National parks are popular for a reason, but with visitor numbers increasing every year, some travelers are looking for a similar experience without the hassle associated with visiting a top 10 national park. Some people may be.
I’m Ashley. I’ve been covering travel and the outdoors for nearly 10 years. Each year, the National Park Service releases annual visitor numbers for the previous year, and as a travel expert and journalist, I find them a useful tool when researching national park travel.
The most visited national parks are usually the same each year, with some fluctuations due to weather and other events. In 2023, two of his parks, Grand Teton and Olympic, ranked in the top 10, but in 2022, visitor numbers were even lower.
Beautiful all year round: the best national parks in every season
To recommend some alternative destinations to the most visited national parks, we asked RV Trader’s Erin Ruane for her thoughts on places that offer a similar atmosphere and opportunities for similar activities .
Instead of Great Smoky Mountains National Park,…
Last year, Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP for short) had nearly 13.3 million visitors, or 14% of all national park visitors. With so much to see and do in the surrounding area, you can enjoy the same atmosphere and activities outside of the park.
Parktecture: Check out the National Park’s iconic lodges
To avoid the crowds and parking fees at GSMNP, Luan recommends visiting Cherokee, North Carolina, where Oconaluftee is located, a quiet entrance to the park. Although it is a sovereign nation, visitors can experience the region’s culture through shopping for arts and crafts, viewing native elk, and historic sites. ”
More options:
Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina
Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina
shenandoah national park, virginia
Instead of Grand Canyon National Park…
Black Canyon in Gunnison National Park
I love the Grand Canyon for families, but the park attracts 4.7 million visitors a year, so you can’t avoid the crowds during popular times.
Make Memories: Great Family Vacations for Single Parents and Single Parents alike
Luann recommends Sycamore, another large canyon in Arizona. It was the state’s first designated nature preserve. Luan loves the valley’s “vibrant cliffs, towering spiers, and desert riparian areas, which are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and a variety of other creatures.” Surrounded by the , Kaibab, and Coconino National Forests, major wilderness attractions include Sycamore Falls and the Paradise Forks Rock Climb. ”
More options:
Black Canyon in Gunnison National Park, Colorado
Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas
Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
Instead of Zion National Park…
Snow Canyon State Park is one of the great spots near Zion.
Zion is a fickle national park to visit in between crowds and weather. To enjoy popular hikes like Angel’s Landing and the Narrows, you’ll need to time your visit accordingly.
INSPO AHEAD: 50 great family vacation ideas from experts
Rather than compete with the park, which attracts 4.6 million visitors a year, explore the surrounding Greater Zion area, including hiking the Berry of the Dragon (bring a flashlight or headlamp), Red Hollow Slot Canyon, and Kanab Sand Cave. Consider activities. It involves some moderate hiking, but also provides an opportunity to improve your agility. These places blend natural wonders with man-made geological formations, offer breathtaking valley views and create a real sense of adventure as you navigate enchanting caves.” says Mr.
More options:
Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Snow Canyon State Park, Utah
Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada
Instead of Yellowstone National Park,…
Spots like the South Fork of the Madison River in West Yellowstone offer plenty of outdoor adventure.
Yellowstone’s geothermal features and wildlife make it one of the most popular parks in the United States, with nearly 4.5 million visitors annually.
Read next:
However, the surrounding areas of the park, like West Yellowstone, offer other similar activities. “West Yellowstone is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, boasting ATV, UTV, and snowmobile trails, fly fishing, and whitewater rafting. The southern Montana town offers family-friendly events year-round and local cuisine. There are also restaurants that offer it,” recommends Luan.
More options:
Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota
Instead of Rocky Mountain National Park,…
Crater Lake National Park showcases the mountains and waters of the West.
Rocky Mountain National Park, which has 4.1 million annual visitors and requires timed entry passes during peak season, has alternatives that offer more planning flexibility and similar activities and geography. We have a lot.
