The Surprising (And Not So Surprising) National Parks Getting the Most Attention on Instagram

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A recent study has unveiled the most ‘picturesque’ National Parks in America, based on the number of Instagram hashtags relative to the area of each park. The results are in, and they may surprise you. These parks offer not only breathtaking views and unique experiences but also the perfect backdrop for your next Instagram post. Here are the top ten parks and what makes them so Instagram-worthy.

1. Gateway Arch National Park, Missouri

Gateway arch national park - DP
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With a whopping 123.44 hashtags per acre, Gateway Arch National Park takes the crown as the most Instagrammable National Park in America. This park, set on just 90.9 acres, is home to the iconic Gateway Arch, the tallest man-made monument in the Western Hemisphere. The park’s stunning cityscape views and the unique perspective of the arch make it a favorite among Instagram users.

2. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Bryce National Park - DP
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Bryce Canyon National Park, with its steep red cliffs and unique geological structures, comes in second with 20.32 hashtags per acre. The park’s famous hoodoos, tall, thin spires of rock that protrude from the bottom of arid basins, are a sight to behold and a favorite subject for photographers.

3. Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia National Park - DP
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Acadia National Park, known for its rocky beaches and granite peaks, ranks third with 11.80 hashtags per acre. The park’s Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the East Coast, offers stunning sunrise and sunset views that have captured the hearts of Instagram users.

4. Zion National Park, Utah

Zion National Park -
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Zion National Park, with its red cliffs and emerald pools, ranks fourth with 9.69 hashtags per acre. The park’s unique wildlife, including mule deer and golden eagles, adds to its Instagram appeal.

5. Arches National Park, Utah

Arches National Park - DP
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Arches National Park, home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, comes in fifth with 8.72 hashtags per acre. The Delicate Arch, the most famous of these, is a popular backdrop for Instagram photos.

6. Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

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Hot Springs National Park, known for its thermal waters, ranks sixth with 8.61 hashtags per acre. The park’s historic bathhouses and beautiful hiking trails make it a favorite among Instagram users.

7. Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii

sunset at Haleakala Summit in Maui
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Haleakalā National Park, home to the dormant Haleakalā Volcano, comes in seventh with 7.85 hashtags per acre. The park’s stunning sunrise views from the volcano’s summit are a must-see for any visitor.

8. American Samoa National Park, American Samoa

American Samoa National Park - DP
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American Samoa National Park, spread across four islands, ranks eighth with 7.21 hashtags per acre. The park’s pristine beaches, coral reefs, and tropical rainforests make it a paradise for nature lovers and Instagram users alike.

9. Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana

Indiana Dunes National Park - DP
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Indiana Dunes National Park, home to over 15 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, comes in ninth with 6.12 hashtags per acre. The park’s diverse landscape, which includes beaches, forests, and wetlands, offers plenty of photo opportunities.

10. Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite National Park
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Rounding out the top ten is Yosemite National Park, with 4.46 hashtags per acre. Known for its waterfalls, deep valleys, and ancient sequoias, Yosemite is a favorite among nature photographers and Instagram users.

Social Media as a Vacation Guide? Absolutely!

The Trail Has Its Own Unique Vocabulary
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A spokesperson for Places To Travel commented on the findings: “Social media continues to play a pivotal role in where we decide to travel to for vacation or for a weekend trip, with many social media users taking to their favorite platform to see the best beauty spots at their chosen destination.

Washington’s 12 Best State and National Parks

Mount Rainier in Washington State Park
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re you ready to get out and experience Washington’s beautiful landscapes? Is mountaineering or hiking at the top of your list this summer? There are 124 Washington State parks. Whether you’re a native Washingtonian or on vacation, here are eight state parks that will leave you longing for more time in the great Pacific Northwest wilderness.

Washington’s 12 Best State and National Parks

Explore the Amazing Rocky Mountains at These National Parks

Rocky Mountaineer
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The Rocky Mountains divide North America in two, with the aptly named Continental Divide running right down the center. There are 13 National Parks in the Rocky Mountains, with 9 in the US and 4 in Canada. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush or a peaceful hike in nature, these National Parks will leave you in awe of the beauty of the Rocky Mountains.

Explore The Amazing Rocky Mountains At These National Parks

Must-Do Activities at 60 National Parks

woman hiker
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Planning a visit to a National Park this year? Use this list to discover something to do in every national park in the U.S.

Must-Do Activities at 60 National Parks

Vintage Photos That Show the Beauty of America’s National Parks

Mark Twain
Curtis, C. C. (Charles Clifford) // New York Public Library

America’s National Parks are located throughout the country in 25 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The land encompassing them was either purchased or donated, though much of it had been inhabited by native people for thousands of years before the founding of the United States. These areas are protected and revered as educational resources about the natural world, and as spaces for exploration. Here are 50 vintage photos that show the beauty of America’s national parks.

Vintage Photos That Show the Beauty of America’s National Parks

13 Best National Parks in Utah to Experience the Wonders of Nature

Grand Canyon
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For adrenaline junkies, Utah’s national parks offer some of the most unforgettable adventures, whether you like challenging hikes or white water rafting. Here is a list of national parks in Utah that you don’t want to miss.

13 Best National Parks in Utah to Experience the Wonders of Nature

This article was produced by Our Woven Journey.

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Karee Blunt is a nationally syndicated travel journalist, focused on discovering destinations and experiences that captivate and inspire others through her writing. She is also the founder of Our Woven Journey, a travel site focused on inspiring others to create memory-making adventures with their loved ones. Karee is passionate about encouraging others to step out of their comfort zone and live the life they dream of. She is the mother of six kids, including four through adoption, and lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest. You can learn more about Karee on her about me page.