America's 10 Most Underrated National Parks
Hiking
, by Charlie Boscoe
The United States is home to some of the most iconic national parks in the world, and the names Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon are known to nature lovers everywhere. However, beyond these well-known bucket-list destinations lie a host of lesser-known parks that offer breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity, and unique scenery, just without the crowds.
Here is a journey through the ten most underrated US national parks that deserve a spot on your travel to-do list.
North Cascades National Park, Washington
Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, North Cascades National Park is a rugged wilderness teeming with dense forests, alpine lakes, and over 300 (!) glaciers. Often referred to as the "American Alps," this park offers spectacular scenery and everything from gentle walks along pristine lakeshores to challenging climbs on some of America's most rugged mountains. The lack of major roads through the park makes much of it hard to access, and all the better for it - those prepared to put in some work can expect fabulous rewards.
Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
Located in the middle of Lake Superior, Isle Royale National Park is an adventurer's paradise. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, this remote park offers unparalleled solitude and stunning natural beauty, which you've really earned if you make the required investment to get there! The island's rugged terrain is crisscrossed with trails leading through dense forests and rocky coastlines and is home to moose, wolves, and otters. The park's isolation ensures a unique experience, far from the hustle and bustle of more accessible parks.
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Great Basin National Park, Nevada
Great Basin National Park is a hidden gem in the Nevada desert, known for having the oldest living trees on Earth. The park features diverse landscapes, from the towering Wheeler Peak to the mysterious Lehman Caves. As well as the alpine lakes and lush meadows, Great Basin National Park also has exceptional potential for stargazing under some of the darkest skies in the continental US!
Channel Islands National Park, California
Just off the coast of Southern California, Channel Islands National Park comprises five islands that are a haven for marine life and seabirds - the islands are rich in unique flora and fauna, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. Kayaking through sea caves, snorkeling in kelp forests, and hiking along coastal bluffs - all are possible in this little-known CA gem. The park's isolation ensures its natural beauty remains pristine and uncrowded, which definitely can't be said of some better-known Californian destinations!
Congaree National Park, South Carolina
Congaree National Park protects the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States. This park is a biodiversity hotspot with abundant wildlife. The Congaree River floods the forest periodically, creating a unique ecosystem ideal for canoeing and kayaking, but boardwalk trails and hiking paths allow you to explore the swampy terrain and witness the incredible biodiversity - from bobcats and deer to a myriad of bird species - on foot as well.
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Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, featuring the four highest peaks in Texas, including the famed Guadalupe Peak itself. The park's diverse landscapes range from desert lowlands to lush highlands, so there are a variety of ecosystems to explore. Hike to McKittrick Canyon to see vibrant fall foliage or explore the Salt Basin Dunes for a surreal desert experience.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
Lassen Volcanic National Park is a geothermal wonderland, home to all four types of volcanoes: shield, plug dome, cinder cone, and stratovolcano. The park features steaming fumaroles, boiling springs, and bubbling mud pots, reminiscent of Yellowstone but with far fewer visitors. The hike to Lassen Peak offers panoramic views of the surrounding volcanic landscape, and the park's meadows burst into color with wildflowers in the summer. The crystal-clear lakes, meanwhile, are perfect for kayaking and fishing.
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Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
Named after the 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt National Park celebrates the rugged beauty of the North Dakota Badlands. The park's landscapes of rolling hills, eroded buttes, and colorful canyons are stunning and offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, with bison, wild horses, and prairie dogs all visible if you get lucky. The park is divided into three units, each offering unique experiences from scenic drives to backcountry hiking and its relative obscurity increases your odds of a peaceful visit, away from the crowds.
Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
Voyageurs National Park is a water-based wonderland located on the US-Canada border. The park's interconnected waterways are perfect for watersports, and with over 500 islands and countless coves to explore, this park offers a sense of true wilderness adventure. The dark night skies make it an excellent spot for stargazing and, if you get really lucky, witnessing the northern lights. The park's remote location and water-based nature keep visitor numbers low, providing a serene escape for those with the equipment and skills required to explore it.
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Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park boasts some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rock, and craggiest spires in North America. The sheer depth and narrowness of the canyon create dramatic and breathtaking views, not to mention some of the most adventurous rock climbing on the continent. Hiking trails along the rim offer spectacular overlooks, while more adventurous visitors can explore the inner canyon (with a permit and a sense of adventure)!
Written by
Charlie Boscoe
