The National Park Service Turns 100!

On August 25th, 1916, Woodrow Wilson signed the “Organic Act”, which created the National Park Service. This act states that “the Service thus established shall promote and regulate the use of the Federal areas known as national parks, monuments and reservations… which purpose is to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.”

Thanks to the National Park Service, we continue to enjoy the natural beauty of these spectacular destinations. Today, there are over 400 national parks in the United States, many more than the 35 in existence at the signing of the Organic Act. Here are the 5 most-visited national parks; number 1 may surprise you!

#5 – Yellowstone

Tucked away in the southwest corner of Yellowstone is a gem of a waterfall: Union Falls, the park’s second highest at 250 feet! Thanks to H. Kajitani for the pic. #yellowstone #waterfall

A photo posted by Yellowstone National Park (@yellowstonenps) on Aug 14, 2016 at 6:43am PDT

Sun down, but the day not done (nor was Great Fountain Geyser). #yellowstone #sunset #greatfountaingeyser

A photo posted by Yellowstone National Park (@yellowstonenps) on Aug 4, 2016 at 8:55pm PDT

It is possible to encounter wildlife on any of the roads in the park at any time, so it’s always important to drive accordingly. Maximum speed limit in the park is 45 mph and in many places it is less than that, as posted, or as conditions or animals dictate for safety. #yellowstone #YellowstoneNPS #bison #bisoncalf

A photo posted by Yellowstone National Park (@yellowstonenps) on Apr 27, 2016 at 11:24am PDT

#4 – Yosemite

The August heat might be getting the best of Yosemite Falls, but Nevada Fall never ceases to inspire. #Yosemite #NationalPark #NevadaFall #TakeAHike

A photo posted by Yosemite National Park (@yosemitenps) on Aug 14, 2016 at 9:21am PDT

Of all the structures still in public use in Yosemite Valley, the Yosemite Chapel is the oldest. Built in 1879, it was moved to its current location in 1901. Although the chapel is primarily used as a house of worship, over the years it has become a popular wedding destination due to the quaint beauty of the building and its spectacular setting. #Yosemite #NationalPark #YosemiteHistory #NationalRegisterofHistoricPlaces

A photo posted by Yosemite National Park (@yosemitenps) on Jul 9, 2016 at 3:09pm PDT

We recommend getting up early… not just to avoid traffic, but so you can find views like this! #FindYourPark #Yosemite #NationalPark #NPS100 #Sunrise

A photo posted by Yosemite National Park (@yosemitenps) on Aug 9, 2016 at 5:10pm PDT

#3 – Rocky Mountain

Today is the 100th anniversary of the National Parks system here in the United States. Preserving spectacular, wild places such as these isn’t just one of the best ideas we’ve ever had, but it’s truly one of the noblest pursuits an individual can undertake. As we celebrate the #nps100 today I want to encourage all of you to continue working to preserve these unequaled jewels of natural beauty. Every visit I make to @rockynps (near my home) I leave with a heavier pack than I started with due to trash I find on the trail. Let’s keep these areas pristine for generations to come! Cheers, America! @usinterior @nps.explorer

A photo posted by Nate Luebbe (@nateloobz) on Aug 25, 2016 at 6:08am PDT

Happy 100th birthday to the @nationalparkservice #nationalparks100 #findyourpark

A photo posted by Artyom (@art_poca) on Aug 25, 2016 at 8:30am PDT

There are few things I love more than our National Parks. Happy 100! | #nps #tbt #rmnp #getoutside

A photo posted by Alex Meyer (@ajmyr) on Aug 25, 2016 at 8:46am PDT

#2 – Grand Canyon

The Confluence, Colorado River, Grand Canyon National Park. ———————— credit: @pedromcbride #grandcanyon #grandcanyonnp #coloradoriver #nevada #entrepreneurs #entrepreneur #businesswoman #businessman #businesstravel #travel #love

A photo posted by ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ᗷᑌᔕIᑎEᔕᔕ TᖇᗩᐯEᒪᒪEᖇᔕ (@businesstravelers) on Aug 25, 2016 at 9:00am PDT

#grandcanyon #usa #arizona #natural #nature #naturephotography #photography #beautiful #relax #travel #traveling #travelphotography #follow4follow #followforfollow

A photo posted by travellover (@travellover2016) on Aug 25, 2016 at 9:06am PDT

grand focus.

A photo posted by ♛Isaac (@hawkszn) on Aug 25, 2016 at 8:57am PDT

#1 – Great Smoky Mountains

Some people love the waterfalls. Others come for the bears. Others still yearn for these vistas. What keeps you coming back to the Smokies? (Photo courtesy of @tfoxy3.)

A photo posted by Great Smoky Mountains NP (@greatsmokynps) on Jul 29, 2016 at 4:05pm PDT

Tom Branch Falls near Deep Creek is our pick for today’s #waterfallwednesday. Where is your favorite falls at @greatsmokynps? (Photo courtesy of J. Contois)

A photo posted by Great Smoky Mountains NP (@greatsmokynps) on Aug 24, 2016 at 2:27pm PDT

This week is our annual Firefly Festival here at @greatsmokynps. These insects can be viewed across the region in open woodlands and along humid forest edges. The synchronous display is used to attract mates and ward off competitors. Talk about a bright idea! . . . . #GSMNP #GRSM #greatsmokymountains #smokymountains #smokies #fireflies #FindYourPark #NPS100 #GoParks #TravelTuesday #TuesdayTips #ExploreMore #OptOutside

A photo posted by Great Smoky Mountains NP (@greatsmokynps) on May 31, 2016 at 2:15pm PDT

Why is wilderness important to you? (Photo by Santosh Kanthety). . . . . #GSMNP #GRSM #greatsmokymountains #smokymountains #smokies #NPS100 #nationalpark ##hike100 #FindYourPark #OptOutside #ExploreMore #WildernessWednesday #goparks #stayandwander #getoutstayout

A photo posted by Great Smoky Mountains NP (@greatsmokynps) on Jun 15, 2016 at 4:15pm PDT