We've Visited ALL 63 National Parks in America – and Only One Has 'the Best of Them'
A couple who visited all 63 national parks across America have revealed which ones are the best – and the reasons why.
Matt and Karen Smith from Seattle shared their list of must-sees with their 141,000 enthusiastic followers on Instagram.
The enthusiastic travelers chose winners in several categories, including 'most diverse', 'best nature sightings' and 'most underrated'.
But the duo eventually got the name Grand Teton in Wyoming because it has 'the best of everything'.
Matt and Karen Smith from Seattle shared their list of must-sees with their 141,000 enthusiastic followers on Instagram
The enthusiastic travelers chose winners in several categories, including 'most diverse' and 'most alien'
The clip shared stunning footage of a herd of buffalo running along the side of the road, as well as a wolf trotting through the snow – earning Yellowstone the award of 'best wildlife sightings'.
The couple started their video by sharing a selfie taken against a scenic backdrop before recording their list of recommendations.
The clip featured snippets of several breathtaking views – ranging from deserts to mountains and lakes.
In the first shot, Karen walked through a forest of moss-covered trees as the overlay text read: “Most diverse park: Olympic.”
Death Valley, with its vast desert landscape, was listed as 'most different park' before the award for 'most epic hiking trails' was shared between Glacier and Mount Rainier national parks.
The clip then cuts to stunning footage of a herd of buffalo running along the side of the road, as well as a wolf trotting through the snow – earning Yellowstone the award of 'best wildlife sightings'.
Bryce Canyon was then named as 'most enchanting' and was quickly followed by the Badlands as 'most underrated'.
Then, with hidden pools and caves, the couple mentioned Zion National Park as “the most unique hiking trails.”
Unsurprisingly, the Grand Canyon was also shortlisted with its sun-drenched mountain path before being described as 'most awe-inspiring' by Matt and Karen.
The avid travelers went on to name Bryce Canyon as the “most enchanting” of all the national parks in America
Badlands was listed as 'most underrated' on the bunch's list before Zion was listed as 'most unique trails'
But in closing, the avid travelers concluded that there was only one place that had “the best of everything”: Grand Teton.
Matt and Karen further explained in the caption, “It's impossible to list all the wonders of 63 national parks in a 30 second reel.
“But the great thing about our parks is that you can experience them for yourself and create your own 'best of' memories, which will of course be different from ours.”
And their clip was quickly flooded with comments as fans flocked to share their own thoughts.
One person wrote: 'So hard to pick a favorite but I love this one!'
A second person wrote, “Walking the Narrows at Zion is one of them [my] favorite things I've ever done!!!'
Unsurprisingly, the Grand Canyon was also shortlisted as 'most awe-inspiring' (left), but Grand Teton is the park that offers 'the best of everything' (right)
And their clip was quickly flooded with comments as fans flocked to share their own thoughts
Another person added: 'Omg I've been to all these parks and I agree with what you're saying 100 percent! I love all these national parks so much, but badlands will always be my underrated favorite.”
Many commenters agreed that the couple named the Badlands as “the most underrated,” while other followers offered their own feedback and personal recommendations.
One person wrote: 'All the highlights are in the West.'
Another person added, “I've noticed a lot more creators downplaying Yosemite for some reason and I don't quite understand it.
“It's their opinion, but I've noticed a trend where people don't like to talk about Yosemite because [of] its popularity.'
Many commenters agreed that the couple named the Badlands as the “most underrated,” while other followers provided their own feedback and personal recommendations
A third person wrote: 'Surprised Isle Royale isn't on the list somewhere.'
A fourth commenter added: 'Agree! But I would add Yosemite as the most awe-inspiring…there's that feeling of seeing the valley coming out of the tunnel!'
One person wrote: 'I think Canyonlands in Utah is another underrated one!! I've visited quite a few National Parks and it's still easily in my top two!'
Another person added, “What about Alaska's national parks?”
Some followers created a friendly competition between the west and east coasts.
One person wrote: 'This is why the Western US is much better than the East.'
Another person added: 'Lol sorry orientals.'
A third person commented: 'No east coast AT ALL? You're obviously from California or somewhere close.”