Google Unveils the Top 5 Undiscovered National Parks in the U.S. to Explore in 2024

The national park season is here and with that comes the dreadful picking of which one to visit. Naturally, the famed parks like Yellowstone are worth seeing at least once in your lifetime. But if you’re rather looking for somewhere off the beaten path yet beautiful this year, we’ve got you covered.

The following list was created by looking at Google Maps and finding national parks with a rating of 4.5 or higher and less than 1,000 reviews at the same time. That way, we can be sure something extraordinary awaits you there without the annoying crowds.

Isle Royale National Park

Set in Lake Superior in Michigan, close to the border with Canada, Isle Royale National Park is one of the least visited state parks. Mostly because of its remote location, as it’s only accessible by a plane or a boat. But in return, it will reward you with unspoiled wilderness and plenty of outdoor adventure. 

With more than 165 miles of hiking trails, it’s perfect for both day trips and backpacking adventures. However, we recommend you stay overnight. You can sleep under the stars in one of the many backcountry camping sites and enjoy the stunning show of stars in the dark skies thanks to little light pollution. Alternatively, you can stay on a boat, at Rock Harbor Lodge or the Windigo Camper Cabins.

Apart from hiking, other popular activities include kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. You can also visit several historic lighthouses.

Katmai National Park and Preserve

We will stay with the remote locations for a while. But this time, we’re going to Alaska. In the southwest corner of the state lies Katmai National Park and Preserve – home to the biggest population of brown bears in the world and impressive salmon runs.

The best place to spot them both is at Brooks Falls. Many famous photos of bears catching fish were taken there and you can snap one as well.

Another must-visit attraction is the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. It was created by the eruption of Novarupta in 1912, which is known to be the 20th century’s largest volcanic eruption. And you can explore the ash-covered landscape and see fumaroles from up close through numerous hiking trails.

Lake Clark National Park and Preserve   

When at Katmai National Park, you might as well visit the neighboring Lake Clark. This undiscovered jewel is a fantastic spot to watch bears likewise. But on top of that, it offers plenty of outdoor…