National park season is here and with it comes the dreadful choice of which one to visit. Of course, the famous parks such as Yellowstone are worth seeing at least once in your life. But if you’d rather look for a place off the beaten track yet beautiful this year, we have the solution for you.
The following list was made by looking on Google Maps and simultaneously finding national parks with a rating of 4.5 or higher and fewer than 1,000 reviews. This way we know for sure that something special is waiting for you, without the annoying crowds.
Isle Royale National Park
Located in Lake Superior, Michigan, close to the Canadian border, Isle Royale National Park is one of the least visited state parks. Mainly because of its remote location, as it can only be reached by plane or boat. But in return, it will reward you with pristine wilderness and plenty of outdoor adventure.
With more than 165 miles of hiking trails, it’s perfect for both day hikes and backpacking adventures. However, we recommend that you stay one night. At one of the many campsites in the hinterland you can sleep under the stars and enjoy the beautiful star show in the dark sky thanks to little light pollution. Alternatively, you can stay on a boat, at Rock Harbor Lodge or the Windigo Camper Cabins.
Besides hiking, other popular activities include kayaking, canoeing and fishing. You can also visit various historic lighthouses.
Katmai National Park and Preserve
We will stay at the remote locations for a while. But this time we’re going to Alaska. In the southwestern corner of the state lies Katmai National Park and Preserve – home to the world’s largest population of brown bears and impressive salmon runs.
The best place to spot them both is at Brooks Falls. Many famous photos of bears catching fish have been taken there and you can take one too.
Another attraction you should definitely visit is the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. It was created by the 1912 eruption of Novarupta, known to be the largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century. And you can explore the ash-covered landscape and get up close to fumaroles via numerous hiking trails.
Lake Clark National Park and Preserve
If you are in Katmai National Park, you might as well visit the neighboring park LakeClark. This undiscovered gem is also a fantastic place for bear viewing. But more than that, it offers plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.
The Chilikadrotna, Tlikakila and Mulchatna rivers are ideal for rafting, paddle boarding, canoeing and kayaking. And along the lake itself they offer excellent fishing opportunities. Several inland hiking trails take you to other lakes and rivers. And if you plan to stay overnight, there is a primitive camping area at Hope Creek.
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve
The name says it all. Located in the far north of Alaska, this is probably the most remote and wildest park in North America. It is completely intact and you will not find any paths or roads. But the experience of wandering through the vast country is truly like no other.
So how can you access it, you ask? The most common way is to take an air taxi or bush plane from the town of Bettles. It drops you off in the park and you’re on your own. You can hike or explore the river system by kayak or canoe.
Keep in mind that you must be an experienced backcountry traveler and know how to survive in the wilderness to embark on a journey to the Gates of the Arctic. Alternatively, you can go on a guided expedition.
Minidoka national historic site
Some less visited parks can also be found in states other than Alaska Minidoka national historic site is one of them. Located in the Idaho desert and often called the Hunt Camp during World War II, it served as a concentration camp for people of Japanese descent. Today it offers the opportunity to commemorate such unfortunate events and learn a little more about American history.
Don’t worry, the area also offers something positive: untouched natural beauty. The nearby Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge is a habitat for a variety of wildlife and is perfect for birdwatching. You can also launch a boat, fish or paddleboard on Lake Walcott.
