badlands national park – Wandering the Gap

These are some of the most underrated national parks in the U.S. where you can get off the beaten path and unwind in nature. Great Smoky Mountains, the country’s most-visited park, saw over 13 million visitors in 2023. That’s a recipe for busy trails, limited parking, and sitting in traffic when you should be out exploring. If you want to leave some of the crowds behind for a more authentic outdoor adventure, plan a trip to these underrated U.S. national parks.

Underrated national parks, by travel blogger Wandering the Gap

5. Great Sand Dunes – Colorado

Visit for: otherworldly landscapes, stargazing, photography

While most tourists head to Rocky Mountain National Park, Great Sand Dunes is also worth visiting. It’s dog-friendly, which is rare for national parks, and offers unique views of the dunes against distant mountain peaks.

Don’t underestimate how challenging it is to hike to the top of a dune—from there, you can try sand-boarding to the bottom. There’s plenty of room to spread out at Great Sand Dunes, so it never feels crowded, and you can stay past sunset to enjoy incredible stargazing.

4. Badlands – South Dakota

Visit for: wildlife, venturing off-trail, fossils

I consider the entire state of South Dakota underrated—especially Badlands National Park. From the striking rock formations to the fascinating exhibits on fossils and gems, the park has much to offer.

Watch for bison, prairie dogs, and bighorn sheep while visiting. The Badlands are also one of the few outdoor areas where off-trail hiking is allowed, letting you wander to your heart’s desire.

3. Black Canyon of the Gunnison – Colorado

Visit for: dramatic viewpoints, intense hiking

Black Canyon of the Gunnison is another Colorado national park worth adding to your sightseeing itinerary. Admire sweeping overlooks of the canyon from accessible viewpoints, ideal for travelers of all ages and fitness levels. For a physical challenge, consider hiking into the canyon to gain a new perspective on the stunning natural area.

2. North Cascades – Washington

Visit for: rugged wilderness, year-round activities

I technically haven’t been to North Cascades National Park, but the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest that borders it is one of my favorite places to hike in Washington. I’ve heard fantastic things about the North Cascades area and its hiking trails. It also gives visitors the opportunity to rock climb, bike, boat, and more.

1. Canyonlands – Utah

Visit for: epic views, off-roading

Many overlook Canyonlands for other Utah national parks like Arches and Zion—this vibrant desert area is as captivating as the Grand Canyon but far less popular. I visited over July 4 weekend and it was almost empty compared to Arches.

Canyonlands boasts picturesque viewpoints, hikes, and remote roads leading you through dramatic canyons. It will make you feel like you stepped onto the set of a thrilling Western movie!

Have you been to any of these underrated U.S. national parks? Let me know what you thought in the comments.

Looking for more national parks info? Check out my other travel guides:

Top 5 U.S. National Parks (Plus 3 On My Bucket List)

One Day in Yellowstone

Skyline Trail – Mount Rainier National Park

South Dakota is, in my opinion, one of the most underrated states in the U.S. Most people associate the state with Mount Rushmore and little else, but the truth is, South Dakota has a lot to offer. I used to live in South Dakota and have visited many times since then, and I always thoroughly enjoy my time there. Here are 3 reasons why I think South Dakota should be your next vacation spot:

Outdoor Activities

South Dakota has a lot of awesome outdoor activities for the whole family to enjoy, from hiking, fishing, kayaking, rock-climbing, and horseback riding. Badlands National Park offers some incredible hiking through crazy rock formations and features. It will seriously feel as though you’re on another planet! Custer State Park also has a plethora of outdoor activities to choose from, such as hiking the tallest mountain in the state, Black Elk Peak (formerly known as Harney Peak), fishing/swimming in Sylvan Lake, and rock-climbing The Needles. Spearfish Canyon is another great area for hiking and fishing, with lots of gorgeous streams and waterfalls to enjoy.

History

South Dakota has an incredibly rich history, and it’s amazing to learn about everything that has taken place in the state. While Mount Rushmore is definitely a must-visit, I would also recommend visiting the Crazy Horse Memorial which, upon completion, will be the world’s largest mountain carving. Other great areas to visit to learn about the history of South Dakota are Deadwood, where you can learn about the gold rush and visit the graves of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane, and the Mammoth Site & Museum, where you can step even further back into history by visiting the world’s largest mammoth research facility.

One-of-a-Kind Experiences

If you visit South Dakota, you’re sure to find some truly unique experiences and activities. For instance, Wall Drug, a massive general store located in the town of Wall, is a destination known around the world, featuring all kinds of shops and exhibits, like an animatronic T-rex and a massive jackrabbit statue. Dinosaur Park in Rapid City is another quirky spot, featuring large dinosaur statues on a hill overlooking the entire city. In Custer State Park, you have a really good chance of encountering herds of buffalo, which is an amazing sight. And of course, Mitchell, SD is home to the Corn Palace, an entire facility dedicated to (you guessed it) corn! There are so many unique and quirky spots in South Dakota that the whole family is sure to be entertained.

If you need some inspiration for your next family vacation, I hope you at least consider visiting South Dakota! It’s definitely a bucket-list destination in the U.S., and I promise you won’t be disappointed.