If you’ve visited some of America’s national parks, you might have noticed that some of the big-name parks are just a bit too big. With over 325 million visitors flocking to the country’s national parks in 2023 alone, it’s no wonder some parks feel more like tourist traps than tranquil nature reserves.
And while the iconic parks like Yellowstone and Yosemite are absolutely stunning and worth a visit, there is something special about the lesser-known parks out there, too.
These underrated national parks offer similar breathtaking landscapes, rich histories, and a chance to connect with nature – only without the busy crowds:
Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
Did you know there are four types of volcanoes? Shield, plug dome, cinder cone, and stratovolcanos. There are only a few places in the world where you can experience all four volcano types in one setting. The Lassen Volcanic National Park is one of them.
It’s located in Northern California and is a real-life geothermal wonderland. It was created in 1916 to protect the area’s unique geothermal features, including boiling springs and fumaroles. Overall, it’s very similar to the landscape of Yellowstone National Park, just with fewer tourists.
The focal point is Lassen Peak, the largest plug-dome volcano in the world. You can hike to its peak, and I recommend doing so in summer, when the meadows explode with colorful wildflowers.
Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
You might be confused about how a national park in the inland state of Utah could have the word ‘reef’ in its name. And you wouldn’t be alone. The park is named after a particularly interesting rock formation, where Navajo sandstone rocks form capitol-like domes.
It’s a bit of a drive from Salt Lake City—around 220 miles south—but totally worth the adventure. The main feature of the park is the Waterpocket Fold, a nearly 100-mile-long warp in the earth’s crust. Before visiting, I recommend doing some research into this interesting geological zone.
Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
Voyageurs National Park is a water-based region located along the US-Canadian border. It consists of more than 500 islands and countless coves and waterways. Spread over 218 thousand acres, the park boasts incredible lakes, forests, and streams. It’s got just about every type of northern landscape within its boundaries.
It’s named after the French-Canadian voyageurs who would travel along these waterways in the 18th and 19th centuries during the fur trade era. Today, you can camp, kayak, hike through winter trails, and even volunteer at the research and historical sites at the park. If you plan your trip during winter, you might even be able to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
Dry Tortugas is one of those rare national parks created to protect the coral reefs and marine life in the Gulf of Mexico. Located off the coast of Florida, it protects a seven-key archipelago, of which 99% of the area is underwater.
When you aren’t exploring the park with a snorkel on, there is also a campground, a historic military building, and a few pristine beaches worth checking out.
Among the sea life, the park puts emphasis on protecting its turtle population, including green, hawksbill, leatherback, and loggerhead turtles. In fact, the area was named back in 1513 after the abundance of turtles that lived here.
North Cascades National Park, Washington
When you look at pictures of the North Cascades National Park, you’ll hardly believe it continually ranks among the least visited in the country. This is partly thanks to the fact that visitors need to hike to see the most impressive features of the park – Ross Lake and Lake Chelan.
But for those who are up for a hike with a rewarding view, there are over 400 miles of trails to explore. The trails wind through dense forests, alpine lakes, and more than 300 named glaciers. It’s even been called ‘the Alps of America.’ Those willing to hike will be thankful for the limited road accessibility!
Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
Isle Royale National Park is located right in the middle of Lake Superior in Michigan, just off the U.S.-Canadian border. It’s only accessible by boat or seaplane from Michigan or Minnesota, which means it costs quite a bit to get there. However, those willing to make the investment are rewarded with experiencing one of the least populated national parks in the U.S.
The park was founded in 1940 to protect the unique wilderness on the islands and the marine life in the surrounding waters. The area includes 450 islands, more than 160 miles of wilderness hiking trails, lighthouses, and shipwrecks. It’s one of the most remote places to visit, and there are plenty of campgrounds for those looking for a truly off-the-beaten-path experience.
Congaree National Park, South Carolina
Congaree National Park was founded to protect the largest forest of old-growth bottomland hardwood in the southeastern U.S. Every year, a river that runs through the park floods the forest and creates a swampy landscape. The park has been designed so that visitors can explore it by kayak or by walking on raised bridges and platforms.
As you might imagine, in a landscape made up mostly of trees and water, this park is a hit with birds. More than 200 species of birds live in the unique floodplain, as well as a bunch of bobcats and deer species.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
Most national parks in this country are suited for hikers, but Guadalupe Mountains National Park sits a step above the rest. It’s home to four of the highest peaks in Texas, including the famous Guadalupe Peak. Throughout the park, visitors can experience a range of landscapes, from desert lowlands to canyons, dunes, and lush highlands.
The park was established in 1972 to protect an ancient fossilized reef called the Capitan Reef. More than 250 million years ago, this now dry reef was submerged in a tropical ocean.
Pinnacles National Park, California
Pinnacles is a bit like a landscape of spires and caves you thought only existed in your wildest dreams. It’s located in central California and is a paradise for rock climbers and hikers. Around 23 million years ago, this landscape was molded by several volcanic eruptions. These powerful blasts left the striking terrain that still exists today.
There are plenty of exciting activities to do at this park, but caving, hiking, and rock climbing are the most popular.
Great Basin National Park, Nevada
When you think of Nevada, your mind might jump to desert landscapes and Las Vegas. But did you know that this arid state is also home to one of the most exquisite and underrated national parks in the country? Great Basin National Park is where you’ll find the world’s oldest living trees. Remarkably, this enchanting desert landscape features alpine lakes, lush ancient meadows, and the iconic Wheeler Peak.
It’s also considered one of the country’s best ‘dark sky’ locations. This means you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye, without light pollution blurring your vision.
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