I've visited every national park in the US and a few have stood out to me as underrated favorites. Alaska's Gates of the Arctic National Park has some of the most beautiful views. Kings Canyon is incredible but sometimes overshadowed by other national parks in California. The 63 Congress-designated national parks have been touted as "America's best idea" β and with their mile-deep canyons, 3,year-old trees, and stunning mountain ranges, it's easy to see why.
However, with great beauty often comes great crowds. Many top-rated national parks routinely make headlines for their confusing timed-entry reservation systems, long lines of cars, and overrun trails.
I've experienced it firsthand, as I've been to every national park in the United States and authored a book about them. I'm here to tell you that Yosemite is beautiful, but a visit is usually not worth the summertime traffic.
This year, I suggest you skip the more famous national parks in favor of these six underrated gems. Alaska's Gates of the Arctic National Park is worth trekking to. Gates of the Arctic is one of the least-visited national parks, perhaps because it takes a flight to Fairbanks, a transfer to tiny Bettles or Coldfoot, and a bumpy ride in a bush plane to get to it.
However, once you lay eyes on the magnificent Brooks Range and its miles of unspoiled tundra, you'll see the journey is worth it.
