18 Underrated National Parks in the U.S. That Rival Yellowstone and Yosemite

When people think of national parks in the U.S., Yellowstone and Yosemite often come to mind. But, the U.S. is lucky to have an array of national parks with breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystems. We look at 18 underrated national parks with fewer crowds but lots to see and that deserve just as much attention.

North Cascades National Park, Washington

Often called the “American Alps,” North Cascades National Park boasts jagged peaks, alpine lakes, and more than 300 glaciers. One of the least visited parks in the United States is North Cascades, which is ideal for people looking for peace and quiet in the woods. You can stroll through thick forests and witness picturesque mountain passes and cascading waterfalls.

Great Basin National Park, Nevada

Great Basin National Park is a hidden gem featuring the ancient Bristlecone Pines, some of the oldest living trees on Earth. With some of the darkest skies in the U.S., this park is perfect for stargazing and it also offers stunning views of Wheeler Peak and underground exploration in Lehman Caves, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Lassen Volcanic National Park, California

Lassen Volcanic National Park is home to steaming fumaroles, boiling springs, and impressive volcanic landscapes, giving visitors a cheaper and less crowded experience similar to Yellowstone Park. Visitors can hike through bubbling hydrothermal areas, summit Lassen Peak, or take a dip in the crystal-clear mountain lakes, depending on what mood they’re in.

Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

Wildlife lovers can’t get enough of Voyageurs National Park, which is a paradise of interconnected waterways, lush forests, and remote islands filled with bald eagles, moose, and black bears. You can explore the park’s waters by kayak, canoe, or houseboat for an unforgettable experience in the wilderness.

Congaree National Park, South Carolina

Congaree National Park is home to one of the largest intact old-growth bottomland hardwood forests in North America. The park’s swamp-like environment allows visitors to paddle through the flooded forest, hike along elevated boardwalks, and witness some of the tallest, and most impressive, trees in the eastern U.S.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is the highest peak in Texas and enjoys stunning desert landscapes that you will fall in love with. Hikers can look forward to challenging trails that take in impressive canyons filled with vibrant foliage in the fall, and fossilized reef structures that date back 260 million years.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado

This park features some of the steepest cliffs, narrowest canyons, and most dramatic rock formations in the U.S. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison isn’t for the faint hearted as it offers challenging hikes, and world-class rock climbing, with some areas only 40 feet wide at the river level.

Redwood National Park, California

While not as underrated as others on this list, Redwood National Park is often overshadowed by Yosemite, but it’s home to some of the tallest trees on Earth, which not many parks can compete with. The park is also home to  beautiful rivers, a rocky shoreline, and lots of animals, including gray whales and Roosevelt elk.

Isle Royale National Park, Michigan

One of the least-visited national parks, Isle Royale is an isolated paradise in Lake Superior. As the park can only be reached by boat or aircraft, it is a true wilderness retreat and a refuge for wildlife enthusiasts, trekkers, and kayakers who can see wolves, moose, and loons in their native environment.

Channel Islands National Park, California

Just off the coast of Southern California, Channel Islands National Park remains relatively unknown despite its incredible biodiversity. The park is made up of five islands that are made up of sea cliffs, unusual plant life, and great kayaking and snorkeling opportunities. Wildlife lovers will also revel in the opportunity to spot island foxes and seabirds as they nest.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

This park offers impressive badlands landscapes, abundant wildlife, and a connection to American history as it’s named after Theodore Roosevelt as he was very  conservation-minded and loved nature. This park offers opportunities to see bison, wild horses, and prairie dog towns while hiking through colorful rock formations and soaking up the stunning vistas.

Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado

Home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, Great Sand Dunes National Park is a surreal landscape of shifting sands against a backdrop of rugged mountains. Visitors can hike up the dunes, sandboard down them, or cool off in Medano Creek late into the night when the stars put on an enchanting show.

Pinnacles National Park, California

From challenging rock climbs and invigorating hikes to exploring mysterious cave systems, Pinnacles National Park offers a wealth of activities. The park’s dramatic rock formations and diverse wildlife, including the rare California condor, create a truly unique setting. And in spring, the rugged landscape bursts into a vibrant display of wildflowers.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio

Tucked between the busy urban centers of Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a sanctuary filled with natural beauty. Its forests, waterfalls, and rolling hills offer a refreshing escape, with multiple hiking and biking trails, including the historic Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, and the picturesque Brandywine Falls adding to its charm.

White Sands National Park, New Mexico

This striking desert park is home to a surreal landscape of brilliant white dunes that can be explored by hiking, sledding, or driving along the scenic Dunes Drive. The contrast between the bright sands and blue skies makes for an unforgettable experience in the largest gypsum dune field in the world.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska

As the largest national park in the U.S., Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is a sprawling and untamed wilderness, a land of towering mountains, colossal glaciers, and remote landscapes. Its immense size belies its status as one of the least-visited national parks, making it a true haven for adventurers seeking backcountry hikes, glacier trekking, and breathtaking flightseeing tours.

Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

Located 70 miles west of Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park is a remote paradise accessible only by boat or seaplane. The park’s most prominent feature is Fort Jefferson, a massive, unfinished brick fortress that stands as a testament to 19th-century ambitions. Divers and snorkelers will also love exploring the abundant marine life that offer some of the most spectacular underwater scenes in the country.

Katmai National Park, Alaska

For an unforgettable wildlife experience, Katmai National Park is unparalleled, with Brooks Falls a prime viewing location. Visitors can watch brown bears catching salmon in the wild and hiking the park’s volcanic terrain, including the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes.