It’s a question many nature enthusiasts and travelers often ask: Just How Many National Parks Are There in the United States? The answer, while seemingly straightforward, is a bit more complex than you might initially think. While the term “national park” often conjures images of iconic landscapes like Yellowstone or Yosemite, the reality is that the National Park System encompasses a wide array of designations, each with its own unique purpose and character.
To truly understand the number of national parks, it’s essential to delve into the diverse categories that make up the US National Park System. This system isn’t just about “national parks” in the strictest sense; it’s a collection of various protected areas, each designated to preserve natural, cultural, and historical resources.
The National Park Service (NPS) oversees 63 designated “National Parks”. These are the crown jewels of the system, typically large areas containing a variety of resources and landscapes. National Parks are managed to conserve these resources and provide for public enjoyment in a way that leaves them unimpaired for future generations. Think of places like the Grand Canyon, Zion, or Acadia – these are classic examples of National Parks, offering vast wilderness, diverse ecosystems, and significant natural beauty.
However, limiting your understanding to just “National Parks” would be missing a significant portion of the story. The National Park System actually includes 429 units in total. These units fall under various designations, each tailored to the specific resources and purpose of the area. Understanding these different designations provides a richer appreciation for the breadth and depth of the National Park System. Let’s explore some of these categories beyond the well-known National Parks:
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National Memorials (31): These sites commemorate specific people or events of national significance. They might be structures or sites, like the Lincoln Memorial or the Flight 93 National Memorial.
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National Monuments (87): Often smaller than National Parks, National Monuments are designated to protect at least one nationally significant resource, be it natural, cultural, or historical. Examples range from ancient ruins to volcanic landscapes.
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National Recreation Areas (18): Frequently centered around reservoirs created by dams, National Recreation Areas prioritize recreational opportunities on both land and water.
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National Seashores (10) & National Lakeshores (3): These designations focus on preserving coastlines and lake shores, offering water-based recreation and protecting fragile ecosystems.
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National Preserves (19) & National Reserves (2): Similar to National Parks, but with potentially fewer restrictions on certain uses, National Preserves and Reserves prioritize resource protection while allowing specific activities that don’t harm natural values.
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National Parkways (4): Scenic roadways designed for leisurely driving and enjoying picturesque landscapes.
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National Rivers (4) & National Wild and Scenic Rivers and Riverways (10): These designations protect free-flowing rivers and their immediate environments, emphasizing natural, cultural, and recreational values.
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National Scenic Trails (6): Long-distance trails showcasing natural beauty and recreational hiking opportunities, often spanning multiple states.
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Other Designations (11): This category includes unique sites that don’t fit neatly into other categories, such as National Mall and Memorial Parks or even the White House.
So, while there are 63 official National Parks, the US National Park System is far more extensive, encompassing 429 diverse units. Each designation plays a vital role in preserving America’s natural and cultural heritage, offering a wide range of experiences for visitors. Understanding the different types of parks allows for a deeper appreciation of the system’s complexity and the varied landscapes and stories it protects.
When you ask “how many national parks are there?”, remember to consider the bigger picture. It’s not just about the 63 iconic National Parks, but the entire network of 429 sites that collectively represent the richness and diversity of the United States. Exploring these different designations can lead to discovering hidden gems and a greater understanding of the nation’s commitment to conservation and preservation.
Four white-sided, red-roofed structures sit on a rocky headland above the Pacific Ocean at the base of a long stairway. Above and to the left of the lighthouse, the sun filters through wispy clouds as it descends toward the horizon.
Next time you plan a trip, consider looking beyond the traditional National Parks and explore the wealth of National Monuments, Seashores, Memorials, and other designations. You might be surprised by the incredible places waiting to be discovered within the vast US National Park System.
Point Reyes Lighthouse at Point Reyes National Seashore (NPS Photo / Anela Ramos Kopshever)
