The perception of whether a national park is underrated can vary widely depending on personal interest and media trends. Even with so many to choose from, only a handful receive the bulk of the attention!

Overcrowding in the nation’s most popular national parks is of hot debate amongst park officials, environmentalists, and other governing entities alike. Questions of sustainability, infrastructure, and ultimately damage to the ecosystem are of top concern in some of those more visited parks. Not to mention, who likes an outdoor getaway only to be swarmed by hoards of people? Did you really even “getaway” at all? Likely not.

All of the above are great reasons to expand the search. For not only a more sustainable choice of a trip, but also a more peaceful one too. And if for no other reason than the fact that you’d also be selling yourself short of the gorgeous national parks that truly don’t get the attention they deserve!

Here are 10 underrated US national parks:

This is a list with links to each park’s official webpage on the NPS’ website for more information.

1. North Cascades National Park, Washington
2. Congaree National Park, South Carolina
3. Great Basin National Park, Nevada
4. Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
5. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
6. Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
7. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado
8. Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
9. Katmai National Park and Preserve, Alaska
10. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

These parks offer unique and strikingly beautiful landscapes, but sadly tend to receive fewer visitors compared to some of the more well-known national parks.

1. North Cascades National Park, Washington:

North Cascades National Park, straddling the Canadian border in the northwest of Washington state, is a wilderness haven steeped in splendors. Founded in 1968, it’s famed for its rugged mountains, glaciers, and alpine lakes, not terribly unlike that of central Europe! The park actually contains more glaciers than any other U.S. national park outside of Alaska. Today the parks borders fall deep within the ancestral lands of several Native American tribes, including the Upper Skagit, Nlaka’pamux, and Sauk-Suiattle. These tribes have profound ties to the region, with indigenous traditions closely connected to the park’s natural resources for food, medicine and cultural practices. With no shortage of natural beauty, outdoor activities, culture, and opportunities to escape the crowds at other, more Instagrammed parks, North Cascades National Park is basically the holy grail of hidden gems as far as national parks go!

• Nestled in Washington state, North Cascades National Park is a hidden gem known for its rugged mountain landscapes. It’s often called the “American Alps.”
• The park offers excellent hiking opportunities, including the Pacific Crest Trail.
• North Cascades is home to diverse wildlife, including black bears, mountain goats, and more.
• Unique features include the stunning turquoise waters of Diablo Lake and the dramatic peaks of the Picket Range.

2. Congaree National Park, South Carolina:

Preserved deep in the wetlands of South Carolina, is a swampy paradise for those in search of a unique biome bursting with wildlife. Established as a national monument in 1976 and designated a national park in 2003, it boasts the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States. Which is basically a fancy way of saying a sea of trees — quite literally! The trees grow directly out of the water! The park is home to some of the tallest deciduous trees in the Eastern United States, including the champion loblolly pine and a whole host of bird and reptile species including the infamous american alligator. The native people of the area are an essential part of the park’s history. The Congaree people, from which the park gets its name, were part of the larger Siouan-speaking indigenous communities, who once inhabited this region and lived in harmony with this marshy wilderness for millennia. While the Congaree people no longer reside in the area, as the majority of them died in the 1600s of the European-imported smallpox epidemic, the park serves as a reminder of their historical presence and the ecological importance of this vibrant, amphibious, bottomland forestscape.

• Congaree National Park boasts the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States.
• Visitors can explore elevated boardwalks that wind through ancient trees and wetlands.
• Canoeing and kayaking along the Congaree River offer a serene and immersive experience.
• The park is designated as an International Biosphere Reserve for its unique ecosystems.

3. Great Basin National Park, Nevada:

Great Basin National Park is a real deal hidden gem with a rich natural and cultural history. Titled national Park in 1986, the park is home to bristlecone pine groves, a few of which being some of the oldest living trees on Earth. And lest we forget the stunning Lehman Caves! Nevada (despite the meaning of the word “nevada” in the Spanish language) might strike some as an unlikely home to glaciers. However, the Wheeler Peak Glacier, small as it may be, remains a rare and yet very much possible sight in the arid Great Basin region. While the park itself doesn’t have an “officially” direct indigenous presence in contemporary times, it lies within the traditional territories of several Native American tribes, including the Shoshone and Paiute. These tribes have longstanding connections to the Great Basin region at large, contributing to the vast area’s historical and cultural significance. Great Basin National Park is a wonderful place for visitors to explore ancient landscapes and appreciate the enduring heritage of the indigenous peoples of the region.

