Travel & Adventure · Aug 01, 2026

5 National Parks you May Not Know About

Visiting national parks in your area or across the United States is a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors and learn something new along the way. With 58 national parks to choose from, planning your next vacation can feel overwhelming. Step outside the usual spots and explore some lesser-known parks that offer just as much beauty and adventure.

Great Basin National Park, Nevada

This 77,100-acre park in Nevada features rugged mountain peaks and vast underground caverns. It is one of the least-visited national parks in the country, welcoming just over 168,000 visitors a year, but interest is growing fast. Located only five hours north of Las Vegas, much of the landscape was shaped by glaciers thousands of years ago. You can see the Lehman rock glacier, a mass of boulders cemented by ice, from the Glacier Trail and Summit Trail. A small remnant of the original ice glaciers still exists in Lehman Cirque, just above the rock glacier.

Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado

Situated in southern Colorado, about four hours from Denver, this park is a summer favorite for sledding down the towering sand dunes into a cool creek below. It is a great place to visit with kids. Bring your own sled or rent one nearby and join in the fun. Along with the dunes and stunning mountain views, the park is also known for UFO sightings if you’re interested in that kind of adventure. After a day in the sun, stay for sunsets from your folding camp chair and incredible star gazing. For a bigger challenge, try hiking the dunes with an overnight pack. Backpacking is allowed with a permit available at the ranger station, where you can also get tips for conquering the dunes.

Fun Fact: These are the tallest sand dunes in North America, rising up to 750 feet above the San Luis Valley floor.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio

Ohio might not be the first state that comes to mind for national parks, but Cuyahoga Valley protects nearly 33,000 acres of land and offers scenic train rides, hiking trails, and the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. This trail is level and hard-packed, making it accessible for wheelchairs, bicycles, and strollers. Spend a week camping, backpacking, and exploring everything the park has to offer.

Tip: The park does not plow trails in winter, allowing for excellent cross-country skiing during the colder months.

Congaree National Park, South Carolina

Escape glaciers and alpine lakes to experience the hardwood forests of South Carolina. Located just south of Columbia, this park offers hiking trails and waterways for canoeing and fishing. Spring and fall are the best times to visit to avoid the summer heat and humidity. Paddling through the creeks is a wonderful way to see old growth bottomland hardwood forests, bald cypress trees, and water tupelo. Remember sunscreen, bug spray, and a portable cooler for cold drinks.

Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

For a family trip full of history and interactive learning, Mesa Verde is a top pick. The park features over 5,000 archaeological sites spread across more than 40 miles of roads. The visitor center offers great insight into local artifacts and how the Ancestral Pueblo people lived here. The well-preserved cliff dwellings are fascinating to explore, with wide walkways for easy access and stairs to higher levels. Ticket prices and availability vary by tour, so check their website before visiting.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget your American Backcountry National Park Tee for a perfect day exploring or to remember your visit with a great keepsake.

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