10 Underrated National Parks Across USA You Should Visit This Year

When people think of national parks they think of names like Yellowstone, Yosemite or the Grand Canyon.

But if you’re seeking a more intimate experience with nature, something more under the radar and away from the masses, you should start searching for plans to visit some of America’s underrated national parks.

Believe me, these lesser-known spots have magnificent scenery, one-of-a-kind wildlife and experiences you won’t soon forget — no tourist throng in sight.

From arid wilderness to green woodlands, these national parks are a must on the travel bucket list.

Here’s 10 underrated national parks to visit this year.

1. Lassen Volcanic National Park, Calif.

Lassen Volcanic is truly the Mother Nature show.

There are bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles; it’s as though you have entered a natural laboratory.

It’s also home to various ecosystems — alpine forests, volcanic landscapes and clear blue lakes.

Are incredible, including one to the top of Lassen Peak, which is an active volcano and last erupted in 1915.

It’s a great place if you love geology or want a break from the crowded national parks.

2. Great Basin National Park, Nevada

Located in eastern Nevada, Great Basin National Park is hidden in plain sight and little known to many.

There you’ll encounter ancient bristlecone pine trees, some more than 4,000 years old, and the towering Wheeler Peak.

For stargazers, the park has one of the darkest night skies in the country, giving visitors a unique view of the Milky Way.

And if cave exploration is your jam, don’t skip Lehman Caves, a giant limestone cave filled with stunning formations.

3. Congaree National Park, South Carolina

Heard of a temperate rainforest in the United States?

Congaree National Park is among the most biodiverse places in the country, with its lofty trees and swampy, verdant landscapes.

It’s a refuge for birdwatchers, paddlers, and nature photographers.

The park’s elevated boardwalk trail allows you to venture through the swamp without wetting your feet and provides close-up views of one of the largest remaining areas of intact old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in North America.

4. North Cascades National Park, Washington

Though Olympic and Mount Rainier may take the cake in terms of visitor numbers, don’t let this park slip through the cracks.

But one of the newest additions to the National Park service, North Cascades, is a hidden gem with jagged peaks, alpine lakes, and more than 300 glaciers, just a few hours from Seattle.

Some of the Pacific Northwest’s most rugged and remote hiking is here, and you’ll mostly have it to yourself.

If solitude, dramatic landscapes, and a challenge are your cup of tea, this park is for you.

5. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas

The Guadalupe Mountains aren’t as well known as Big Bend, but they are just as breathtaking.

The highest peak in the state lies within this park, but it also offers desert landscapes, limestone cliffs and hidden canyons.

If you’re looking for a hike, check out the McKittrick Canyon Trail, especially in the fall when the leaves are beautiful shades of red and orange.

For visitors looking to step away from the Texas heat, the park’s high elevation provides cooler temperatures throughout the year.

6. Isle Royale National Park, Mich.

Only reachable by boat or seaplane, Isle Royale National Park is one of the most-remote and least-visited parks in the country, ideal for adventurers in search of solitude.

Set in Lake Superior, the park is famous for its rugged, isolated wilderness and unusual wildlife, such as moose and wolves.

Activities here include backpacking, canoeing and scuba diving, and the park’s remoteness creates a real wilderness experience.

7. Virgin Islands National Park, U.S. Virgin Islands

That, my friends, is about as far from the typical national park experience as you can get.

Some of the most beautiful beaches can be found in Virgin Islands National Park, which is located on the island of St. John.

This park features amazing snorkeling, amazing hiking and ancient petroglyphs from the island’s native peoples.

If you’re dreaming of a Caribbean getaway that combines nature and history, this is the park for you.

8. Capitol Reef National Park, Utah

Capitol Reef is sometimes overshadowed by Utah’s Mighty Five, but this park provides an equally memorable experience.

Famous for its unusual geological formations and the Waterpocket Fold, a nearly 100-mile-long wrinkle in the earth, Capitol Reef is a paradise for hikers and photographers.

You’ll also find famed orchards in the park — you can pick fruit during harvest season — so it’s one of the few places where you can literally taste the land.

9. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado

Black Canyon of the Gunnison: Lesser-Known WonderWhile the Grand Canyon is known around the world, Black Canyon of the Gunnison offers similar drama for far fewer visitors.

The towering cliffs and narrow gorge make for a striking and somewhat ominous setting.

The park is a haven for rock climbers, but even if climbing is not your thing, the rim drives and hiking trails have jaw-dropping views.

It’s an underrated gem for anyone wanting a more tranquil canyon experience.

10. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio

Cuyahoga Valley, just a short drive from Cleveland, is a surprising escape into nature.

With rolling hills, lush woods, and beautiful waterfalls, the park is a great place to hike or bike, while its highlands make it suitable for birdwatching.

The historic Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail is the park’s centerpiece, providing a taste of Ohio’s rich past.

You can’t go wrong with The Blue Ridge which makes for an ideal weekend getaway combining nature and history in one picturesque package.

Conclusion:

And while the big-name national parks are pulling in millions of visitors every year, these under-the-radar parks offer just as breathtaking vistas and distinct activities without the throngs of people.

Whether you’re seeking volcanoes, beaches, desert canyons or any number of wonders in between, these parks offer a chance to experience the variety of beauty the U.S. has to offer all while embracing something a little more personal.

So the next time you’re planning a trip to a national park, why not skip the usual suspects and do some nice exploring at one of these hidden gems?

These parks have their own unique appeal and you’ll leave with memories that last a lifetime.