The Hidden Beauty of America: The Lesser-visited National Parks

Whilst Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, and Zion are known the world over for their outstanding natural beauty and incredible wildlife, the USA is home to another 59 National Parks, each promising their own snapshot of the rugged beauty that the USA has to offer. From the remote Isle Royale National Park in Michigan to the old-growth forests of Congaree National Park in South Carolina, these are some of the best hidden gems of the USA’s national parks.

Isle Royale National Park - Michigan

Size: 894 square miles

Wildlife: Wolves, Moose, Beavers

Founded: April 3rd, 1940

Image Credit: Rock Harbor Lodge

Isle Royale is a hidden treasure trove of North American Wilderness, sitting on Lake Superior in Michigan. Only accessible by boat or seaplane, this national park has an abundance of wildlife and natural beauty, perfect for an off-the-grid camping trip in the Great Lakes region. 

The park is situated on the traditional lands of the Ojibwe, who used the island’s resources for hunting, fishing and gathering. Discovered by French explorers in the 17th Century, the island then caught the attention of settlers and prospectors for its natural resources. Throughout the 19th century, the island then became a major mining hub due to the large copper deposits found throughout. The mining eventually declined in the early 20th century due to dwindling natural resources and economic pressure, eventually leading to it being granted National Park status in 1940.

80 years on, Isle Royale provides some of the richest unspoilt wilderness outside of Alaska. One of the few places in the lower 48 with a strong gray wolf population, these elusive canines keep the island's moose population in check, ensuring a healthy balance between predator and prey. Through the underbrush, red foxes pursue snowshoe hares as they adapt to the changing seasons. Beavers build dams, engineering wetlands into a rich diversity of life, providing lake trout and northern pike with a nurturing habitat. Overhead, bald eagles can be seen soaring majestically as they fish along the shorelines and lakes. With a vast variety of predator-prey dynamics, Isle Royale is a shining beacon of vibrant wildlands.

At Isle Royale National Park, visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including hiking over 165 miles of trails, canoeing and kayaking in its serene waters, and wildlife watching for moose and wolves. Fishing enthusiasts can cast lines for lake trout and northern pike, while camping options allow for immersive wilderness experiences. The park also offers ranger programs, opportunities for photography and stargazing, and exploration of historic sites, making it a perfect destination for outdoor adventurers and nature lovers.

North Cascades National Park - Washington

Size: 504 square miles

Wildlife: Mountain Goats, Black Bears, Elk

Founded: October 2nd, 1968

Image Credit: Alex Moliski on Unsplash

The buffer between the rainforests of west Washington and the deserts of the east, the North Cascades National Park is situated in the Cascade Mountains. With 300 glaciers and a wealth of wildlife, this alpine landscape beckons the most daring of adventurers.

For thousands of years, indigenous tribes such as the Snohomish, Nooksack and Skagit called these mountains home, using the resources throughout the cascades for sustenance and cultural practices. Its beautiful landscapes eventually drew the attention of European settlers in the mid-19th century, seeing its potential for logging and mining. Throughout the 20th century, the push for preservation gained momentum, with the establishment of North Cascades National Park Service Complex in the 1930s. It was finally designated a national park in 1968 to protect its dramatic landscapes and diverse wildlife.

Thanks to its alpine wilderness, the North Cascades features a diverse abundance of wildlife. Alongside mountain peaks you can find the iconic mountain goats, navigating steep cliffs and rugged terrain. In the valley below, black bears roam the forests as both predators and scavengers, often found fishing for salmon. Elk are often found in alpine meadows, whilst deer and coyotes thrive in varied habitats. Up in the sky, you can also find owls, bald eagles and woodpeckers. There is also a small presence of wolves in the park, although these are elusive and rarely seen.

Visitors to North Cascades National Park can enjoy diverse activities in its stunning landscapes. Popular options include hiking over 400 miles of trails, camping at developed sites or backcountry locations, and wildlife watching for species like mountain goats and black bears. Scenic drives along the North Cascades Highway offer breathtaking views, while fishing in the park’s lakes requires a Washington state fishing licence. Canoeing and kayaking on Ross and Diablo Lakes provide serene paddling experiences. Additionally, visitors can participate in ranger programs, photography, and winter activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, making it an all-season destination.

Congaree National Park - South Carolina 

Size: 41 square miles

Wildlife: White-tailed Deer, Barred Owl, River Otter

Founded: November 10, 2003

Image Credit: Leslie Cross on Unsplash

A lonely bastion of ancient woodland, Congaree National Park is a hidden gem. Home to the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States, it is a crucial area for biodiversity and conservation. 

The land was initially inhabited by the Congaree tribe, which is where the park and nearby river get their names. Then in the 1700s, much of the land was cleared for agriculture by European settlers, but due to the swampy floodplain of the Congaree river it was hard to develop. This meant that large areas of forest were left intact. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the land was threatened by logging companies who sought to harvest timber from the woodland, but the floodplain again meant it was increasingly hard to do so. After years of a grassroots conservation movement led by Harry Hampton, Congaree was granted national monument status in 1976, before going on to achieve national park status in 2003.

