America's Top 20 National Parks Based on Google Reviews

Customer messaging platform Podium recently analyzed hundreds of thousands of Google reviews of America's national parks and subsequently ranked them based on the overall star rating (out of five) and the total number of reviews to determine the top 20 according to those travelers who've experienced them firsthand.

Washington's Olympic National Park continues to be a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts, with many reviewers praising attractions such as Hurricane Ridge and Crescent Lake, among the park's many other highlights, Podium found.

With 4.8 stars from 9,000-plus reviews, New Mexico's overlooked White Sands National Park ranks 19th overall. The destination is a popular spot for backcountry camping as well as sledding thanks to its otherwordly sand dunes.

Cuyahoga National Park in Ohio has garnered more than 10,200 Google reviews and received an overall star rating of 4.8. This Midwest gem is home to the spectacular Brandywine Falls and is one of the nation's best for autumn leaf-peeping.

Home to the deepest lake in the United States and the ninth deepest in the world, Oregon's Crater Lake National Park is among the most pristine travelers are likely to come across and the COVID-19 pandemic has only aided in its preservation.

Sequoia National Park's captivating redwoods boast the distinction of being the world's largest living things and first-time visitors rarely come away disappointed as the park has so far earned an overall rating of 4.8 stars on over 10,400 Google reviews.

Another can't-miss national park during the fall, Virginia's Shenandoah National Park is one of the premier camping, hiking and even driving destinations on the East Coast thanks to the scenic 105-mile long Skyline Drive.

Northern Montana's Glacier National Park is often praised for its countless hiking trails (more than 700 miles) and abundance of wildlife. Although the park has some stiff competition out West, its 4.8-star Google review rating suggests that there's little room for improvement.

One of three national parks in Utah to crack the top 20, Arches is undoubtedly among the country's most impressive, wowing visitors and drawing them back year after year with its 2,000-plus natural sandstone arches.

Less than 300 miles to the southwest of Arches, Zion National Park offers explorers even more breathtaking red rock formations. However, even with an overall star rating just shy of perfect at 4.8 stars, Zion isn't the best-reviewed national park in its own state.

The nation's oldest national park remains as alluring as it was when it was first established back in 1872, inspiring more than 30,000 Google reviews that have produced an average star rating of 4.8.

Yosemite's iconic El Capitan and Half Dome rock formations make the park a hit with climbers but the scenery alone is enough to draw visitors from all over the globe. If there is a drawback it's simply the park's popularity, which results in considerable crowds during peak season.

Despite being selected as one of the "New Seven Wonders" of the world by USA Today and Good Morning America, the Grand Canyon only ranks ninth, according to Podium's research. Nonetheless, the iconic national park has received more than 47,000 reviews with the vast majority being extremely positive (4.8 stars).

Alaska's Kenai Fjords National Park is one of only eight national parks with an overall star rating of 4.9 on Google and has been described by at least one reviewer as a "once-in-a-lifetime experience."

Another majestic Alaskan national park generating tons of positive buzz, Glacier Bay is perhaps best experienced by boat. However, there's just as much fun to be had on land as the park is also home to rugged mountains, awe-inspiring glaciers and lush forests.

In South Dakota's Badlands National Park, bison now roam where ancient horses, rhinos and saber-tooth tigers once traversed. Experts know that because the expansive park's geologic deposits contain one of the world's richest fossil beds.

Located between Seattle and Portland, Washington's Mount Rainier National Park is where you'll find the most glaciated mountain peak in the lower 48 states and a popular destination for hikers and climbers, many of whom have helped the park to a 4.9-star rating on Google.

The "crown jewel of the North Atlantic coast" is not only one of the country's most beloved national parks but one of the most visited due to the seemingly endless natural beauty and a plethora of activities available to park-goers.

The gorgeous views are endless in Bryce Canyon National Park, which is home to the largest concentration of hoodoos found anywhere on the planet. The park's star-filled dark night skies are another big reason it's received an overall rating of 4.9 stars from over 16,400 reviews.

Rocky Mountain National Park is lauded not only for its truly unique attractions, such as Trail Ridge Road-the highest paved roadway in the country at more than 12,000 feet-but its cleanliness and friendly and professional staff.

The nation's most-visited national park is also the best-reviewed, according to Google. Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee boasts the highest star rating and the second-highest number of total reviews of all of the national parks that Podium analyzed.