9 Underrated U.S. National Parks You Might Want to Visit

The United States maintains more than 60 designated national parks, many of which attract millions of visitors each year. While well-known parks like Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon receive much of the attention, other sites offer equally compelling landscapes and ecosystems with fewer crowds.

This guide highlights nine national parks that are often described as less visited yet still notable for their natural features, recreational opportunities, and cultural significance. Each entry includes a short overview and practical notes for planning.

The list is based on official visitation statistics from the National Park Service, along with considerations of natural beauty and unique features. Popularity can change over time, so the rankings reflect the most recent data available at the time of publication.

1. Great Basin National Park, Nevada

Some travelers are surprised to discover a mountain oasis tucked amid Nevada’s high desert. Great Basin National Park hosts ancient bristlecone pines, the scenic summit trail of Wheeler Peak, and dramatic limestone caves. Stargazing is exceptional, with skies ranked among the darkest in the contiguous United States.

Guided tours highlight the intricate formations inside Lehman Caves, while hikers find alpine lakes and glacier-carved slopes on well-maintained trails. The park’s range in elevation brings noticeable climate shifts, packing layers is wise even in midsummer.

Facilities remain limited compared to larger national parks, so visitors typically plan for self-sufficiency. Nighttime temperatures can be cool, and cell coverage is sporadic across much of the park.

2. North Cascades National Park, Washington

With more than 300 glaciers and peaks often shrouded in mist, North Cascades National Park feels almost otherworldly. Its proximity to Seattle belies its wildness; most of the park remains roadless and accessible only by trail or water.

Summer and early fall bring hikers, backpackers, and climbers keen to experience remote valleys, waterfalls, and challenging terrain. The ruggedness can be daunting, but the rewards include solitude and vivid alpine scenery.

Facilities are basic, with services clustered near trailheads. Winter snow closes many routes, so planning for seasonal changes is essential. Permits are required for backcountry stays, and weather updates should be checked before arrival.

3. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas

Rising abruptly from the West Texas desert, the Guadalupe Mountains form an isolated range with a rich geological story. Hiking the park’s trails, visitors encounter fossilized reefs from an ancient sea and panoramic views from the highest point in Texas, Guadalupe Peak.

The Chihuahuan Desert environment supports unique flora and fauna, especially in McKittrick Canyon, where fall colors surprise many first-time guests. Most trails are steep and exposed, so sturdy footwear and water are essential.

Minimal infrastructure means self-reliance is crucial, there are no lodges or restaurants inside the park. Weather can be unpredictable at elevation, and storms sometimes move in rapidly.

4. Congaree National Park, South Carolina

At Congaree, a walk on the elevated boardwalk leads you deep into one of the tallest deciduous forests in the eastern United States. Towering cypress and loblolly pine trees dominate the landscape, providing a habitat for diverse wildlife and a chorus of birdsong.

Paddling along Cedar Creek, visitors experience the slow-moving floodplain ecosystem up close. The park’s terrain is generally flat, making it accessible for visitors of various ages and abilities.

Warm months bring significant mosquito activity, so protective clothing and repellent are highly recommended. Seasonal flooding occasionally limits trail access, so checking conditions in advance is prudent.

5. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado

From above, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison appears almost impossibly narrow and deep. The Gunnison River has carved these sheer cliffs over millions of years, creating striking contrasts of light and shadow throughout the day.

Scenic overlooks along the South Rim Drive provide accessible ways to view the canyon’s dramatic geology. For those seeking adventure, technical climbing routes and strenuous hikes descend into the depths below the rim.

Winter snow can close some roads, and the steep drop-offs call for caution while exploring. Park facilities are modest but include campsites and ranger-led programs during peak seasons.

6. Lassen Volcanic National Park, California

Steam vents, bubbling mud pots, and the looming silhouette of Lassen Peak set a distinctive mood in Lassen Volcanic National Park. The park covers four types of volcanoes, and visitors can walk short trails through active hydrothermal fields like Bumpass Hell.

Snow often lingers into June and sometimes even July, shaping the hiking season and affecting which park roads are open. The main summit trail provides a moderately challenging ascent with panoramic views at the top.

Quiet lakes and meadows offer a contrast to the energetic geothermal areas. Wildflowers generally bloom later than in other parts of California, providing a colorful late-summer spectacle.

7. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

Voyageurs National Park is a water-bound expanse of lakes, islands, and forest straddling the U.S.-Canada border. Many visitors arrive by canoe or houseboat, exploring interconnected waterways that served as historic trade routes for French-Canadian voyageurs.

Camping on secluded islands and fishing for walleye or northern pike are popular pursuits. Wildlife sightings may include bald eagles, otters, and loons, especially early in the morning or near dusk.

Road access is limited; most destinations within the park require careful route planning and advance reservations for campsites. Weather can change rapidly, so packing for rain and cool evenings is recommended.

8. Capitol Reef National Park, Utah

Capitol Reef’s dramatic rock formations rise in intricate layers of red, white, and orange, remnants of a geologic fold known as the Waterpocket Fold. The park’s Scenic Drive navigates among cliffs and canyons, offering access to trailheads with varied difficulty levels.

Spring and fall are especially pleasant, and the historic orchards, originally planted by Mormon settlers, sometimes allow guests to pick fruit during harvest season. Hickman Bridge and Cassidy Arch are well-known hikes, each with unique viewpoints.

Compared to Utah’s other parks, Capitol Reef receives far less foot traffic, resulting in a quieter experience. Services in nearby communities are limited, so preparing supplies in advance is helpful.

9. Biscayne National Park, Florida

Biscayne National Park lies south of Miami and is primarily aquatic, encompassing coral reefs, mangrove forests, and small islands. The park is best explored by boat, with snorkeling and diving trips revealing colorful marine life and historic shipwrecks.

Wildlife includes manatees, sea turtles, and schools of tropical fish, especially in summer when waters are warm. Many areas are only accessible by watercraft, so planning ahead for transportation is key.

Weather conditions can affect sea access, and summer brings frequent afternoon storms. Checking forecasts and advisories before visiting is essential for safety and enjoyment.