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20 Most Underrated National Parks in USA to Visit 2024

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Everybody loves to go to the Grand Canyon or Yellowstone, but what about some of the lesser known National Parks? Here are 20 underrated National Parks that are just as cool, but not as crowded.

hidden national parks in the us
Least visited National Parks in the USA

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Lesser Known National Parks

Don’t just visit the big names. Here are 20 under-the-radar National Parks you should add to your travel bucket list.


North Cascades National Park, Washington

least visited national parks in the us
Least visited National Park in US

Where: North Cascades National Park in located Northern Washington state.

Why: North Cascades is often overlooked for the more popular Washington parks, like Mount Rainier and Olympic, due to its vast and largely remote nature.

But if you make the journey to this hidden gem, you’ll be rewarded with epic mountain peaks, jaw-dropping fields of wildflowers, and Gatorade-blue alpine lakes. 

If you’re an outdoor adventure lover, there’s so many incredible things to do here. For example, there’s bucket list worthy backpacking trips, like the Sahale Glacier trail, where you’ll pitch your tent on a mountain ridgeline, with an endless sea of mountain peaks surrounding you.

Alternatively, if you prefer water sports, take a kayak or stand up paddle board to Diablo Lake, where you can paddle your way through electric blue water while taking in the jaw-dropping vistas above. 

Don’t miss: The best time to visit the park is in the fall, when the ground is aflame with autumnal wildflowers and shrubs.

There’s even a unique coniferous tree, called a larch, whose needles turn vibrant gold before falling off for the wintertime.

The best place to see this magnificent display is along the Heather Maple Pass Loop trail, where you’ll hike past countless groves of larch trees and brilliant meadows of wildflowers to the ridge of a mountain.

Where to stay: Stay in the quirky town of Winthrop, whose building has Wild Western facades and antique wooden boardwalks. The Methow River Lodge is an excellent option, thanks to its proximity to town and Wild Western vibes.

Submitted by Jessica from Uprooted Traveler


Capitol Reef National Park, Utah

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Where: Located in South central Utah, Capitol Reef is one of 5 National Parks in Utah and one of the best places to visit during a trip to Utah.

It is less than a 4-hour drive from Salt Lake City International Airport in Utah or just under a 3 1/2-hour drive from Grand Junction Regional Airport in Colorado and can be easily accessed by vehicle.

Why: Beautiful hiking trails and delicious pies. As one of the lesser visited National Parks, Capitol Reef is a well-kept secret!

However, the park has many activities and sights to enjoy, including searching for petroglyphs, hiking to a natural bridge, and admiring fruit orchards. You can even purchase a freshly-baked pie and other baked goods at the Gifford Homestead inside the park!

Don’t miss: While it is a relatively short trail at just over 3 miles round-trip, the Cassidy Arch Trail is still a fun challenge for hikers!

The path includes a strenuous climb up rocky switchbacks and hiking along the cliff’s edge hundreds of feet above the canyon floors. Once you reach Cassidy Arch, remember to walk into the center for an epic picture!

Where to stay: Torrey, Utah, is located just on the outskirts of Capitol Reef National Park, making it the perfect location to stay during your visit.

The Broken Spur Inn & Steakhouse is a great place to stay and grab a bite to eat after a long day of exploring in the park.

Submitted by Janae from Adventures With TuckNae


Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana

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Least popular National Parks – least visited us national parks

Where: Indiana Dunes National Park is located in Porter, Indiana, the closest airport being Gary Regional Airport.

For more flight options, consider flying into a larger airport with less than a two hour car drive to Indiana Dunes: South Bend International Airport, Midway National Airport, or O’Hare International Airport. 

Visitors should plan to rent a car and drive to the National Park in order to maximize time exploring the park and surrounding area.  

Why: In 2019 it became one of the newest USA National Parks. Travellers of all kinds will find something they enjoy, from stunning beaches along Lake Michigan to hiking and exploring sand dunes.

Best time to visit: Summer is high season at the National Park due to beach openings. Fall may be the most special time to visit due to beautiful foliage atop high sand dunes. 

Spring is known for its wildflower blooms, such as purple lupine. Winter is the park’s lowest season when typically only local adventurers are visiting.  

Don’t miss: Visitors should consider checking out one of Indiana Dunes most beloved hiking adventures such as the 3 Dune Challenge and Dunes Succession trail. Most trails lead visitors to beach access before, during, or after a hike.

