These National Parks Are the 'Most Valuable' to the Economy

While preservation of nature is often pitted against economic interests, it should come as no surprise to any outdoors enthusiast that our nation's National Parks are economic engines in their own right. And while a park's value goes far beyond the tourist dollars it generates, some certainly command top dollar from visitors. 

According to the 2023 National Park Visitor Spending Effects survey reported by National Parks Traveler, parks provided a $55.6 billion benefit to the United States economy, supporting 415,400 jobs in the process. 

These numbers include $9.9 billion in lodging benefits and $5.2 billion for restaurants. It's a $5.2 billion increase from just one year before. 

The Top 10 most valuable parks for the local economy are as follows:

1. Great Smoky Mountain National Park, NC & TN - $2.2 billion
2. Golden Gate National Recreation Area, CA - $1.5 billion
3. Blue Ridge Parkway, VA & NC  - $1.4 billion
4. Grand Canyon National Park, AZ - $768 million
5. Grand Teton National Park, WY - $738 million
6. Zion National Park, UT - $676 million
7. Cape Hatteras National Seashore, NC - $644 million
8. Yellowstone National Park, WY, MT, & ID - $623 million
9. Rocky Mountain National Park, CO - $569 million
10. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area,  - $540 million