If you’re planning your next adventure, think about a hidden gem national park. These under-the-radar destinations offer bright landscapes, serene trails and unique wildlife encounters. Escape the crowds and escape to the wild, from undisturbed desert views, to sequoia forests.
These best hidden treasures that you must add to your travel bucket list for an unforgettable experience.
1. Congaree National Park, South Carolina:
Congaree National Park is a hidden gem in the heart of South Carolina, with one of North America’s largest old growth forests. Trek through trails, tame waterways and see some stunning wildlife encounters.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for mild weather and fewer bugs.
- Activities: Hiking, kayaking, canoeing, and birdwatching.
- Price & Tip: Free entry; bring bug spray for a comfortable visit.
2. North Cascades National Park, Washington:
North Cascades National Park is often called a hidden gem, with jagged peaks, turquoise lakes, and cascading waterfalls. A little less visited paradise with challenging trails, backcountry camping is good for kids and adventure seekers alike.
- Best Time to Visit: July through September for accessible trails.
- Activities: Hiking, camping, and photography.
- Price & Tip: Free entry; prepare for limited cell service and rugged terrain.
3. Great Basin National Park, Nevada:
Stunning Lehman Caves, great ancient bristlecone pines, and dark skies ideal for stargazing are features of Great Basin National Park in eastern Nevada. If you don’t miss the Wheeler Peak hike for breathtaking panoramic views of this diverse landscape, you will miss one of the most beautiful landscapes in this country.
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for hiking and cave tours.
- Activities: Cave exploration, stargazing, and alpine hiking.
- Price & Tip: Free entry; cave tours cost around $15 per person—book in advance.
4. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas:
Rugged peaks, a pristine desert, and a fossilized reef are on the menu at Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas. McKittrick Canyon is a hidden gem for hikers and geology enthusiasts seeking stunning fall foliage, and highlights include the stunning fall foliage of McKittrick Canyon.
- Best Time to Visit: Fall for cooler temperatures and colorful foliage.
- Activities: Hiking, camping, and wildlife spotting.
- Price & Tip: $10 per person for a 7-day pass; carry plenty of water for desert hikes.
Also Read: Family Beach Vacation on a Budget: 10 Affordable Destinations
5. Isle Royale National Park, Michigan:
Isle Royale National Park is a hidden gem in Lake Superior and can only be reached by boat or seaplane, it provides solitude, kayaking, scuba diving and wildlife adventures in its pristine wilderness.
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall for optimal weather.
- Activities: Backpacking, kayaking, and wildlife observation.
- Price & Tip: $7 per person per day; pack essentials as amenities are limited.
6. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, Alaska:
Glaciers, volcanoes and rugged wildness come to Wrangell-St. Elias, the largest U.S. national park. Historic mining sites, glaciers to hike and flightseeing tours to view its magnificent landscapes from above, are to be explored.
- Best Time to Visit: June through September for accessible roads and trails.
- Activities: Glacier hiking, flightseeing, and historical tours.
- Price & Tip: Free entry; guided tours and flights are available at extra cost.
7. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida:
A hidden gem just 70 miles west of Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park includes Fort Jefferson, beautiful coral reefs and crystal clear waters. Arriving via boat or seaplane, it’s a piece of paradise for adventure or relaxation.
- Best Time to Visit: Winter and spring for mild weather and calm seas.
- Activities: Snorkeling, exploring Fort Jefferson, and birdwatching.
- Price & Tip: $15 per person; bring your snorkeling gear for an unforgettable underwater experience.
8. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado:
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is dramatic with narrow gorges, sheer cliffs, stark walled canyons, and outstanding views. Colorado’s tallest cliff is the Painted Wall and it offers visitors some rock climbing, fishing and stargazing.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for pleasant temperatures.
- Activities: Hiking, rock climbing, and photography.
- Price & Tip: $30 per vehicle; wear sturdy footwear for steep trails.
Also Read: How to Plan Budget-Friendly Hiking Trips: Tips for Affordable Adventures
9. Pinnacles National Park – California:
Pinnacles National Park in Central California is a dramatic rock formation, cave and wildlife hidden gem. It’s good for hiking, climbing, bird watching or even finding the California condor in its peaceful setting.
- Best time: Spring and fall
- Activities: Rock climbing, hiking, cave exploration
- Prices & Tip: $30 for a 7-day pass; Bring a flashlight for cave tours.
10. Biscayne National Park – Florida:
Vibrant coral reefs, mangrove forests, and clear waters for snorkeling, scuba diving and boating are offered at Biscayne National Park near Miami. A hidden gem for water lovers, it is a real treat because of its unique underwater landscapes.
- Best time: Winter and spring;
- Activities: Snorkeling, scuba diving, boating;
- Prices & Tip: $25 for a 7-day pass; Take a guided boat tour to explore remote areas.
One of the hidden gem national parks out there features stunning untouched landscapes sans crowds. These parks offer peaceful, awe inspiring escapes into nature, and no matter what they are, sandy dunes, pristine lakes, or rugged mountains, these are the places to go for your next adventure.
Which one of these parks are you most excited to visit? Let us know in the comments!