A random and unique find just outside of the National Park is Century of Progress homes from the 1933 World’s Fair in Chicago. These vibrant, historical homes are above the sandy shoreline of Beverly Shores, Indiana.

Where to stay: One of the closest hotels to Indiana Dunes is Spring House Inn. Features at this 3-star hotel include cottage-style rooms and an indoor pool. 

Submitted by Alyssa from An Apple a Plane


Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska

most underrated national parks
Lesser visited National Parks

Where: Stretching across northern Alaska, the park is located entirely above the Arctic Circle and is a true endless wilderness.

There are two ways to get to the park. The first is to hike in from the Dalton Highway, but this is not common as you can only touch the edge of the park this way.

The main way to get there is to take one of the daily flights from Fairbanks to Anaktuvuk Pass, a native village completely within the park.

Why: Gates of the Arctic National Park is one of the most unknown and underrated National Parks in the US as there is nothing else on earth quite like it with the exception of certain parts of Russia. Due to its remoteness, only around 10,000 people visit the park each year.

Best time to visit: Summer is the best time (from mid-June to mid-September) but the park is open year-round.

However you should only visit during winter if you’re trying to see the northern lights in complete solitude. Spring and fall can still be dangerously cold. Even in summer, overnight freezes sometimes occur so you must be prepared.

Don’t miss: There’s really only one thing to do in Gates of the Arctic and that is to explore the amazing arctic landscape on foot.

With no trails, movement on the arctic tundra can be difficult, so plan on 6-7 miles per day max.

Where to stay: You can set up camp anywhere. There are no campsites and no established roads or trails within the park.

Submitted by Chris Heckman from Around the World with Me


Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

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Less crowded National Parks

Where: Crater Lake National Park, located in southern Oregon, is often considered one of the United States’ most underrated National Parks. 

One of the main reasons for its isolation is its remoteness. Crater Lake is far from major commercial airports, with Portland being around 5 hours away and San Francisco around 6 hours away by car.

Another reason is that Crater Lake is covered in snow most of the year and is fully accessible only from July to mid-October

Why: This is a unique National Park and its main feature is Crater Lake, a deep, crystal-clear lake that was formed by the collapse of a volcano over 7,000 years ago.

It is the deepest lake in the United States, and its intense blue color is stunning. Despite its breathtaking natural beauty and unique geological features, Crater is frequently overlooked by visitors in favor of more well-known National Parks such as Yosemite

Don’t miss: During the summer months, exploring the various hikes in Crater Lake is the most popular thing to do here. Hiking down the Cleetwood Cove Trail is the only way to reach the lakeshore.

There are ranger-led boat tours in Crater Lake to learn more about the history and admire the mountain ranges, and the Wizard Island cinder cone in the lake.

Driving around Crater Lake on Rim drive and stopping at the various vista points is another popular thing to do here. There are several hikes on the Rim drive to explore as well. 

Where to stay: Mazama campground has cabins and campsites available during summer. 

Submitted by Anu Agarwal from Destination Checkoff


Lassen National Park, California

obscure national parks
Less visited National Parks

Where: Lassen Volcanic National Park is hidden in plain sight in Northern California and is one of the best underrated National Parks. Lassen National Park is far to reach with the closest airport being Sacramento International airport which is 3 hour drive. San Francisco Airport is around 5 hours away by car.

Why: Lassen is a volcanic park and one of the main attractions of Lassen National Park is its geothermal activity. The park is home to numerous hot springs, fumaroles, mud pots, and other geothermal features. Lassen National Park is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors, Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks. However, it offers visitors a unique and stunning landscape that is worth exploring.

Best time to visit: Lassen is snow-covered most of the year and only accessible in the summer months of July to mid-October. 

Don’t miss: The most popular hydrothermal area to visit in the park is Bumpass Hell with boiling mud pots and sulphur vents. There is a 3-mile roundtrip hike to Bumpass Hell to witness these amazing natural phenomena up close. There are several waterfall hikes here such as the Kings Creek falls. Lake Manzanita is a beautiful alpine lake with recreational activities in the summer like camping, kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming. Visitors can hike to the summit of Lassen Peak to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Driving along the scenic Volcanic highway that runs through the park and exploring all the vista points is a popular thing to do here. 

