Visit America's Lesser-Known National Parks Before Everyone Else Does
The National Park Service, established in 1916 to preserve America’s most treasured lands, protects 58 different parks across the nation. And while the more popular national parks – Great Smoky Mountains, Grand Canyon, Yosemite – have their draw, with millions of visitors attending each year, there are dozens of other majestic oases of natural beauty. These landmarks with the fewest visitors are some of the nation’s best-undiscovered gems.
1. Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, Alaska
Park
2. Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
Park
3. North Cascades National Park, Washington
Market, Market, Park
North Cascades National Park, Washington
Located just a few hours outside of Seattle, it may come as a surprise that this national park only receives 20,000 visitors a year. Extending north into Canada’s Skagit Valley Provincial Park, the North Cascades National Park is known for its mountain trails, pine-studded landscape, and glistening lakes. Plus, with over 300 glaciers to explore, it calls to mountaineers and experienced backpackers, some who trek through the park on their way to the terminus of the Pacific Crest Trail. Access to the North Cascades is limited, with most arriving via Highway 20, which crosses at Ross Lake – a popular stop for boating, kayaking, and fishing.
North Cascades National Park, WA, USA, +1 360 854 7200
4. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
Park
5. Congaree National Park, South Carolina
Forest, Park
Congaree National Park, South Carolina
Congaree National Park, the largest intact stretch of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the US, once faced threats of deforestation. After a grassroots initiative was set in motion in the 1960s, a portion of the park was designated as protected wilderness; it was officially named a national park in 2003. Characterized by lush canopy roofs and sweeping rivers, the Congaree houses one of the highest temperate deciduous forests in the world. The grassy wetlands are best seen via canoe, where you just might catch a glimpse of a river otter or armadillo, or you can take a stroll along the Boardwalk Loop, a 2.4-mile-long path that plays host to less than 100,000 visitors a year.
Congaree National Park, 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC, USA, +1 803 776 4396
6. Great Basin National Park, Nevada
Park
7. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
Park
8. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado
Park
Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.
Our immersive trips, led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.?>
All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.