7 Lesser Known National Parks that are Worth a Visit

While the United States is home to some of the most famous and popular national parks in the world, it also has many lesser-known national parks that are equally deserving of attention. Here are seven lesser-known national parks in the U.S. that are worth a visit:

Congaree National Park

Tree-lined banks of Cedar Creek, Conagree National Park

Located in South Carolina, Congaree National Park is home to one of the largest intact tracts of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States. Visitors can explore the park’s boardwalks, hiking trails, and canoe trails to experience the park’s diverse plants and wildlife.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is located in western Colorado, USA.

Located in Colorado, this park features a 2,000-foot-deep canyon carved by the Gunnison River. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, hiking trails, and fishing opportunities in the park.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Located in Texas, this park offers visitors a chance to explore the rugged desert landscapes of West Texas. Visitors can hike to the top of Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas, or explore the park’s many canyons and wildlife habitats.

Isle Royale National Park

Sunrise over Rock Harbor at Isle Royale National Park in Michigan

Located in Michigan, this park is the only national park in the United States that is entirely located on an island. Visitors can enjoy hiking, boating, and wildlife viewing in the park, which is home to wolves, moose, and other species.

Pinnacles National Park

Jagged landscape of Pinnacles National Park

Located in California, this park features towering rock formations, hiking trails, and opportunities for rock climbing. The park is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including condors, bats and wildflowers.

Great Basin National Park

Idyllic landscape in Great Basin National Park, Nevada

Located in Nevada, this park offers visitors a chance to explore the unique landscapes of the Great Basin, including ancient bristlecone pine trees, high-elevation deserts, and limestone caves.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

The little Missouri River cuts through Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

Located in North Dakota, this park is named after the 26th President of the United States, who was a strong advocate for conservation. Visitors can explore the park’s prairies, badlands, and wildlife, including bison, pronghorns, and wild horses.


These lesser-known national parks offer visitors a chance to experience some of the most unique and beautiful landscapes in the United States. While they may not be as well-known as some of the more famous national parks, they are definitely worth a visit for anyone looking for a unique and unforgettable outdoor adventure.

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Hi, I'm Nicole

I’m a passionate wildlife conservationist—and I believe that responsible travel has the power to save the planet. In my former career as a zookeeper, I had the great privilege of caring for some remarkable endangered creatures. Today, I help my clients see these creatures up close—and in doing so, reflect on their place in the world, and how they can help preserve it.

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