The 11 Lesser-Known National Parks To Add To Your Travel Itinerary

The Grand Canyon and Yellowstone are gorgeous, but those big-name national parks draw in serious crowds. Whether you're feeling ready to get outdoors or you want a quick weekend adventure close to home, consider these underrated alternatives.

And if you do decide to go, visit responsibly and safely to reduce the risk of exposure to the coronavirus. Check out the CDC's recommendations for visiting parks here.

1. North Cascades National Park (Washington)

Often overshadowed by Olympic and Mount Rainier national parks, North Cascades is Washington state's hidden gem. You'll find lush forests of evergreen trees; alpine lakes; meadows blossoming with colorful flowers; lots of waterfalls, like the most visited Ladder Creek Falls; and hundreds of miles of hiking trails. Even though it is just 2.5 hours from Seattle, visitors often overlook this easily accessible haven.

2. Virgin Islands National Park (St. John, US Virgin Islands)

If you're a beach person, you'll want to put Virgin Islands National Park on your must-visit list. The park, which takes up the majority of St. John island, includes palm-fringed forests and crescent-shaped beaches. Trunk Bay and Francis Bay, with their turquoise seas, are two of the Caribbean's most picturesque beaches.

3. Guadalupe Mountains National Park (Texas)

Known as one of the top spots in the country for hikers, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located about two hours east of El Paso. One of the park's main attractions is Guadalupe Peak, the highest peak in Texas, which is accessible only to those who brave the steep and rugged 8-mile trail.

Check out the full article from BuzzFeed and the complete top 11 “lesser known” national parks here.