• Great Basin National Park in Nevada is known for its diverse landscapes, including ancient bristlecone pine forests and the Lehman Caves.
• The park is a designated International Dark Sky Park, making it a prime spot for stargazing.
• Hikers can tackle Wheeler Peak, the second-highest peak in Nevada, and explore pristine alpine lakes.
• Camping opportunities range from developed campgrounds to backcountry sites.

4. Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona:

Petrified Forest National Park, up in northeastern Arizona, is an epicenter of southwestern geology and ancient Puebloan cultures. It started as a national monument in 1906 and later became a national park in 1962. What’s neat is you’ll find trees that have been completely fossilized in a backdrop of banded badlands, with spots like the Long Logs and Agate House that really stand out. And there’s an actually extant and visible indigenous connection here too! The park is smack dab in the middle of the traditional lands of tribes like the Navajo and Hopi, who’ve got some deep history tied to this place including petroglyphs dating back hundreds (some of them possibly thousands) of years! What a beautiful and sadly so rare occurrence that, here, you’re able to get a taste of the indigenous heritage that’s actually part of the park’s story. Petrified Forest National Park is like a journey through time, with geology and culture rolled all into one adventure.

• This park in northeastern Arizona is famous for its extensive petrified wood and colorful badlands.
• Visitors can hike the Blue Mesa Trail to see petrified logs and vibrant geological formations.
• The park is home to ancient fossils of plants and dinosaurs, which provide insights into the region’s prehistoric past.
• Notable features include the Painted Desert and the historic Route 66.

5. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas:

In West Texas you’ll find the majestic, often overlooked Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Not to be confused with mountains of Guadeloupe (an Island in the Caribbean), this diamond of the American southwest boasts boat loads of history and stunning landscapes. Established in 1966, its claim to fame is its extensive Permian fossil reef (the world’s most extensive to be precise) and Guadalupe Peak — the highest point in Texas. The park is home to McKittrick Canyon, which, perhaps surprisingly, touts a beautifully vibrant fall foliage display each year! The area was once inhabited by indigenous peoples, and perhaps less surprisingly, is no longer widely inhabited by said peoples, including the Mescalero Apache and Jumano tribes. Guadalupe Mountains National Park offers visitors the opportunity to explore ancient geological formations and diverse ecosystems, celebrating both its significance scientifically and the age-old heritage of the indigenous peoples who once called this region home.

• Guadalupe Mountains National Park boasts diverse landscapes, from desert flats to high mountain peaks.
• Hikers can tackle Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas, for panoramic views.
• The park is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including the rare Texas madrone tree.
• Birdwatching and photography opportunities are abundant throughout the park.

6. Isle Royale National Park, Michigan:

Isle Royale National Park, located in Lake Superior, Michigan, is a remote wilderness sanctuary with a pretty compelling history to boot! Named with national park status in 1940, it’s known for its untarnished boreal forests, crystal-clear waters, and unique predator-prey dynamics involving wolves and moose. The park’s rugged isolation has made it one of the least-visited national parks in the U.S. (which is great news for anyone reading this I would imagine!) With regards to history, the Ojibwa (Chippewa) people have inhabited the surrounding region, including the adjacent mainland and nearby islands for centuries, where they still thankfully hold a presence in the Greater Great Lake states and provinces of the U.S. and Canada today. Isle Royale National Park offers a captivating mixture of Boreal allure, and a nod to the historical significance of the Ojibwa people in this remote pocket of the North American continent.

• Isle Royale National Park is an isolated island paradise in Lake Superior, accessible by boat or seaplane.
• It’s renowned for its rugged wilderness, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife.
• Backpackers and kayakers can explore remote trails and waterways.
• The park is one of the few places in the U.S. where you can spot moose and observe wolf populations.

7. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado:

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. What a mouthful, I know. Located in Colorado, it’s an excellent testament to the power of erosion. First named a national monument in 1933 and re-designated as a national park in 1999, it’s known for the incredibly steep, narrow gorge carved by the Gunnison River. Which dubs the canyon its name, arising from the fact that some areas receive only 33 minutes of sunlight per day. While there is no direct indigenous presence associated with the park today as far as I’m aware, the region was historically inhabited by tribes, including the Ute and Shoshone, who undoubtedly interacted with this awe-inspiring natural wonder. Today, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers visitors the chance to wedge into its deep, rugged chasms, and enjoy its seriously gorgeous views without the suffocation of the masses.

• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is known for its sheer, dramatic cliffs carved by the Gunnison River.
• Rock climbers can challenge themselves on the steep walls of the canyon.
• Hikers can explore numerous trails that provide breathtaking views into the depths of the gorge.
• The park’s geologic history is fascinating, with some rocks dating back nearly two billion years.

8. Lassen Volcanic National Park, California:

Tucked away in an arid and lesser known corner of northern California, Lassen is gushing (in some ways quite actually) with a dynamic geological history. And itself extra pretty too! Formally added to the US’s list of federally recognized National Parks in 1916, it’s home to Lassen Peak, the world’s largest plug dome volcano, which last erupted between 1914 and 1917. Fun fact: Lassen is one of the few places on Earth where all four types of volcanoes—shield, composite, cinder cone, and plug dome—can be found. The region has held significance for Native American tribes like the Maidu and Yana, who lived nearby for eons and likely witnessed this volcanic activity in all its infernal glory throughout the ages. Lassen Volcanic National Park is a hotbed of excitement — pun fully intended. Visitors be fortuned with the chance to explore geothermal wonders, mountain lakes, and lush forests; all celebrating the intersection of the geological and the beautiful in Northern California.

• Lassen Volcanic National Park showcases a variety of volcanic features, including fumaroles, hot springs, and mud pots.
• The scenic Lassen Peak hike offers panoramic views of the park’s volcanic landscapes.
• Birdwatchers can spot a wide range of species, including the elusive white-headed woodpecker.
• Campers can enjoy both developed and backcountry camping options.

9. Katmai National Park and Preserve, Alaska:

Katmai National Park, located in southern Alaska, hosts a whole heaping load of natural wonders and cultural history. Officiated in 1918, the park’s dramatic landscapes were shaped by the 1912 eruption of Novarupta, one of the 20th century’s largest volcanic eruptions. Rich in indigenous heritage, the Alutiiq people (also known as the Sugpiaq) have inhabited the region for centuries, relying on its abundant resources, particularly salmon. The park’s name, “Katmai,” actually stems from the native Alutiiq word for “red salmon,” emphasizing the cultural significance of this iconic fish. Today, Katmai National Park bestows visitors a chance to witness the awe-inspiring brown bear gatherings at Brooks Falls, hike amidst pristine wilderness, and learn about the enduring connection between the indigenous people and this truly magnificent Alaskan landscape.

• Katmai National Park is a remote wilderness in Alaska known for its pristine landscapes and abundant wildlife.
• It’s famous for the Katmai bears, which congregate at Brooks Falls to catch salmon during the summer.
• Fishing, photography, and backpacking are popular activities in this rugged park.
• The park’s vast size and untouched nature make it a true Alaskan wilderness experience.

10. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida:

Located roughly 70 miles off the coast of the Florida Keys, this park is teeming history and unique natural beauty. Established in 1992, Dry Tortugas is renowned for its stunning coral reefs and marine life. Its centerpiece is the historic Fort Jefferson, a massive 19th-century coastal fortress that once served as a military prison during the Civil War. Its remote location has aided it greatly in preserving its pristine environment, making it a haven for birdwatchers and divers alike. There, you can find over 300 species of birds, and crystal-clear waters filled with shipwrecks and vibrant coral formations. While there’s no permanent indigenous presence, the Calusa people, who once lived in the region, likely interacted with these islands in their extensive maritime culture centuries ago. With its intriguing pool of history and nature, Dry Tortugas National Park is a great spot to get off the beaten bath and fuel your Pirates of the Caribbean fantasy.

• Remote and stunning park located 70 miles west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico.
• Crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs offer exceptional snorkeling and scuba diving.
• Explore Fort Jefferson, a 19th-century coastal fortress with fascinating historical significance.
• Enjoy birdwatching, as the park is a haven for seabirds and migratory species, and stargazing in its pristine, dark skies.

Conclusion:

As cliché as it is to say: consider taking path less traveled by! Nothing wrong with seeing what all the hype is about in the more frequented national parks, but don’t let them overshadow the rest of what the American outback has to offer. Some of the nation’s most amazing outdoor experiences lie well beyond the bounds of Yellowstone National Park.

By exploring these hidden gems instead, you not only get a glimpse into a lesser-known and less crowded landscape, but you also help to protect them with your visit when you remember to follow responsible tourism practices. You help to relieve some of the congestion in the most famous parks, while bringing funding to the underserved ones. Who knew that getting off the beaten path is sometimes one of the best things you can do for the environment when picking a national park to visit!

Happy travels!