Top 10 Off-the-Beaten-Path National Parks

MG Quinn
Jun 25
3 min read

For travelers seeking a peaceful escape into nature without the crowds, off-the-beaten-path national parks are the perfect destination. These hidden gems offer pristine landscapes, incredible wildlife, and a sense of serenity that’s hard to find in more popular parks. Here are 10 national parks worth exploring:

1. Great Sand Dunes National Park (Colorado, USA)

Located in southern Colorado, Great Sand Dunes National Park boasts the tallest sand dunes in North America. Beyond the dunes, you'll find grasslands, wetlands, and diverse wildlife. It’s perfect for hiking, sandboarding, and stargazing.

2. Lassen Volcanic National Park (California, USA)

Lassen Volcanic is one of the least-visited parks in California, but it offers a spectacular array of geothermal features, including boiling springs, fumaroles, and fumarole fields. Visitors can also hike to the top of Lassen Peak for a panoramic view.

3. Katmai National Park (Alaska, USA)

Famous for its dramatic volcanic landscape and abundant wildlife, including brown bears, Katmai National Park is perfect for those wanting to experience true wilderness. The Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes and Brooks Falls are must-see sights.

4. Olympic National Park (Washington, USA)

While Olympic is famous in some circles, it’s still relatively quiet compared to other national parks. It offers a variety of ecosystems, from temperate rainforests to rugged coastlines, making it perfect for hikers and nature lovers.

5. Isle Royale National Park (Michigan, USA)

Located in Lake Superior, Isle Royale is only accessible by boat or seaplane, making it a peaceful, isolated paradise. It’s known for its wolves, moose, and hiking trails, as well as its diverse aquatic life and untouched wilderness.

6. Auyuittuq National Park (Nunavut, Canada)

This remote Arctic park is known for its dramatic fjords, glaciers, and towering peaks. The challenging hikes and awe-inspiring scenery make it a hidden gem for adventure enthusiasts seeking solitude in the north.

7. Pukaskwa National Park (Ontario, Canada)

Pukaskwa is one of the best-kept secrets of Ontario’s national parks, with rugged landscapes, wild shorelines along Lake Superior, and dense forests. It’s an excellent destination for hiking, canoeing, and wildlife spotting, especially for those looking for solitude.

8. Garamba National Park (Democratic Republic of Congo)

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Garamba is one of Africa’s hidden gems. It’s home to endangered species like the African elephant and white rhino. Its remote location makes it a great destination for wildlife enthusiasts and safari lovers looking for something off the beaten path.

9. Torres del Paine National Park (Patagonia, Chile)

Though gaining popularity, Torres del Paine still offers plenty of serenity. With stunning mountain peaks, glaciers, and vibrant blue lakes, it’s perfect for trekking, wildlife watching, and camping. The park is less crowded compared to other South American destinations.

10. Picos de Europa National Park (Spain)

Nestled in northern Spain, Picos de Europa is a hidden gem for hikers and nature lovers. The park offers a mix of dramatic mountains, lush valleys, and scenic villages, making it perfect for those looking to explore the unspoiled beauty of the Iberian Peninsula.

Have you visited any of these hidden national parks, or is there one you’d like to explore next? Share your favorite off-the-beaten-path adventure!