The United States is one of the largest countries in the world. Throughout the millions of miles, there are large cities, miles and miles of highway, countless suburban towns and many beautiful national parks. You may have been to the national parks such as Yosemite, Great Smoky Mountains and the Grand Canyon, but there is true beauty in some of the lesser known parks as well. These parks have the same untold beauty that the popular parks have but often get overshadowed. Planning your next adventure to one of these parks would be a great nature getaway!
Muir Woods National Monument, California
Muir Woods is in the Northern San Francisco Bay Area, a forty-five-minute drive across the Golden Gate Bridge. Immediately after the Golden Gate Bridge, you will begin to see the full greenery that inhabits the Northern Bay Area, but it isn’t until you enter the national park that you see what makes it so special: the redwood trees. These trees reach up to 258 feet tall and are anywhere from 500 to 1,200 years old! Hiking through the 6 miles of trails will leave you tired but make you appreciate the redwoods like never before.
North Cascades National Park, Washington
A few states North in Washington is North Cascades National Park. This nature lovers haven is located three hours from Seattle. This national park is filled with so many activities to do that it is essential to plan your day in advance. With a mixture of hiking trails, mountain views, lookouts, scenic drives, and large bodies of water, this national park is a perfect destination for a summer camping trip with the family. Driving along the North Cascade Highway is extremely popular because of the variety of scenery that is along it. A great treat for those who’d rather not go on a hike or in the water.
Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
The last national park on the list is special because it is only accessible by boat or seaplane! Isle Royale National Park is an island within Lake Superior and can be accessed from both Michigan and Minnesota. Along with magnificent views and a variety of hikes, the Isle Royale offers a unique national park experience with scuba diving, a walkable old copper mine and a very old lighthouse. For those that are adventurous and love water, scuba diving is an excellent choice! You can get a closer view of nine shipwrecks within Lake Superior. The island used to be a booming copper mine and there are still mining roads you can walk on! Finally, the national park, under great conditions, has a view of the Northern Lights.
Give the Little Guys a Chance
Next time you are thinking of taking a trip to a national park, consider the ones in this list! Lesser known parks are also great because there tends to be less people, meaning a more intimate experience with nature. You don’t have to be at the biggest, most-well known places to get special memories. Muir Woods, North Cascade and Isle Royale National Park all offer unique experiences that can be special for all!
