Many people from around the world come to see the famous parks in the United States, but many other parks are just as beautiful. Here are twelve underrated national parks filled with stunning scenery and various exciting attractions that you’ll definitely want to add to your bucket list.
1. Glacier Bay, Alaska
The park is located within a World Heritage Site that spans over 25,000,000 acres, making it one of the largest international protected areas in the world. The park is a never-ending source of exploration and creativity. The park is accessible by boat or on foot for visitors’ convenience.
2. Kenai Fjords, Alaska
Exit Glacier, Harding Icefield, and the coastline are the three primary features of this park. To protect its fjord and rainforest habitats, the Harding Icefield, abundant wildlife, and historical and archeological remnants, the park was first designated a national monument in 1978 and then a national park in 1980. Brown and black bears, moose, sea otters, harbor seals, humpback whales, and killer whales are just some of the marine and terrestrial creatures that call this area home.
3. Crater Lake, Oregon
Crater Lake is the park’s centerpiece and draws visitors by its stunning blue color and pristine water. A relic of the extinct volcano Mount Mazama, the lake is located inside the park’s boundaries, along with the surrounding hills and woods. It is one of the cleanest lakes on the earth and the deepest lake in the United States.
4. Redwood, California
Along the coast of northern California is a complex of many state and national parks known as the Redwood National and State Parks (RNSP). The United RNSP covers 139,000 acres and comprises California’s Del Norte Coast, Jedediah Smith, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Parks, all founded in the 1920s. The park’s most prominent feature is the coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), the tallest tree species on Earth. It is wholly contained within the counties of Del Norte and Humboldt.
5. Badlands, South Dakota
This park has impressive rock formations that house one of the most extensive fossil beds on the planet, where ancient horses and rhinos lived. But today, it’s home to bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets because of the park’s 244,000 acres of protected grassland. The park is open year-round and offers a variety of activities such as hiking, camping, stargazing, and wildlife watching.
6. Sequoia, California
Its giant sequoia trees make it famous, especially General Sherman, the world’s largest tree by volume. The General Sherman tree grows in the Giant Forest, home to five of the world’s ten largest trees. The Generals Highway connects the Giant Forest to Kings Canyon National Park’s General Grant Grove, home to the General Grant tree and other giant sequoias.
7. Dry Tortugas, Florida
Fort Jefferson, a huge but unfinished coastal stronghold, is the park’s focal point. With over 16 million bricks, Fort Jefferson is the largest brick masonry construction in the Americas. The park protects Fort Jefferson and other Dry Tortugas islands, the most western and isolated of the Florida Keys.
8. Haleakala, Hawaii
Haleakala (East Maui) Volcano last erupted between 1480 and 1600 AD and is a featured attraction in the park. Numerous hiking routes provide opportunities for quiet reflection and breathtaking views. The park is home to more endangered species than any other in the National Park Service. Campsites and chalets are available for overnight guests.​
9. White Sands, New Mexico
Part of the largest gypsum dune field on the planet is preserved at this park, making it one of a kind. The 275 square miles (710 square kilometers) of desert that make up the dune field have been enveloped by wave-like dunes of gypsum sand. One of the park’s most captivating sights lies in the striking contrast between the brilliant white sand and the vibrant blue sky, leaving visitors in awe of its breathtaking beauty.
10. Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico
Carlsbad Caverns National Park in southeastern New Mexico, nestled within the Guadalupe Mountains, boasts the captivating Carlsbad Cavern as its main attraction. With its vast network of caves, the park attracts 40 million visitors annually, offering self-guided hikes and elevator access for exploration.
11. Wrangell-St. Elias, Alaska
Wrangell-St. Elias is an exciting location for adventurers of all kinds, thanks to its vast geography. Visitors can enjoy various outdoor pursuits like rock climbing, hiking, rafting, and fishing. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve is the largest national park in the United States, covering an area of about 13 million acres. The park is famous for its stunning views of Mount Wrangell’s sporadic smoke eruptions.
12. Congaree, South Carolina
This park is famous for its vast collection of old-growth hardwood trees, with over 80 species thriving here. Designated as a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 1983, the park offers hiking and guided tours along the Cedar Creek canoe trail. The best times to visit are spring and fall to avoid swampy and mosquito-prone conditions during warmer months.
More From Savoteur
Climate change is a growing concern across the globe, and one of its most significant threats is rising sea levels. With each passing year, the risk of flooding and coastal erosion becomes greater. According to a report from the Union of Concerned Scientists, 15 U.S. cities could be underwater by 2050. Here is a list of those cities and what’s at stake for each.
Put on Your Lifejackets: 14 U.S. Cities That Will Be Underwater by 2050
These Are the 12 Most Dangerous Lakes in the United States
Some of the world’s most breathtaking lakes are in the United States. Yet, not all lakes are created equal, and some are downright dangerous. These 12 lakes make it to the list of the most dangerous lakes in the U.S.
These Are the 12 Most Dangerous Lakes in the United States
15 Deadliest Beaches in America: Avoid These on Your Next Vacation
As summer approaches and beach-goers flock to the coast, it’s important to be aware of the potential dangers that can lurk beneath the waves. From treacherous currents to deadly wildlife, America’s beaches can be beautiful yet perilous. Here are the 15 most dangerous beaches in America.
15 Deadliest Beaches in America: Avoid These on Your Next Vacation
Diving to New Depths: Discovering the Deepest Lake in the World
The world is home to many awe-inspiring bodies of water, and some of the most fascinating are the deep lakes. These lakes boast impressive depths that can leave even the most experienced divers breathless. Here we share the deepest lake in the world, ranked by depth.
Diving to New Depths: Discovering the Deepest Lake in the World
The 10 Most Dangerous Places To Swim in the World
Wild swimming is becoming popular with people who love escaping crowds and immersing themselves in nature. However, those looking for unbridled wild should always research where they swim beforehand, lest they find themselves in trouble.
Finding the right wild swimming spot takes a lot of research and monitoring of safety criteria, such as tides, proximity to sewage, and time of day.
An online post is sharing the most dangerous swimming places on Earth. Here are some you should avoid if you value your safety.
The 10 Most Dangerous Places To Swim in the World
