In a previous article, we took a look at several “hidden gems” among our national parks.
These are parks that have outstanding scenic, historical, cultural, and recreational significance but aren’t among the crown jewels like Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Grand Canyon that get very crowded.
Now, we’re going to look at another set of these hidden gems, some of which you might not have heard of until now.
Wind Cave, South Dakota
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The Black Hills of South Dakota are famous for their scenery and for the role it played in the days of the Old West. Wind Cave is named for its namesake underground feature, but there’s a lot to see and do above ground as well, where the terrain is rolling hills, forests, and meadows.
Voyageurs, Minnesota
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With the exception of a visitor center on the mainland, all of Voyageurs is islands and the lake water surrounding them. Access is by boat only, which keeps the crowds away and guarantees a wilderness experience.
Isle Royale, Michigan
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If the logistics of visiting Voyageurs are complicated, they’re even more so for Isle Royale. Getting to this large island in Lake Superior requires a boat ferry that can take several hours. Once you’re there, though, you feel truly away from it all.
Guadalupe Mountains, Texas
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In this mountain range that continues into New Mexico, you’ll find Guadalupe Peak, the highest in Texas. You’ll also find miles and miles of backcountry trails and solitude. Although this park is a short drive away from famous Carlsbad Caverns, it doesn’t get very busy since no roads penetrate the park, making most visits a quick stop at the visitor center.
Big Bend, Texas
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There are areas in Big Bend that do get extremely busy, especially around spring break and holidays, but this park is so vast that it isn’t hard at all to get away from crowds. Big Bend is a spectacular landscape of mountains, open desert, and river canyons carved by the Rio Grande.
Cuyahoga Valley, Ohio
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Cuyahoga Valley is a rural getaway not far from Akron and Cleveland. Its namesake river winds through rolling hills, forests, and farmland. Historically, the park included a section of the Ohio & Erie Canal, and a scenic railroad runs through the park as well. It’s also a great place to see waterfalls and native wildlife.
Indiana Dunes, Indiana
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A national lakeshore along Lake Michigan since 1966, Indiana Dunes became a national park in 2019. Although it doesn’t have as much of a wilderness feel as most other national parks do, it’s a scenic respite from the noise and congestion of a heavily urbanized region.
New River Gorge, West Virginia
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In 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed legislation that created the New River Gorge National River. In 2020, redesignation as a national park and preserve took place. “The New” has some of the country’s best whitewater rafting, and it’s also a major destination for rock climbers. The fall colors are beautiful, and in late spring the area bursts with color as rhododendrons bloom.
Congaree, South Carolina
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Just outside Columbia, the state capital, this park was from 1976 until 2003 known as Congaree Swamp National Monument. The “swamp” is actually a slow-moving river, and the park is an excellent place to view native plants and wildlife.
Biscayne, Florida
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Almost all of this national park is underwater. One of the best ways to view the coral reefs and teeming sea life this park protects is to go on a glass-bottom boat tour. The park is also a big draw for scuba divers.
Dry Tortugas, Florida
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The Dry Tortugas are islands located in the Gulf of Mexico about 70 miles west of Key West, and they’re the westernmost of the Florida Keys. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, this park is known for pristine coral reefs, sea life, shipwrecks, tropical birds, and an unfinished coastal fortress called Fort Jefferson.
Virgin Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands
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Scuba diving and snorkeling are the signature activities in the clear Caribbean waters here. However, there are also many miles of hiking trails in the tropical rainforests that this park protects in addition to the undersea landscapes.
The 30 Most Beautiful Places in the World That Everyone Must See
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There’s no way you could ever come up with a definitive list of the world’s most beautiful places. However, if you ask around, some places come up a lot more frequently than others do.
The following are some of the places that people mention over and over again, not in any particular order.
30 Breathtaking Places You Must See Before You Die
The Two Best Scenic Wonders in Each of the Mountain States
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The Mountain States– Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico– have some of the wildest and most rugged landscapes in the United States. Because they’re so big, it can take a lot of time to visit them, so it helps to be able to plan for some specific destinations.
Following are our choices for the top two must-see outdoor locations in each of these seven states.
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