Hidden Gems in the US National Park System

Everyone in America is likely familiar with the National Parks. There are 63 US National Parks. These are the big parks such as Yellowstone, Mount Rainier, and Joshua Tree. But what you may not know is that the National Park System is so much more than these! In fact, there are over 400 “National Park” sites.

There are National rivers, monuments, buildings, battlefields, historic landmarks, and so much more! All are protected and revered for different reasons, and all should be celebrated and visited! These “other parks” are the true hidden gems of the Us National Park System.

Now, more than ever, people are flocking to National Parks. They are crowded, and in some cases, entry is restricted or only by reservations. By discovering the hidden gems of the National Park system, you can still visit educational historical sites, gorgeous scenery, and unique landscapes without the crazy crowds!

Travel experts submitted their favorite National Park hidden gems, and this is what they have come up with! Read through to discover new, and amazing places to add to your next National Park itinerary!

National Park Hidden Gems: US National Monuments

“A national monument is intended to preserve at least one nationally significant resource. It is usually smaller than a national park and lacks its diversity of attractions”.

National Park Service

US Presidents can name a place a “National Monument” using the antiquities act. Often, over time National Monuments can become National Parks. This happened just a few years ago with White Sands National Monument/ Park in New Mexico.

There are currently 85 National Monuments in the National Park System. Some of the most famous National Monuments include the Statue of Liberty and Muir Woods.

Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, Utah

Suggested by Chris, Explore Now or Never

Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument is a geologic treasure spanning nearly one million acres in southwestern Utah. Just a stone’s throw from Bryce Canyon and other better-known national parks in the west, Grand Staircase has a fraction of the visitors but all of the allure.

Not only is the area filled with natural bridges, impressive slot canyons, and other unusual geologic formations, but it’s rich in dinosaur fossils and historical artifacts—campsites, rock art panels, and granaries—from the Anasazi and Fremont cultures in AD 950 to 1100. Geologists, paleontologists, archaeologists, and historians the world over study this remote area.

Because Grand Staircase is so vast, it can take some planning to visit without disappointment. For day trips, stay near Escalante or camp inside the park to reduce drive time. While there are no crowds here, spring and fall are the best time to beat the extreme desert temperatures. Even information on the web is a bit scanty so be sure to contact the Visitor’s Center by phone well ahead of your visit.

Navajo National Monument, Arizona

Suggested by James Ian, Parks Collecting

Navajo National Monument in Arizona is a small but interesting park that is well worth visiting.  The highlight is the Betatakin Cliff Dwelling, a well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan dwelling in a large overhang on the side of the cliff on the opposite side of the canyon. 

The dwelling can be best seen at the end of the Sandal Trail.  This easy 1.3-mile round-trip paved trail proceeds past juniper bushes and other native plants to an overlook where you can clearly see the cliff dwelling.  It is 0.25 miles away on the opposite side of the canyon, so binoculars are recommended if you want to see the buildings in detail, but the panoramic view of the dwelling is amazing.  There are also daily 3-5-hour ranger-led tours into the dwellings themselves in summer.  

Additional self-guided hikes take you to an overlook of the canyon and along a nature trail to the bottom of the canyon.  There is a Visitor Center and small gift store, plus two free campsites near the Visitor Center.

Navajo National Monument is 75 miles (a 1 hour and 20-minute drive) from Page and 60 miles (just over an hour) from Monument Valley. It makes a great stopover if you are traveling between those two destinations. The monument and self-guided trails are open year-round.  Although the area gets very hot in summer, this is when guided tours to the Betatakin Cliff Dwellings are available.

Chiricahua National Monument, Arizona

Suggested by Chantelle, Flannels or FlipFlops

Chiricahua National Monument is located in the very SE corner of Arizona, about 2 hours from Saguaro National Park. The park itself isn’t large and can be explored in a day. I highly suggest you make a stop here. It is a bit “out of the way” of most other attractions, but worth it!

