These Are The 10 Oldest National Parks In The United States

In 1872, Yellowstone became the first national park in the United States, and today, there are 63. Take a walk back in history to visit the 10 oldest national parks in the United States.

Yellowstone National Park - 1872

On March 1, 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant designated Yellowstone as the first national park in the United States and the world. Today, the park is home to the world's largest collection of geysers, including the iconic Old Faithful.

Sequoia National Park - 1890

Several years after the creation of Yellowstone, logging operations in the Giant Forest came to an abrupt halt when the area was designated as Sequoia National Park. Located in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, this Land of Giants is the place to go to see the world's largest trees.

Yosemite National Park - 1890

What is now Yosemite National Park was first placed under federal protection by the Yosemite Grant, signed by Abraham Lincoln in 1864, but it wouldn't earn status as a national park until 1890. Nearly four million people visit the park each year, and most of them never leave the 7-square-mile Yosemite Valley.

Mount Rainier National Park - 1899

Mount Rainier National Park, home to the most glaciated peak in the lower 48 states, was established in 1899 by President William McKinley. It remains one of the country's most accessible parks, with two major cities – Seattle and Portland – both located within a 200-mile radius.

Crater Lake National Park - 1902

Surprisingly – given the state's natural beauty – Crater Lake is the only national park in Oregon, established in 1902. During the short summer season, the magnificent blue lake sparkles in the sunlight, making the park a favorite for picnickers.

Check out the rest of the article from USA Today here.