10 National Parks You Didn't Know You Should Visit
You may not have heard about some of these national parks, but they are definitely worth the trip.
While the spotlight burns bright on America’s most famous national parks, many lesser known beauties are quietly doing what they do best: protecting some of the world’s most unspoiled scenery. For those who enjoy the road less traveled, this is terrific news. If you’re willing to give these overlooked Cinderellas a chance, you’ll discover some of America’s most gorgeous—and least crowded—places.
Gates of the Arctic
Alaska
Located entirely above the Arctic Circle, Gates of the Arctic is one of America’s least visited national parks. Just 10,000-some adventurous souls journey here each year. Those who do enjoy a pristine wilderness with no roads or trails—just vast backcountry filled with jagged peaks, sweeping tundra, and abundant wildlife such as caribou, musk ox, Dall sheep, and grizzlies. This untamed park is not for everyone, which is exactly what makes it so special.
North Cascades
Washington State
Each year more than two million visitors flock to Montana’s Glacier National Park to see its 25 remaining glaciers. Meanwhile, fewer than 25,000 people visit North Cascades National Park, which contains over 300 glaciers—roughly a third of all glaciers in the lower 48! How do you get to this nearly deserted alpine wonderland? Simply drive three hours from downtown Seattle.
Isle Royale
Michigan
This remote archipelago, tucked away in northwest Lake Superior, is the least visited national park in the lower 48 states. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, it welcomes fewer than 20,000 people each year. Highlights include spending the night at Rock Harbor Lodge, paddling the rocky coast, hiking to remote campsites, and viewing wildlife such as moose and wolves.
Congaree
South Carolina
A short drive from South Carolina’s capital, Congaree—explains the National Park Service—protects "one of the tallest temperate deciduous forests in the world" with "the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest" in the Southeast. It’s a mouthful, but you don’t need a degree in forest management to enjoy the Redwoods of the East. As you stroll along the park’s elevated boardwalks, massive oaks, tupelos, and cypress trees form a dramatic canopy 130 feet above.
Dry Tortugas
Florida
These seven tiny islands, perched a hundred miles off the tip of Florida, shelter nesting sea turtles and feature stunning beaches and Fort Jefferson, the largest all-masonry fort in the U.S. But what really sets Dry Tortugas apart is what lies below the waves. Over 99 percent of the park is underwater, protecting extensive corals and roughly 200 shipwrecks.
Wrangell-St. Elias
Alaska
Bigger than Switzerland, Alaska’s Wrangell-St. Elias is bursting with superlatives: America’s largest national park, second highest peak, and longest valley glacier. All told, the park contains nine of America’s 16 tallest mountains and 5,000 square miles of glaciers. Visitors can hike to Stairway Icefall, a 7,000-foot wall of ice, or flight-see over Malaspina Glacier, which is larger than Rhode Island.
Canyonlands
Utah
Carved by the Colorado River, Canyonlands has always been upstaged by its famous neighbors upstream (Arches) and down (Grand Canyon). Although its drive-up viewpoints can get crowded, explore Canyonlands on a guided, multiday river trip and you’ll discover a hidden world of narrow slot canyons, lush grottos, and dramatic hiking trails. During the day you’ll run some of the best white water in North America; at night you’ll camp on sandy beaches under an ocean of stars.
Guadalupe Mountains
Texas
Everything’s bigger in Texas—including the name of the state’s most famous park: Big Bend. But Texas’ tallest mountain, Guadalupe Peak (8,749 feet), is found in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, which is home to seven of the state’s tallest peaks. The most dramatic, El Capitan, rises abruptly from the desert floor, giving that other El Capitan in California a run for its money.
Great Basin
Nevada
Located 200 miles north of Las Vegas, Great Basin National Park is home to exquisite marble caves filled with stalactites and stalagmites, yet it attracts less than a quarter of the visitors to Mammoth Cave and Carlsbad Caverns parks. Great Basin also protects three groves of bristlecone pines—the world’s longest-living trees, which can live 5,000 years.
Channel Islands
California
Although it lies just off the coast of Santa Barbara, this five-island archipelago is one of California’s least visited national parks. Often called the Galápagos of North America, the Channel Islands are teeming with wildlife, including nearly 400 bird species and hundreds of thousands of seals and sea lions. Visitors can scuba dive in kelp forests, kayak through sea caves, and hike mountains to scan the horizon for migrating blue and gray whales.
James Kaiser has written several best-selling guidebooks to national parks. Follow him on Instagram @JamesKaiser_.
Related Topics
You May Also Like
Go Further
Animals
- These 'trash fish' are among Earth's most primitive animalsThese 'trash fish' are among Earth's most primitive animals
- These photos are works of art—and the artists are bugsThese photos are works of art—and the artists are bugs
- The epic migration of a 6-foot long, 200-pound catfishThe epic migration of a 6-foot long, 200-pound catfish
- Frans de Waal, biologist who studied animal emotion, dies at 75Frans de Waal, biologist who studied animal emotion, dies at 75
Environment
- Are synthetic diamonds really better for the planet? The answer isn't clear-cut.Are synthetic diamonds really better for the planet? The answer isn't clear-cut.
- This year's cherry blossom peak bloom was a warning signThis year's cherry blossom peak bloom was a warning sign
- The U.S. just announced an asbestos ban. What took so long?The U.S. just announced an asbestos ban. What took so long?
- The most dangerous job? Inside the world of underwater weldersThe most dangerous job? Inside the world of underwater welders
- The harrowing flight that wild whooping cranes make to surviveThe harrowing flight that wild whooping cranes make to survive
History & Culture
- Meet the powerful yokai that inspired the demon king in ‘Demon Slayer’Meet the powerful yokai that inspired the demon king in ‘Demon Slayer’
- A surprising must-wear for European monarchs? Weasels.A surprising must-wear for European monarchs? Weasels.
- Meet the woman who made Polaroid into a cultural iconMeet the woman who made Polaroid into a cultural icon
- Inside the observatory that birthed modern astrophysicsInside the observatory that birthed modern astrophysics
- See how Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr around the worldSee how Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr around the world
Science
- NASA smashed an asteroid with a rocket. The debris could hit Mars.NASA smashed an asteroid with a rocket. The debris could hit Mars.
- Humans really can have superpowers—scientists are studying themHumans really can have superpowers—scientists are studying them
- Why engineers are concerned about aging infrastructureWhy engineers are concerned about aging infrastructure
- The benefits of eating the peels on your fruits and veggiesThe benefits of eating the peels on your fruits and veggies
- The island of Santorini is hiding an explosive secretThe island of Santorini is hiding an explosive secret
Travel
- Play and stay in the mountains of eastern Nevada
- Paid Content
Play and stay in the mountains of eastern Nevada - This couple quit the city to grow wasabi in Japan's mountainsThis couple quit the city to grow wasabi in Japan's mountains