The Chiricahua landscape is formed from mountains and valleys that are covered with enormous Rhyolite pinnacles. These massive structures form balanced rocks, huge walls, and leaning towers that defy all the laws of gravity and physics! The rocks are often covered with yellow and green lichen, and so pretty!

Spend the day hiking, or driving through this hidden gem and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to another planet!

Newberry National Volcanic Monument, Oregon

Suggested by Erica, Trip Scholars

Another hidden gem is Newberry Volcanic Monument in Central Oregon. Unlike most of the majestic Cascade mountains which are stratovolcanoes, Newberry is a shield volcano (like those of the Hawaiian archipelago) so it is broad and not nearly as tall as most of the surrounding mountains. Despite this, Newberry is the largest of all the majestic Cascade Mountains. It covers an area roughly the size of Rhode Island, ~1200 square miles!

This creates a unique volcanic landscape full of fascinating features curious visitors will want to explore. Your first stop is the educational and entertaining Lava Lands Visitor Center. Afterward, drive to the Newberry caldera which boasts two pristine lakes, East and West Paulina Lakes. A highlight of your trip will be the Big Obsidian Flow, a short hike through breathtaking obsidian and pumice formations. Outside of this main area, visitors will want to stop at the Lava Cast Forest to see the shells of trees that were left after a basalt flow about 7,00 years ago. You will also want to visit the Lava River Cave, an intriguing mile-long cave you can hike (bring a jacket and a flashlight). Finally, hike or drive up to Lava Butte, a strikingly symmetrical cinder cone offering panoramic views of the park and surrounding lands.

Newberry is about half an hour from Bend, Oregon (known for its wealth of outdoor recreation activities and craft breweries) and three-and-half hours from the city of Portland. The park is enjoyable year-round, but because it is in the high desert. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures for hiking. Winter sports can be enjoyed with the heavy snows and summer brings swimming and boating opportunities to the two lakes in the crater.

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, New Mexico

Suggested by Carol, Isthisevenaroad.com

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is a hidden New Mexico treasure. The site is known for its unique cone-shaped rock formations. The name Kasha-Katuwe translates to “white cliffs” in the traditional Pueblo language Keres.

Volcanic eruptions that occurred  6-7 million years ago along with wind and erosion caused layers of sand, pumice, tuff, and ash deposits to accumulate over 1000 feet thick. The distinctive hoodoos, erosional cones, and pedestal rocks were formed. The pink, white and grey conical rock varies in height from a few feet to the tallest being up to 90 feet. Boulder caps sit perched precariously on many of the multilayered hoodoos. 

The tent rocks can be viewed from the surrounding roads but the most stunning views are from inside the park. ($5 admission fee per car) There are a few hiking trails as well as parking and restrooms on site.

The Cave Loop Trail is an easy 1.2-mile hike to the tent rocks and cliff base. Another more challenging option is the Slot Canyon Trail which is 1.5 miles each way. The hike leads through a narrow slot canyon and up a 630-foot climb to a lookout point to view the formations from above. Apache tears or shiny black obsidian rocks can be found along the trails but should not be taken from the park.

The breathtaking Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is located about 40 miles southwest of Santa Fe and an hour and a half from Jemez Hot Springs.

National Park Hidden Gems: National Seashore

“Preserving shoreline areas and offshore islands, the national lakeshores and national seashores focus on the preservation of natural values while at the same time providing water-oriented recreation. Although national lakeshores can be established on any natural freshwater lake, the existing four are all located on the Great Lakes. The national seashores are on the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific coasts”

National Park Service

People don’t often think of beaches being protected areas part of the National Park System. There are 10 National Seashores and 3 National Lakeshores. All of the National Lakeshores are on Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. Most of the National Seashores are on the Atlantic Ocean with the exception of Point Reyes in California. Some of the most famous NPS lakeshores and seashores are Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Canaveral and Padre Island.

Point Reyes National Seashore, California

Suggested by Julia, Well Planned Journey

Point Reyes National Seashore is a protected stretch of coastline in Northern California. You’ll find this national park system hidden gem just north of San Francisco. Only a 1.5-hour drive from the heart of the city, Point Reyes is the perfect day trip escape.

