If you’re seeking an adventure off the beaten path, visiting the least visited national parks in the U.S. might be just what you need. These hidden gems offer pristine landscapes, unique wildlife, and a sense of tranquility that’s hard to find in more popular parks. While the larger parks like Yellowstone or Grand Canyon attract millions of visitors each year, the least visited parks provide a quieter, more intimate experience with nature.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most underrated and least visited national parks across the country. So, grab your gear and let’s dive into some of the U.S.’s best-kept secrets with National Park Shops!
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve, Alaska
Remote and untouched, Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve in Alaska offers an extraordinary escape for those seeking solitude in one of the planet’s most pristine environments. With no roads or established trails, and a terrain sculpted by ancient glaciers, this park is reserved for the most adventurous explorers. In 2021, it recorded only 7,362 visitors, making it the least visited national park that year.
Often described by park officials as “one of the last truly wild places on Earth,” the region’s raw beauty comes with challenges, its rugged conditions mean it’s best suited for seasoned wilderness travelers. Still, for those who want a taste of this Arctic wonderland without venturing too far into the unknown, guided day trips and overnight excursions are available. These offer a rare chance to experience aurora-lit skies and unspoiled landscapes in the least visited national park in the United States.
North Cascades National Park, Washington
Just three hours from Seattle, North Cascades National Park boasts more glacier views than any other location in the U.S. outside of Alaska. Despite being part of one of the snowiest regions on the planet, it remains surprisingly under-the-radar, often appearing on lists as a least visited national park.
This hidden gem offers year-round adventures, including river rafting, horseback riding, backpacking, climbing, and hundreds of miles of hiking trails. Its untouched beauty and limited crowds make it a dream destination for those seeking the tranquility of a least visited national park without sacrificing scenic rewards.
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Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska
Located just 25 miles north of the Arctic Circle, this remote Alaskan gem is only accessible by air and welcomed just 17,233 visitors in 2024, securing its status as a least visited national park. Despite its isolation, Kobuk Valley National Park is famed for its Ice Age – sculpted sand dunes and the awe-inspiring migration of Western Arctic caribou.
The park holds deep cultural significance as the ancestral homeland of the Iñupiat people, who have inhabited this land for thousands of years. Wildlife thrives in this vast wilderness, with grizzly bears, wolves, wolverines, foxes, moose, porcupines, and a wide variety of migratory birds roaming freely.
Great Basin National Park
Great Basin National Park is a true gem for those seeking some of the best stargazing in the U.S. As one of the least visited national parks, it offers an incredibly peaceful and pristine setting. The park’s dramatic elevation changes, ranging from 5,000 to 13,000 feet, create a rich variety of ecosystems, making it a haven for diverse plant and animal life. From vast deserts and expansive playas to towering mountains, ancient caves, fossils, springs, and glaciers, Great Basin is a natural wonderland.
With 73 mammal species, over 200 bird species, 11 species of conifer trees, and more than 800 plant species, this least visited national park is a sanctuary for wildlife enthusiasts. During the fall, the park becomes adorned with pine nuts, and in winter, mule deer migrate through its expansive grounds. Visitors can also explore some of the oldest trees in the world and ancient caves, adding to the park’s unique allure.
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Katmai National Park and Preserve
Katmai National Park and Preserve, established in 1980 on Alaska’s northern peninsula, is one of the least visited national parks, yet it offers some of the most breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife in the U.S. This remote park is typically accessible only by plane or boat, with various operators providing air taxi services and flightseeing tours to experience the region’s wonders.
Aerial tours are considered one of the most dramatic ways to explore this least visited national park. From the sky, visitors can appreciate the expansive tundra, pristine freshwater lakes, and the park’s volcanic terrain. Flying over, you may also spot the many brown bears and moose that inhabit the park. Katmai is home to over 2,000 brown bears, and these iconic creatures are so cherished here that the park hosts an annual Fat Bear Week to crown the fattest bear of the season.
Isle Royale National Park
Isle Royale National Park, located on a secluded island in the heart of Lake Superior, stands as one of the least visited national parks in the U.S., offering an incredibly remote and peaceful experience. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the park provides transportation services from nearby areas. Once there, visitors can immerse themselves in the park’s dense forests, rugged shorelines, and extensive backcountry trails. With around 400 smaller satellite islands to explore by boat, Isle Royale is a haven for adventurers.
The park’s location in the chilly waters of Lake Superior makes it a premier spot for scuba diving, where divers can explore well-preserved sunken shipwrecks that have remained intact due to the cold, clear waters.
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Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park in Alaska is a breathtaking natural wonder, deserving of all the attention it receives, though it remains one of the least visited national parks in the U.S. Despite its vast size, covering over 13.2 million acres (20,000 square miles), it attracts only about 78,305 visitors annually, making it one of Alaska’s most remote parks.
But don’t let the low visitor numbers deceive you. Wrangell-St. Elias is teeming with incredible wildlife, rugged terrain, and miles of hiking trails that lead through its stunning landscapes. The park is home to the active Mount Wrangell volcano, where visitors can still witness steam rising from its crater.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park, located just south of Key West, Florida, is a hidden paradise in the Florida Keys. This remote island park, centered around Garden Key, is beloved by both beachgoers and history enthusiasts.
