You Haven’t Experienced The TRUE America Until You Visit These 11 U.S. National Parks

I’m somewhat used to planning my trips around the famous parks. Yellowstone. Zion. Grand Canyon. Big names for a reason.

But on a recent road trip, I found quieter places that stole the show.

Empty trails. Wildwater canyons. Night skies seemed too bright to be real.

These parks don’t get the headlines. They deserve them.

Here are 11 underrated U.S. national parks that surprised me, and why you should visit next.

The Ultimate List of Underrated Parks

1. North Cascades National Park, Washington

This park is the “American Alps,” hidden in plain sight.

It’s just three hours from Seattle, yet the core park saw only 40,351 visitors in 2023.

Why? Most people drive the highway, see the stunningly turquoise Diablo Lake, and think they’ve seen the park.

They miss the rugged, glacier-carved wilderness that lies just beyond. This is one of the best national parks without crowds.

My Experience:

Driving the scenic North Cascades Highway (SR 20) offers jaw-dropping views at every turn.

For a taste of the wild, I hiked a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail.

I took the ferry up Lake Chelan to the remote community of Stehekin, a town inaccessible by road, nestled in the heart of the park.

Insider Tip:

The main highway is buried in snow and closed in winter. For full access and the best hiking, plan your visit for July through September.

Also Check: 14 U.S. Waterfalls Are So Beautiful, You’ll Wonder Why They’re Not World-Famous

2. Great Basin National Park, Nevada

Far from the neon glow of Las Vegas, the Great Basin is a world of incredible extremes. You’ll find ancient trees, a stunning cave system, and some of the darkest night skies in the country.

Its remoteness is its gift, keeping visitation down to just 143,265 people in 2023.

My Experience:

I took a guided tour of Lehman Caves, a marble wonderland decorated with rare shield formations.

Above ground, I walked the Bristlecone Pine Trail among gnarled trees that are thousands of years old—some of the oldest living things on Earth.

At night, the park transforms. As an International Dark Sky Park, the stargazing is simply out of this world.

Insider Tip:

Lehman Caves tours are the main attraction and sell out weeks in advance. Book your tickets on Recreation.gov as soon as you know your travel dates.

3. Congaree National Park, South Carolina

Step into a primeval world at Congaree. This park protects the largest remaining tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States.

It’s a land of giant trees and serene waterways that feels ancient and untouched.

It saw a record 250,114 visitors in 2023, but that’s still a tiny fraction of the big-name parks.

My Experience:

The 2.4-mile Boardwalk Loop Trail is an easy, accessible way to wander among the “champion trees”.

I rented a kayak and paddled the Cedar Creek Canoe Trail, gliding silently past giant cypress knees.

But the most magical experience is witnessing the synchronous fireflies for a few weeks in late spring, when thousands light up the forest in unison.

Insider Tip:

This park is a floodplain, so trails can disappear underwater. Always check the current water levels on the park’s website before your visit. The best part? Entrance is completely free.

4. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas

This is a rugged mountain island rising from the vast Chihuahuan Desert. It’s a true hiker’s park, home to the four highest peaks in Texas and over 80 miles of trails.

With just 227,340 visitors last year, you’ll have plenty of space to roam.

My Experience:

The strenuous 8.5-mile round-trip hike to Guadalupe Peak, the “Top of Texas,” is a bucket-list achievement with panoramic desert views.

In the fall, I explored McKittrick Canyon, which comes alive with a surprising burst of autumn color.

Backpacking into the park’s designated wilderness area offered a profound sense of solitude.

Insider Tip:

This park is meant to be explored on foot; there are no scenic drives that penetrate its core.

Come prepared with sturdy boots, sun protection, and more water than you think you’ll need.

5. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

Welcome to a water-based wonderland on the Canadian border.

Voyageurs is one of the most unique national parks, as it is composed of interconnected lakes and is best explored by boat.

This natural barrier to entry keeps the crowds low, with only 220,825 visitors in 2023.

My Experience:

The ultimate Voyageurs adventure was renting a houseboat for a few days. I navigated the pristine lakes and anchored in secluded bays each night.

I also spent a night at one of the park’s many boat-in campsites, which felt like having my own private island.

On a clear night in the fall, I was even lucky enough to catch a faint dance of the Northern Lights.

Insider Tip:

No boat? No problem. You can still experience the park’s beauty by taking a ranger-led boat tour or hiring a water taxi from a gateway community outfitter.

6. Pinnacles National Park, California

Born from an ancient volcano, Pinnacles is often overshadowed by California’s other titans like Yosemite and Sequoia.

But this park offers a unique landscape of towering rock spires and dark talus caves.

It’s also a critical sanctuary for the endangered California Condor. It saw 341,220 visitors in 2023.