Thanks to its unique and diverse habitats such as the old growth forest and flood plain, Congaree features a wealth of wildlife. White-tailed deer glide gracefully through the trees, while playful river otters turn the creeks into their playground. Elusive bobcats silently stalk the undergrowth, embodying the wild spirit of the park. Above, barred owls hoot from towering branches, while vibrant woodpeckers tap away at the old-growth trees. The park's wetlands are teeming with amphibians, reptiles, and fish, making it a rich and dynamic ecosystem. From the smallest frogs to the largest mammals, Congaree is alive with untamed beauty and life.

Visitors to Congaree National Park can explore a variety of activities. Hiking the Boardwalk Loop Trail offers a unique perspective of the old-growth forest. Canoeing or kayaking along Cedar Creek provides a peaceful way to experience the park's beauty. Birdwatching enthusiasts can spot diverse bird species, while wildlife photographers capture the rich biodiversity. Ranger-led programs and educational exhibits enhance understanding of the park's ecology and history, making every visit memorable.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park - Colorado

Size: 48 square miles

Wildlife: Mule Deer, Mountain Goats, Bighorn Sheep

Founded: October 21, 1999

Image Credit: Jahmanz Williams on Unsplash

The Grand Canyon’s lesser known cousin, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, showcases stunning geological formations and dramatic landscapes. Known for its sheer cliffs and narrow gorge, the park features the Gunnison River, which has carved this breathtaking canyon over millions of years. This makes it perfect for those outdoor enthusiasts who are looking for the beauty of the grand canyon without the large tourist presence.

The land was initially inhabited for thousands of years by Indigenous peoples, such as the Ute. They used the land for hunting and gathering, but its harsh terrain made it difficult for habitation. By the mid-19th century, European-American explorers began surveying the area. Most notably was John W. Gunnison, for whom the river and canyon are named. Thanks to its unique natural features, it was given national monument status on March 2nd, 1933, and eventually redesignated as a national park in 1999.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is home to diverse wildlife adapted to its rugged terrain. Visitors may spot mule deer grazing in meadows, while bighorn sheep navigate the steep canyon walls. The park is also home to mountain goats, known for their agility on rocky outcrops. Numerous bird species, including golden eagles and peregrine falcons, soar above, making the park a vibrant habitat for nature enthusiasts and wildlife watchers.

At Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, visitors can enjoy hiking scenic trails, rock climbing the canyon walls, and fishing in the Gunnison River. Wildlife watching and photography are popular, alongside ranger-led programs that explore the park’s geology. Camping and stargazing offer immersive experiences under the stars.

Great Basin National Park - Nevada

Size: 121 square miles

Wildlife: Mule Deer, Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Lions

Founded: October 27th, 1986

Image Credit: Wollertz on Shutterstock

Great Basin National Park, nestled in eastern Nevada, is a breathtaking expanse of diverse landscapes featuring rugged mountains, ancient bristlecone pines, and stunning limestone caves. Established in 1986, the park encompasses approximately 77,180 acres and serves as a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The park's centrepiece is Wheeler Peak, which rises to 13,063 feet, offering spectacular views and unique ecosystems that showcase the beauty of the Great Basin region.

The history of Great Basin National Park is deeply intertwined with the Indigenous peoples who inhabited the area for thousands of years, including the Shoshone and Paiute tribes. They utilised the park's resources for hunting and gathering, living in harmony with the land. In the mid-19th century, European settlers arrived, drawn by the region's mineral wealth and establishing mining operations. The park's unique natural beauty began to gain recognition, leading to its designation as a national monument in 1922. In 1986, it was officially designated as a national park, ensuring the preservation of its rich ecological and cultural heritage.

Wildlife abounds in Great Basin National Park, making it a vital ecosystem. Visitors may encounter mule deer grazing in meadows and bighorn sheep navigating the rugged terrain. The park is also home to elusive mountain lions, which roam the area, as well as various bird species, including golden eagles and red-tailed hawks. Small mammals like rock squirrels and pikas can be spotted in the park’s diverse habitats, showcasing the rich biodiversity that thrives within its boundaries.

Great Basin National Park offers a myriad of activities for visitors to enjoy. Hiking enthusiasts can explore scenic trails that range from leisurely walks to challenging backcountry routes, including those leading to the summit of Wheeler Peak. The park's famous Lehman Caves invite exploration, revealing stunning formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Stargazing is a highlight, as the park boasts some of the darkest skies in the United States, providing unparalleled views of the night sky. Additionally, visitors can enjoy camping among the ancient bristlecone pines, immersing themselves in the tranquillity and beauty of this remarkable landscape.

While iconic parks like Acadia, Great Smoky Mountains and Death Valley capture the imagination of millions, the lesser-known national parks of the United States offer a wealth of natural beauty and unique experiences waiting to be discovered. From the isolated wilderness of Isle Royale to the dramatic landscapes of Black Canyon of the Gunnison and the ancient forests of Congaree, each park tells its own story, rich with history, ecology, and adventure.

These hidden gems invite visitors to explore the unspoiled corners of the country, where the crowds are thin, and the scenery is breathtaking. Whether you seek solitude amidst towering trees, thrilling wildlife encounters, or the chance to connect with nature away from the hustle and bustle, these lesser-visited national parks provide an array of opportunities for all outdoor enthusiasts. So, venture beyond the well-trodden paths and uncover the beauty of America’s overlooked national parks—each one a testament to the rugged spirit of the great outdoors. Tides and Trails Travel Co. is here to help you plan your next trip!