Unlike other seashores, much of Point Reyes is rugged and high above the sandy beach. It’s reminiscent of the coastline found in the popular Big Sur area, but with fewer crowds.

This park is the perfect day trip adventure, with something for everyone. There are hikes, backcountry campgrounds, scenic drives, and lighthouses to explore.

Thanks to the mild, year-round weather in the Bay Area, you can visit Point Reyes National Seashore all year long! For the warmest weather, September and October are the best months to visit.

For the ultimate day trip to Point Reyes, hike the Alamere Falls trail, a popular coastal waterfall. After your hike, you can drive through the rest of the park and visit the Point Reyes Lighthouse.

Another popular hike is Tomales Point. Here you can see a large herd of free-roaming elk right along the trail! If you’re interested in backcountry camping, Point Reyes has several popular backpacking trails and camps, perfect for beginners.

Cape Cod National Seashore, Massachusetts

Suggested by Karen, Outdoor adventure sampler

Cape Cod National Seashore is a must-visit destination in the summer for its miles of pristine beaches. The Cape, as it is locally known, is a peninsula that stretches 60 miles east off the coast of Massachusetts. The National Seashore beaches, salt marshes, and kettle ponds are located on the outer portion of the Cape. 

The six ocean beaches of the seashore give visitors a choice. The history of Marconi Beach, the sunsets of Herring Cove Beach, the lighthouse at Nauset Light Beach, or the family-friendly Coast Guard Beach are all highlights. All beaches have lifeguards in season and are made accessible by beach wheelchairs visitors can borrow. Dogs are allowed on the miles of unguarded beaches. 

The natural beauty of oak and pine forests, cranberry bogs, and ponds can be experienced on the 11 miles of hiking trails in the National Seashore. Wildlife and many species of birds can be seen. Besides hiking, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy kayaking and biking. Three bike trails run through the seashore and the 26 mile Cape Cod Rail Trail connects to make the Cape a biking destination. 

The vibrant village of Provincetown at the tip of the Cape is popular for its foodie and arts culture. The LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere makes everyone feel welcome. Charming shops, delicious seafood restaurants, or art galleries line the busy streets in this pedestrian-based town. It’s a great place to top off a visit to the Cape Cod National Seashore.

National Park Hidden Gems: National Forest

Technically, these gems aren’t in the “National Park Service” umbrella. They are run and managed by the National Forest Service. However, since they often are just outside National Parks, and are an important part of our US recreational areas, I’ve included them here.

National Parks are used to preserve, whereas, National Forests are often used for their resources.

El Yunque National Forest, Puerto Rico

Suggested by Daria, The Discovery Nut

This hidden gem is located about one hour away from Puerto Rico’s capital San Juan. It is one of the best things to do when visiting Puerto Rico. El Yunque National Forest is the only rainforest in the U.S. National Parks System that makes you feel like you have been transported straight to Jurassic Park. 

El Yunque National Forest is popular with both tourists and locals, and once you get here, it’s not hard to see why: This national forest boasts beautiful waterfalls and scenic hiking trails amid jungle-covered mountains. 

It’s a true adventurer’s paradise. Even if you are not into hiking, it’s still an amazing place to visit as you can enjoy panoramic views of the lush jungle in every direction.

Some of the most popular spots in El Yunque are La Coca Falls and La Mina Falls, the only waterfall open for swimming. If you feel up to the challenge, take a hike to Mt. Britton where you will find the tower that was constructed in the 1930s by the civilian conservation corps or the CCC.

On a clear day, you can even see the Caribbean Sea in the distance. 

To visit El Yunque National Forest, visitors are required to make a reservation online ahead of their visit and select a specific time. You can check available time slots here.

Because of its elevation and the unique micro climate, El Yunque National Forest receives a lot of rain, which is drastically different from the rest of Puerto Rico. When you visit El Yunque, it’s not uncommon to see an overcast weather, especially in the morning, however, it typically clears up in the afternoon. 

