Biggest National Parks by Size
1. Northeast Greenland National Park, Greenland Northeast Greenland National Park holds the title of the world's largest national park, stretching over 972,000 square kilometers (375,000 square miles). Established in 1974, it covers nearly one-third of Greenland's landmass. The park is renowned for its Arctic landscape, including glaciers, ice caps, and tundra. It's also a crucial habitat for polar bears, musk oxen, and Arctic foxes. Due to its remote location and harsh climate, it remains one of the least visited national parks, preserving its pristine conditions.
2. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, USA Situated in Alaska, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park spans approximately 53,000 square kilometers (20,625 square miles), making it the largest national park in the United States. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its dramatic landscapes that include mountains, glaciers, and volcanoes. The park’s diverse terrain supports a range of wildlife, including brown bears, moose, and Dall sheep. It also features the largest glacier system in North America, the Bagley Icefield, which is a major draw for tourists seeking adventure and exploration.
3. Kluane National Park and Reserve, Canada Kluane National Park and Reserve in the Yukon Territory is a vast expanse of 22,000 square kilometers (8,500 square miles). It’s known for its impressive mountain ranges, including Mount Logan, the highest peak in Canada. The park is part of the Kluane-Wrangell-St. Elias-Glacier Bay-Tatshenshini-Alsek World Heritage Site. Its glaciers, including the massive Hubbard Glacier, and diverse wildlife like grizzly bears, caribou, and mountain goats make it a significant natural area. The park’s rugged terrain and remote location make it a popular spot for backcountry hiking and mountaineering.
4. Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia Namib-Naukluft National Park covers around 49,000 square kilometers (18,900 square miles), making it the largest park in Africa. Established in 1907, it is known for its striking desert landscapes, including the iconic red dunes of Sossusvlei. The park’s extreme conditions support unique flora and fauna, adapted to survive in the harsh environment. Species such as the oryx, springbok, and the elusive desert-adapted elephants thrive here. The park is a haven for photographers and nature enthusiasts who marvel at its surreal scenery.
5. Yellowstone National Park, USA Yellowstone National Park, spanning approximately 8,991 square kilometers (3,472 square miles), is the first national park established in the world, opening in 1872. Located primarily in Wyoming, it extends into Montana and Idaho. The park is famous for its geothermal features, including the iconic Old Faithful geyser and the Yellowstone Caldera, which is one of the largest active volcanic systems. Yellowstone’s diverse ecosystems support a wide range of wildlife, including bison, elk, and grizzly bears. Its historical significance and natural beauty make it a major attraction for visitors from around the globe.
6. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a lush, verdant area covering about 2,100 square kilometers (800 square miles). Straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, it is renowned for its rich biodiversity, with over 19,000 documented species and possibly as many as 80,000 species of insects. The park's temperate rainforests, rolling hills, and diverse plant life contribute to its appeal. Its rich cultural history, including old Appalachian homesteads and Cherokee heritage, adds to its attraction. As one of the most visited national parks in the U.S., it offers accessible hiking trails and scenic drives.
7. Torres del Paine National Park, Chile Located in the Patagonian region of Chile, Torres del Paine National Park covers approximately 2,420 square kilometers (936 square miles). It is celebrated for its dramatic mountain peaks, blue glaciers, and turquoise lakes. The park’s namesake, the Torres del Paine (Towers of Paine), are three granite peaks that dominate the landscape. Visitors come to hike the renowned W and O circuits, which offer breathtaking views of the park's diverse terrain. Wildlife such as guanacos, pumas, and Andean condors add to the park’s allure.
8. Auyuittuq National Park, Canada Auyuittuq National Park, located on Baffin Island in the Canadian Arctic, spans about 19,000 square kilometers (7,330 square miles). Known for its rugged Arctic terrain, the park features striking landscapes such as the Penny Ice Cap and the Katannilik Territorial Park. The park’s name means “the land that never melts” in Inuktitut, reflecting its glaciated features and permafrost. It’s a haven for Arctic wildlife, including polar bears and caribou. The challenging environment attracts adventurous visitors who come to explore its vast ice fields and remote beauty.
9. Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland Vatnajökull National Park encompasses about 14,141 square kilometers (5,460 square miles), making it the largest national park in Europe. Located in southeastern Iceland, the park is named after the Vatnajökull glacier, which is the largest glacier in Europe by volume. The park features a diverse range of landscapes, including ice caves, volcanoes, and geothermal areas. Its dynamic environment supports a variety of flora and fauna, including reindeer and Arctic foxes. The park’s dramatic scenery and geothermal activity attract tourists looking to experience Iceland’s unique natural wonders.
10. Gunung Mulu National Park, Malaysia Gunung Mulu National Park in Malaysia covers approximately 528 square kilometers (204 square miles). It is famous for its extensive cave systems, including the world’s largest cave chamber and one of the longest networks of caves. The park is home to diverse ecosystems, from lowland rainforests to mountainous areas. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its unique karst formations and rich biodiversity. The park attracts spelunkers and nature enthusiasts who explore its vast underground networks and lush rainforests.
Summary The largest national parks in the world offer unparalleled natural beauty and ecological diversity. From the icy expanses of Greenland to the arid landscapes of Namibia, these parks protect some of the most breathtaking and unique environments on the planet. They play a crucial role in conserving wildlife, preserving natural landscapes, and providing recreational opportunities for visitors. Each park has its own distinct features, from towering mountains and vast glaciers to lush rainforests and arid deserts, making them invaluable treasures in the global network of protected areas.
Table of Largest National Parks
| National Park | Country | Area (sq km) | Area (sq miles) | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast Greenland National Park | Greenland | 972,000 | 375,000 | Arctic tundra, glaciers, polar bears |
| Wrangell-St. Elias National Park | USA (Alaska) | 53,000 | 20,625 | Mountains, glaciers, volcanoes |
| Kluane National Park and Reserve | Canada (Yukon) | 22,000 | 8,500 | Mount Logan, Hubbard Glacier |
| Namib-Naukluft National Park | Namibia | 49,000 | 18,900 | Red dunes, desert wildlife |
| Yellowstone National Park | USA (Wyoming) | 8,991 | 3,472 | Geothermal features, Yellowstone Caldera |
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | USA (NC/TN) | 2,100 | 800 | Biodiversity, historical sites |
| Torres del Paine National Park | Chile | 2,420 | 936 | Mountain peaks, glaciers, lakes |
| Auyuittuq National Park | Canada (Baffin) | 19,000 | 7,330 | Glaciers, Arctic wildlife |
| Vatnajökull National Park | Iceland | 14,141 | 5,460 | Vatnajökull glacier, volcanic activity |
| Gunung Mulu National Park | Malaysia | 528 | 204 | Cave systems, karst formations |
These parks are not only the largest but also among the most diverse and awe-inspiring natural landscapes, offering unparalleled experiences for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
Top Comments
No Comments Yet