16 Underrated Nature Spots In The US That Have All The Beauty Without All The Crowds

For when you're craving fresh air, but don't want to see other humans.

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1. Alvord Desert — Oregon

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When you think of Oregon, you probably think of lush greenery, not a desert. But that's what makes this gorgeous landscape so underrated! The wide open expanse of the Alvord Desert is definitely worth the drive, especially if you get to glimpse it during sunset.

2. Prince William Forest Park — Virginia

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This hidden gem might be less than an hour's drive from Washington DC, but it will feel like a whole other world. With multiple tree-lined trails to choose from, you'll be able to get your nature on without seeing other hikers at every turn.

3. Palo Duro Canyon State Park — Texas

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This park gives you grand canyon views without the Grand Canyon crowds. Explore on foot, bike, or even horse if you want to get real rustic! The colors of the canyon become even more beautiful at sunset, and don't forget to catch the starry sky at night.

4. Franny Reese State Park — New York

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Less than a two hour drive from NYC, you'll find this small but beautiful park that's perfect for a leisurely day spent in nature. Explore its easy trails, check out some ruins from the 1800s, and catch a view of the world's longest elevated pedestrian bridge, Walkway Over the Hudson. Leave Central Park to the crowds and bring your picnic here.

5. Uinta Mountains — Utah

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Ready to get rough and rugged? That describes these Utah mountains perfectly. Much of the surrounding area is car-free, leaving just wide open (and usually people-free) wilderness ready to be explored. Don't forget to visit the nearby Dinosaur National Monument to also embrace your inner paleontologist.

6. Kahana Bay Beach Park — Hawaii

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There's no shortage of gorgeous beaches in Hawaii, but this secluded spot on Oahu is a true hidden treasure that's rarely crowded. The water can be murky and not great for swimming, but this park is perfect for a picnic or just a stroll on the sand.

7. Paint Mines Interpretive Park — Colorado

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Despite being less than two hours from both Denver and Colorado Springs, this 750-acre park flies under the radar. Come for the lack of crowds, stay for the 9,000-year-old colorful rock formations that will forever live in your head rent-free.

8. Theodore Roosevelt National Park — North Dakota

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You'll probably find more animals than people in these badlands, including bison, prairie dogs, deer, and more. With plenty of hiking trails ranging from easy to difficult, you'll have plenty of chances to catch a glimpse of these critters.

9. Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area — Arizona

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Walking through this landscape dotted with petrified wood — that looks like rocks dropped from space — may be the closest thing you'll get to another planet. Because of its rugged terrain, this section of the park is rarely visited, so you'll have the wilderness all to yourself.

10. Ricker Pond State Park — Vermont

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One of seven parks within the Groton State Forest, this peaceful spot offers everything from canoeing and swimming to overnight cabins and serene pond views. If you're looking for more adventure, the other parks are within walking distance, so after taking in the pond you can hit the trails and keep exploring.

11. Dry Tortugas National Park — Florida

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Looking at that turquoise water, it's hard to believe that this was one of the least-visited parks in 2019! It's made up of seven islands, but the best part is the water, which is beautiful and brimming with marine life, like coral reefs and sea turtles.

12. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park — Alaska

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This park — the largest in the US — is SIX times the size of Yellowstone National Park! Despite its scale, stunning glaciers, and interesting wildlife, it receives just a fraction of the visitors of Alaska's most famous park, Denali.

13. Humbug Spires Wilderness Area — Montana

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Much of this park is a designated non-motorized area, which makes it feel even more secluded. It's ideal for rock-climbing thanks to its immense boulders — think 300–600 feet high — but it also offers plenty of trails, camping, and even fishing, if that's more your thing.

14. Channel Islands National Park — California

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These five islands just off the coast of California have to be accessed by boat, meaning only the truly dedicated make it out to the trails. With a cornucopia of wildlife to see, though, it's worth the effort! Santa Cruz is the largest island, so you may be less likely to pass other hikers as you explore.

15. Providence Canyon State Park — Georgia

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Known as Georgia's "Little Grand Canyon," this park is just a little over 1,000 acres, giving you just enough space to explore, hike, and catch a sunrise or sunset without dealing with the crowds of a larger park.

16. Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie — Illinois

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Located just an hour drive from Chicago, this expanse of gorgeous prairie land is just what you'd expect to see in the Midwest. Whether you choose to hike or bike the trails, be sure to keep an eye out for local bison!

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