It’s a good idea to put on sturdy sandals and clothes that dry quickly in case you get hit with some rain while hiking.

Always make sure to check the weather ahead of your trip to El Yunque.

Maricao Forest Preserve, Puerto Rico

Suggested by Daniel James, Layer Culture

When looking for hidden gems in the US National Park System you can’t afford to miss out on what Puerto Rico has to offer. If you like the idea of hiking, connecting with nature, scaling waterfalls, and stopping to dive into every deep pool of water you see, you are going to love this off-the-beaten-path adventure.

One of the main places you want to try to get to is Salto Curet falls which is an amazing three-pool, tiered waterfall. For anyone who is not already equipped for backpacking Puerto Rico, this is not a difficult hike, so it is suited for all the family to reach. Not to mention, you can get here from the road in a 20-30 minute walk, depending on how fast you walk. Apart from the refreshing cold water which is much needed after a day of traveling around the island, the great thing about coming here is that you won’t see hoards of people.

In most cases, you’d be unlucky not to have one of the pools all to yourself. All in all, a day hiking in Marico gives you the chance to connect with nature and whether you do this hike with family or friends, as long you make Salto Curet falls the highlight of your day, you are guaranteed to be rewarded with a refreshing dip in the waterfall. 

National Park Hidden Gems: National Rivers

National rivers and wild and scenic riverways preserve freeflowing streams and their immediate environment with at least one outstandingly remarkable natural, cultural, or recreational value. They must flow naturally without major alteration of the waterway by dams, diversion, or otherwise alteration. Besides protecting and enhancing rivers, these areas provide opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, canoeing, and hunting.

National Park Service

To be honest, I didn’t know there were National Rivers until researching for this post, but there are! There are four national rivers and ten national wild and scenic rivers administered as distinct units of the National Park System. Some of the most famous National Rivers are: Rio Grande, Flathead and Mississippi.

Buffalo River, Arkansas

Suggested by Jessica, Unearth the Voyage

The Buffalo River is a gorgeous river in the northwest of Arkansas. It is great for anyone looking to experience the beauty Arkansas has to offer. 

Float trips in Arkansas are super popular. The Buffalo River is one of the most well-known rivers in the area for some float trip fun. This is because the Buffalo River is one of the most scenic rivers in all of Arkansas and the area as a whole. The entire river is protected by the National Parks Service and was actually the first river to become a National River.

The best time of year to float on the Buffalo River is from May- September. There are 3 sections to the Buffalo River and each cater to different types of float trips. The upper section is rain dependant but also the most scenic part of the river so you will need to check with the nearby outfitters before floating. The middle and lower parts of the river flow more consistently, and there are lots of options of places to rent a cabin nearby and also float trip equipment.

The closest city to the Buffalo River is Fayetville, AK. You can stock up on anything you might need there. Overall, the Buffalo River is a great hidden gem of the National Park System. It is definitely worth checking out if you’re in the area! 

National Park Hidden Gems: Historical Parks

In recent years, national historic site has been the title most commonly applied by Congress in authorizing the addition of such areas to the National Park System. A wide variety of titles—national military park, national battlefield park, national battlefield site, and national battlefield—has been used for areas associated with American military history. But other areas like national monuments and national historical parks may include features associated with military history. National historical parks are commonly areas of greater physical extent and complexity than national historic sites.

National Park Servicew

American History is definitely “younger” than most countries. That doesn’t mean there isn’t fascinating and important historical hidden gems to visit within the National Park System. From Gettysburg to the Harriett Tubman Underground Railroad in Maryland, there is so much to see and learn. Visiting these parks may be the most important parks you visit.

Valley Forge National Historical Park, Pennsylvania

Suggested by Lance and Laura Longwell, Guide to Philly, a comprehensive guide to the Birthplace of America

While every schoolchild can recount the history of the American Revolution, the harsh winter of 1777 is often overlooked or forgotten. That brutal winter is honored at the Valley Forge National Historical Park, where George Washington led his Continental Army to a temporary encampment.

