There are more than 400 National Parks in the United States, each either representing a place of Great Scientific, Educational or Recreational Value or being known for their Exceptional Beauty. Covering all climates and land types, these National Parks are some of The Most Breathtaking Locales in all of the World. Here are 7 Lesser-Known yet Incredibly Beautiful National Parks that you should visit.
1. Crater Lake National Park
Arches National Park is home to more than 2,000 Natural Stone Arches, easily earning it a place on this list of the United States’ Most Beautiful National Parks. Located in the high desert of Utah, the Park’s Unique Landscape was created by years of intense erosion and Unique Geological Processes. Native Americans were the Ist to inhabit the area surrounding Arches National Park and visitors can see remnants of their presence throughout the Park.
3. Kenai Fjords National Park
With Crystal-Clear Glaciers and Snowy Mountains in every direction, Kenai Fjords is easily one of the Country’s Most Beautiful National Parks. The Park contains 38 Flowing Glaciers that carve the land and create beautiful Rivers and Lakes. While it doesn’t quite get the exposure it deserves—Alaska is a bit far for most of the Country - Kenai Fjords National Park hosts a diverse, Unique Ecosystem and surprisingly Lush Forests.
4. Badlands National Park
Located in southwestern South Dakota, Badlands National Park protects 244,000 acres of Prairie where Iconic Mammals like the Saber-Toothed Cat once lived. The Park is made up of an impressive expanse of Buttes, Spires and Pinnacles, giving its Landscape a particularly distinct look. In addition to being one of the Most Beautiful National Parks, Badlands is also known to contain an Array of Geologically Important Fossils.
5. Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park contains both a Rich Ecosystem and the Most Glaciated Peak in the contiguous United States. Located in Washington State, the Park was established in 1899 as the Country’s 5th National Park. Mount Rainier is the Highest Peak in the Cascade Range, standing at 14,410 feet. Along with being one of the Country’s Most Beautiful National Parks, Mount Rainier National Park also contains Old-Growth Tree stands that are 1,000 or more years old.
6. Big Bend National Park
Situated in Far West Texas, Big Bend National Park sees about 300,000 visitors each year. Known as one of The Most Beautiful National Parks, Big Bend contains Diverse Plant and Animal Life, including 1,200 Plant Species, 450 Bird Species and 3,600 Types of Insects. Due to the various habitats and climates present in the Park, Big Bend National Park marks the place where both Western and Eastern Species Intersect.
7. Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Unlike a majority America’s Most Beautiful National Parks, you will only discover the Mysteries of Carlsbad Caverns National Park by travelling deep underground. The 119 known Caves that make up the Park were created when Sulfuric Acid dissolved the area’s surrounding limestone. While some of the Park’s Caves are preserved to maintain their integrity, visitors explore within reason. Carlsbad Caverns National Park is located in New Mexico.