Sleep better: We reviewed the best hotel booking sites
Luann recommends the nearby 1.5 million-acre Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest. Visitors can explore the Indian Peaks Nature Preserve, enjoy scenic drives along the Cache la Poudre River, and witness diverse wildlife. ”
More options:
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado
Pinnacles National Park, California
Instead of Yosemite National Park…
California’s treasured national parks, which attract nearly 3.9 million visitors each year, require seasonal admission passes that must be reserved in advance.
Near the Park: Popular Hotels Near Yosemite National Park
Two hours south, Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park offer similar scenery and activities to Yosemite. “Located in California’s Sierra Nevada, Sequoia is home to the iconic General Sherman Tree and the largest living tree on Earth… Adjacent to Sequoia is the impressive Kings Canyon, one of the deepest in North America. The park features a mix of rugged terrain, waterfalls, and beautiful canyons. Notable attractions include Zumwalt Meadows, Roaring River Falls, and the majestic Kings Canyon Scenic Byway.” says.
Instead of Acadia National Park,…
Downtown Bar Harbor.
The only national park in the Northeast, Maine’s Acadia National Park attracts nearly 3.9 million visitors each year.
Bar Harbor is a national park getaway, but there’s plenty to do without having to venture into Acadia. The waterfront views are particularly appealing, with the rugged coastline and calm harbor as a backdrop. “Bar Harbor’s welcoming atmosphere and proximity to Acadia make it an ideal home base for those seeking a balance between outdoor adventure and a fascinating coastal experience,” says Luan.
More options:
Marsh Billings Rockefeller National Historical Park, Vermont
Voyager National Park National Park, Minnesota
White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
Instead of Grand Teton National Park,…
Snake River offers relaxing float trips and whitewater options.
Wyoming’s Grand Teton receives 3.4 million visitors annually, joining the top 10 list of most-visited parks this year.
Instead, Luann recommends visiting the Snake River in the nearby Jackson Hole Valley. “A scenic float tour offers breathtaking views of the Teton Mountains and the chance to observe wildlife as you drift slowly along the river. You can also embark on a rafting adventure and sail through the rapids of the river for an exciting and immersive experience.”
More options:
Curt Gordy State Park, Wyoming
Medicine Bowlout National Forest, Colorado and Wyoming
Sawtooth Mountains, Idaho
Instead of Joshua Tree National Park…
Channel Islands National Park is a great Southern California alternative to Joshua Tree.
Joshua Tree in Southern California is a popular destination for weekend and seasonal getaways from Los Angeles, and is visited by approximately 3.3 million people each year.
To the southeast lies the Salton Sea State Recreation Area, the state’s largest lake, which offers “bird watching, fishing, and exploration of the lake’s unique desert landscape. The area’s diverse ecosystem attracts a variety of bird species. “It’s a paradise for birdwatchers,” says Luan.
More options:
big bend national park, texas
Channel Islands National Park, California
Mojave National Preserve, California
Instead of Olympic National Park,…
North Cascades National Park is a great alternative to the crowded Olympic National Park.
Washington Parks went from 14th most visited park in 2022 to 10th in 2023, with nearly 2.9 million annual visitors.
Enjoy similar scenery at Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge near Port Angeles. It’s a great place for birdwatching and enjoying the coastal views,” recommends Luan.
More options:
North Cascades National Park, Washington
Redwood National and State Park, California
Rogue River – Siskiyou National Forest, California and Oregon
The post Beautiful, Less Crowded Alternatives to America’s 10 Most Popular National Parks originally appeared on FamilyVacationist.com.
Details about FamilyVacationist:
The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. FamilyVacationist.com and TourScoop.com are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Use FamilyVacationist’s travel recommendation methodology to explore and select family vacation ideas, family vacation spots, all-inclusive family resorts, and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators, tour operator reviews, tour itinerary reviews, and travel equipment recommendations.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Less crowded alternatives to the 10 most-visited national parks
