Readers’ Choice Awards 2012

Nominations for About.com's 2012 Readers' Choice Awards are currently open until February 15. The top nominations in each category will go on to the final voting round February 22 - March 21. The winners will be announced on March 30.

You can stay up to date on the 2012 Readers' Choice Awards nominations, voting, and final winners by signing up for About.com National & State Parks’ free weekly e-newsletter. Or like About.com National & State Parks on Facebook and follow what parks are getting the votes.

To nominate your favorite parks, continue reading below and click on the category link that you want to nominate. Remember, you can only nominate once per category, so make it count!

With eight stunning national parks to choose from, picking your favorite may be tough. From Denali to Gates of the Arctic, this region is known for its majestic subarctic landscapes and abundant wildlife. Find info on all eight Alaskan national parks, including overviews, travel itineraries, photographs, and more.

View a list of the National Parks in Alaska

It wasn’t until the 20th century that park planners turned their attention to the beauty of the East coast. From swampland to stunning islands, the national parks in this region preserve a wide variety of landscape. The popular Acadia National Park in an East coast must-see, while many may not be aware of all that Voyageurs has to offer. Learn about all the parks in this area, including activities and itineraries, and cast your vote!

View a list of the National Parks in the East

The Chihuahuan Desert encompasses all the parks in the Southwest, which should give you an idea of what they are like. Ironic as it may sound, water was the prime agent that formed the valleys, caverns, and rugged mountains millions of years ago when a shallow inland sea covered the entire American midwest. The water may be long gone, but what was left behind is beautiful and unique natural structures that amaze all who visit. So which one is your favorite? Big Bend? Carlsbad Caverns? Learn about them all and choose yours now.

View a list of the National Parks in the Southwest

The Pacific Northwest is perhaps one of the most active regions in the country. Parks here preserve active volcanoes, the tallest trees on Earth, and some of the most beautiful places in the country. Whether you prefer a hike through Redwood National Park or skiing at Mount Rainier, the Pacific Northwest has many favorites to choose from. Learn about them all before you cast your vote.

View a list of the National Parks in the Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Southwest is comprised of two very distinct regions: the California mainland and the islands of the Pacific Ocean. California offers an amazingly diverse landscape: The Snow-covered peaks of the Sierra Nevadas offer a sharp contrast to Death Valley, the hottest and driest place in North America. Picking your favorite in this region will have you deciding more than what weather you prefer. Read about the parks of the area and determine which park will get your vote.

View a list of the National Parks in the Pacific Southwest

With the pristine lakes, massive glaciers, bright wildflowers, and blue skies of the Rocky Mountains, it’s no surprise that the park in this region are some of the most popular. From the country’s first national park, Yellowstone, to the historical Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the area of the Rockies have much to offer. Learn about them now and decide your favorite.

View a list of the National Parks in the Rocky Mountains

If you like parks that are full of history, do you have a favorite in the Colorado Plateau? This region allows visitors to explore over 2 billion years of Earth’s history through canyons and rock formations. The iconic Grand Canyon has become perhaps the most famous national park in the country, yet the beautiful natural structures of Arches National Park are a favorite of many. Which park will you choose?

View a list of the National Parks in the Colorado Plateau