Record Visitation Numbers
In comparison to 2023, national parks saw an influx of over 6.36 million more visitors in 2024, with 28 parks achieving new visitation records. Despite this growth, a recent internal memo from the National Park Service (NPS) has instructed employees to refrain from proactively publicizing these statistics unless inquiries are made.
Key Information
The New York Times revealed that in addition to the directive to limit public communications, the NPS is still prepared to provide visitation data if requested. This year’s numbers reflect a significant upward trend, raising questions about the agency’s communication policies.
Recent Developments Within the NPS
These visitation results come amidst chaotic changes within the NPS, highlighted by recent employment adjustments under the current federal administration. Reports from February mentioned mass firings of approximately 1,000 new employees crucial for maintaining park standards and visitor education. However, following public outcry, many of these positions have since been reinstated.
Future Staffing Considerations
The NPS has indicated plans to hire nearly 7,700 seasonal workers this year, increasing from previous estimates. This move is a response to both the need for adequate staffing and the challenges posed by ongoing administrative reforms that resulted in significant staff turnover.
America’s Most Visited National Parks
The National Park Service manages 433 sites across the country, including various designations from historic battlefields to nature reserves. The following parks welcomed the highest number of visitors in 2024:
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park (North Carolina and Tennessee): 12.2 million visits
- Zion National Park (Utah): 4.9 million visits
- Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona): 4.9 million visits
- Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana): 4.7 million visits
- Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado): 4.1 million visits
Conclusion
The growing number of visitors to America’s national parks underscores their significance as natural treasures that attract millions each year. However, the challenges posed by administrative decisions and staffing changes may impact the future visitor experience. Park advocates emphasize the importance of sufficient staffing to ensure safety and resource protection within these iconic landscapes.
Source: This article references information from the National Park Service, a report from The New York Times, and various statements from the NPS press team as of March 2025.
