“What is the most underrated national park in the US?” asked a person on Reddit, and more than 1,200 members took the time to reply. User “upvoting” of the best responses propelled a true ranking of underappreciated national parks.
Without further ado, these are the most underrated national parks in the U.S:
White Sands National Park, New Mexico
One of the greatest natural wonders of the world, the shimmering white sands of New Mexico, rises from the center of the Tularosa Basin. The world’s largest gypsum dune field covers 275 square miles of desert, engulfed by great wave-like dunes of gypsum sand. A significant section of this field, as well as the flora and fauna that inhabit it, are preserved by White Sands National Park.
Channel Islands National Park, California
This park, which was created in 1980 as Channel Islands National Park, encompasses a marine sanctuary that guards the six nautical miles of surrounding water. This place offers sailors almost everything they could want to enjoy the sea, from breathtaking beaches to world-class diving to island-hopping by boat.
Olympic National Park, Washington
Olympic National Park is a national park situated on the Olympic Peninsula in the State of Washington. The park is divided into four sections: the alpine regions, the temperate rainforest on the west side, the Pacific coastline, and the drier east side forests.
Offering breathtaking mountain views, lush rainforest trails, and a wild coastline, Olympic National Park is a great day trip destination from Seattle.
Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
Discover a wild, remote island distant from the state’s interconnected communities. Divers, paddlers, boaters, hikers, and backpackers can all find adventure on Isle Royale in Michigan.
The cost of admission to Isle Royale National Park is $7 per person per calendar day for both entry and stay. This covers both the day you enter the park and the day you leave.
North Cascades National Park, Washington
North Cascades National Park in Washington State is greatly underappreciated by hikers and backpackers. You can get an idea of this place’s beauty from the picturesque drives and overlooks, but hiking the North Cascades’ trails will allow you to fully appreciate its majesty.
Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Travelers from all over the world are drawn to the Badlands National Park in South Dakota by its untamed beauty. One of the richest fossil beds in the world can be found in these remarkable geologic deposits. Ancient horses and rhinos lived once here.