Where to stay: The only accommodation inside the park is camping at Lake Mazanita. Chester town is 40 minutes away from the park’s southern gate and makes a great base to explore the park. Best Western Rose Quartz Inn is a good place to stay with restaurants nearby.

Submitted by Anu Agarwal from Destination Checkoff


Everglades National Park, Florida

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Best hidden gem national parks

Where: Located about an hour’s drive west of Miami or Fort Lauderdale it is easy to access with any trip to South Florida.

Why: It is very different from the other National Parks in the USA because most of the park can only be explored by airboats. There are roads to drive into the park and some wooden pathways you can walk along, but a good majority of the park is marshland and only accessible by airboat. 

Don’t miss: Taking an airboat tour, it is a fun exhilarating experience that you MUST do. Flying through the marsh with only inches of water below you is an experience that you will remember for the rest of your life.

Since it is only an hour away from south Florida, it is the perfect thing to do in Fort Lauderdale. Also, if you have ever wanted to get up close and personal with a crocodile this is the place to do it. There are even shows with professionals wrestling them. 

Where to stay: When visiting the Everglades there are some very rustic hotels you can stay at if you want to actually spend the night in the everglades including Everglades Chickee Cottages

However, if you are looking for a little more comfort during your travel there are plenty of good hotels to stay in on the beach in Fort Lauderdale including Largo Mar.

Submitted by Megan from Florida Wanderers


Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas

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Less popular national parks

Where: Guadalupe Mountains National Park is in the desert of far western Texas, just south of the New Mexico/Texas border.

The nearest airport is El Paso International Airport, just under two hours away by car. 

Why: Guadalupe Mountains National Park has over 80 miles of epic hiking trails. Each trail offers its own unique challenge and adventure.

With less than 200,000 annual visitors on average, the hiking trails in the park are far less crowded than the more popular National Parks. 

Don’t miss: Guadalupe Peak is easily the star of the park and should be on every National Park hiking bucket list.

This trail is rated difficult at 8.5 miles round-trip with almost 3,000 feet in elevation gain. However, the views from the top make it all worthwhile!

Guadalupe Peak is the highest natural point in Texas, and the views from the top will make you feel like you’re on top of the world! 

Where to stay: Guadalupe Mountains National Park is very rural and far from any significant town.

The best place to stay during your visit is in Carlsbad, New Mexico, located an hour north of the park. National Parks Inn and The Trinity Hotel are both excellent lodging options in Carlsbad. 

Submitted by Janae from Adventures With TuckNae


Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio

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Less traveled national parks

Where: Cuyahoga Valley National Park is located in Northeast Ohio, right in between Akron and Cleveland, making it one of the most accessible National Parks in the United States. 

If you are coming from out of state, you can fly into either city and be just 30-45 minutes from the National Park. It’s best to rent a car, but finding taxis that will take you to the entrance is possible. You may need to be patient.

Why: While the National Park does not have staggering mountains or dramatic views, it is a relaxing and quaint place to spend a few days in nature.

Cuyahoga National Park has a few different waterfalls, along with covered bridges and beautiful fall foliage. You can also enjoy horseback riding, over 200 miles of hiking trails, and historic buildings dating back to the 1800s.

Don’t miss: Brandywine Falls and Everett Covered Bridge are the most popular place to see in the National Park. But a lesser-known hike you shouldn’t miss is the Virginia Kendall Ledges Trail, a 2.2-mile walk through massive limestone boulders and hidden caves! 

Where to stay: Staybridge Suites is the best hotel near Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

It is just 10 minutes from the National Park entrance and 15 minutes from downtown Akron in case you’re looking for some good coffee or a nice restaurant to have dinner in the evening.

Submitted by Caleb from The Pazook Travel Journal


White Sands National Park, New Mexico

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Least traveled national parks

Where: White Sands National Park is located in New Mexico, where the closest major city is Las Cruces, which is only an hour away on a direct route via US-70E. You can fly into Las Cruces where the airport is code LRU.

Why: Because White Sands National Park is home to miles of white sand dunes made of gypsum, which normally dissolves in water.

However, White Sands National Park sits in the Tularosa Basin, which has sunny weather 90% of the time allowing these dunes to thrive. The ecosystem it creates is unique to the Chihuahuan Desert.

It’s a small National Park with only an 8-mile road from the entrance to the back so you can easily see everything in one day.

