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 professional 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.
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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.
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To avoid the crowds and parking fees at GSMNP, Ruan 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…
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.
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Luann recommends Sycamore, another large canyon in Arizona. It was the state’s first designated nature preserve. Luan loves the canyon’s “vibrant cliffs, towering spiers, and desert riparian area, which is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and a variety of other creatures.” Surrounded by the , Kaibab, and Coconino National Forests, major attractions in this wilderness area include Sycamore Falls and the Paradise Forks Rock Climb. ”
More options:
Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park, Colorado Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
Instead of Zion National Park…
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.
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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,…
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.
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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,…
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.
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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.
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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,…
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 charming coastal experience,” says Luan.
More options:
Marsh Billings Rockefeller National Historical Park, Vermont Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
Instead of Grand Teton National Park,…
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 Gowdy State Park, Wyoming Medicine Bow Routt National Forest, Colorado and Sawtooth Mountains, Idaho, Wyoming
Instead of Joshua Tree National Park…
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 is the Salton Sea State Recreation Area, the state’s largest lake, which offers “bird watching, fishing, and exploring 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,…
Washington Park went from being the 14th most visited park in 2022 to 10th in 2023, with nearly 2.9 million visitors annually.
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 Parks, 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.
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