America’s national parks are nothing short of amazing to behold. They’re so popular, people from around the world come to the United States to see them firsthand. This means they’re often crowded, especially during peak seasons.
If the idea of trying to catch the panoramic views of the national parks in a huge crowd of people doesn’t appeal to you, you’re not alone. The good news is that there are other, equally beautiful places to visit in the country that aren’t overrun by tourists.
These secret natural wonders may not be commonly known, but that only adds to their charm and appeal. Traveling off the beaten path can lead to new adventures, and these are excellent places to start.
Baxter State Park, Maine
Named after former state governor Percival P. Baxter, the state park is dedicated to maintaining the wilderness, leaving as little touched by humans as possible. This commitment has made Baxter State Park some of the most pristine lands in the country.
Over the years, the park has grown from its original 6,000 acres to 209,644 acres. It remains undeveloped except for designated areas for lodging and camping. The landscape includes Mount Katahdin, the tallest mountain in the state.
Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah
You may have heard about the legendary salt flats in Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile, but did you know there are equally impressive ones in the continental United States? The Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah are some of them, and it is super close to Salt Lake City.
The salt flats were created ages ago, after Lake Bonneville became dry. While the majority of the salt flats are dry, there is some vegetation and animal life living on its border. The landscape of the Bonneville Salt Flats is both desolate and beautiful.
CSKT Bison Range, Montana
On the lands of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) is the CSKT Bison Range, which has approximately 350 bison. The range was founded in 1908 and named the National Bison Range until it was officially recognized as CSKT land in 2020.
The range has two hiking trails and a 19 mile road for self-directed driving tours. In addition to the roaming bison, visitors are treated with the sights of other animals in their natural environs, including birds and bears.
Garden of the Gods, Colorado
The landscape of the Garden of the Gods is lined by stunning red rock formations. To fully experience the beauty of the park, there are several ways to travel through it including Segway, horseback riding, hiking, and by car.
The park has kid-specific activities and is accessible with ADA compliant parking, trails, a specially modified Jeep, transportation, and building access. Two wheelchairs are also available for free on a first come-first serve basis.
Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio
About an hour southeast of Columbus is Hocking Hills State Park. It’s known for its year-round beauty, and rightfully so. No matter which season of the year you visit the park, you’re surrounded by spectacular attractions.
There are seven regions of the park, and each one, made from black hand sandstone, were developed by water erosion over time. Today, those regions include recess caves, cliffs, waterfalls, and colorful wildflowers.
Itasca State Park, Minnesota
Itasca State Park has several claims to fame, including as the location where the Mississippi River starts, and ends in the Gulf of Mexico. It’s the oldest state park in Minnesota, which was founded in 1891, and boasts more than 32,000 acres of land with over 100 lakes.
Throughout the summer months, there are activities of interest to all age groups, like camping for beginners and experts, a junior ranger program, and panoramic views from the fire towers. In winter, skiing, snowshoeing and candlelight events are available.
Lake Chelan State Park, Washington
Sitting along the shores of the lake it’s named after, Lake Chelan State Park provides 6,000 feet of green areas and shoreline as part of the property’s 127 acres. Those areas are ideal for playing volleyball, hiking, and swimming.
Overnight mooring spaces are made available for boats for a low fee, and there are numerous other amenities at the park. Parking, camping grounds, showers, a firepit, and amphitheater are a few examples of its other features.
Mount Shasta, California
Visiting Mount Shasta is more than just skiing and playing on the ice rink. There are plenty of other things to do that don’t involve snow. From off-roading in a Jeep to playing pickleball with a group of friends, boredom is never an option.
A part of the Cascades, Mount Shasta is a composite volcano. It’s not a very active volcano: eruptions are predicted to only occur every 600 to 800 years, so there’s no worries when you visit. This includes the lodgings, several of which have views of the peak.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas
Also known as the Grand Canyon of Texas, Palo Duro Canyon State Park is second only to Arizona’s Grand Canyon in size. Its rock formations have to be seen in person to believe just how magnificent they are.
Besides the traditional activities of camping, horseback riding on the equestrian trails, hiking, and biking, in the summer, from Tuesdays through Sundays, visitors are treated to the TEXAS Outdoor Musical in the Pioneer Amphitheater, where the history of the park is recounted.
Pine Creek Gorge, Pennsylvania
Pine Creek Gorge, which is commonly called Pennsylvania’s Grand Canyon, is surrounded by Colton Point State Park and Leonard Harrison State Park, each with designated spots for camping and hiking trails.
At the bottom of the gorge, you can kayak and fish for several species of trout. At the top of the Pine Creek Gorge are scenic overlooks offering incredible views of Pine Creek below, and sights of the eagles flying above.
Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Michigan
Those who enjoy observing wildlife in their natural habitats will love visiting Michigan’s Tahquamenon Falls State Park. In its almost 50,000 acres, you can watch black bears, deer, and coyotes, along with songbirds and many waterfowl species.
Located within the park are the Upper Falls and the Lower Falls. As much as they have become a part of daily life, the use of drones is not allowed. This helps to preserve the views from both vantage points and to keep the gorgeous skies clear for everyone.
White Mountains, New Hampshire
Some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country are found in New Hampshire, and the White Mountains are no exception. There are amazing experiences to be had there, no matter what season you’re there.
For example, March is New Hampshire Maple Month, and it’s a celebration of all things maple, from different brands of syrup, kettle corn coated with maple syrup, to sugar on snow. The NH Maple Experience takes you on a sweet tour of the maple lines on a horse-drawn carriage.