The sprawling temporary encampment was, for a brief period of time, the fourth largest city in the colonies. Washington spent the winter training and instilling order in the troops. Valley Forge honors the spirit of American independence and determination.

Visiting this historic park nearly 250 years later, it’s impossible not to be touched by the spirit of determination. The 3,500-acre park is a popular destination for locals to walk and cycle. But the park is frequently overlooked in favor of Independence Hall and the monuments within Philadelphia or the Civil War battlefield of Gettysburg to the west.

Located about 45 minutes west of Philadelphia in suburban Montgomery County, the park is easily reached from all of the major highways. Valley Forge is beautiful in the warm weather months to make use of the trails and pathways, but to really understand the sacrifices of our forefathers, visiting in the winter can be more meaningful. Of the 26 National Park Service sites in Pennsylvania, Valley Forge is one of the most impactful.

Minute Man National Historical Park, South Dakota

As suggested by Lotte, Eschbach Consulting

A highly underrated National Historic Site in South Dakota is the Minuteman Missile Visitor Center and Site. Just a one-hour drive from Rapid City this is a very engaging place, especially for those interested in Cold War History. 

Within the Visitor Center, you’ll find an extensive exhibit about the life of the Minuteman Missile workers during the Cold War as well as a general timeline of the Cold War. Especially interesting are the ranger narrated tours of the Delta-09 site, which you can listen to on your phone. 

A note for traveling families: while the visitor center is stroller friendly, the Minuteman Missile Center isn’t very suitable for families with young children. Though the exhibits are highly interesting and there are lots of images and old pictures, they just won’t keep your toddler entertained.  

That being said, families with kids aged 10+ will love the ranger-led tour of the Delta-01 Launch Control Facility. During this tour, you will be descending underground (31ft!) and get to explore the Launch Control Center.    

The Minuteman Missile Center is opened daily from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm (March-October). During the winter months, it’s closed on Sundays and Mondays. Learn more about this National Park Hidden gem, Minuteman Missile National Historic Site here.  

National Park Hidden Gems: National Preserve

This category is established primarily for the protection of certain resources. Activities like hunting and fishing or the extraction of minerals and fuels may be permitted if they do not jeopardize the natural values. 

National Park Service

There are 21 National Preserves currently including Craters of the Moon, and Big Thicket. Sometimes a National Preserve can be combined with a National Park such as Denali National Park and Preserve, and Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.

Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida

Suggested by Megan, Red Around the World

Big Cypress National Preserve is just outside of Everglades City, Florida, and overshadowed by the nearby Everglades National Park. It’s about an hour from Naples on the west coast and about two from Miami on the east. 

This is a great place to still experience the Everglades but without the crowds.  The best time to visit will be December to late March because the weather is best then.  It’s busiest then but it’s still worth it.  Summer will be less busy but much hotter, more humid, and a lot buggier.

The best way to see the park will be by airboat tour, kayak, boat tour, or canoe since most of the park is seen by water.  There are still plenty of hiking opportunities in and the park though, like the Gator Hook Trail, the Kirby Storter Boardwalk, the Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk, the Fakahatchee Hilton, the Marsh Trail, the Fire Prairie Trail, or even a swamp walk tour at Clyde Butcher’s gallery, which is along the Tamiami Trail in Big Cypress.

To complete your visit to this hidden gem of the National Park System, make sure to stop at the smallest post office in the US in Ochopee, check out the Skunk Ape HQ, and see all the gators in the canal at the Oasis Visitor Center.

Go see these hidden gems of the National Park System!

You should definitely go visit these hidden gems of the National Park System! There are so many amazing sights to see! By avoiding the bigger parks, you can have a more authentic experience and truly enjoy what this beautiful country has to offer! I highly recommend purchasing an “America the Beautiful” Pass before you start on your National Park journey. This gives you entry to all NPS and Federal Recreation sights for one year. You can buy it at the gates of the parks or order it online. Also, if you have a 4th grader this year, all park entries are FREE!

Did we mention an of your favorite hidden gems of the National Park System? Let me know in the comments, and be sure and pin this for later, and share with your fellow park hoppers!