13 Stunning National Parks You’ve Never Heard of – But Should Visit
Discovering national parks that aren’t quite as popular will soon become your favorite hobby once you realize that many unknown parks boast natural wonders, and breath-taking views unrivaled by most popular destinations.
If you are looking for a change of pace, and are ready to trade in the beaten path for something less traveled, then take a chance and explore some of these stunning National Parks.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
This park is a hiker’s and history buff’s paradise in the rugged wilderness of West Texas. It is home to some of the state’s highest peaks and marine fossils millions of years old. The park’s beauty is timeless, but its trails are varied enough to trek through or catch a sunset over the Chihuahuan Desert.
Congaree National Park
Congaree in South Carolina is a shelter of towering trees and winding waterways, but it’s also the best place in the country to paddle a peaceful path through floodplain forest. In warmer months, if you’re lucky, you can sometimes catch fireflies flaring up the swamp in some pretty enchanting displays.
Great Basin National Park
If you’ve never seen Nevada glaciers, then you should visit the Great Basin National Park. Bristlecone pines (some of the oldest living trees on Earth) and jaw-dropping stargazing opportunities make this park famous. Lehman Caves has a labyrinth of fascinating formations beneath the surface too.
North Cascades National Park
Washington State’s North Cascades steals many hearts. It has jagged peaks, turquoise lakes, and a lot of wildlife. It’s like stepping into a postcard, and you won’t have to elbow anyone for a photo since it’s one of the least visited parks in the country.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Accessing the Dry Tortugas National park in Florida requires traveling by boat or seaplane which is part of the adventure. Once you get there, you will be greeted by turquoise waters, colorful coral reefs, and the historic Fort Jefferson. Snorkeling here is like diving into a real-life aquarium.
Isle Royale National Park
The best feature of this park is its remote setting in the middle of Lake Superior, and anyone seeking solitude will like it. It has endless trails and waterways to explore, free-roaming moose and wolves too. It’s a place where you can enjoy solitude and be one with nature.
Pinnacles National Park
Pinnacles, nestled in central California, is a paradise for rock climbers with its striking volcanic formations and secretive caves. If you’re fortunate, you might even spot a California condor gliding majestically above.
Capitol Reef National Park
Utah’s more famous parks tend to overshadow Capitol Reef, but it’s a feast for the eyes. The striking red rock cliffs include its history and nature, ancient petroglyphs and orchards of fruit. Don’t miss a slice of the Gifford House’s legendary pie, which is made on-site.
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison, National Park
Colorado’s Black Canyon is the Grand Canyon on steroids. The Gunnison River has cliffs that plunge deep and are as beautiful as the soil it sits on. As the first rays of sunlight wash over the canyon walls, early risers can soak up the surreal beauty of the landscape.
Channel Islands National Park
Just off the coast of Southern California is an archipelago of wonders. From kayaking through sea caves to spotting playful dolphins, or the myriad of experiences in between, there is plenty to do. It’s like you are time-warped into a world where time slows down and nature is king.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Ohio’s Cuyahoga Valley may lack the grandeur of the Rockies, but its beauty lies in its simplicity. It’s great for a weekend escape, with rolling hills, serene waterfalls, and miles of trails. The scenic railroad is a laid-back way to see the views.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
North Dakota may not be on everyone’s travel site, but it should be. As the sun sets, its sprawling grasslands and rugged badlands are filled with bison roaming freely, and is a phenomenal experience to witness. It’s the perfect tribute to the conservation efforts made there.
Voyageurs National Park
Minnesota’s Voyageurs is a maze of lakes, islands, and lush forests. The park is peaceful, with tranquil waters perfect for canoeing under the stars or fishing. Add a touch of magic with the arrival of the northern lights season.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.
But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
