Of the 63 national parks in the United States, most of the population could name the big five biggest on one hand: the Grand Canyon, Rocky Mountain, Great Smoky Mountains, Yellowstone, Zion. Of course, these parks would win a popularity contest, but what else comes with being a popular tourist destination? Crowds… which is not very relaxing if you’re looking to get lost in nature.
If you’re looking for somewhere that’s a little more “off the beaten path” with room to spread out; these surprisingly beautiful outdoor spots are still under the radar and more than worthy of a visit. Here are my picks for the best underrated national parks.
Big Bend is Texas at its wildest—desert landscapes, starry skies, and rugged beauty that feels completely untamed.
Big Bend National Park – Texas
Big Bend is about as remote as a national park can get with the closest big city (El Paso) being a five-hour drive away. The ultimate “it’s the journey, not the destination” spot, don’t miss a stop in Marfa en route, a quirky boho desert town popular with photographers. Straddling the border between Texas and Mexico, one of the top attractions is a short hike down to Boquillas Hot Spring along the Rio Grande, where you can see Mexico while you’re soaking. And if that’s not enough, you can also kayak down the Rio Grande, where you will literally be on the border. One of the most popular hikes in the park is the Lost Mine Trail but be sure to go at sunrise because the Texas sun is no joke.
North Cascades National Park is a rugged wilderness of jagged peaks, over 300 glaciers, and alpine lakes, offering a remote escape into Washington’s “American Alps.”
North Cascades National Park – Washington
Shockingly still a hidden gem, North Cascades is less than two hours away from Seattle yet gets significantly fewer tourists than Olympic or Mt. Rainier. The ultimate weekend getaway, it contains 18 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), making it a hiker’s paradise. However, if you are looking for more of a payoff with less exertion, Highway 20 is the only road that runs through the park and one of the top scenic drives in the country. Make sure you stop at the Diablo Lake Overlook for one of the best views of the park.
Isle Royale is one of the most underrated national parks, on a remote island where moose, wolves, and wild solitude reign supreme.
Isle Royale National Park – Michigan
Isle Royale is comprised of the largest island in Lake Superior, along with 400 smaller islands. Way up north basically on the Canadian border, the only way to reach them is by charter boat or seaplane, making the visitors to this park an exclusive bunch. Beloved for its shore camping opportunities, there are 36 campgrounds on the islands reachable only by foot or boat (motorized or kayaks/canoes), many with docks for easy water access. And while it is the least visited national park in the continental US, it is the most revisited, meaning if you find your way there, you’re guaranteed to be hooked and eager to return. Isle Royale is also the only park that’s completely closed in the offseason (November – April), so plan accordingly. While you’re in the area, a stop at Mackinac Island, Michigan’s car-free island is another great off-the-beaten path escape.
Cuyahoga Valley is one of the last free national parks, where scenic trails and waterfalls come without a price tag.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park – Ohio
One of the last remaining free national parks in the country and a Midwest gem, Cuyahoga Valley is so spread out it has multiple entrances and over 125-miles of trails between Cleveland and Akron. Famous for its 100 waterfalls, the most notable is Brandywine Falls which stands 60-feet tall with a semi-accessible boardwalk or longer routes to get you there. You can also take a ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad to see all the park has to offer in a mere two-and-a-half-hour trip.
Congaree National Park is a lush, biodiverse sanctuary where towering trees and winding waterways create a serene escape into nature.
Congaree National Park – South Carolina
Congaree has a starkly different climate and landscape than most other national parks in America. Originally named the Congaree Swamp National Monument, it is, in fact, not a swamp but a floodplain and more inland than say, Myrtle Beach on the coast. This means that the boardwalks are flooded at times, making for a tricky walk but a fascinating view. However, Congaree is most famous for its fireflies that light up the sky for two weeks in May and June synchronously and spark the inner kid in any visitor.
Great Basin National Park is a remote Nevada gem where ancient bristlecone pines, marble caves, and star-filled skies converge in quiet, rugged beauty.
Great Basin National Park – Nevada
While most think of the California Redwoods for towering trees, Great Basin is also home to some of the oldest trees in the world, the Bristlecone Pines, which are only found in Utah, Nevada, and California. Be sure to check out the three groves, Lehman Caves, and the fantastic stargazing opportunities, where you can usually see the Milky Way with no need for a telescope. Trails range from 6,200 feet of elevation to a whopping 13,063 feet, so pack your hiking boots and get acclimated.
