Best National Parks In The USA For 2024
Let’s go off the beaten path in the USA - the best national parks that don’t get as much love as the more popular ones. This series will highlight those lesser known natural wonders that are just waiting to be discovered and loved. As nature lovers and adventure seekers we know the thrill of finding a hidden gem and being in awe of its beauty.
West Coast Joshua Tree National Park
In Southern California Joshua Tree National Park is a hidden gem. Named after its famous Joshua trees this park covers over 790,000 acres and is a desert wonderland. It’s a mix of the Mojave Desert and the Colorado Desert so it’s a haven for all kinds of plants and animals.
Joshua Tree National Park is famous for its rock formations and hiking trails so it’s a must for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
Joshua Tree National Park shows off its beauty and adventure. With endless sky and desert views the park is stargazing heaven. The Joshua trees with their twisted branches add to the park’s magic.
For adventure seekers climbers can challenge themselves on the park’s unique rock formations and hikers can hike to viewpoints and hidden oases. My favorite was the wall street mill where there are ruins of a 19th century car manufacturing plant.
Plus Joshua Tree National Park is a wildlife sanctuary with bighorn sheep, coyotes and desert tortoises. Nature lovers will love spotting them in the wild. Whether camping under the stars, bouldering in the landscape or just enjoying the peace of the desert Joshua Tree National Park is an experience for everyone who enters its borders.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of America’s hidden gems. In southern Colorado this park has the tallest sand dunes in North America, up to 750 feet high.
When I visited Great Sand Dunes in 2021 I was struck by the desert oasis feel with the dunefields stretching as far as the eye can see. As you hike through this unique landscape you’ll be mesmerized by the patterns and colors of the sand and it’s a surreal and magical experience.
Aside from the dunes Great Sand Dunes National Park has alpine lakes, forests and wildlife. You can hike, bird watch or try sandboarding or sand sledding down the dunes. I tried sandboarding for the first time while I was at Great Sand Dunes and boy was it hard! Watching everyone else slide down so easily I thought I could do the same. It was fun and a great workout too.
One of the best experiences in this park is early morning or late evening when the sun casts long shadows on the dunes and it’s a sight to behold. You can hike to the top of the dunes and see a sunrise or sunset that will paint the sky with pink, orange and gold.
Whether you’re a nature lover, thrill seeker or just looking for something different Great Sand Dunes National Park should be on your list. It’s a hidden gem that will give you experiences and memories for life.
Isle Royale National Park
In the northwest corner of Lake Superior is a hidden gem, Isle Royale National Park. I’ve been to Isle Royale twice, once in 2016 and again in 2018. This remote island park can only be accessed by boat or seaplane so it’s truly untouched and peaceful. Isle Royale National Park has dense forests, pristine lakes, rugged mountains and stunning viewpoints.
Isle Royale is known for its wildlife so it’s a nature lover’s and wildlife enthusiast’s paradise. Visitors can see moose, wolves, otters, beavers and many species of birds. One of the main attractions is the wolf and moose population which has been studied for decades and provides valuable insight into predator-prey dynamics.
Besides its natural beauty Isle Royale National Park has many outdoor activities for enthusiasts. Hikers can hike over 160 miles of trails from easy day hikes to multi day hikes. I hiked 3 times during my stay and I must say the terrain was tough but the views were worth it!
Fishers can also cast their lines into the clear waters for trout, salmon and other native fish species.
Best National Parks In USA East Coast
Congaree National Park
Congaree National Park is a hidden gem in the middle of South Carolina. A unique experience for nature lovers. Famous for its forests, big trees and wildlife.
The main attraction is the old-growth bottomland hardwood forest, one of the largest in the country. Walking through the park you can see towering trees some over 160 feet tall and watch the sunlight and shadows dance through the canopy above.
Exploring Congaree National Park is an opportunity to get away from it all. The park offers hiking, canoeing/kayaking on the Congaree River and camping under the stars. Nighttime is especially magical as the park is dark and perfect for stargazing.
Besides its natural beauty Congaree National Park has historical significance. The park preserves the history and culture of the indigenous people who lived here and the early European settlers. Visitors can learn about the park’s heritage through guided tours, educational programs and exhibits at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center.
Overall Congaree National Park is a must see destination where you can get away from it all and reconnect with nature. The scenery, wildlife, recreation and history make it a hidden gem in the USA national parks.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
As we continue our list of best national parks in USA we find a hidden gem that will blow your mind – Lassen Volcanic National Park. Located in Northern California it’s a one of a kind experience unlike the more popular parks.
Lassen Volcanic National Park has the remnants of volcanic activity, mud pots, fumaroles and peaks. You can see the raw power of nature.
Hike miles of trails to lakes and vistas. See the landscape, Lassen Peak to Reflection Lake where the mountains reflect in the water like a postcard.
Besides the volcanoes Lassen Volcanic National Park has wildlife and flowers. See black bears, elk and golden eagles as you explore the different ecosystems. Get surrounded by a rainbow of wildflowers in the spring and early summer and add to the already beautiful scenery.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
As we continue our list of best national parks in USA we find a hidden gem that often gets overlooked – Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Located in northeastern Ohio you can get into nature and be close to urban areas. The park covers over 32,000 acres and preserves and showcases the Cuyahoga River, hills, waterfalls and forests.
What makes Cuyahoga Valley National Park special is the combination of natural and cultural history. The park has historical landmarks and remnants of the Ohio & Erie Canal which was a major transportation and industrial corridor in the region. Visitors can visit canal era villages, ride the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad or hike the many trails that crisscross the park.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park has a wide variety of flora and fauna. Hiking, biking, bird watching and horseback riding are popular activities in this hidden gem. You’ll see great views of Brandywine Falls and Beaver Marsh. Whether you take a easy walk or a challenging hike Cuyahoga Valley National Park has scenery around every corner.
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