The 5 newest national parks: Where they are & when to visit

In December 2020, the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve near Fayetteville, West Virginia became America’s newest national park. Established by the U.S.

Congress and maintained by the National Park Service, the nation’s 63 national parks are protected areas with national significance, representing diverse ecosystems with exceptional natural beauty. They have been set aside for everyone to enjoy, and they are subject to different rules and regulations than other types of public land. National parks encompass all types of terrain, including mountains, valleys, deserts, wilderness — even volcanoes.

And while you may already be familiar with some of the country’s most popular national parks (like the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and the Great Smoky Mountains), the five newest national parks, established between 2013 and 2020, are just as spectacular — and definitely worth a visit. Related: 6 national parks outside the U.S.

to add to your bucket list Tetra images; Getty Images What are the 5 newest national parks? The country’s newest national parks stretch from sea to shining sea. Here they are from most recent to least: 1. New River Gorge National Park Known for its deep canyons and rugged, whitewater river, America’s newest national park — New River Gorge — is easily reachable from Interstates I-64 and I-79 and encompasses 70,000 acres of wooded, mountainous terrain and waterfalls .

Trails wind through old mining towns that tell the story of Appalachia. Vis.