Best Underrated National Parks to Visit in 2025

When it comes to national parks, iconic destinations like Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon often steal the spotlight. While these parks are undoubtedly breathtaking, they’re also often crowded, especially during peak seasons. If you’re seeking a quieter, more rugged experience in 2025, why not explore some of the lesser-known national parks? These hidden gems offer unique landscapes, intimate encounters with nature, and a sense of solitude that’s hard to find in more popular destinations.

Here are some of the best underrated national parks that deserve a spot on your travel list, complete with details on what makes them special and practical tips for planning your visit.

1. North Cascades National Park (Washington)

• What Makes It Special: Known as the “American Alps,” North Cascades National Park boasts jagged peaks, over 300 glaciers, and pristine alpine lakes. This park is a haven for hikers and climbers, offering stunning vistas at nearly every turn.
• Activities to Enjoy: Hike to Diablo Lake for its surreal turquoise waters or tackle the Cascade Pass Trail for panoramic views. The park is also ideal for backpacking trips, with remote wilderness areas that promise solitude.
• Visitor Considerations: This park sees only about 30,000 visitors annually, so you’ll have plenty of space to yourself. Camping is available at several campgrounds, including Colonial Creek and Newhalem, as well as in the backcountry with a permit. Be prepared for rugged terrain and potentially challenging hikes.

2. Great Basin National Park (Nevada)

• What Makes It Special: Far from the bustling crowds of Las Vegas, Great Basin National Park offers a unique blend of high desert landscapes, ancient bristlecone pine forests, and Lehman Caves, a stunning underground marvel.
• Activities to Enjoy: Take a guided tour of the caves to see intricate limestone formations or hike to Wheeler Peak, the park’s second-highest point, for spectacular views. The park is also a designated International Dark Sky Park, making it a prime spot for stargazing.
• Visitor Considerations: Great Basin is one of the least visited national parks, so you can expect peace and quiet. Campgrounds like Baker Creek and Wheeler Peak are available, but there are no lodging options within the park, so plan accordingly. Trails range from easy walks to strenuous climbs.

3. Congaree National Park (South Carolina)

• What Makes It Special: This park preserves one of the largest intact expanses of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States. Its towering trees and lush, swampy landscape are a must-see for nature lovers.
• Activities to Enjoy: Explore the park’s boardwalk trail or paddle through its waterways on a canoe or kayak. The serene surroundings are ideal for birdwatching and photography. Congaree also offers guided night walks to experience the magic of firefly season in late spring.
• Visitor Considerations: Congaree is accessible year-round, with mild winters and hot, humid summers. Camping is available, but there are no RV hookups. Trails are mostly flat, making them suitable for all skill levels. Don’t forget insect repellent, especially during the warmer months.

4. Guadalupe Mountains National Park (Texas)

• What Makes It Special: Home to the highest peak in Texas (Guadalupe Peak), this park offers rugged beauty with stunning desert landscapes, vibrant fall foliage, and fascinating geological features.
• Activities to Enjoy: The Guadalupe Peak Trail is a challenging but rewarding hike, offering breathtaking views from the summit. McKittrick Canyon is another highlight, especially in the fall when the leaves turn brilliant shades of red and orange.
• Visitor Considerations: Guadalupe Mountains is one of the quietest national parks in the U.S. The park has several primitive campgrounds, but there are no lodges or restaurants nearby. Trails vary in difficulty, so plan your hikes according to your fitness level.

5. Lassen Volcanic National Park (California)

• What Makes It Special: If you’ve ever wanted to witness geothermal wonders without battling the crowds of Yellowstone, Lassen Volcanic National Park is your answer. The park features bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and Lassen Peak, an active volcano.
• Activities to Enjoy: Explore Bumpass Hell, a geothermal area with colorful hot springs and steaming vents. For a more challenging adventure, hike to the summit of Lassen Peak. Manzanita Lake is perfect for kayaking, fishing, or simply enjoying the tranquil scenery.
• Visitor Considerations: The park offers campgrounds, but lodging is limited to nearby towns. Trails range from easy nature walks to strenuous climbs, so there’s something for everyone. Due to its high elevation, snow can linger into early summer, so check conditions before you visit.

6. Voyageurs National Park (Minnesota)

• What Makes It Special: Located near the Canadian border, Voyageurs is a water-based park known for its interconnected lakes, remote islands, and abundant wildlife. It’s a paradise for paddlers and anglers.
• Activities to Enjoy: Rent a canoe or kayak to explore the park’s waterways or go fishing for walleye and northern pike. Voyageurs is also a prime destination for houseboat rentals, allowing you to experience the park in a unique and leisurely way. Winter visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
• Visitor Considerations: The park is best explored by boat, so plan to rent or bring your own. Camping is available on designated islands and shoreline sites, accessible only by water. This remote setting offers incredible opportunities for solitude and stargazing.

7. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (Colorado)

• What Makes It Special: This dramatic park is home to some of the steepest cliffs and narrowest canyons in North America. The sheer vertical walls of the canyon make for awe-inspiring views and thrilling outdoor adventures.
• Activities to Enjoy: The South Rim offers scenic drives and overlooks, while the North Rim provides a more remote experience. For adventurous visitors, there are hiking and climbing routes that descend into the canyon. Fishing in the Gunnison River is another popular activity.
• Visitor Considerations: Black Canyon is significantly less crowded than Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park. There are two small campgrounds on each rim, but amenities are limited. Trails range from easy rim walks to strenuous canyon descents, so plan accordingly.

8. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park (Alaska)

• What Makes It Special: Wrangell-St. Elias is the largest national park in the U.S., encompassing over 13 million acres of mountains, glaciers, and wilderness. It’s a true adventurer’s paradise.
• Activities to Enjoy: Take a flightseeing tour for a bird’s-eye view of glaciers and towering peaks, or hike on the Root Glacier for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The park also offers opportunities for backcountry camping, wildlife viewing, and photography.
• Visitor Considerations: This park’s remote location means you’ll need to plan carefully. There are a few small lodges and campgrounds near the park entrance, but much of the park is accessible only by plane or rugged roads. Come prepared for unpredictable weather and challenging terrain.

Why Visit These Parks in 2025?

As we enter 2025, embracing quieter and less crowded travel destinations is a growing trend. These underrated national parks not only provide opportunities for solitude but also allow you to connect deeply with nature without the hustle and bustle of more popular parks.

Whether you’re drawn to alpine adventures, desert landscapes, or unique ecosystems, these hidden gems have something special to offer. Pack your gear, plan your route, and embark on an unforgettable journey to discover the quieter side of America’s natural wonders.