15 Most Underrated National Parks You Need to Visit Now

The United States has numerous national parks, each offering something unique. While big names like Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon often dominate travel itineraries, several underrated national parks deserve just as much attention. Whether you’re looking for fewer crowds, hidden natural wonders, or unique wildlife experiences, these lesser-known national treasures are worth visiting. Here’s a look at the Top 15 Most Underrated National Parks to Visit in 2024.

List of Most Underrated National Parks

Dear friends , here are the list’ of most underrated national parks. We can also call it Laser-known National Park.

1. Lassen Volcanic National Park, California

Geothermal activity abounds at Lassen Volcanic National Park, which is located in the untamed wilderness of Northern California. With Lassen Peak, the world’s largest plug dome volcano, boiling fumaroles, bubbling mud pots, and a stunning landscape that is frequently compared to Yellowstone but without the same people, this park is truly remarkable. Take a hike on the Bumpass Hell Trail or see Manzanita Lake, which has glistening crystal-clear reflections of the volcano.

Things to do in Lassen Volcanic National Park

Serial No.	Activity	Description
1	Explore Bumpass Hell	Hike through a 3-mile trail to Lassen’s largest geothermal area with fumaroles and hot springs.
2	Summit Lassen Peak	Hike a Five-mile round trip to the top of Lassen Peak for panoramic views.
3	Kayak or Fish at Manzanita Lake	Enjoy kayaking, canoeing, or fishing on the lake with beautiful views of Lassen Peak.
4	Stargazing	Experience clear night skies for stargazing at Chaos Crags or Devastated Area.
5	Visit the Sulphur Works	Explore easily accessible geothermal features like boiling mud pots and fumaroles.
6	Snowshoeing or Cross-Country Skiing	Enjoy winter activities on snow-covered trails around Chaos Jumbles or Ridge Lakes.
7	Explore Subway Cave Lava Tubes	Walk through dark, cool underground lava tubes for a unique adventure.

2. Great Basin National Park, Nevada

For those who want to escape the crowds and find solitude, Great Basin National Park is a hidden gem. Known for its stunning Bristlecone Pine forests—home to some of the oldest trees on Earth—this park also offers the chance to explore the impressive Lehman Caves. Visitors are also treated to some of the darkest night skies in the continental U.S., making it a premier spot for stargazing.

3. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas

Tucked in western Texas, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is home to the highest peak in the state, Guadalupe Peak. This park offers challenging hikes, fascinating fossilized reefs, and picturesque canyons. The region is teeming with wildlife, and the views from the top of Guadalupe Peak are simply astounding, showcasing the vastness of the Chihuahuan Desert below.

Also Read

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4. Isle Royale National Park, Michigan

For an adventurous experience, visit Isle Royale National Park, a remote island in Lake Superior. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, this rugged park is a paradise for those who love to backpack and camp. It’s a pristine wilderness where visitors can spot moose and wolves and enjoy some of the best freshwater scuba diving in the country.

5. North Cascades National Park, Washington

Often overshadowed by nearby Mount Rainier, North Cascades National Park is a hidden jewel of the Pacific Northwest. This park boasts stunning, jagged peaks, over 300 glaciers, and dense old-growth forests. The Diablo Lake Overlook offers sweeping views of turquoise waters, and the park’s hiking trails are some of the most scenic in the country.

6. Congaree National Park, South Carolina

Unknown to most people, Congaree National Park preserves one of the biggest untouched areas of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States. It’s a wildlife watcher’s dream come true, with amazing opportunities to kayak and canoe through flooded woodlands. Bird watchers will especially love it. Some of the park’s most notable attractions are easily accessible via the boardwalk loop route.

8. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado

In North America, the Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park in Colorado is home to some of the most breathtaking and precipitous cliff faces. The highest cliff in Colorado, the Painted Wall, drops about 2,300 feet to the Gunnison River. For an absolutely unique experience, adventurers can trek around the rim or—for the more daring—decline into the canyon.

9. Virgin Islands National Park, U.S. Virgin Islands

While many think of tropical beaches when visiting the U.S. Virgin Islands, Virgin Islands National Park on St. John offers much more. Beyond its white sandy beaches, this park boasts lush tropical forests, well-preserved ruins of sugar plantations, and rich underwater ecosystems perfect for snorkelling and diving. A visit here combines history, culture, and natural beauty all in one.

10. Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, named for the country’s 26th president, provides a view of the untamed splendor of the American West. Open grasslands, badlands, and a variety of fauna, such as bison, elk, and wild horses, are available to visitors. Wandering paths and scenic roadways wind across the breathtaking scenery of the park.

11. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

One of the nation’s most isolated national parks is Dry Tortugas National Park, which lies 70 miles west of Key West. In addition to being home to the storied Fort Jefferson, this park has some of Florida’s best snorkelling. Vibrant coral reefs and a profusion of marine life may be seen in the glistening clean seas around the islands.

12. Saguaro National Park, Arizona

This national park, named for the well-known Saguaro cactus, is close to Tucson, Arizona, and offers a distinctive desert landscape. Hiking trails winding through thick forests of towering cactus, some of which are over 200 years old, are open to visitors. The desert comes alive in the spring, when cactus and wildflower blooming adorn the parched landscape with vivid hues.

13. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio

Cuyahoga Valley National Park, which is only a short drive from Cleveland, provides a startling variety of views, including lush forests, rolling hills, and winding rivers. The park is well-known for its picturesque Brandywine Falls and other waterfalls, as well as its historic towpath walks that retrace the Ohio & Erie Canal’s passage.

14. Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

Although Mesa Verde is not as well-known as some of the other parks on this list, it is frequently eclipsed by more well-known Colorado locations. The Ancestral Pueblo people erected some of the best-preserved ancient cliff homes in North America in this area. Take a guided tour to discover these amazing archaeological sites.

15. Capitol Reef National Park, Utah

Although Capitol Reef is frequently overlooked, Utah is well-known for its national parks. Towering cliffs, winding valleys, and breathtaking red rock formations can all be found in this park. One of the most distinctive geological features in the park is the 100-mile-long Waterpocket Fold, a rift in the Earth’s crust. In addition, visitors can enjoy selecting fresh fruit in the park’s old orchards during the summer.

Conclusion

To sum up, visiting these Most Underrated national parks allows you to take in the diversity and beauty of the natural world in a way that may not be possible at more well-known locations. These parks provide something special for everyone, whether it’s hiking through breathtaking scenery, exploring historic ruins, or just taking in the quiet.

When organizing your travels for 2024, think about taking detours to find these undiscovered treasures. Not only will you experience fewer people, but you’ll also make memories in some of the most breathtaking and underappreciated locations in the nation. These parks are waiting for you to discover them; the trip is entirely up to you!

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