Did you know that one of the national parks on our list has over 119 known caves within its boundaries? Here’s our top 10 list of the most underrated national parks in the United States.
10. North Cascades National Park, Washington Nestled in the rugged wilderness of Northern Washington, North Cascades National Park is a hidden gem. Established in 1968, it receives only about 30,000 visitors annually. Spanning over 500,000 acres, it offers breathtaking Alpine views.
9. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas Located in Western Texas, this park boasts the highest peak in Texas, Guadalupe Peak, at 8,749 feet. Established in 1972, it spans over 86,000 acres and has a rich history dating back over 10,000 years.
8. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico Just north of Guadalupe, this park features a complex cave system over 4 million years old with 119 known caves.
7. Big Bend National Park, Texas Spanning 800,000 acres near the Mexico border, this park is one of the largest and most remote in the U.S.
6. Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Colorado This dramatic park features a deep, narrow gorge carved by the Gunnison River. Established in 1933, it covers 30,000 acres.
5. Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota Covering 70,000 acres, this park is named after the 26th U.S. president. It features rugged badlands and diverse wildlife.
4. Kings Canyon National Park, California Often overshadowed by Yosemite, this park offers towering sequoias, granite cliffs, and cascading waterfalls.
3. Canyonlands National Park, Utah This desert park, divided into four districts, is less crowded than nearby Arches National Park.
2. New River Gorge National Park, Virginia Covering 70,000 acres, this park is home to the New River and is ideal for outdoor adventures.
1. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming With stunning Alpine scenery, this park offers hiking trails like Cascade Canyon and Taggart Lake Trail. Established in 1929, it covers over 310,000 acres.