- There's countless other national parks to select from options spread across the United States
- From Civil War-era havens to picturesque coastlines, some might astonish you.
- Here’s an overview of some of the finest offerings of the 50 states, with fewer visitors
Tired of the constant stream of visitors at Yosemite and Yellowstone?
The good news is that you have hundreds of other national parks to pick from. scattered about the US.
Each emanate their own unique majesty, With features that stand toe-to-toe with more famous landmarks, they demonstrate that although icons like the facade of Mount Rushmore and the Grand Canyon remain perennial attractions, there is still much more to explore within our country’s national parks.
People who dislike waiting in long queues can rejoice as they have multiple choices available within the parks. These alternatives offer reduced wait times, smaller crowds, and increased opportunities to enjoy the scenic highlights.
From Civil War-era forts nestled in tropical havens to unspoiled, glistening white-sand shores, the views can be quite unexpected. In this piece, Pawonation.com explores some of the top hidden gems across America’s 50 states.
Scroll down for video:
1. Channel Islands National Park - California
First up among multiple offshore entries, Channel Islands National Park serves as the quintessential national park for coastal California.
This destination provides views unique to the more prominently featured mainland area, spread across an archipelago of eight islands that enable close interactions with dolphins and whales.
Chances to paddle through the remarkable caves surrounding the islands are plentiful here, a location frequently called 'The Galapagos of North America.'
An appropriate moniker for an overlooked treasure nestled in the vast expanse of the Pacific, this nationally acknowledged park lies just offshore from the California coastline.
This place boasts breathtaking ocean vistas, rugged cliff faces, and unique fauna not found anywhere else; however, it remains among the least frequented national parks because of its seclusion and difficulty in reaching it.
Nevertheless, the Channel Islands remain a top destination for both camping aficionados and nature lovers due to their unspoiled terrain and opportunities to bathe in a picturesque haven.
One of the nation's premier travel magazines, Outdoor Union, ranks these islands among the top camping destinations throughout California’s Golden State.
2. White Sands National Park - New Mexico
Among the most visually stunning sites on this roster, White Sands National Park can be found in the expansive state of New Mexico, entirely encircled by the pristine white sand dunes of the White Sands Missile Range.
The shimmering white sand dunes served as the testing site for the planet's inaugural atomic bomb (known as Trinity) which was exploded in 1941.
The explosive device shared the same design as the 'Fat Man,' which was dropped on Nagasaki, yet it failed to mar the natural allure of the desert landscape.
In reality, this site was once an ancient, now-evaporated lake where tourists can slide down the picturesque sand dunes using sleds, or opt for camping in the remote wilderness instead.
The park offers breathtaking vistas that can be appreciated safely through cycling, hiking, or just driving around. 275 square miles of pristine white - among the most extraordinary wonders within the entire United States.
Furthermore, the sand-covered mineral deposits offer a vista of the unpolluted night sky, undisturbed by nearby urban areas. Located close to the boundary between Texas and Mexico, it remains one of the lesser-known spots on this roster.
3. Wind Cave National Park - South Dakota
Situated in the southwest part of the scarcely visited state of South Dakota lies Wind Cave National Park, which houses one of the largest cave networks globally.
Featuring six internal lakes, the cave serves as a habitat for two distinct realms—one nestled deep inside and another illuminated by sunlight atop its intricate network of caverns.
Over rolling prairies and forested hillsides, one of the nation's most ancient national parks is home to roaming herds of bison and elk, along with numerous other wild creatures.
Sitting below is Wind Cave, which ranks among the longest and most intricate cave systems globally.
Every offer provides distinct views — featuring the grand Black Hills overhead and an accessible cave system beneath.
There are plenty of opportunities for camping, hiking, and guided tours in a region where early explorers searched for gold. If you want to step back in time, consider visiting Wind Cave.
4. Dry Tortugas National Park - Florida
Among the most picturesque and surprising entries on this list is Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida, which spans an impressive 100 square miles of maritime wonderland.
Situated beside the clear blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico, it primarily consists of open water, except for seven tiny islands.
Access to this place is possible solely by boat or seaplane, which is why it draws significantly fewer visitors compared to well-known sites such as Yellowstone and Yosemite Parks.
However, it remains famous for its beauty and serves as home to one of the most recognizable Civil War forts in the nation, the majestic Fort Jefferson.
Encircled by beautiful azure waters, the remaining structures stand as one of the country’s biggest 19th-century fortresses still intact.
