While the very popular national parks are home to well-known landmarks and natural wonders, the hordes of tourists can make a visit unpleasant instead of unforgettable. Thus, you might want to try out these national parks instead.
1. Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
The Isle Royale National Park is remote and isolated, which is why it is the perfect place for some peace and quiet as opposed to the tourists flocking the Grand Canyon, for example. While the still waters of Lake Superior might calm you, it is still a place for a huge adventure, from kayaking to hiking.
2. Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Alaska
This National Park is humongous, so huge that it is bigger than both the Yosemite and Yellowstone National Parks combined. Despite its size, it has more caribou than humans. It has everything, the biggest volcanoes, glaciers, and alpine meadows. This is the perfect location to try out ice climbing.
3. Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
If you ever wanted to feel like being on a red planet, then this is the place to go. The geology, with its reddish-orange sands, jagged canyons and cliffs, and the sandstone formations, is something you need to see in your lifetime.
4. Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
Named after the president who loved this area, its meadows and cliffs are a natural habitat for the hundreds of bison, bighorn sheep, feral horses, and fauna.
5. Great Basin National Park, Nevada
Not far from Las Vegas is this National Park that is exactly the opposite of the desert environment of Las Vegas. The crystal clear lakes, the mountain peaks, and one of the world’s oldest trees, the bristlecone pines, await you during your visit. It is also the right spot for spelunking, or cave exploring. The marble Lehman Caves have stalactites, stalagmites, and rare shield formations to explore.
6. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
Forget snowboarding or sledding, this National Park is where you can try out sand sledding and sandboarding. Beyond that, the surroundings are great for exploration and for stargazing in the night. You will also enjoy the wildlife that becomes active as people are sleeping.
7. North Cascades National Park, Washington
If you love hiking, then you will love the alpine landscape part of the North Cascades. Mount Shuksan, one of the most photographed mountains in America, is found here, and have tons of hiking trails to be explored. One of the best is the Cascades Pass, with panoramic views of the Cascades and the valleys.
8. Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
Lassen Peak is the biggest plug dome volcano in the whole world, which is only one reason to visit this place. You can enjoy the hot springs and hydrothermal areas, as well as the clear mountain lakes. Hiking up the Lassen Peak can be tiring but is doable for amateurs.
There are many National Parks to visit and enjoy the great outdoors, so there is no need to squeeze in with the crowds. Instead, breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the sounds of nature in these lesser-known but equally beautiful destinations.