Tired of elbowing through crowded viewpoints at the big-name national parks? Believe it or not, there are hidden gems across the U.S. that offer equally stunning landscapes without the tourist hordes. You don’t have to follow the crowd to experience breathtaking nature. In fact, the path less traveled may lead to the most memorable adventures.
Have you ever wondered what it feels like to have an entire canyon echoing your laughter back at you? Or how about enjoying a midnight sky free of light pollution? Join us as we uncover some of America’s best-kept secrets—national parks where tranquility reigns supreme.
1. Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
Tucked away in northeast California, Lassen Volcanic National Park is a hotbed of geothermal wonders—from bubbling mud pots to mesmerizing fumaroles. It’s a haven for anyone curious about the powerful forces beneath Earth’s crust. Unlike the crowds you’ll find at Yellowstone, here you can take in the awe of Bumpass Hell practically by yourself. According to the National Park Service, visitor numbers are just a fraction of more renowned parks, making it a perfect spot for peace-seekers.
2. Great Basin National Park, Nevada
Imagine this: starry nights so bright and clear, it feels like you can touch the Milky Way. Nestled in the heart of the Nevada desert lies the Great Basin National Park, an under-the-radar treasure with some of the darkest nights perfect for stargazing. The park’s ancient bristlecone pines are a testament to survival, thriving where few creatures can. It’s a stark departure from the neon lights of Las Vegas. As one of the least visited U.S. national parks, it offers an uninterrupted commune with nature.
3. Channel Islands National Park, California
Ever dreamed of a secluded island getaway? The Channel Islands are often overlooked but boast some of the most diverse ecosystems. With five unique islands to explore, visitors can experience coastal flora and fauna found nowhere else on Earth. Ferry over to Santa Cruz Island for a kayak through sea caves, or hike rugged trails with sweeping ocean views. This park invites exploration at your pace, with an annual visitor count that keeps crowded beaches at bay.
4. Congaree National Park, South Carolina
Canoeing through the labyrinth of waterways in Congaree National Park is one way to truly escape the fast-paced world. This floodplain forest, teeming with life, offers a rare look at one of the tallest deciduous forests in the U.S. The park’s boardwalk trails provide an accessible path through this lush setting. According to visitor statistics, previously only 160,000 visitors explored this natural wonder annually, making it a cozy retreat for forest-lovers.
5. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
Ever challenged yourself with a remote mountain climb? Lesser-known yet brimming with breathtaking vistas, Guadalupe Mountains hosts Texas’s highest peak, Guadalupe Peak. Here, nature rules, offering unparalleled views after a rewarding hike. Unlike its famous Texan cousins, this park remains blissfully free of crowds, with rugged trails leading to awe-inspiring places like McKittrick Canyon—a hidden gem described by hikers as an oasis amid the desert landscape.
6. Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
On the northern tip of Lake Superior lies Isle Royale: an adventurer’s dream of solitude. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, it’s perfect for those searching for a detox from daily life. Moose outnumber humans here, left undisturbed in their natural habitat. With trails weaving through forests and along rocky shores, the island offers serenity to those looking for a more personal encounter with the wilderness. Fewer than 20,000 visitors make it to this remote escape each year, keeping it a pristine explorer’s paradise.
7. North Cascades National Park, Washington
Nicknamed the ‘American Alps,’ North Cascades National Park offers alpine adventures minus the usual chaos. With over 300 glaciers and rugged mountains, it’s a dreamland for mountain enthusiasts and solitude seekers. North Cascades remain a tranquil wilderness. Trails like Cascade Pass showcase wildflower meadows and expansive, undisturbed views. It’s nature at its most majestic and least disturbed.
8. Olympic National Park, Washington
Olympic National Park is located in the Northwest corner of Washington State. It’s one of the most beautiful places to get away and experience nature in the Pacific Northwest. Although referred to as three parks in one sometimes, Olympic National Park is really just one park that encompasses several ecosystems. The park encompasses an old growth rain forest, glacier-capped mountains and many miles of wild and rugged coastline.
Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.