Don’t miss: Visiting White Sands National Park at sunset is a special time that shouldn’t be missed.

Not only are the views stunning, but you can go on a ranger guided sunset stroll to learn about the plants and animals that live there.

You’ll also want to rent a sled from the visitor center with wax so you can slide down the dunes!

Where to stay: The nearest town is Alamogordo so White Sands Motel is a great option for an overnight stay in the area.

Submitted by Alanna from Periodic Adventures


Pinnacles National Park, California

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Where: Pinnacles National Park is an easy drive from San Francisco or the East Bay (Oakland Airport). The drive takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes in normal traffic, along US 101 South.

Why: The smallest and newest of California’s National Parks, Pinnacles National Park is known for the volcanic formations that give the park its name, as well as the diversity of plant and animal life.

You can also explore talus caves, and look for California condors, which are released here in the wild.

There are two popular caves in the park, Bear Gulch Cave and Balconies Cave. You can hike to one or both. Bats breed in the caves, so they may be closed for that reason. Check the status before your visit.

Best time to visit: Spring is a particularly nice time to visit Pinnacles National Park, because you’ll see many different types of wildflowers, and the weather is perfect for hiking, which is the most popular activity at Pinnacles National Park.

There are trails of different lengths and difficulty levels. There is no road through the park, so exploring on foot is the only way to get close to the landscapes.

Don’t miss: Other than the California condors, there are many other species of birds you can try to spot, as well as animals, although the larger animals are usually nocturnal.

Where to stay: Most people spend one day in Pinnacles National Park, but if you want to overnight, stay at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites in Hollister.

Submitted by Dhara from Roadtripping California


Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

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Unknown national parks

Where: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is located in the southeastern corner of the Big Island of Hawaii. It comprises two highly active volcanoes: Kilauea and Mauna Loa.

This National Park is located 40 minutes from Hilo and 2.5 hours from Kailua-Kona.

Why: The landscapes are truly unique. You can explore them by driving the Chain of Craters Road to the Kalapana coast or the Crater Rim Drive Tour along sulfur banks and steam vents. A four-wheel drive vehicle is not required.

Active travelers will appreciate the various hikes that crisscross this vast National Park. Follow the Puʻuloa trail to discover the historic petroglyphs or descend into the Kilauea Iki crater and see the earth cracks and steam vents up close.

Combine this hike with a visit to the popular Thurston Lava Tube which can be found just across from the Kīlauea Iki Overlook.

Don’t miss: Be sure to stay in the park at dusk to see the lava glows at the Halema’uma’u crater. Do note that the visibility of the lava depends on the most recent eruptive activity of these active volcanoes.

Where to stay: Volcano Village is located right outside the park.

This residential area features some of the most unique places to stay on the Big Island, from cozy cabins like this one, tucked away in the lush rainforest, to modern rental homes like this one.

Submitted by Sarah Vanheel from CosmopoliClan


Cape Cod National Seashore, Massachusetts

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Least visited national parks USA

Where: Cape Cod National Seashore is located on the peninsula of Cape Cod, Massachusetts.  The best way to get here is by car, taking Route 93 South to Route 95 South.

Alternatively you can Fly into Boston and take a ferry, train or bus.  There are two small airports on Cape Cod, with flights only coming from Boston or New York City.

Why: The Cape Cod National Seashore consists of over 40 miles of  immaculate sandy beaches with rugged coastlines.

The entire area of the Cape Cod National Seashore encompasses over 43,000 acres of wetlands, kettle ponds and uplands with a variety of wildlife species, historic lighthouses and structures and charming towns. It is truly a unique New England destination with so much to explore.

Don’t miss: One of the best things to do when exploring the Cape Cod National Seashore is hike through one of the many trails that extend through swamp lands, forests, and beach shorelines.

You can also hop on your bike and explore 25 miles of the Cape Cod rail trail that runs from Yarmouth to Wellfleet. On the way, be sure to stop at one of the many homemade ice cream shops to cool down.

Where to stay: Cape Cod is home to so many unique towns, all with their own special charm.  Provincetown is a great place to stay with so much to do. 

Check out Salt House Inn, a bed and breakfast that used to house salt-mine workers in the 19th century. It has since been renovated into an upscale yet charming bed and breakfast.

