National Park

There are 58 national parks in the United States, but most of us can only name a few of them off the tops of our heads. This is a sad fact, as each national park is truly a marvel of incredible scenery and wildlife that have to be seen to be believed. So, if you’re considering a trip to one of our country’s natural treasures, why not stay away from the old standbys and visit one of these less popular parks? You will not be disappointed.

Biscayne National Park, Florida: This park off the coast of southeast Florida is 95 percent underwater, comprising 30 small islands in addition to 173,000 acres of beautiful blue waters filled with colorful sea life, coral reefs, and dozens of shipwrecks. To put it simply, Biscayne National Park is a paradise for scuba divers and snorkelers. If you’re not experienced with either of these activities, it’s a great place to learn.

Congaree National Park, South Carolina: How many times in your life have you walked through a swamp? If you’re like most people, the answer is zero. But if you’ve never seen a real-life swamp up close, you’re missing out on a weird and wonderful scene. The watery bayous of this South Carolina park are teeming with thousands of species of plants and animals, including some of the tallest trees in the eastern United States-some reaching as high as 170 feet.

Isle Royale National Park, Michigan: If you like the idea of getting away from the world and finding true isolation, this Michigan park is the one for you. The island park is accessible only by boat or seaplane, which makes it a truly unique preserve for plant and animal life. It’s one of the only places in the world where moose and wolves thrive in the same environment without interference from bears. For an optimal experience, take a boat tour through the surrounding islands, and camp in the back country.

North Cascades National Park, Washington: Just south of the Canadian border in northwestern Washington state, this park features sawtooth snow-capped mountains and some of the highest waterfalls in the country. You’ll see incredible old-growth forests full of majestic trees, more than half the glaciers in the U.S. (excepting those in Alaska), and even the occasional Grizzly. The mixture of greenery, glaciers, and rocky peaks makes for some of the most postcard-ready scenery you’ll ever see.

Channel Islands National Park, California: Just offshore from the busy and smog-filled Los Angeles metropolitan region, these islands feature 175 miles of beautiful shores and plenty of untrammeled wilderness. Because they’re only reachable via a fairly long ferry ride, the islands get a surprisingly low number of visitors each year, which makes it a perfect destination for getting away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. The islands are a breeding ground for sea lions and seals, and they have numerous plant and animal species, some of which aren’t found anywhere else on the planet.