National Geographic reveals the five best, lesser-known US National Parks
Spending time in the beautiful US National Parks is always a pleasure, each with its own unique aspects. However, for someone seeking a little quiet in their summer vacation, National Geographic has revealed the top, lesser-known National Parks for a peaceful time.
Forget the crowds of hikers and campers and try out these suggestions. On another note, what makes one of them truly unique is that you will need a passport to visit one of them.
1. Hot Springs National Park, Hot Springs, Arkansas
Meanwhile, outside of the city 43 thermal springs and 26 miles of hiking trails take vacationers through the dense forests of the Ouachita Mountains. This is the ideal place to be immersed in nature and is possibly the easiest off-the-beaten-track park to access, as it is less than an hour’s drive from Little Rock. Find out more on the park’s website.
2. Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana
As noted by National Geographic, Indiana’s solo national park offers beautiful dunes, prairies forests and wetlands, but the best place to be is on the 15-mile of shoreline, boasting views of the Chicago skyline. This makes the park an ideal alternative to the Windy City. Check out the official visitor website to learn more.
3. Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
Find out more about this isolated park on its official website.
4. Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, Alaska
National Geographic does warn that just getting there is a mission as you have to charter a plane to get there. Meanwhile, with no amenities in the park, visitors should be experienced hikers with good outdoor survival skills. National Geographic recommends visiting the park in August when its wildflowers burst into bloom. Visit the park’s website for more information.
5. US National Park of American Samoa, Unincorporated Territory Of The United States
According to National Geographic, this little-known park features several islands, but the best to visit are these three: Tutuila, Ta’ū and Ofu. The park spreads over these islands and is a perfect, unspoiled paradise with the proverbial crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches and lush rainforests. While there, visitors can spot many different species of wildlife, including colorful birds and fish, but very few humans. Find out more on the park’s website here.
Head out into nature this summer, far away from the crowds at any one of these glorious US National Parks.
[…] there have been stories of tourists getting too close to wildlife, particularly in the US National Parks. They want the perfect selfie with that bear or bison, but this could be dangerous, or even fatal. […]