The park is home to the historic Fort Jefferson, which sits beautifully surrounded by crystal-clear waters. Popular activities include exploring the fort, snorkeling around vibrant coral reefs, and camping under the stars. Despite its charm, Dry Tortugas is the least visited national park, with only 84,285 visitors annually.
The park’s remote island location contributes to its low visitation, as it’s only accessible by boat or seaplane. While it’s not crowded, securing a spot for a boat ride, seaplane, or camping can still be difficult, so it’s important to plan ahead. Be sure to book well in advance to ensure you don’t miss out on this breathtaking getaway.
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
Glacier Bay National Park is a breathtaking haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
Nestled in southeastern Alaska, this least visited national park offers awe-inspiring views of snow-capped mountains, expansive glaciers, and a jagged coastline that creates a perfect setting for outdoor exploration.
Home to an impressive array of wildlife, including humpback whales, orcas, bald eagles, and sea otters, the park is a wildlife lover’s paradise. With approximately 703,659 visitors annually, Glacier Bay provides a range of activities for all types of travelers.
From kayaking among glaciers and spotting wildlife on boat tours to hiking through icy peaks and discovering rugged coastlines, Glacier Bay offers endless opportunities to immerse yourself in nature’s splendor.
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Congaree National Park, South Carolina
Congaree National Park, the only national park in South Carolina, offers a truly unique and eerie experience for visitors. Often mistaken for a swamp, this least visited national park is actually a floodplain and river park that protects an impressive variety of bottomland hardwood trees.
With only 250,114 visitors each year, Congaree remains relatively unknown to the general public. Its low visitor numbers contribute to its reputation as one of the least visited national parks, and it’s a hidden gem for those seeking something off the beaten path. Best of all, the park is free to enter, making it one of the most affordable national parks to explore.
The park’s rural setting and abundance of mosquitoes make it less popular, but it’s well worth the visit if you’re prepared with bug spray. The park even features a mosquito meter at its entrance to let visitors know what to expect. Popular activities include hiking along the boardwalk trail, canoeing or kayaking on the paddle trail, and attending the annual Firefly Festival.
A must-see event is the synchronous firefly display, where thousands of fireflies light up the skies in late May and early June. This rare phenomenon, seen only in Congaree and the Smoky Mountains, draws many visitors, so be sure to make your reservation well in advance.
Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska
Denali National Park is a dream destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike. Spanning over 6 million acres, this vast, protected wilderness offers pristine alpine landscapes and taiga forests that remain largely untouched.
The park is home to Mount McKinley (now known as Denali), North America’s tallest peak, towering at 20,310 feet above sea level. As one of the least visited national parks, Denali offers a peaceful retreat, perfect for those seeking solitude and serenity away from more crowded destinations.
Each year, around 498,722 visitors come to experience Denali’s stunning vistas, towering mountains, and abundant wildlife. Popular activities include backpacking, camping, mountaineering, and wildlife watching. Denali National Park is truly a must-see for any nature enthusiast.
Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
This remarkable least visited national park, composed primarily of water, offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of Native Americans and French-Canadian fur traders who once navigated its intricate network of lakes and islands. Located along the United States–Canada border in northern Minnesota, the park welcomes around 220,825 visitors annually, a reflection of its remote and tranquil setting.
Best experienced by water, the park invites exploration via boats, kayaks, or even houseboats, which offer a unique way to immerse yourself in the landscape while spending the night. A boat ride to the historic 1918 Kettle Falls Hotel makes for an engaging day trip, where visitors can marvel at the famously tilted wooden floor in the bar – locally known as the Tilten Hilten.
Fishing remains a top activity here, attracting anglers to its peaceful waters.
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What’s interesting about the least visited national parks?
Exploring the least visited national parks in the United States offers a unique opportunity to experience pristine wilderness, rich biodiversity, and cultural heritage without the crowds. Here’s why these hidden gems are worth discovering:
Pristine Wilderness and Solitude
Many of the least visited national parks, such as Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve in Alaska, remain largely untouched by human development. With no roads or trails, visitors can immerse themselves in vast landscapes of tundra, glaciers, and rugged mountains, enjoying solitude and tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of more popular destinations.
Unique Wildlife Encounters
These parks are often home to diverse and sometimes rare wildlife. For instance, Katmai National Park and Preserve in Alaska is renowned for its large population of brown bears, offering exceptional opportunities for bear viewing, especially during the salmon spawning season.
Rich Cultural Heritage
Some lesser-known parks protect areas of significant cultural importance. For example, Kobuk Valley National Park in Alaska safeguards the ancestral lands of the Iñupiat people, where visitors can learn about traditional subsistence lifestyles and the park’s role in preserving indigenous heritage.
Affordable and Accessible Adventures
Due to their low visitation numbers, these parks often offer more affordable and accessible experiences. For example, Congaree National Park in South Carolina provides free entry and features boardwalk trails, canoeing opportunities, and the chance to witness the rare synchronous firefly display, all without the crowds found in more popular parks.
Stunning Natural Landscapes
From the volcanic landscapes of Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve in Alaska to the rugged coastlines of Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida, these parks showcase some of the most breathtaking and diverse natural beauty in the country.
Conclusion
Exploring the least visited national parks offers a rare opportunity to experience nature in its most untouched and tranquil form.
So if you’re looking for a peaceful alternative to the more popular destinations, these underrated parks deserve a spot on your travel list. Grab your gear, plan ahead, and prepare to be amazed by the quiet beauty that awaits in America’s most overlooked natural wonders.
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