The moment someone mentions the famous national parks in America, visions of unmitigated natural beauty, fabulous travel destinations and exciting recreational activities jump into your mind. National parks offer you awesome opportunities for adventure, hiking, camping, kayaking, boating, fishing and many other recreational activities.

Many of the national parks in America were created to preserve a particular ecosystem. They aim to protect rare and exceptional natural gifts, whether these are shooting geysers, unusual geological phenomena or extensive wildlife. That is why these parks look and feel almost other-worldly. It is here that visitors are able to witness life as it really is, without the frills of modern amenities. That these preserves have managed to combine both conservation as well as controlled entertainment is an achievement of sorts, both of the authorities that maintain them and the visitors who come here to enjoy themselves.

With over 50 parks spread out in 83 million acres of land spread traversing 45 states, the competition is tough. However, over the course of time, some of the national parks have succeeded in edging the others out of the competition. Statistics show that the most visited sites include areas of great natural abundance or places of daring outdoor recreation. Foreign and national tourists show a definite inclination towards parks like the Great Smoky Mountains, the Yellowstone National Park, Lake Mead, Blue Ridge Parkway, Yosemite and the Death Valley.

Whether it is an interest in history, natural life, wildlife, zoology or purely a need for a break that draws people to the national parks, one thing is clear: more and more people are visiting! For example, the Grand Canyon National Park was designed to accommodate approximately a million visitors per year, but in the last couple of years, the park hosted more than 4.5 million tourists each year! According to the superintendent Steve Martin, people from all over the world are coming to these parks. “We have Brits, people from New Zealand, Australia and India and a number of Hispanics and other Asians. It’s just incredible.” This phenomenon is not limited to the Grand Canyon alone.

As increasing numbers of people flock to these areas, there is a certain strain placed on the delicate balance of these reserves. Hence, in recent years, strict regulations have become necessary to shelter the fragile environment of the parks.

The next time you visit one of these gems of America remember that you are paying a venerable tribute to America’s natural splendor. These beautiful places are there for your enjoyment. However, that is not their only purpose. They are there so that coming generations can witness real life in all its raw magnificence. In view of this, follow a policy of ‘live and let live’. Exercise a little restraint so that you do not damage the fragile ecosystem you are relishing. Then, loose yourself wholeheartedly to the beauty around you and discover life as it existed before civilization started closing in on us.

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