Why It’s Special: Towering, jagged peaks, more glaciers than Glacier National Park, and stunning alpine lakes.
Despite being just three hours from Seattle, North Cascades remains one of the least-visited parks in the country. You’ll find lush forests, over 300 glaciers, and some of the most rugged terrain in the lower 48. The park is a paradise for backpackers, climbers, and solitude-seekers.
Don’t Miss: Hike the Maple Pass Loop for breathtaking views and vibrant wildflowers in summer.
Why It’s Special: Star-filled skies, ancient bristlecone pines, and an underground cave system.
Tucked away in eastern Nevada, Great Basin offers stark beauty and diversity. From 13,000-foot Wheeler Peak to Lehman Caves, this park showcases everything from alpine lakes to desert basins.
Don’t Miss: A guided tour of Lehman Caves and a night of stargazing—Great Basin is one of the best places for dark sky viewing in the U.S.
Why It’s Special: Home to the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the Southeast.
Though it’s often overshadowed by mountainous parks, Congaree offers a surreal landscape of giant trees and swampy wetlands. Kayaking or walking the boardwalk trail offers a peaceful, up-close view of a unique ecosystem.
Don’t Miss: The Firefly Festival in late May, when thousands of synchronized fireflies light up the night.
Why It’s Special: Towering peaks, rugged canyons, and fossilized reef systems.
This park is home to the highest point in Texas and offers incredible hiking and solitude. It’s a geological wonderland with extensive trail networks, desert flora, and historic ranch sites.
Don’t Miss: The Guadalupe Peak Trail for sweeping desert views from the “Top of Texas.”
Why It’s Special: A remote island park in Lake Superior, accessible only by boat or seaplane.
If you’re looking for solitude and adventure, Isle Royale delivers. With its isolated location, you’ll find moose, wolves, pristine lakes, and over 165 miles of trails.
Don’t Miss: Backpacking from Rock Harbor to Windigo or kayaking around the island’s rugged shoreline.
Why It’s Special: Boiling springs, fumaroles, and volcanic peaks in one of the few places where all four types of volcanoes exist.
Often overshadowed by Yosemite and Sequoia, Lassen offers dramatic geothermal activity, scenic lakes, and excellent stargazing.
Don’t Miss: Bumpass Hell Trail for an up-close look at steaming vents and bubbling mud pots.
Why It’s Special: Sheer, dramatic cliffs carved by the Gunnison River over millions of years.
The park’s steep, narrow canyon walls create jaw-dropping views and challenging hiking routes. It’s a must-visit for rock climbers and photographers.
Don’t Miss: The South Rim Road scenic drive and sunrise at Pulpit Rock.
Why It’s Special: Volcanic spires, talus caves, and endangered California condors.
Located just two hours from San Francisco, Pinnacles offers unique rock formations and fantastic rock climbing. It’s also a great bird-watching destination.
Don’t Miss: The High Peaks Loop and a headlamp adventure through Bear Gulch Caves.
Why It’s Special: Water-based adventures and an intricate network of lakes, ideal for canoeing, fishing, and houseboating.
Voyageurs is best explored by boat, making it a perfect destination for summer exploration and winter ice fishing. Its rugged beauty and solitude make it a hidden gem.
Don’t Miss: Rent a canoe or take a ranger-led boat tour to explore the park’s vast, wild interior.
Why It’s Special: A remote tropical paradise with historic forts and vibrant coral reefs.
Located 70 miles west of Key West, this park is accessible only by boat or seaplane. It combines history, snorkeling, and isolated beauty like no other park in the U.S.
Don’t Miss: Explore Fort Jefferson and snorkel the crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life.
Underrated national parks offer more than just a break from crowds—they provide a deeper connection to nature. They challenge you to slow down, explore differently, and uncover stories and landscapes that don’t often make the headlines.
Whether you’re into backcountry hiking, stargazing, bird watching, or just soaking in peaceful vibes, these lesser-known parks offer unforgettable experiences.
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