Sometimes it’s the road less traveled that leads to the most breathtaking destinations, and when it comes to national parks, the lesser-known gems hold just as much magic as their famous counterparts. Sure, Yellowstone and Yosemite are iconic, but what about the quiet corners of America’s wilderness that most people overlook? If you’re craving wide-open spaces, unique landscapes, and fewer crowds, then you’re in for a treat. These “hidden gem” national parks are waiting to surprise and delight you at every turn. Grab your hiking boots, your binoculars, and your sense of curiosity—we’re about to explore some of the least popular national parks that absolutely deserve a spot on your adventure bucket list.

1. North Cascades National Park, Washington

If you’ve been dreaming of towering mountain peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and vibrant wildflowers, look no further than North Cascades National Park. Nestled in the state of Washington, just a few hours from Seattle, this park is often called the “American Alps” for good reason. It’s a dreamscape for nature lovers, offering over 300 glaciers, lush forests, and more than 400 miles of hiking trails.

Picture yourself standing by the turquoise waters of Diablo Lake, framed by snow-capped peaks and thick fir trees. The air smells crisp and clean, and the silence is broken only by the rush of nearby waterfalls. North Cascades is also a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Keep your eyes peeled for black bears, mountain goats, and bald eagles soaring overhead. Here’s the best part—this park sees only a fraction of the visitors compared to others in the Pacific Northwest, meaning you can soak in all this beauty in peaceful solitude.

2. Congaree National Park, South Carolina

Deep in the heart of South Carolina lies Congaree National Park, a hidden treasure teeming with natural wonders. If you’ve never heard of it, you’re not alone. This park flies under the radar, but it offers an experience unlike any other. Imagine paddling your way through a flooded forest, where ancient cypress and tupelo trees rise majestically from the water. Their knotted roots create an enchanting labyrinth, and if you visit at the right time, you might even catch the magic of synchronous fireflies lighting up the night.

Not a fan of kayaking? No worries. Congaree is home to the Boardwalk Loop Trail, where you can stroll above the swamp and take in the sights without getting your feet wet. The eerie stillness of the water, the chorus of frogs, and the occasional splash of fish create an ambiance both serene and otherworldly.

3. Great Basin National Park, Nevada

When you think of Nevada, your mind may leap to desert landscapes or the neon glow of Las Vegas, but Great Basin National Park is a serene oasis of unexpected diversity. This park is famous for its bristlecone pines, the oldest living trees on Earth. Standing among these ancient giants feels like traveling back in time by thousands of years.

Plan to hike the Wheeler Peak Scenic Trail, where the high-altitude views will quite literally leave you breathless—not just because of the thin air, but because the vistas are absolutely stunning. Stretching out before you are wide desert valleys and jagged mountain ridges. For the ultimate adventure, take a guided tour of Lehman Caves, a subterranean wonderland where stalactites and stalagmites create intricate formations that seem carved by an artist rather than nature.

At night, Great Basin also boasts some of the darkest skies in the country, making it a prime spot for stargazing. Lie back and lose yourself in the Milky Way’s shimmering expanse.

4. Isle Royale National Park, Michigan

Tucked away in the middle of Lake Superior, Isle Royale National Park feels like a world unto itself. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, just getting there feels like an adventure. What awaits you is a rugged, untouched wilderness that draws hikers, paddlers, and anyone looking to disconnect from everyday life.

Isle Royale is the perfect place to slow down and savor nature at its finest. You can hike along forested trails while listening to the distant call of loons, or paddle a canoe across glassy waters where moose occasionally make a surprise appearance onshore. The island’s isolation means it sees fewer visitors, which adds to the sense of serenity. Bonus? You might even hear the howl of a wolf pack echoing through the trees.

5. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas

Everything really is bigger in Texas, including its lesser-known national parks. Guadalupe Mountains National Park offers a dramatic landscape of soaring peaks, rugged canyons, and fossilized dunes. It’s home to the highest point in Texas, Guadalupe Peak, which you can summit on a trail that rewards every step with jaw-dropping views of the desert below.

If you visit in the fall, you’ll be treated to a spectacular display of color as the maple and oak trees lining McKittrick Canyon turn fiery shades of red and gold. It’s a vibrant surprise in an otherwise arid landscape. Whether you’re exploring hidden caves, spotting roadrunners and mule deer, or simply basking in the rugged beauty of the mountains, Guadalupe will captivate you at every turn.

6. Lassen Volcanic National Park, California

Volcanoes, bubbling mud pots, and steaming fumaroles? Lassen Volcanic National Park is an underrated geothermal wonderland that rivals Yellowstone with far fewer crowds. Located in northern California, this park lies at the intersection of four different types of volcanoes, making it a haven of natural drama.

You can hike to the summit of Lassen Peak for sweeping views of the surrounding forests and valleys, or explore the geothermal features at Bumpass Hell, where the ground hisses and spits with steaming sulfur pools. The variety here is astounding, from tranquil alpine lakes to fields of wildflowers to evidence of the Earth’s fiery creation bubbling just beneath the surface.