Many if not most countries of the world, of course, set aside choice pieces of territory to protect and often showcase precious natural environments. But thanks to its size and a conservationist ethos dating back to the mid-19th century, few countries offer the number and diversity of natural parks – state and national – as the United States of America, from “sea to shining sea”, as its national anthem poetically puts it. And its 400 national parks are particularly spectacular for all sorts of different reasons. 

Of these 400, ten are particular stars, and I've listed them below, in alphabetical order; limiting this list to ten was very tough indeed, meaning that other glorious parks you’ll have to browse here; what I’ve tried to do with this list is curate for a diversity of geography, experiences and landscapes. If you feel I’ve been remiss in overlooking one, please let us know in comments below!

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