Wrangell–St. Elias National Park is America’s largest national park, where towering peaks, vast glaciers, and untamed wilderness stretch as far as the eye can see.
Wrangell St. Elias National Park – Alaska
While this national park may not be on your radar for most well-known, it does get the superlative for the biggest national park covering a whopping 13.2 million acres. And with a plethora of nature comes a whole lot of options for activity. You can spend your time climbing, hiking, fishing, sea kayaking, and when it’s cold enough, which is often in Alaska, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. It’s home to a wide range of ecosystems that include Mount Wrangell, an active volcano (don’t worry, the experts say it won’t be erupting any time soon) to some of the largest glaciers in North America. On the eastern edge near Canada, not the most accessible national park to get to, but it is definitely worth the effort.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is a geothermal wonderland where steaming vents, bubbling mud pots, and rugged peaks showcase nature’s fiery artistry.
Lassen Volcanic National Park – California
It may come as a surprise that anywhere in California could be called a hidden gem, and yet here we are. Its neighboring national parks get millions of visitors a year, which is exactly why you should run, not walk, to the seclusion of Lassen Volcanic National Park in the northern part of the state. One hundred fifty miles of hiking trails will take you across volcanoes, alpine lakes, and the fan-favorite, Bumpass Hell. A three-mile round loop will take you around mud pots and boiling pools, and despite the less than compelling name, it is plenty safe and picturesque.
Dry Tortugas National Park is a remote island fortress surrounded by turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and a rich tapestry of maritime history.
Dry Tortugas National Park – Florida
Seventy miles west of Key West, Dry Tortugas is the most remote national park in America. Similar to Isle Royale, the park comprises a cluster of islands and the surrounding waters. To get there, you can either take a private boat, high-speed ferry, or seaplane. At the center is Fort Jefferson, a Civil War prison, where you can take a guided or self-guided history lesson. If that’s not your thing, climb to the top of it for the best view of the island. The turquoise water reminds visitors of a trip to the Caribbean, and with over 67,000 acres of untouched coral reef and shipwrecks dating back to the 1600s, it’s a snorkeler’s paradise. This park is a tropical paradise perfect for those that want to supplement a relaxing getaway with some adventure. Spend the day birdwatching, sunbathing, searching for turtles, or exploring the ocean. If a day trip is not enough, you can also camp on the island.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a dramatic chasm where sheer cliffs plunge into the Gunnison River, creating one of the most awe-inspiring sights in Colorado.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park – Colorado
Did you know Colorado is home to its very own Grand Canyon? Called the Black Canyon, the gorge only receives 33 minutes of sunlight every day; the shadows provide some shade and an air of mystery. The park’s trails attract seasoned hikers while the experienced climbers choose to descend down the cliff. It is a worthy trek down the inner canyon to the river for fishing, rafting, and camping. However, the park is not only for thrill-seekers as the views from the scenic rim loop are just as beautiful, with much less adrenaline required. It’s also possible to see three of Colorado’s four national parks on one epic road trip.
White Sands National Park is a surreal sea of glistening white gypsum dunes, offering a dreamlike desert landscape unlike any other.
White Sands National Park – New Mexico
Recently upgraded from national monument to national park status, miles of bright, white sand and an otherworldly landscape make for a great trip and even better photo ops. Located in the Chihuahuan Desert outside of Ruidoso, the towering dunes cover 275 square miles, aka plenty of room for adventure, including hiking, camping, horseback riding, and even sandboarding. Rent a sled from the visitor’s center and pretend like you’re flying down snow – there’s nothing like flying down the sand with the wind in your hair. There are five established hiking trails in the park, with the most strenuous being the Alkali Flat Trail which leads to Lake Otero, which fills in after heavy rainfall where you’ll find selenite crystals amongst the sand.
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This is such a great list of lesser-explored national parks in the US. You are right, the famous ones like Yosemite, Yellowstone, Smoky Mountains etc. can get very crowded. It is always nice to explore the less crowded ones and enjoy time with nature. The photos look incredible. I really appreciate the post. Thanks!
This is such a great list of lesser-explored national parks in the US. You are right, the famous ones like Yosemite, Yellowstone, Smoky Mountains etc. can get very crowded. It is always nice to explore the less crowded ones and enjoy time with nature. The photos look incredible. I really appreciate the post. Thanks!