15 Lesser-Visited National Parks That Offer Stunning Scenery
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While popular national parks often draw large crowds, countless lesser-visited parks offer equally breathtaking landscapes and unique experiences. These hidden gems allow visitors to immerse themselves in nature without the hustle and bustle typically found in more tourist-heavy destinations.
Discovering these hidden parks enables you to appreciate the great outdoors’s incredible offerings while supporting conservation efforts to preserve these unique places for future generations.
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve is the least visited national park in the United States, attracting only about 10,000 visitors annually. Spanning more than 8 million acres of stunning wilderness in Alaska, this remote park features over 1,400 species of plants and is home to diverse wildlife, including caribou and grizzly bears.
Kobuk Valley National Park
Kobuk Valley National Park, located in Alaska, receives around 10,000 visitors annually, making it one of the least frequented national parks in the U.S. The park features the largest sand dunes in the Arctic, spanning 30 square miles, and provides a unique habitat for diverse wildlife, including caribou and various bird species.
Isle Royal National Park
Isle Royale National Park in Michigan attracts approximately 25,000 visitors yearly, making it one of the least-visited national parks in the United States. Covering over 893 square miles, it is renowned for its rugged wilderness and diverse ecosystems, including around 200 species of birds and a unique population of moose that flourishes in this remote setting.
North Cascades National Park
North Cascades National Park, located in Washington State, welcomes approximately 30,000 visitors annually, making it one of the nation’s quieter national parks. Spanning over 600,000 acres, it boasts more than 300 glaciers and holds the highest concentration in the contiguous United States.
Lake Clark National Park and Preserve
Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, located in Alaska, sees about 30,000 visitors yearly, making it one of the least-visited national parks in the United States. Spanning over 4 million acres, this expansive park is home to diverse wildlife, including approximately 300 species of birds and a significant population of brown bears. It offers a unique wilderness experience for those exploring its remote landscapes.
Katmai National Park and Preserve
Katmai National Park and Preserve in Alaska attracts roughly 40,000 visitors yearly, significantly lower than many national park counterparts. Renowned for its incredible bear populations, the park hosts an estimated 2,200 brown bears, providing a remarkable opportunity for wildlife viewing in a stunning natural setting.
National Park of American Samoa
The National Park of American Samoa, with its stunning coastline and lush rainforests, receives around 60,000 visitors annually, making it one of the least visited national parks in the United States. Home to diverse ecosystems, the park boasts a remarkable 80% of its plant species native to the region, highlighting its unique biodiversity.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park, located off the coast of Florida, receives approximately 60,000 visitors each year, making it one of the lesser-visited national parks in the United States. Comprising seven small islands and featuring historical sites such as Fort Jefferson, the park is celebrated for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life, offering a unique destination for snorkelers and history enthusiasts.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is the largest national park in the United States, covering an astonishing 13.2 million acres, larger than six of the country’s smaller states combined. Despite its vast size and dramatic landscapes, it attracts only about 75,000 visitors yearly, making it one of the least-visited parks in the national system.
Great Basin National Park
Great Basin National Park in Nevada sees around 90,000 visitors annually, making it a relatively quiet destination compared to more popular parks. Spanning over 77,000 acres, it features the impressive Lehman Caves and the ancient bristlecone pines, some of the oldest living trees on Earth, estimated to be over 4,800 years old.
Congaree National Park
Congaree National Park in South Carolina sees approximately 150,000 visitors each year, providing a unique experience for those seeking to explore the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States. The park covers over 27,000 acres and offers hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities in its diverse ecosystems.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Texas attracts around 250,000 visitors annually, making it a popular destination for those looking to experience the highest peaks in Texas and stunning natural beauty. The park encompasses over 86,000 acres and features the famous Guadalupe Peak, which rises to an elevation of 8,749 feet, the highest point in the state.
Pinnacle National Park
Pinnacle National Park, located in central California, attracts approximately 250,000 visitors annually. This relatively small park, spanning just over 26,000 acres, features unique rock formations and diverse habitats home to various wildlife species. It offers hiking, rock climbing, birdwatching, and stargazing opportunities in its tranquil setting.
Voyageurs National Park
Voyageurs National Park, located in northern Minnesota, attracts approximately 250,000 visitors yearly. It offers a serene landscape of interconnected waterways and dense forests. The park spans over 218,000 acres and features over 50 miles of paved roads and 27 campgrounds, making it a prime destination for boating, fishing, and exploring the great outdoors.
Channel Islands National Park
Channel Islands National Park, located off the coast of southern California, receives roughly 400,000 visitors annually. Despite its accessibility by boat and proximity to a central metropolitan area, it remains one of the least-visited national parks in the country. The park comprises five islands and their surrounding ocean waters, providing a rare opportunity to experience pristine natural landscapes and diverse marine life in a largely undeveloped setting.