Tired of the usual tourist spots like New York City or the beaches of Florida? If you’re someone who prefers peaceful natural landscapes, charming small towns, and cooler climates, this guide is for you.
Whether you’re planning your first trip to the U.S. or looking to see it from a new perspective, we’ve curated a list of underrated American destinations perfect for hiking, sightseeing, and escaping the heat.
This isn’t your average travel list, it’s inspired by real travelers’ Reddit recommendations, backed by facts, and tailored for those who crave unique experiences over crowded landmarks. Let’s explore the hidden gems that deserve a place on your bucket list.
Contents
- 1 1. The Driftless Area (Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois)
- 2 2. Upper Peninsula of Michigan (“The U.P.”)
- 3 3. New England Road Trip (Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, and Upstate New York)
- 4 4. Oregon Coast and the Pacific Northwest (Oregon and Washington)
- 5 5. Boundary Waters & North Shore (Minnesota & Northern Wisconsin)
- 6 6. Southern Utah (Zion, Bryce, Arches, and Capitol Reef)
- 7 7. Western North Carolina & Asheville
- 8 8. Taos, Silverton, and the Southwest Mountains
- 9 Honorable Mentions:
- 10 Final Tips for Travelers
1. The Driftless Area (Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois)
Why it’s special: This region is called “driftless” because it was untouched by glaciers during the last Ice Age, leaving it with a rugged, hilly landscape unlike the surrounding flat Midwest. It’s a paradise for hikers, fly-fishers, and anyone who loves geology or green valleys.
Top spots:
- La Crosse, Wisconsin – A riverfront city nestled between steep bluffs and the Mississippi River.
- Wildcat Mountain State Park – Offers panoramic views and quiet, wooded trails.
- Decorah, Iowa – A Norwegian-American town with scenic river trails and waterfalls.
- Kickapoo River – Perfect for kayaking and canoeing among winding waterways.
Ideal for: Fall colors, peaceful drives, hiking, cave exploration, and trout fishing.
2. Upper Peninsula of Michigan (“The U.P.”)
Why it’s special: With its cool summer climate, rugged forests, remote lakes, and dramatic Lake Superior shoreline, Michigan’s U.P. feels like a world apart. It’s one of the least populated areas in the eastern U.S., and its natural beauty is almost untouched.
Top spots:
- Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore – Multicolored sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, and pristine beaches.
- Isle Royale National Park – A remote island accessible only by boat or seaplane; home to wolves, moose, and pristine wilderness.
- Porcupine Mountains – Dense forests, hiking trails, and Lake of the Clouds vista.
- Marquette & Munising – Charming lakefront towns perfect for foodies and outdoor enthusiasts.
Ideal for: Hiking, camping, kayaking, stargazing, and escaping into solitude.
3. New England Road Trip (Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, and Upstate New York)
Why it’s special: Cool weather, covered bridges, maple forests, mountain peaks, historic towns, and a strong cultural charm make New England perfect for anyone seeking a balance between nature and heritage.
Top spots:
- Vermont – Known for its foliage, Ben & Jerry’s, rolling hills, and small-town culture.
- Maine – Lobster shacks, Acadia National Park, lighthouses, and craggy coastlines.
- New Hampshire – The White Mountains offer some of the best hiking in the Northeast.
- Upstate New York – Finger Lakes, Adirondacks, and hidden waterfalls.
Pro tip: Travel in late September to early October for the iconic fall foliage.
Ideal for: Leaf peeping, hiking, food tours, quaint inns, and photography.
4. Oregon Coast and the Pacific Northwest (Oregon and Washington)
Why it’s special: The PNW offers cool, misty forests, volcanic mountains, and public-access beaches. The Oregon coast, in particular, is wild and dramatic—with cliffs, tidepools, lighthouses, and charming fishing towns.
Top spots:
- Cannon Beach – Famous for Haystack Rock and its iconic misty coastline.
- Newport & Yachats – Less crowded and equally stunning coastal towns.
- Olympic National Park (WA) – One of the only places on Earth with coastline, rainforest, and mountains in one park.
- Columbia River Gorge – Waterfalls and hikes just outside Portland.
Ideal for: Rainforest hikes, tidepool exploring, ocean drives, and escaping summer heat.
5. Boundary Waters & North Shore (Minnesota & Northern Wisconsin)
Why it’s special: The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) is a vast stretch of protected lakes and forests on the Canada–Minnesota border. The region is known for quiet, paddle-in campsites and clear starry skies.
Top spots:
- Ely, MN – Gateway to the BWCA and home to outfitters and trail guides.
- Duluth & North Shore Scenic Drive – Stunning road trip route with waterfalls, cliffs, and Superior views.
- Apostle Islands (WI) – Sea caves and kayaking opportunities.
Ideal for: Canoeing, wildlife watching, unplugged retreats, and winter snowshoeing.
6. Southern Utah (Zion, Bryce, Arches, and Capitol Reef)
Why it’s special: If you’re open to hot weather or winter travel, Southern Utah’s red rock country is surreal. These national parks are often overlooked in winter but offer incredible hiking and low crowds.
Top spots:
- Zion National Park – Hike The Narrows and Angels Landing.
- Bryce Canyon – Unique hoodoo rock formations and high-altitude stargazing.
- Arches & Canyonlands – Arches, mesas, and vast desert vistas.
Ideal for: Winter adventure, desert hikes, photography, and geology lovers.
7. Western North Carolina & Asheville
Why it’s special: This area combines Appalachian charm with an artsy, bohemian spirit. It has cooler mountain air, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and a vibrant local food and music scene.
Top spots:
- Asheville, NC – Breweries, art galleries, mountain views.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Lush forest hikes and scenic drives.
- Pisgah National Forest – Waterfalls and remote trails.
Ideal for: Summer escapes, fall hikes, craft beer, and art.
8. Taos, Silverton, and the Southwest Mountains
Why it’s special: While the American Southwest is known for its desert heat, places like Taos (New Mexico) and Silverton (Colorado) sit at high elevations and offer cool air, rugged hiking, and cultural history.
Top spots:
- Taos, NM – Art colonies, Native American heritage, and desert mountain views.
- Silverton, CO – Alpine hikes, ghost towns, and off-road adventures.
- Red Lodge, MT & Ten Sleep, WY – Quieter mountain alternatives to Jackson Hole or Aspen.
Ideal for: High-altitude adventures, culture, and escaping the crowds.
Also Read: 10 Secret Countries That Rarely Make the Travel List But Should Be Number One
Honorable Mentions:
- Door County, Wisconsin – Fall foliage, cherry orchards, lighthouses, and quiet lakeshore towns.
- Bozeman, Montana – Laid-back base for exploring Yellowstone and the Rockies.
- Western Oregon Wine Country – Pinot noir, mild summers, and pastoral landscapes.
- Northern California’s Humboldt Redwoods – Some of the largest trees on Earth in peaceful forests.
Final Tips for Travelers
- Visit September–October for fewer crowds and perfect hiking weather.
- Rent a car – These spots often require self-driving.
- Layered clothing – Many areas can be chilly in the morning and warm by afternoon.
- Book early – Small-town stays and national parks fill quickly.
The U.S. is more than just its cities and national landmarks. Whether you’re paddling across the Boundary Waters, standing atop a mossy bluff in Vermont, or walking a foggy beach in Oregon, these underrated destinations offer something unforgettable with space to breathe and explore.
So skip the tourist traps. Head where the locals go. And let the hidden America surprise yo