Underrated National Parks That Are Actually Better Than the Big Names
We all love a good national park. But let’s be real—sometimes the “famous” ones feel more like airports than wilderness escapes. Yosemite? Stunning, but packed. Yellowstone? Iconic, but you’re probably stuck in bear-jam traffic. If you've ever dreamt of jaw-dropping landscapes without dodging selfie sticks, you're in luck.
There are dozens of lesser-known national parks that deliver the same wow-factor (or better!) without the massive crowds. Here are 10 underrated national parks that just might be even better than the ones on every bucket list.
1. Great Basin National Park, Nevada (USA)
Let’s start with a park most people have never even heard of. Great Basin is like nature’s secret clubhouse—ancient bristlecone pines, underground caves, alpine lakes, and zero crowds.
You can hike to Wheeler Peak, explore Lehman Caves with a flashlight in hand, or stargaze under one of the darkest skies in America. Plus, you might see more marmots than people on the trails.
2. Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand
While most tourists head to Fiordland or Tongariro, Abel Tasman quietly steals hearts with its golden beaches, turquoise bays, and lush forest walks.
It’s perfect for kayaking, multi-day hikes, or just chilling in a hammock with birdsong all around. The coastal track is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks—without the “great” crowds.
3. Kootenay National Park, Canada
Banff gets all the love, but just next door is Kootenay—quieter, just as jaw-dropping, and easier on your patience.
Think turquoise rivers, canyons, waterfalls, and hot springs, all with room to breathe. Marble Canyon and Paint Pots are total hidden gems. Bonus: You can actually find parking.
4. Cinque Terre National Park, Italy
Yes, it’s technically a national park, and yes—it’s got villages instead of bears. But don’t let that fool you. Cinque Terre offers some of the most stunning coastline on Earth, with pastel towns perched on cliffs and hiking trails that make your heart and thighs burn (in a good way).
Go off-season, avoid the cruise crowds, and you’ll see why this place is pure magic.
5. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska (USA)
Bigger than Yellowstone and Yosemite combined, Wrangell-St. Elias is basically a national park on steroids. Glaciers, volcanoes, mountain ranges, and wildlife galore—and barely anyone around.
This is raw, rugged Alaska. Bring your boots, your camera, and your spirit of adventure. You won’t be disappointed. You also won’t have cell service—and that’s part of the charm.
6. Tijuca National Park, Brazil
Ever hiked a rainforest inside a city? Tijuca sits right in the heart of Rio de Janeiro and is the largest urban forest in the world.
Waterfalls, tropical birds, and epic views of Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain await. It’s a dose of jungle without leaving the city limits.
7. Ecrins National Park, France
Forget the Alps everyone talks about—Ecrins is wild, dramatic, and full of alpine charm without the ski-resort chaos.
Located in southeastern France, it’s ideal for hiking, climbing, or just staring in awe at jagged peaks and deep valleys. You’ll meet more goats than tourists, which is always a win.
8. Lake District National Park, England
The Cotswolds might win for charm, but the Lake District steals hearts with sweeping views, rolling green hills, and cozy villages nestled between glassy lakes.
It’s a walker’s paradise. Think Wordsworth poems, sheep-dotted meadows, and pub lunches after a long ramble. You’ll feel like you stepped into a watercolor painting.
9. Rincón de la Vieja National Park, Costa Rica
This one’s got volcanoes, waterfalls, hot springs, and bubbling mud pools—and somehow still flies under the radar.
Located in the northwest of Costa Rica, it’s less touristy than Arenal but just as beautiful. You might spot howler monkeys, toucans, or even a jaguar if you’re lucky. And the trails? Total rainforest adventure mode.
10. Durmitor National Park, Montenegro
Montenegro isn’t on everyone’s radar, but it absolutely should be. Durmitor National Park is packed with jagged peaks, clear lakes, deep canyons, and epic hiking trails.
It’s affordable, uncrowded, and feels like discovering the Alps before the Alps were cool. Plus, there’s rafting on the Tara River if you’re feeling wild.
What Makes These Parks Better?
Here’s the thing: it’s not just about the views (though they’re amazing). These parks give you space to actually experience nature. To breathe. To wander. To get lost in a good way.
No elbowing for a photo. No tour buses unloading like clockwork. Just you and the wild, the way it’s meant to be.
Tips for Exploring the Underrated Parks
- Do your research. Some of these parks are remote or less developed, which is part of the fun—but you’ll need to plan ahead. - Pack smart. Bring layers, food, and a good map. Don’t expect a souvenir shop at every turn. - Be respectful. Just because it’s quiet doesn’t mean it’s not protected. Leave no trace, be kind to locals, and follow local rules. - Talk to people. Rangers, hostel owners, other hikers—they’ll give you the best off-the-map tips.
Big-name parks are popular for a reason—but sometimes, the best adventures are hiding just outside the spotlight.
So next time you’re planning a trip, consider skipping the famous names and heading somewhere quieter. Somewhere where the views are just as wild, the trails are just as epic, and the only traffic jam is a line of sheep.
