I went to America's worst national parks so you don't have to
An opinion piece ranking “America’s worst national parks” – with harsh takes on icons like the Grand Canyon, Zion, Yosemite, and Congaree – prompted strong pushback from people who found those places transformative or subtly beautiful, especially once you get away from crowded overlooks. Commenters argue that many grievances stem from visiting only the most popular areas, in peak season, without hiking or venturing into backcountry, and note that timing, preparation, and expectations radically change the experience. Several also highlight lesser-known national forests and state parks as quieter, often equally stunning alternatives, and debate whether the original article is satire, clickbait, or simply a cynical way of engaging with nature.
Reception of the Article / Tone
- Many readers interpret the piece as satire or “rage bait,” with exaggerated negativity used for humor.
- Others find the tone cynically dismissive of nature, arguing it reflects a narrow, joyless way to experience parks.
- Some enjoyed the writing style and found it genuinely funny and entertaining, even when they disagreed with the judgments.
Grand Canyon Reactions
- Several commenters strongly defend the Grand Canyon as transformative, awe-inspiring, and beyond what photos convey.
- Others, especially non-hikers/non-campers, report being impressed but “done in 30 minutes,” finding it less engaging without backcountry activity.
- Multiple people describe life-highlight multi-day hikes or river trips and argue the canyon can’t be judged from the rim alone.
- Safety is a recurring theme: unprepared hikers frequently get into serious trouble; deaths and rescues are common.
Crowding, Access, and Strategy (Yosemite, Zion, etc.)
- Overcrowding in “marquee” parks (Yosemite, Zion, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon rim) is widely acknowledged; traffic and shuttle lines can feel like theme parks.
- However, many note crowds vanish a few miles from trailheads or at sunrise, or in winter/off-season.
- Yosemite and Zion are praised as spectacular if you:
- Hike beyond the usual viewpoints.
- Use less popular entrances.
- Seek backcountry routes or traverses.
- Some argue the article overstates Zion’s crowding; others confirm intense congestion on famous hikes (e.g., Angels Landing, Narrows approaches).
Other Specific Parks
- Congaree: locals and visitors describe it as eerie, beautiful, and unique (old-growth forest, cypress, synchronized fireflies), though it lacks “wow” vistas and can be buggy.
- Gateway Arch: widely questioned as a “national park–level” site; some accept it as “fine,” more like an urban monument/museum.
- Cuyahoga Valley, Mammoth Cave, Pinnacles, Acadia: mixed views, with some seeing them as underrated or contextually appropriate (especially for the East Coast), others underwhelmed.
Alternatives and Broader Context
- Many recommend state parks and nearby National Forests as quieter, equally beautiful alternatives to crowded National Parks.
- Several note the exceptional overall quality and diversity of U.S. parks, while also praising the Alps for hut infrastructure and contrasting European “restoration” with U.S. “preservation.”