Most Underrated National Parks

By More Than Just Parks

Now, before we get to shining a light on a few of what we think are the most underrated national parks out there, we’d like to remind our readers that we’re strictly referring to national parks. That means one of the 63 congressionally designated national parks, not monuments or historical sites, etc.

With the arrival of summer, we thought we'd take the opportunity for you to consider some of these parks for your 2023 travels.

North Dakota is often one of the last states to be visited by those looking to reach all 50 and is frequently overlooked for its scenic qualities. But we’re here to tell you that Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a stunner. Set in the rugged badlands of western North Dakota, this park, named for the famed president and conservationist, is home to wild horses, bison, elk and truly majestic landscapes. We've got everything you need to know to plan a visit to this gorgeous national park that rarely sees any crowds.

This jagged canyon set amidst the rugged hills and mountains of western Colorado is well worth a trip, thanks to its jaw-dropping beauty. Here you’ll find countless hikes and overlooks with million-dollar views and very few people. We’re a bit lost as to why this one doesn’t see more visitors.

Great Sand Dunes National Park just listen to that name as you say it. Apart from Death Valley, we challenge you to find a more epic national park name. The park is, just as its name describes, home to the tallest sand dunes in North America and yes, they are very tall. In addition, the park and preserve actually encompassing some of the surrounding mountains as well as beautiful creeks and streams. This one is a true hidden gem in southern Colorado, though we’re still not sure why it's so "hidden.”

These three were the first that came to mind, but there are quite a few more that deserve mentioning. Big Bend, New River Gorge, and Great Basin would probably be the next three on our list. But don't stop there; check out our More Than Just Parks site to see which parks may take you by surprise and help you get a head start on your 2023 travel plans.

Check out the film on Theodore Roosevelt National Park from More Than Just Parks site here:

A True Hidden Gem