It houses numerous coral reefs and a rich variety of marine life, along with a diversity of birds that frequently soar above.
Chances to swim with tropical fish, sharks, sea turtles, and vibrant coral are abundant as well, taking place in an lesser-known park tucked away in the Florida Keys.
5. New River Gorge National Park - West Virginia
Among the more recent additions to this list is New River Gorge in West Virginia, which came into existence as a national park in 2020 with the aim of safeguarding the area’s namesake canyon within the Appalachian Mountains.
The terrain of this park is ideal for thrill-seekers – providing opportunities for activities like white-water rafting, fishing, rock climbing, mountain biking, and much more.
For those who prefer more low-key activities, this location makes an ideal spot for a serene afternoon picnic or a casual hike, with the park’s namesake river steadily carving out the largest and deepest canyon among these mountain ranges.
Running water serves as the driving force behind sculpting the landscape within the park, showcasing elements such as an exposed stretch of more than 1,000 feet of sandstone and shale, massive rocks, fossils, and dramatic drops along the channels.
Throughout history, the turbulent river has revealed four coal seams, which are regarded as some of the finest globally.
If you're looking for a serene spot to go hunting or simply want to appreciate nature, New River Gorge National Park is undoubtedly the ideal destination.
6. Isle Royale National Park - Michigan
Situated in the heart of Lake Superior, Isle Royale National Park is a secluded island wilderness reachable solely via ferry, seaplane, or personal boats.
If large groups make you uneasy, fear not—weather patterns affecting travel to and from the island can influence both your journey there and back again.
As soon as you do, an opportunity arises to discover a remote and untamed wilderness—located far away from other interconnected communities encircling the planet’s biggest lake.
It provides numerous adventures for backpackers, hikers, boaters, paddlers, and divers, featuring some of the finest vistas in the area – offered by a lesser-known cluster of islands situated near Canada yet part of Michigan.
The wildlife on the island consists of moose, wolves, foxes, and an abundance of reptiles, all of which have been carefully protected by the park personnel.
Although somewhat difficult to reach, the journey provides a captivating blend of terrestrial and aquatic experiences such as scuba diving, camping, and kayaking. Despite this, it remains among the least frequented national parks in the United States—a secluded haven for those who love nature and seek solitude in the wild.
Certainly, Isle Royale National Park will not let you down; thus, think about paying a visit – ideally during the summertime.
7. Cuyahoga National Park - Ohio
Nestled in Northern Ohio, the charming Cuyahoga Valley serves as a sanctuary for the native flora and fauna of The Buckeye State.
Known particularly for its rolling hills and dwindling forests, the park offers the country's only nonprofit railroad and several scenic waterfalls, including the iconic Brandywine Falls - an excellent backdrop for any family vacation.
These views have attracted travelers from distant places to an infrequently visited bastion within the nation's park network.
Ohio’s sole national park also houses numerous historical sites that narrate the tale of the surrounding countryside along the Cuyahoga River.
The meandering tributary leads into woodlands, rolling hills, and wandering farmlands, providing paths for walking or riding that follow the historical path of the Ohio & Erie Canal.
Situated not far from the urban centers of Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park feels like another world altogether.
For those who adore plants and pristine wilderness, this park could be your ideal choice.
8. Acadia National Park - located in Maine
Lastly, among these remote destinations, Acadia National Park can be found at the northeastern tip of the East Coast.
At this location, visitors can enjoy a wealth of outdoor activities including kayaking, hiking, rock climbing, and horseback riding on a picturesque island situated near Southern Maine.
Located about 160 miles away from Portland and 50 miles from Bangor, it might not be in the heart of things, yet it remains one of the more off-the-beaten-path destinations on this list.
Boasting some of the most breathtaking scenery and varied fauna all along the coastline, this park remains accessible throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy activities like downhill skiing during winter, angling in spring, and picturesque hiking excursions in the summertime.
The autumn leaves are definitely an attraction too, at what the park staff promote as the ideal outdoor playground.
Most of the park's 47,000 acres are situated on Mount Desert Island, with sections extending to the Schoodic Peninsula and Isle au Haut as well.
To relish the park experience with smaller crowds during the summer, consider using alternate entrances such as these lesser-known gates.
When you arrive, you will observe the region’s abundant wildlife, including mammals like foxes, bats, and beavers, as well as marine creatures such as seals. If you appreciate the coastal charm of the northeastern United States, this park should certainly be on your list.
Read more
Post a Comment