15 Underrated National Parks Worth Exploring
National parks are a great way to explore preserved locations filled with culture, history, and wildlife. Furthermore, these parks are always packed with activities perfect for pumping your adrenaline while appreciating the beauty of nature.
We’ve all heard of the more famous national parks like Yosemite and Yellowstone; but let’s delve into more underrated ones that offer roughly the same experience without the crowd.
1. Zhangye National Geopark, China
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In northern China, by the borders of Mongolia, lies the super colorful Zhangye National Geopark. Located at the foot of the Qilian Mountains, you’ll be enamored by the array of rock formations formed by layers of minerals and sandstones eroded over time.
Most visitors flock to the Linze Danxia Scenic Area, the park’s first area, but Binggou by the Liyuan River (the second area) and Sunan Danxia Scenic Area (the third area) are worth the trek, too.
2. Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska, USA
In addition to being home to the active Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, Kobuk Valley National Park sees the migration of half a million caribous each year. Other animals that can be spotted in the area include bears, wolves, foxes, and moose.
From a different perspective, you can sail the Kobuk River, which flows through the park, to witness all the greenery and wildlife it offers.
3. Kaziranga National Park, India
Kaziranga National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the sub-Himalayan region and is rich in biodiversity. Four rivers flow through the park, fuelling the life of its marshlands, tropical forests, and elephant grass.
This park has the world’s largest population of tigers and water buffalos in a protected area, along with around 35 endangered species of mammals. You can also find abundant elephants, rhinos, and swamp deer in the confines of the protected park.
4. Great Basin National Park, Nevada, USA
Stargazers should look towards the Great Basin National Park and find solace there. Its diverse landscapes include glaciers, deserts, caves, springs, playas, and mountains. As such, it has a good variety of animal species as well.
Mule deer migrate through the area in winter, and fossils can be found in its ancient caves. The park also has some of the oldest trees in the world.
5. Setonaikai National Park, Japan
Severely underrated, the Setonaikai National Park in Japan has some of the best cycling routes, art museums, and cultural experiences. The park is made up of 3,000 islands and is one of the biggest national parks in Japan.
It is home to the Shimanami Kaido cycling route, the Chichu Art Museum that houses five of Monet’s paintings, a host of shrines, fishing villages, and more.
6. Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico, USA
Interested in ancient civilizations and Native American culture? In that case, you should check out Chaco Culture National Historical Park in New Mexico.
You can walk around the Pueblo Bonito ruins, learn about the Great Kiva, or hike the Pueblo Alto trail for a couple days of stargazing. It is an accessible and less touristy option, so you’ll get to soak in the history without much distraction.
7. Shark Bay National Park, the British Virgin Islands
Shark Bay National Park is located on Tortola, which is the largest island in the British Virgin Islands. This location is perfect for a tropical beach escape, birdwatching, hiking, snorkeling, and more.
You can sunbathe on the sandy beach, explore bat caves, swim in its crystal blue waters, or spot the area’s variety of marine life and seabirds.
8. North Cascades National Park, USA
Alaska is not the only place in the USA where you can gaze at glaciers. Try the North Cascades National Park in Washington, a location filled with snow and activities for all to enjoy.
These include river rafting, hiking, horseback riding, and climbing along the snowy alpine mountains. Whether you’re a beginner or a veteran hiker, a trail awaits you.
9. Daisen-Oki National Park, Japan
Right next to the Setonaikai National Park is the Daisen-Oki National Park, which has a popular hiking trail leading to Mount Daisen and a coastline bustling with culture. It is also home to some of Japan’s most influential religious sites, like the Izumo Grand Shrine and Miho Shrine.
You can take boat rides from each port town for a sightseeing tour of ancient temples, shrines, and caves.
10. Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, Alaska, USA
This is one of the most challenging national parks to get to. Surrounded by glaciers with no roads or trails, the Gates of Arctic National Park in Alaska has remained one of the least frequented national parks.
It is also advised that only experienced travelers accustomed to the wild should visit it as the place is truly a wild haven where everything roams free. You can even see the Aurora Borealis here.
11. Royal Manas National Park, Bhutan
Right by Bhutan’s border with India is the Royal Manas National Park, the oldest protected area in the country. This park is called the ‘Conservation Showpiece of the Kingdom,’ which protects the country’s wildlife and flora.
There are multiple habitats within which boasts around 348 species of giant trees. The big five animals in the area are the Asian elephant, Bengal tiger, Indian rhinoceros, Asiatic water buffalo, and clouded leopards.
12. National Park of American Samoa, Hawaii, USA
Second to the North Cascades National Park, which is the least visited national park, the National Park of American Samoa in Hawaii is a remote place worthy of a visit. It spans three volcanic islands with tropical forests and pristine beaches.
There are over 900 species of fish and over 200 species of coral protected in the area. With the abundance of traditional Samoan villages, you can also learn extensively about the Samoan culture.
13. Jirisan National Park, South Korea
Although less popular than the Hallasan National Park on Jeju Island, the Jirisan National Park is the first national park in South Korea. The park protects the seven ancient Buddhist temples in the area along with the Jirisan Mountain, which is perfect for hiking.
Additionally, over 5,000 species of wildlife and vegetation in the area are native to the region. These include elks, the Asiatic black bear, wildcats, and roe.
14. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas, USA
A beautiful combination of mountains and canyon makes up the scenery of Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Here, you’ll get to trek through the desert and dunes with hiking trails that take you to the top of the highest mountains.
Guadalupe’s Peak is even aptly nicknamed the ‘Top of Texas.’ Plus, four of Texas’ highest peaks are located in the park, so pick your trail and hike it.
15. Hundred Islands National Park, Philippines
Specifically, there are 124 coral reef islands within the Hundred Islands National Park in the northern part of the Philippines. These islands have a coral reef foundation and limestone cliffs overlooking clear blue waters.
Depending on the tide, some islands may even be covered and inaccessible. The area is prized for its bird species and marine life. Only two islands are prepared for tourists—Governor Island and Quezon Island.
Sources: TravelandLeisure, JapanGuide, OfftheBeatenTravel, TheTravel, Escape.com, Outside, NationalParks.
