National Park Service hosts record - breaking number of events . Golden Gate National Recreation Area is most popular site . Of the 59 specially designated national parks , Great Smoky Mountains was the most visited , while Grand Canyon National Park came in second place , with 4.8 million visitors . Great Smoky Mountains is most popular national park .
National Park Service hosts record - breaking number of events . Golden Gate National Recreation Area is most popular site . Great Smoky Mountains is most popular national park .