Submitted by Julie from Family Trips and Travels


Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona

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Secret national parks

Where: Petrified Forest National Park is located in Northern Arizona near the town of Holbrook. The park has two entrances and is divided into two halves by Interstate 40.

Visitors travelling westbound should exit I-40 at 311 and enter through the north entrance. Visitors travelling eastbound should exit I-40 at 285 into Holbrook and then travel 19 miles on Highway 180 to the south entrance. 

Why: Petrified Forest is a unique National Park in the Southwest with two distinct areas and two dedicated visitors centres.

The two sections of the park are connected by the 28 mile long Main Park Road, which provides a beautiful scenic drive for visitors and visits the main highlights.

The Painted Desert in the north section of the park is made up of striped, pastel-toned hills and flat-topped mesas, whilst the south section of the park is littered with colorful logs made of solid quartz.

These sparkling logs were formed during a complex process that lasted thousands of years and resulted the range of colorful crystals on display today.

But it’s not just colorful badlands and unique crystallised logs that are on offer in this park, as visitors can also learn about important architectural landmarks.

The Painted Desert Inn dates back to the 1920s whilst Agate House has roots dating back as far as 1050 AD.

Don’t miss: Walk the short trails of Crystal Forest, Giant Logs and Long Logs to admire the colourful crystals of the petrified wood up close, take the Painted Desert Rim Trail for the best views over the Painted Desert and explore the Puerco Pueblo trail to walk amongst the remains of a 600 year old Puebloan dwelling.

Where to stay: Get your kicks at the old Route 66 Wigwam Motel in Holbrook.

Submitted by Lou from Wandering Welsh Girl


New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia

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Most underrated national park

Where: Located in west-central West Virginia, the park is just an hour southwest of Charleston, WV along the Highway 60 scenic byway.

Why: The deep gorge falls 750 feet in just 50 miles, making it a popular spot for whitewater rafting and fishing. But even if you don’t raft or fish, there is a ton of hiking and epic views all along the gorge. 

For hiking, prioritize the lookouts on the Endless Wall, the Long Point, and the Grandview Rim trails. 

Some interesting sightseeing include the 1,500 foot wide Sandstone Falls, the Thurmond railroad ghost town, the Fayette station road, and views of the iconic New Gorge bridge.

Don’t miss: If you can swing it, try to visit in the fall when all of the deciduous trees are setting the whole landscape aflame. 

Where to stay: Nearby Babcock State Park has some cool historic cabins for rent. Regardless, don’t base yourself in Charleston as the extra driving will take time away from your experience of the park.

Submitted by Carol Guttery from Libro Maniacs


Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

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Underrated national parks you should visit

Where: Dry Tortugas National Park is located 70 miles off the coast of Key West Florida. Therefore, travelers will need to board the Yankee Freedom III ferry in Key West and take it to the park.

Tickets cost around $190 per adult, with lunch included, and the journey takes around two hours each way. However, you could also charter your own private boat or hire a seaplane to ride to the park in style. 

Why: This amazing National Park covers an area of 100 square miles and includes seven incredible islands where individuals can snorkel amidst pristine coral reefs. After all, only around 60,000 people visit the park annually.

Therefore, visitors will have the place all to themselves as they explore historic Fort Jefferson, snorkel around Moat Wall, and take in the views from South Swim Beach. Also, be on the look out for curious sea turtles that regularly visit the area. 

Don’t miss: Be sure to go snorkelling at Garden Key before renting a kayak and paddling your way to Loggerhead Key

Where to stay: After a long day exploring the park treat yourself to a luxurious stay at Oceans Edge Resort & Marina Key West. It’s a plush, 4-star hotel that is surrounded by gorgeous tropical gardens. 

Submitted by Victoria from Florida Trippers


Congaree National Park, South Carolina

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The best under the radar national parks

Where: Congaree National Park is located in central South Carolina near Columbia. However, the closest major airport is Charlotte Douglass International Airport in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Therefore, travellers should fly here before renting a car and driving an hour and 45 minutes to the park. 

Why: Congaree National Park is one of the best Southern National Parks that covers an area of around 26,000+ acres of land and is known for being home to the single largest segment of old growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States.

So, head to the Harry Hampton Visitors center and enjoy 20+ miles of trails that include the Boardwalk Loop Trail and the Weston Lake Trail. Also, keep an eye out for 190+ species of birds that call this place home. 

