U.S. national parks hit 323 million visits in 2025—see which trails broke records
America's national parks saw over 323 million visits in 2025, marking the sixth-busiest year on record. While no single park surpassed 10 million visitors, three sites still broke that barrier. The data also revealed stark contrasts, from California's crowded trails to New Hampshire's quietest park.
The Blue Ridge Parkway remained the most popular destination, drawing 16.5 million visitors. Of those, 11.3 million explored the North Carolina section, while Virginia's stretch saw 5.2 million. Another heavily trafficked site, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, attracted 15.7 million—though official figures for some parks remained unverified.
California dominated overall, with its national parks hosting more than 39 million visits. Meanwhile, New Hampshire recorded the fewest, as Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park welcomed just 28,000 people.
Across the country, over 40 parks exceeded 2.2 million visits. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail alone saw 6.2 million hikers, with Virginia's segment the busiest at 1.5 million. Yellowstone, despite its fame, logged 4.76 million—well below the 10-million mark.
Visitors also benefited from free entry on select days, including Memorial Day, Independence Day weekend, and the National Park Service's 110th birthday. With 106 fee-charging parks, these waivers provided wider access to public lands.
The 2025 figures highlight both the enduring appeal of major parks and the quieter corners of the system. While California and the Blue Ridge Parkway led in numbers, smaller sites like Saint-Gaudens offered solitude. Free admission days continued to encourage broader participation in the national park experience.
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