Exploring America’s Hidden Gems: The Road to Lesser-Known National Parks
As summer travel plans take shape, adventure seekers are looking beyond the iconic vistas of Yellowstone and Yosemite to discover the National Park System’s hidden treasures. On May 16, 2025, National Parks Traveler highlighted a growing trend: travelers are hitting the road to explore lesser-known national historic sites, monuments, and parks that offer rich history, unique landscapes, and a quieter escape from the crowds. Noyzy News dives into why these off-the-beaten-path destinations are capturing hearts, what challenges they face, and how to plan your own journey to America’s overlooked gems.
Why Choose the Road Less Traveled?
The National Park Service (NPS) oversees 430 sites, but in 2024, a staggering 28% of visits flooded national parks like the Grand Canyon, while only 3% trickled to national historic sites and 6% to national monuments. Yet, these lesser-known spots, often steeped in niche American history, are gaining traction among travelers craving authentic experiences. “There’s a magic in places that feel untouched by the masses,” says Sarah Jenkins, a Virginia-based NPS enthusiast who recently explored Fort Frederica in Georgia. “You’re not elbowing through crowds—you’re stepping into a story.”
These sites, like Fort Moultrie in South Carolina or Vuntut National Park in Yukon, offer intimate encounters with history and nature. They’re perfect for history buffs, nature lovers, or anyone inspired by Robert Frost’s call to take “the road less traveled.” But what makes these destinations so special, and why are they drawing attention now?
Hidden Gems, Unexpected Delights

Fort Frederica, Georgia: A ghost town from the 1730s, this national monument offers a glimpse into colonial life with its crumbling tabby ruins and serene marsh views. Visitors can wander the site’s quiet trails, imagining life as a British settler.
Fort Moultrie, South Carolina: A Revolutionary War fort with a layered history, including a nearby historic cemetery honoring African American contributions to its construction. It’s a poignant stop for those exploring the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
Vuntut National Park, Yukon: A remote Arctic wilderness with no facilities, this park is a haven for self-sufficient adventurers. It’s home to the Porcupine Caribou’s epic 2,400-kilometer migration, a spectacle tied to Gwitchin culture.

These sites deliver what crowded parks often can’t: solitude, reflection, and a chance to connect deeply with America’s past and landscapes.
Challenges Facing Hidden Parks
Despite their allure, lesser-known NPS sites face significant hurdles. Budget cuts and staff reductions have left some parks under-resourced. National Parks Traveler reported closed visitor centers and bathrooms at several sites during peak school vacation periods in 2025, with no rangers in sight. “It felt deserted,” Jenkins noted of her visit to a Georgia historic site. “The history was there, but the support wasn’t.”
The NPS’s 2025 budget constraints have led to reduced hours and maintenance, particularly at smaller sites. This can deter visitors, as basic amenities like restrooms or guided tours are often unavailable. Yet, for some, the lack of infrastructure adds to the adventure. “It’s like stepping into a time capsule,” says photographer Joseph Filer, who seeks out remote parks for unique landscapes. “But you have to be prepared for the basics to be missing.”
Community Efforts to Preserve History
Local groups are stepping in where federal funding falls short. The Sullivan’s Island Historic Cemetery Association, for instance, works with the NPS to maintain Fort Moultrie’s cemetery, honoring African American islanders who shaped its history. Such partnerships highlight the community spirit keeping these sites alive, even as they struggle for resources.
Planning Your Journey to Hidden Parks
Ready to explore these overlooked treasures? Planning is key, especially given the challenges of remote locations and limited facilities. Here’s how to make the most of your trip:

Research Thoroughly: Check NPS websites for current conditions, as visitor centers or restrooms may be closed. Vuntut National Park, for example, requires complete self-sufficiency, with no trails or services.
Pack Smart: Bring water, snacks, and maps, as amenities may be scarce. For historic sites, download brochures or audio tours in advance.
Go Off-Peak: Visit midweek or outside school holidays to avoid even the small crowds that gather at sites like Fort Frederica.
Support Local Efforts: Engage with community groups or donate to preservation initiatives, like those at Fort Moultrie, to help maintain these sites.
Embrace the Journey: As Filer notes, “The road less traveled often leads to dead ends or surprises, but that’s where the best stories are born.” Be open to unexpected discoveries, like a hidden cemetery or a caribou migration.

For inspiration, consider Suepinda Keith’s 2006 cycling journey along the Underground Railroad, a 1,800-mile adventure supported by the NPS’s Network to Freedom. Her group connected with communities, volunteered, and uncovered African American history, proving these trips can be transformative.
The Bigger Picture: A Call to Action
The rise in visits to lesser-known parks reflects a broader desire for meaningful travel, especially as the U.S. approaches its 250th birthday in 2026. Yet, these sites’ future hinges on funding and public support. The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) has urged similar action for Canada’s parks, encouraging visitors to connect with local gems and advocate for their protection.
Travelers can play a role by sharing their experiences. Post photos on social media, tag organizations like CPAWS or NPS, and raise awareness about these hidden treasures. “Every visitor helps keep these stories alive,” says Diane Miller of the Network to Freedom.
Hit the Road, Find the Magic
Taking the road to parks less traveled isn’t just about dodging crowds—it’s about uncovering America’s untold stories, from colonial forts to Arctic migrations. These sites, though underfunded, offer profound rewards for those willing to venture off the main path. As Frost’s poem reminds us, choosing the less-trodden road can make all the difference.
So, grab a map, pack your curiosity, and head to a park that’s waiting to be discovered. Whether it’s the quiet ruins of Fort Frederica or the wild expanse of Vuntut, your journey will be one for the history books. Stay tuned to Noyzy News for more ways to explore the world’s hidden corners!