The Grand Canyon, Rocky Mountains and Yellowstone National Park may be iconic names, however, the USA is home to over 423 parks, many off the beaten track. Visit The USA has compiled six lesser-known national parks to add to your list.
An underground labyrinth for caving – Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
Mammoth Cave National Park in south-central Kentucky protects the longest known cave system on Earth famous for its complex labyrinths and giant mammoth chambers. The first human stepped through the imposing arch into Mammoth Cave about 4,000 years ago, and today, visitors can explore the 600km-long caves on their own or by taking one of the informative tours offered by park rangers. For those who’d rather keep their head above the surface, delightful hiking trails await through the impressive diversity of nature and along the two rivers that run through the park.
https://www.visittheusa.co.uk/destination/mammoth-cave-national-park
The white desert of the U.S. – White Sands National Park, New Mexico
Like a sea of sand, White Sands rises glittering from the heart of the Tularosa Basin in the middle of the New Mexico desert. The gypsum that makes up the White Sands formed the bottom of a shallow sea that covered the region 250 million years ago, and the dunes still move at a rate of up to nine metres per year. The dunes make for a fun day of sand sledding year-round, popular for the whole family, but visitors should bring plenty of water in summer because temperatures can exceed 40-degrees. Guided Sunset Strolls accompanied by rangers are a good option on hot days, allowing travellers to soak in the majestic views avoiding the blistering heat.
https://www.visittheusa.co.uk/state/new-mexico
Pure wilderness – North Cascades National Park, Washington State
The North Cascades National Park in the north of Washington State covers more than 2040 square kilometres in the high mountains of Cascade Range, and is the least visited national park in the U.S. outside Alaska. The highest elevations of the national park remain untouched, however, more than three hundred glaciers can be discovered by foot. Travellers can enjoy a host of activities in the park including fishing, boating, horseback riding and camping.
https://www.visittheusa.co.uk/destination/seattle
On the trail of the Native Americans – Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
West of the Rocky Mountains, on the densely forested Colorado Plateau, lies Mesa Verde National Park (Spanish for “green table”) – the most culturally and historically significant national park in the U.S. The park provides a glimpse into the culture of the early Pueblo Indians, who lived in southwestern Colorado for more than 700 years. Over 4,000 archaeological sites are scattered across the park, which are among the best-preserved contemporary evidence of cliff dwellings and masonry towers in the U.S. Numerous hiking trails lead to vantage points with fantastic panoramic views of the desert landscape, but perhaps the best way to better understand the daily life of the park’s inhabitants hundreds of years ago is via guided tours of the ruins. Stargazing in the evening is another must.
https://www.visittheusa.co.uk/destination/mesa-verde-national-park
Eye to eye with the moose – Isle Royal National Park, Michigan
Located in secluded Michigan, Isle Royale National Park spans several islands across Lake Superior, and is accessible only by boat or floatplane. The remote island is characterised by dense forests, pristine lakes, cool caves, and its fauna, which includes wolves, beavers, foxes and moose. Travellers are highly likely to encounter roaming wild animals along hiking trails in the marshes or lakes, but should also keep an eye out for the park’s chlorastrolite deposits- striking green semi-precious stones. The 69km Greenstone Ridge Trail traverses the ridge that bears the island’s name, and takes an average of 16 hours to complete, but can be enjoyed in both shorter and longer hiking stints.
https://www.visittheusa.co.uk/experience/5-great-ways-experience-isle-royale-national-park
Almost in paradise – the National Park of American Samoa
Located in the South Pacific Ocean, American Samoa is a U.S. territory and is home to one of the most idyllic national parks in the U.S. Although the journey to the National Park of American Samoa is long, it’s worth it. Covered in sandy beaches, stunning rainforests, archaeological sites and hiking trails through Lata Mountain, the park boasts some of the most untouched landscapes left anywhere in the world. Perfect snorkelling conditions await with a pristine coral area home to more than 800 species of fish or visitors can take a boat to Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
