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15 Must-Know Trivia About US National Parks
The United States National Park System is a treasure trove of natural wonders, historical sites, and fascinating stories. From the depths of the Grand Canyon to the peaks of the Rocky Mountains, these parks hold numerous interesting facts and records. Here are 15 must-know pieces of trivia about America’s national parks that showcase their diversity, history, and unique characteristics.
1. First National Park
Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872, holds the distinction of being not only America’s first national park but also the world’s first. The park’s establishment set a precedent for national park systems worldwide and helped launch the global conservation movement.
2. Largest National Park
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve in Alaska is the largest national park in the United States, covering an impressive 13.2 million acres. This park is larger than Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Switzerland combined.
3. Deepest Lake
Crater Lake in Oregon holds the record for being the deepest lake in the United States, with a depth of 1,943 feet. The lake was formed around 7,700 years ago when a violent eruption caused Mount Mazama to collapse, creating a caldera that filled with water.
4. Longest Cave System
Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky features the world’s longest known cave system, with more than 400 miles of surveyed passageways. New passages are still being discovered, and experts believe the total length could exceed 1,000 miles.
5. Highest Peak
Denali, located in Denali National Park, Alaska, is North America’s highest peak at 20,310 feet. The mountain was officially renamed from Mount McKinley to Denali in 2015, reflecting its original Native Alaskan name.
6. Most Visited Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, straddling Tennessee and North Carolina, consistently ranks as America’s most visited national park, welcoming over 12 million visitors annually. Its accessibility and free admission contribute to its popularity.
7. Lowest Point
Death Valley National Park contains the lowest point in North America at Badwater Basin, sitting 282 feet below sea level. Ironically, the park also includes mountains that rise more than 11,000 feet above sea level.
8. Oldest Trees
Great Basin National Park in Nevada is home to some of the oldest living organisms on Earth – the bristlecone pines. Some of these ancient trees are more than 4,000 years old, with the oldest known specimen being over 5,000 years old.
9. Most Remote Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park in Alaska is the least visited national park and most remote, with no roads leading to it. Visitors must fly or hike in, contributing to its mere few thousand annual visitors.
10. Underwater Park
Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida is predominantly underwater, with only 1% of its total area being dry land. The park is home to spectacular coral reefs and the 19th-century Fort Jefferson.
11. Hottest Temperature
Death Valley National Park recorded the highest reliably recorded air temperature on Earth at 134°F (56.7°C) in 1913 at Furnace Creek, making it one of the hottest places on the planet.
12. Most Diverse Climate
Olympic National Park in Washington features three distinct ecosystems: subalpine forest, temperate rainforest, and rugged Pacific coast. This diversity allows visitors to experience drastically different environments within one park.
13. Youngest Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, designated in December 2020, is America’s newest national park. Despite its name, the New River is actually one of the oldest rivers in North America.
14. Most Photographed Location
Grand Canyon National Park’s Mather Point is considered the most photographed location in the entire National Park System. The viewpoint offers spectacular views of the canyon’s colorful layers and vast expanse.
15. Park with Most Plant Species
Great Smoky Mountains National Park contains over 1,500 flowering plant species, making it the park with the greatest diversity of plants in the National Park System. The park is sometimes called the “Wildflower National Park.”
These fascinating facts demonstrate the incredible diversity and uniqueness of America’s national parks. From record-breaking natural features to historical significance, each park contributes to a system that has been called “America’s Best Idea.” The National Park System continues to preserve these natural and cultural treasures for future generations while providing opportunities for education, recreation, and inspiration.