Don’t miss: Try to visit in May. The temperatures are mild, the mosquitos are not a problem, the crowds are small, and travellers can attend the annual firefly festival.

Then, grab a canoe and do the Congaree River Blue Trail. It’s a unique, 50-mile designated paddling trail that starts in Columbia and takes visitors through the park by the water. 

Where to stay: Visitors can try camping at either Longleaf Campground or at Bluff Campground. Just be aware that advance reservations are needed to stay at either place.

Alternatively, travellers could also book a room at Cambria Hotel Columbia Downtown the Vista in Columbia, South Carolina.

Submitted by Victoria from Southern Trippers


Saguaro National Park, Arizona

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Obscure national parks

Where: Saguaro National Park is situated in Tucson, Arizona – a small city in the south end of the state.

The first thing to know about this park is that it is split up into two sections – Saguaro National Park East and Saguaro National Park West. 

The land is bisected by the city of Tucson, and to drive from one side to the other will take between 30-60 minutes, depending on traffic. But, it is definitely worth visiting both sides! 

Why: This National Park features a sprawling desert landscape, full of endless tall saguaros and short barrel cacti. It all sits against a background of purple and red mountains stretching up into the clear blue sky. 

Hiking in Saguaro National Park is hands down the best activity around. You can find everything from short, paved and educational trails to long treks through the rugged desert.

Start your hikes early and pack all of the essentials, no matter what season it is. This climate can be brutal to hike in the midday sun.  

Don’t miss: Saguaro National Park is also an excellent place for photographers, especially at sunrise or sunset.  With a high concentration of cacti and the bright red hues, photographers are sure to get some incredible shots.  

Where to stay: Out of towners should plan to fly into Tucson International Airport, which is just a short drive to both sections of the park. And, the Doubletree by Hilton near the Tucson Airport is a reasonable drive to both. 

Submitted by Monica from This Rare Earth


Biscayne National Park, Florida

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Least crowded national parks

Where: Biscayne National Park is in southern Florida, about 1 hour south of Miami or 4.5 hours from Clearwater, in Homestead.

Take US-1 S from Miami until the Three Lakes area. Then follow Ronald Reagan Turnpike south to Homestead. 

Why: Biscayne National Park is by far one of the most unique National Parks in the country.

Oftentimes the fanfare about National Parks is all about the rugged landscapes and staggering forests; or about where you can hike or mountain bike. But at 95% water, the wonders of Biscayne National Park lie below the surface. 

It’s not often that a National Park plays home to four different thriving ecosystems and the third-largest offshore reef in the world.

Things to do in Biscayne National Park include boat tours, paddling, snorkelling, and, yes, even hiking.  

Don’t miss: Kayaking the lagoons and creeks! This mode of transportation (and exploration) allows for the most up close and personal experience of Biscayne National Park.

Lagoons are often crawling with rays and jellyfish. While Hurricane Creek is home to crabs, anemones, and an array of fish. 

Biscayne is one of the top snorkelling destinations in the US. The crystal clear water and thriving coral reef attracts visitors from all over the globe. It’s an experience not to be missed. 

Where to stay: A night under the stars is the perfect way to cap off a visit to Biscayne National Park. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis in the Boca Chica Key and Elliott Key portions of the park.

Submitted by Candice from Exploring the Gulf


Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky

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Uncrowded national parks

Where: Mammoth Cave National Park is located in Central Kentucky, approximately two hours south of Louisville.

The nearest airport is in Bowling Green, which is a 45-minute drive away. Alternatively, visitors may choose to fly into Nashville International Airport and take a two-hour drive to the park.

The park entrance is located at 1 Mammoth Cave Pkwy, Mammoth Cave, KY 42259.

Why: Mammoth Cave National Park is a unique and special destination for both locals and tourists alike.

Its 400 miles of underground passages make it the longest-known cave system in the world, making it an ideal stop for adventurers looking to explore its vast network of tunnels and caverns.

Among these passageways are some of the most impressive limestone formations found anywhere, making it a great spot for photographers.

Don’t miss: Nearby attractions include Kentucky Down Under, a family-oriented wildlife park featuring Australian animals in naturalistic enclosures.

It is a great way to learn about the unique ecology of Australia and get up close to kangaroos, emus, wallabies, sheep, and other creatures.

Where to stay: Many visitors enjoy camping in Mammoth Cave National Park.

Submitted by Laura from The Traveling Elms


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