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7 of the Least Visited National Parks

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Attendance, thus crowds, at national parks varies widely. Here, I’m highlighting some of the least visited national parks.

Moss covered trees in Redwood National Park
Redwood National Park

Last year, Great Smoky Mountains National Park was the most visited national park, with nearly 13 million visitors. In contrast, the National Park of American Samoa had fewer than 2000 guests.

A yellow green field in front of moutains and blue skies in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Undoubtedly, the most iconic and busiest national parks have many fantastic features. But there are numerous parks to visit where you don’t have to worry about timed entry or fight traffic. These parks may have fewer people, but they are still remarkable places to explore.

Park gate with a line of cars at Arches National Park
Arches National Park

My love of national parks began in 2004 while on a trip to Alaska. We visited Kenai Fjiords, Wrangell – St Elias, and Denali on that vacation. Then, a trip to Zion in 2006 sealed the deal. We were officially on a quest to visit as many national parks as possible.

Blonde grizzley bear with her cub in Denali National Park
Denali National Park 2004

Over the years, we’ve had the opportunity to check out some of the least visited national parks. And it is worth noting that the trip is much more enjoyable when you don’t have to share the view with as many people.

7 of the Least Visited National Parks

Here are seven incredible national parks with annual visitation below 500,000* in 2022 based on NPS data.

1. Mesa Verde National Park – 499,790 Visitors

More Info: Mysterious Mesa Verde National Park

Cliff dwelling in Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park – Southwest Colorado

2. Great Sand Dunes National – 493,428 Visitors

More info: Great Sand Dunes National Park – Beyond Bizzare

Blades of tan grass in sand with mountains in the background in Great Sand Dunes National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park – Southcentral Colorado

3. Redwood National Park – 458,400 Visitors

More Info: Find Awestruck Wonder at Redwood National Park

Looking up the trunk of a large tree in the fog in Redwood National Park
Redwood National Park – Northern California

4. Black Canyon of the Gunnison – 297,257 Visitors

More Info: Explore Under-Rated Black Canyon of the Gunninson

Deep canyon with river at the bottom in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison – Western Colorado

5. Voyageurs National Park – 221,434 Visitors

More Info: Traverse Historic Highways in Voyageurs National Park

Sunset over the lake with clouds in Voyageurs National Park
Voyageurs National Park – Northern Minnesota

6. Congaree National Park – 204,522 Visitors

More Info: Discover Congaree National Park

Closeup of an owl in Congaree National Park
Congaree National Park – Central South Carolina

7. Isle Royale National Park – 25,454 Visitors

Rocky island with trees extending into the lake in Isle Royale National Park
Isle Royale National Park – Lake Superior, Michigan

The quest continues to see America’s National Parks. We’ve yet to make it to American Samoa. Hopefully, someday, we’ll be able to travel to the South Pacific and find out for ourselves what’s so special about that park, too.

*Source: Annual Park Ranking Report https://irma.nps.gov/Stats/SSRSReports/National%20Reports/Annual%20Park%20Ranking%20Report%20(1979%20-%20Last%20Calendar%20Year

Published by TripsTipsAndTees.com

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