Last updated on December 12th, 2024 at 10:40 am
America’s national parks present some of the most magnificent landscapes and varying ecosystems. From mountains to spotless coastlines, each natural landmark offers a unique adventure for nature lovers. Here’s a detailed guide to the top 10 Underrated National Parks in America, complete with travel tips, suggested accommodations, camping options, and website links for more information.
Grand Canyon National Park
Location: Northern Arizona
Activities: Hiking, scenic viewpoints, rafting
Unique Features: Immense canyon walls, Colorado River
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall
Weather: Hot summers, mild winters
How to Reach: Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG), Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
Official Website: [Grand Canyon National Park]
Hotels:
El Tovar Hotel – Historic lodge with canyon views.
Yavapai Lodge – Modern accommodations near the South Rim.
Camping Sites: Mather Campground – Tent and RV camping on the South Rim. [Mather Campground]
Yellowstone National Park
Location: Wyoming, Montana, Idaho
Activities: Geysers, wildlife viewing, hiking
Unique Features: Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring
Best Time to Visit: Summer
Weather: Varied, cold winters
How to Reach: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN), Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)
Official Website: [Yellowstone National Park]
Hotels:
Old Faithful Inn – Historic lodge near geothermal features.
Lake Yellowstone Hotel – Elegant accommodations on Lake Yellowstone.
Camping Sites: Madison Campground – Central location with facilities. [Madison Campground]
Yosemite National Park
Location: Sierra Nevada, California
Activities: Waterfalls, rock climbing, hiking
Unique Features: El Capitan, Yosemite Falls
Best Time to Visit: Spring and early summer
Weather: Mild summers, snowy winters
How to Reach: Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
Official Website: [Yosemite National Park]
Hotels:
Ahwahnee Hotel – Historic hotel amidst Yosemite Valley’s natural beauty.
Yosemite Valley Lodge – Lodge near Yosemite Falls.
Camping Sites: Upper Pines Campground – Tent and RV camping in Yosemite Valley. [Upper Pines Campground]
Zion National Park
Location: Southern Utah
Activities: Slot canyons, hiking, scenic drives
Unique Features: The Narrows, Angels Landing
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall
Weather: Hot summers, mild winters
How to Reach: St. George Regional Airport (SGU), Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS)
Official Website: [Zion National Park]
Hotels:
Zion Lodge – Lodge in Zion Canyon.
Cliffrose Springdale – Riverside Hotel in Springdale.
Camping Sites: Watchman Campground – Tent and RV camping near the South Entrance. [Watchman Campground]
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Location: Tennessee, North Carolina
Activities: Hiking, scenic drives, wildlife viewing
Unique Features: Fog-covered mountains, diverse flora and fauna
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall
Weather: Mild summers, cold winters
How to Reach: McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)
Official Website: [Great Smoky Mountains National Park]
Hotels:
LeConte Lodge – Rustic lodge with stunning mountain views. [LeConte Lodge]
Gatlinburg Inn – Historic hotel in Gatlinburg. [Gatlinburg Inn]
Camping Sites: Elkmont Campground – Tent and RV camping with streams and trails. [Elkmont Campground]
Rocky Mountain National Park
Location: Colorado
Activities: Hiking, scenic drives, wildlife viewing
Unique Features: Alpine tundra, Trail Ridge Road
Best Time to Visit: Summer
Weather: Cool summers, cold winters
How to Reach: Denver International Airport (DEN)
Official Website: [Rocky Mountain National Park]
Hotels:
Stanley Hotel – Historic hotel in Estes Park.
The Ridgeline Hotel – Contemporary hotel near the park. [The Ridgeline Hotel]
Camping Sites: Moraine Park Campground – Tent and RV camping near Estes Park. [Moraine Park Campground]
Acadia National Park
Location: Maine
Activities: Hiking, coastal scenery, birdwatching
Unique Features: Cadillac Mountain, rocky shores
Best Time to Visit: Summer and fall
Weather: Cool summers, cold winters
How to Reach: Bangor International Airport (BGR), Portland International Jetport (PWM)
Official Website: [Acadia National Park]
Hotels:
Bar Harbor Inn – Historic inn with ocean views. [Bar Harbor Inn]
Acadia Inn – Comfortable accommodations near Bar Harbor.
Camping Sites: Blackwoods Campground – Tent and RV camping near Bar Harbor. [Blackwoods Campground]
Glacier National Park
Location: Montana
Activities: Hiking, scenic drives, wildlife viewing
Unique Features: Glaciers, Going-to-the-Sun Road
Best Time to Visit: Summer
Weather: Cool summers, cold winters
How to Reach: Glacier Park International Airport (FCA), Missoula International Airport (MSO)
Official Website: [Glacier National Park]
Hotels:
Many Glacier Hotel – Historic lodges with views of Swiftcurrent Lake. [Many Glacier Hotel]
Lake McDonald Lodge – Lodge on the shores of Lake McDonald. [Lake McDonald Lodge]
Camping Sites: Apgar Campground – Tent and RV camping near Lake McDonald. [Apgar Campground]
Everglades National Park
Location: Florida
Activities: Airboat tours, kayaking, wildlife viewing
Unique Features: Mangrove forests, sawgrass marshes
Best Time to Visit: Winter
Weather: Hot and humid year-round
How to Reach: Miami International Airport (MIA), Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
Official Website: [Everglades National Park]
Hotels:
Flamingo Lodge – The lodge within the park offers access to the backcountry.
The Gumbo Limbo Villas – Comfortable accommodations near Homestead.
Camping Sites: Long Pine Key Campground – Tent and RV camping with access to hiking trails. [Long Pine Key Campground]
Grand Teton National Park
Location: Wyoming
Activities: Hiking, wildlife viewing, scenic drives
Unique Features: Teton Range, Jackson Hole
Best Time to Visit: Summer and fall
Weather: Cool summers, cold winters
How to Reach: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)
Official Website: [Grand Teton National Park]
Hotels:
Jackson Lake Lodge – This lodge offers stunning views of Jackson Lake and the Tetons.
Jenny Lake Lodge – Rustic luxury lodge near Jenny Lake.
Camping Sites: Colter Bay Campground – Tent and RV camping near Jackson Lake. [Colter Bay Campground]
Conclusion
Exploring these Top 10 Underrated National Parks in the USA promises unforgettable experiences amidst some of the world’s most awesome and stunning landscapes. Whether hiking through the Grand Canyon’s vastness, marveling at Yellowstone’s geothermal wonders, or kayaking through the Everglades’ mangrove forests, each park offers a unique adventure and natural beauty. Plan your visit to these national treasures and immerse yourself in America’s great outdoors.
