The United States’ National Park System is a pioneer in the preservation and protection of natural spaces. Founded in 1916, this federal government organization manages 59 national parks, which are widely viewed and visited.
While some parks, like Yosemite and the Grand Canyon, are well known and often visited, others fly under the radar. Here are three of the least-visited national parks that you should spend some time visiting.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (Colorado)
The Grand Canyon National Park might be the most famous river gorge in the system, but an overlooked one is the stunning Gunnison River gorge, which has been cut through Precambrian rock in the western part of the state of Colorado. It includes cliffs of up to 2,000 feet in height and provides unforgettable views of unique geography and fauna such as elk.
Congaree National Park (South Carolina)
The only national park located in the state of South Carolina is Congaree National Park, one of the newest in the US. Founded in 2003, this park is located in the center of the state and protects one of the oldest forests in the country, located on the banks of the beautiful Congaree River.
North Cascades National Park (Washington)
The fourth-least visited park in the country is North Cascades, which isn’t surprising due to its geographical isolation. Located near the Canadian border in the northernmost part of the Cascades, the snow-capped peaks and glacial lakes of this park form part of some of America’s most beautiful land.