The NASPD further counts over 43,000 miles (69,000 km) of trail, 217,367 campsites, and 8,277 cabins and lodges across U.S. state parks. The largest state park system in the United States is Alaska State Parks, with over 100 sites encompassing 3.3 million acres.
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The state with the highest percentage of state and national park coverage is Hawaii, with parks covering 9.41% of the state's 4,134,000 acres. Its 50 state parks cover 30,000 acres, while the two national parks in Hawaii make up 358,870 acres.
Utah is home to 5 of the best national parks—Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion—collectively known as the Mighty Five. Established between 1919 and 1971, these parks are famous for their spectacular red-rock formations, desert solitude, and more than 1,000 miles of hiking & trekking trails.
Delaware is the only state in the country that does not have anational park, national monument, national historic site or anyother unit of the National Park Service.
The smallest park is Gateway Arch National Park, Missouri, at 192.83 acres (0.7804 km2). The total area protected by national parks is approximately 52.4 million acres (212,000 km2), for an average of 833 thousand acres (3,370 km2) but a median of only 220 thousand acres (890 km2).
Map of the U.S. showing the 2023 ParkScore for the 100 biggest metro areas. D.C. has the highest ParkScore at 85 out of 100, followed by St.Paul, Minn.
Boston Common is the oldest public park in the United States. Established in 1634, Boston Common is located in the heart of downtown Boston, and remains one of the most visited places in the city to this day.
Hawaii's 2 national parks showcase its unique volcanic landscapes and pristine tropical ecosystems. Montana, Nevada, and New Mexico each have 2 national parks, featuring stunning mountain ranges, desert landscapes, and cultural heritage sites.
American Samoa National Park – South PacificWhile not located in the United States, the US territories of American Samoa National Park are arguably the most remote.
The smallest park is Gateway Arch National Park, Missouri, at 192.83 acres (0.7804 km2). The total area protected by national parks is approximately 52.4 million acres (212,000 km2), for an average of 833 thousand acres (3,370 km2) but a median of only 220 thousand acres (890 km2).
1. Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, Alaska: America's least-visited national park contains no roads or trails. It's a true wilderness experience.
Remember the criteria to become a National Park. Of all the land in the Adirondack Park, only 2.6 million acres are owned by New York State. With more than half of the land privately owned (105 towns and villages exist in the Park), it could likely never live up to rule #3 under the National Park Service.
During his very active presidency, Theodore Roosevelt established approximately 230 million acres of public lands between 1901 and 1909, including 150 national forests, the first 55 federal bird reservation and game preserves, 5 national parks, and the first 18 national monuments.