When most people think of U.S. national parks, the first ones that come to mind are Yosemite, Yellowstone, and the Grand Canyon. These parks are undoubtedly beautiful and definitely worth visiting.
However, they can also be quite crowded, which may not be what you’re looking for when you visit a national park.
If you’re looking to enjoy nature while avoiding the crowds, try exploring some of the lesser-known national parks. There are many hidden gems throughout the United States that offer just as much beauty as the more popular parks, but without the crowds.
Here are 9 under-the-radar national parks in the United States:
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1. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
This national park is located just south of Cleveland and is a great place to escape the city for a day or two.
There are numerous hiking and biking trails, as well as scenic spots along the Cuyahoga River. The park also features a number of historic sites, including the remains of the Ohio & Erie Canal.
Wildlife
Wildlife is abundant in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and you may even spot a deer or two while you’re hiking. The park is also home to a variety of birds, such as herons, egrets, and woodpeckers.
Planning Your Visit
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is open year-round, and there is no entrance fee. The best time to visit is between April and October when the weather is milder.
2. Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Badlands National Park is one of the most unique parks in the United States. The landscape is otherworldly, with its jagged rock formations and deep canyons.
The sunset is especially beautiful here, as the rocks take on a reddish hue.
Wildlife
Badlands National Park is home to bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorns, and prairie dogs. The park is also a great place to see birds of prey, such as eagles and hawks.
Planning Your Visit
Badlands National Park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is between April and October. The park has two entrances, one on the east side and one on the west side.
There is a fee of $30 per vehicle to access the park. You can also purchase an annual pass for $55.
3. Great Basin National Park, Nevada
Great Basin National Park is located in eastern Nevada, near the town of Baker. The park is home to the tallest single-peak in the state, Wheeler Peak.
There are also a number of hiking trails, as well as opportunities for stargazing and wildlife watching.
Wildlife
Great Basin National Park is home to several wild animals. You may see mule deer, bighorn sheep, or even an elk while you’re exploring the park.
The park is also home to a number of different bird species, such as sage grouse and mountain bluebirds.
Planning Your Visit
Great Basin National Park is open year-round and there is no entrance fee.
4. Congaree National Park, South Carolina
Congaree National Park is located in central South Carolina and is the largest protected area of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States.
You can see incredibly large trees here. With lush, biodiverse forests, it’s a wonderful place to connect with nature.
Wildlife
The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, otters, foxes, and even bobcats.
Planning Your Visit
Congaree National Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. There is no entrance fee. You can camp at one of the two campgrounds for $10-$20 per night.
5. North Cascades National Park, Washington
North Cascades National Park is located in northern Washington state and is known for its dramatic mountain scenery.
The park is home to several glaciers, as well as the tallest peak in the Cascade Range, Mount Rainier. There are many hiking trails, as well as opportunities for camping, fishing, and climbing.
Wildlife
North Cascades National Park is home to a variety of mountain wildlife, including black bears, bobcats, and cougars – so be aware of your surroundings at all times!
You may also see animals like river otters and bald eagles.
Planning Your Visit
North Cascades National Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. There is no entrance fee.
6. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
Dry Tortugas National Park is located in the Gulf of Mexico, west of Key West, Florida. The park is made up of seven small islands, the largest of which is Garden Key.
The park is home to Fort Jefferson, a 19th-century fort that was used as a prison during the Civil War.
Wildlife
Dry Tortugas National Park is home to a variety of tropical wildlife, including sea turtles and dolphins.
Planning Your Visit
Dry Tortugas National Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. The best time to visit is between October and May when it’s cooler. There is an entrance fee of $15 per person, which is good for 7 days.
7. Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
Isle Royale National Park is located in Lake Superior, off the coast of Michigan. The park is made up of a cluster of small islands, the largest of which is Isle Royale. The park is known for its hiking trails and abundant wildlife.
Wildlife
Wildlife in Isle Royale National Park includes moose, wolves, and beavers. You may also see a variety of bird species, such as loons and bald eagles.
Planning Your Visit
Isle Royale National Park is open from mid-April through October. There is an entrance fee of $7 per person. Canoeing and kayaking are popular activities.
8. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
Voyageurs National Park is a massive National Park located near the Canadian border in northern Minnesota.
There are several lakes, forests, and waterways throughout the park. Another key feature is the Ellsworth Rock Gardens, which are a series of sculptures created by artist Jack Ellsworth.
Wildlife
Voyageurs National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including beavers, otters, and bald eagles. You may also see a variety of bird species, such as loons and ospreys.
Planning Your Visit
Voyageurs National Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. The best time to visit is between May and September. There is an entrance fee of $7 per person.
9. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
Carlsbad Caverns National Park has more than 100 caves and is also home to Rattlesnake Springs, a desert wetland.
The caves are the result of years of erosion from an underground river. The park also has a variety of hiking trails and is known for its bat populations.
Wildlife
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is home to a variety of bats, as well as other animals such as snakes and lizards. You may also see a variety of bird species, such as swallows and canyon wrens.
Planning Your Visit
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. There is an entrance fee of $6 per adult.
Tips for Visiting National Parks
When visiting a national park, be sure to:
- Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes
- Bring plenty of water and snacks
- Be aware of your surroundings and stay on marked trails
- Leave no trace by packing out all of your trash
- Bring along a map of the park
- Check for closures and alerts before you visit
With more than 400 national parks in the United States, there is sure to be one that suits your interests. So get out there and explore!
There are a number of great national parks in the United States that are worth visiting. If you’re looking for a park that is less crowded and not as well known, be sure to check out some of these under-the-radar parks. All of them offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife watching.