The 10 Most Underrated National Parks in the U.S.

 

We know of everybody’s favorite National Parks—Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Yellowstone, Zion, etc.— but there are a whopping 423 National Parks in the U.S. just waiting to be explored. The National Parks are an amazing way to experience the wide array of beauty and wildlife in America, and we don’t want you to miss a thing. Explore our favorite underrated National Parks in the U.S.

You’ll find true solitary solace at Big Bend. It’s one of the hardest National Parks to access, but also one of the most biodiverse. Here, you’re surrounded by the Chisos Mountains, Chihuahuan Desert, and the Rio Grande. A 90-minute drive to the iconic artist’s town of Marfa, Big Bend is a great day trip for hiking and dipping in the hot springs. The best time to visit is fall or spring, or early morning if you’re visiting in the summer. Accommodations include yurt, camping, or drive-in options.

Who knew the tallest sand dunes in the U.S. would be in southern Colorado? With peaks up to 14,000 feet tall, it’s no wonder this park has been called a “sandbox of epic proportions.” There are no motorized vehicles allowed on the dunes, but you can hike up and slide down on a sand sled (available for rent at shops nearby). There’s not much by way of restaurants or nightlife surrounding the park, but Colorado Springs, Durango and Santa Fe are all within a 3-hour drive. A special trip to the park is worth it to see these natural marvels.

Just 45 minutes from Miami is the largest coral reef in North America, tons of marine life, and evidence of human life dating back 10,000 years. 95% of Biscayne National Park lies underwater, making it one of the most unique National Parks in the U.S. and accessible only by boat. Take a guided tour, paddleboard through mangroves, snorkel over shipwrecks, or boat, dive, and fish in clear waters. 

This island in the middle of Lake Superior is accessible by a ferry, 3-hour boat ride, or 45-minute seaplane and only open in the summertime. But, much like Biscayne, even (and maybe especially) the most remote National Parks in the U.S. are worth visiting. Enjoy a quiet hike, a refreshing swim, and a beautiful spot to camp overnight. At Isle Royale, you might spot a group of moose or even the elusive wolfpack that the park helped repopulate! 

 

Known as the “American Alps,” you won’t believe the landscape views at North Cascades National Park. With over 500 lakes and ponds, there are endless opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and more. The park is only open in the summer, but when it is, there are endless opportunities for hiking, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and enjoying the park’s 500+ lakes and ponds. Don’t miss Colonial Creek Falls, the tallest waterfall in the U.S.!

Fill up your water bottles and head straight into the scene of wild west movie. Just outside of Tucson is Saguaro National Park, home to the tallest cacti in the U.S. And by tall, we mean that the park’s tallest-ever Saguaro was 78 ft.! From April to June you can enjoy beautiful cactus flowers, but desert landscape and wildlife is fascinating and breathtaking all year round.

Visit the Galapagos of North America just 90 minutes from Los Angeles! You’d never know you were near civilization at Channel Islands National Park. There are no cars or nearby restaurants, just an all-natural island escape where you may spot whales, bald eagles, miniature foxes, and sea lions. Kayaking through the park’s unique sea caves is a favorite of Channel Islands visitors.

Alaska has some of the most National Parks in the U.S. of any other state, but most of them are hard to access. Not this one, though—Kenai Fjords National Park is just a quick drive or train ride from Anchorage! Wilderness in Alaska is unique, and this park offers a front row to all of it: glaciers, fjords, breaching whales, sea otters, puffins, eagles…the list goes on.

Hundreds of millions of years ago, caves formed within the Guadalupe Mountains, and now they’re accessible for you to explore! Home of the largest cave chamber in North America (and lots of migrating bats), some caves at Carlsbad Caverns National Park go as deep underground as high as the Empire State Building is tall. The hike through the caverns takes about an hour to complete, and you won’t soon forget the incredible rock formations and gigantic “rooms” made of limestone.

Nestled along the Canadian border is Voyageurs National Park. This Dark Sky Park is one of the best places to stargaze, and it’s so far north you may even see the Northern Lights! The dense forest is perfect for long hikes, and there are many lakes for boating and swimming. Guests may stay on a campsite (though some are only accessible by canoe), or on the water in a houseboat if you have a permit.