My Experience:

I hiked through the Bear Gulch and Balconies caves, which were formed by massive boulders wedged into narrow canyons. Remember to bring a headlamp!

From the High Peaks trail, I scanned the skies and was rewarded with the sight of a California Condor, its massive wingspan unmistakable.

The park is also a haven for rock climbers of all skill levels.

Insider Tip:

The park has two entrances, East and West, and they do not connect by road. The East entrance has the only campground and more trailheads, so plan your route carefully.

Also Check: 12 Dream Vacations That’ll Make You Quit Your Job and Book a Flight

7. Lassen Volcanic National Park, California

Think of Lassen as Yellowstone’s quieter, less-crowded cousin.

This park is a geothermal wonderland, featuring all four types of volcanoes plus bubbling mud pots and hissing steam vents.

With only 418,978 visitors in 2023, it’s a peaceful alternative.

My Experience:

The Bumpass Hell Trail is a must-do. A boardwalk safely guides you through the park’s largest hydrothermal area, a landscape that feels truly alive.

I also tackled the challenging hike up Lassen Peak, the largest plug dome volcano in the world.

For a more relaxing afternoon, a swim in Manzanita Lake provides a picture-perfect view of the peak.

Insider Tip:

The main park highway is only fully open in summer. For a special treat, visit in late spring to “Hike and Bike the Highway” before it opens to cars.

8. Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Colorado

This park protects one of the steepest, deepest, and narrowest canyons in North America.

Its sheer, dark walls, carved by the Gunnison River, create a vertigo-inducing landscape that feels raw and powerful.

It’s a place that inspires awe in its 357,069 annual visitors.

My Experience:

I drove the South Rim Road, stopping at each overlook to peer into the dizzying depths. The view of the Painted Wall, with its intricate patterns, is unforgettable.

While I didn’t attempt it, the park offers inner canyon routes for expert hikers with a permit; a real wilderness challenge.

The remote location also makes it a designated Dark Sky Park, perfect for stargazing.

Insider Tip:

Visit the North Rim. It’s more remote and less developed than the South Rim, offering a quieter experience with the canyon.

9. Big Bend National Park, Texas

Big Bend’s immense size and remote location on the U.S.-Mexico border make it one of the best underrated U.S. National Parks for solitude.

Here, the Chisos Mountains rise dramatically from the Chihuahuan Desert, and the Rio Grande carves stunning canyons.

It saw just over half a million visitors last year.

My Experience:

The Santa Elena Canyon Trail is an easy hike that took me right into the mouth of a towering, sheer-walled canyon along the Rio Grande.

I also loved the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive for its incredible vistas and access to historic sites.

A relaxing soak in the historic hot springs on the riverbank at sunset was the perfect end to a day of exploring.

Insider Tip:

Big Bend has some of the least light pollution of any national park in the lower 48. On a clear, moonless night, the view of the Milky Way is absolutely breathtaking.

10. Isle Royale National Park, Michigan

If you want to get away from it all, this is your park.

An isolated island wilderness in the vastness of Lake Superior, Isle Royale is accessible only by ferry or seaplane.

This commitment keeps it one of the most pristine and least-visited parks, with just 28,965 visitors in 2023.

My Experience:

I spent several days backpacking a section of the Greenstone Ridge Trail, which runs along the spine of the island and offers incredible solitude.

Kayaking along the island’s rugged shoreline revealed hidden coves and quiet bays.

The island is also famous for its long-running wolf and moose predator-prey study, and hearing a distant wolf howl at night is a sound I’ll never forget.

Insider Tip:

This is a true wilderness park with very limited services.

You must be self-sufficient and pack out everything you pack in. Plan your trip meticulously.

11. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

This is a tropical paradise located 70 miles west of Key West. The park is 99% water, protecting vibrant coral reefs and the magnificent 19th-century Fort Jefferson.

Its extreme remoteness makes it one of the ultimate hidden gem national parks, with only 84,285 visitors in 2023.

My Experience:

The snorkeling here is some of the best in North America. The crystal-clear water is teeming with colorful fish and healthy coral.

I spent hours exploring the massive historic fort, walking its ramparts and learning about its fascinating past.

The islands are also a world-class destination for bird watching, especially during spring migration.

Insider Tip:

This is not a spontaneous trip. The ferry and seaplane services book up months in advance, so you absolutely must plan far ahead to secure a spot.

Small Parks, Big Adventure

From the ancient forests of Congaree to the volcanic fields of Lassen, in these unique national parks, adventure doesn’t have to mean crowds.

The U.S. National Park system is filled with treasures just waiting to be discovered.

So for your next trip, I encourage you to step off the beaten path. You might just find your new favorite park.

What are your favorite underrated U.S. National Parks? Share them in the comments below!