While some U.S. national parks face overcrowding, others remain hidden gems with minimal foot traffic. In 2024, the National Park Service recorded over 331.9 million visits, yet these 15 parks saw significantly fewer visitors.
Least Visited National Parks:
- Gates of the Arctic, Alaska – A remote, trail-free wilderness with fewer than 12,000 visitors.
- North Cascades, Washington – Features over 300 glaciers but sees fewer tourists than other Washington parks.
- Kobuk Valley, Alaska – A vast, roadless expanse where caribou migrations continue ancient traditions.
- Lake Clark, Alaska – Home to wild rivers, volcanoes, and rich Indigenous history.
- American Samoa – A tropical park with coral reefs and marine wildlife.
- Isle Royale, Michigan – A remote island ecosystem in Lake Superior.
- Katmai, Alaska – Famous for brown bear viewing at Brooks Falls.
- Wrangell-St. Elias, Alaska – The largest U.S. national park.
- Dry Tortugas, Florida – A marine park with historic Fort Jefferson.
- Great Basin, Nevada – A mix of desert, caves, and ancient bristlecone pines.
These under-visited parks offer solitude and stunning landscapes for adventurous travelers.
