I went to 17 parks this year and Big Bend, Great Basin and Theodore Roosevelt were all in my top 5. The diversity of river, mountains and desert in Big Bend was incredible, it was my number 1. Great Basin was also amazing. I had higher than you. I know it is incredibly inconvenient but I don't understand why more people don't go. It was the most incredible alpine experience I have ever had and there is no one there and it's in the middle of the desert. TRNP was the most big wildlife I have ever seen in a park (south unit); however, the beauty of the north unit was the best in the Dakotas. I also got to go to Congaree and Hot Springs and loved both. I kayaked Cedar Creek in Congaree and that is a must do if you can, wildlife and an amazing paddle under a great canopy. Hot Springs is just weird for National Parks but we did the couple massage at Quapaw and hiked the mountain at the peak of fall color in November. This year I am going to see 14 parks, all Colorado and Pinnacles, so this was good for me to see. Thanks again.
Coming from a South Carolina resident, Congaree is definitely a cool place to visit, but I just think it’s more fitting of being a state park than a national park. I actually think Francis Marion National Forest close to Charleston is a more overall diverse and expansive nature experience, including many lowcountry swamps similar to what you’d see in Congaree.
on my low budget and busy schedule, I’ve only gotten to go to a small handful of parks, but I greatly enjoyed Saguaro! it was the only one where I didn’t see a single other person while I was on the trail, it’s close enough to Tucson that I could cheaply Uber to a trailhead (I was travelling the country by train so I didn’t have a car of my own), and the wildlife was incredible! I was borderline approached by a curious roadrunner, and saw a wealth of other birds perched on cacti that are centuries old. I only had time for the one trail, but I greatly recommend it.
What you said about Canyonlands is quite interesting. Many places that start as underrated soon become the next big hot spot. Bryce Canyon might be another Utah park that falls into that category.
Congrats on your 61 NP'S that's amazing and you may have seen them all by now! I have seen 31, and on a trek to see them all too. Keep up the good work, it takes courage to put yourself out there!
I’m glad you enjoyed this! I have been to Isle Royale and it was a good park. I feel it is overall underrated but has definitely gained a lot of respect similar to Canyonlands.
By far, the best way to experience Congaree National Park is to paddle it. Much better than walking the boardwalk or dirt trails. There are guides who will take people canoeing or kayaking the Congaree River or up the creeks. It's a small but good park. For a boardwalk experience of the same type of environment (a little over an hour away), I'd say the Audubon-Francis Beidler Forest Sanctuary down toward Charleston is much better. People often puzzle over why they made such a small place a National Park. I think it was done not as much for the visitors' enjoyment as it is for the government-enforced protection of those old growth cypress and tupelo trees. Definitely worth visiting, though.
I agree Gunnison is underrated, North Cascades should be up there too. Congaree is awful unless you like humidity, massive spiders, mosquito swarms, and a boring boardwalk through some trees. It’s tied for last on my list with Gateway Arch and I’ve been to 40 parks.
In the many trips I have made to the National Parks in my 80+ years there are, obviously, many highlights. The first time I saw a flight of Roseate Spoonbills in the Everglades, A bear climbing on my car in Great Smoky Mountains, being confronted by a peccary on a hike in Saguaro but the horseback ride up into the Chisos Mountains, over 50 years ago, to the South Rim and the view deep into Mexico is still the one that stirs my soul. I just went to the website and was disappointed to read that ride is not available any more.
I like how you define underrated. And I'm glad you didn't add Alaska because most of us will never get to experience those so we don't care as much about them tbh 😂
And I totally agree with your ranking of big bend. Loved it and being so far from major cities made it really unique because it seemed like no one else knows about it
Thank you for 350 subscribers! We’re on the road to 500 now.
Your assessment of Pinnacles being under rated yet some great trails and wildlife is spot on
I went to 17 parks this year and Big Bend, Great Basin and Theodore Roosevelt were all in my top 5. The diversity of river, mountains and desert in Big Bend was incredible, it was my number 1. Great Basin was also amazing. I had higher than you. I know it is incredibly inconvenient but I don't understand why more people don't go. It was the most incredible alpine experience I have ever had and there is no one there and it's in the middle of the desert. TRNP was the most big wildlife I have ever seen in a park (south unit); however, the beauty of the north unit was the best in the Dakotas. I also got to go to Congaree and Hot Springs and loved both. I kayaked Cedar Creek in Congaree and that is a must do if you can, wildlife and an amazing paddle under a great canopy. Hot Springs is just weird for National Parks but we did the couple massage at Quapaw and hiked the mountain at the peak of fall color in November. This year I am going to see 14 parks, all Colorado and Pinnacles, so this was good for me to see. Thanks again.
I’m happy you like so many underappreciated parks! Thanks for watching.
Coming from a South Carolina resident, Congaree is definitely a cool place to visit, but I just think it’s more fitting of being a state park than a national park. I actually think Francis Marion National Forest close to Charleston is a more overall diverse and expansive nature experience, including many lowcountry swamps similar to what you’d see in Congaree.
Visiting big bend and a few other National parks next month, so pumped!
Have fun! It’s a great park.
Big Bend is such a treat! Enjoy the Chisos Mountains!
Theodore Roosevelt was the first National Park I worked at and I love it so much. It’s always great to see people who appreciate it.
That’s awesome. It is a special and wild place and I’d love to work there.
Wow. Im 15 and have only been to around 15ish National Parks + a few Monuments and Historic Sites. Your life looks amazing
on my low budget and busy schedule, I’ve only gotten to go to a small handful of parks, but I greatly enjoyed Saguaro! it was the only one where I didn’t see a single other person while I was on the trail, it’s close enough to Tucson that I could cheaply Uber to a trailhead (I was travelling the country by train so I didn’t have a car of my own), and the wildlife was incredible! I was borderline approached by a curious roadrunner, and saw a wealth of other birds perched on cacti that are centuries old. I only had time for the one trail, but I greatly recommend it.
Just got back from CO and I totally agree with Black Canyon & Great Sand Dunes being very underrated.
What you said about Canyonlands is quite interesting. Many places that start as underrated soon become the next big hot spot. Bryce Canyon might be another Utah park that falls into that category.
Great video! I think Great Basin looks quite overlooked and so does Big Bend
They can be a pain to get to, but a trip to either is absolutely worth it.
Congrats on your 61 NP'S that's amazing and you may have seen them all by now! I have seen 31, and on a trek to see them all too. Keep up the good work, it takes courage to put yourself out there!
Thank you! A fun update is that I officially visited my final park in December. A video will be out tomorrow that relates to this.
I enjoyed this video, I really like going to the least visited national parks. It made me curious, have you been to Isle Royale National Park?
I’m glad you enjoyed this! I have been to Isle Royale and it was a good park. I feel it is overall underrated but has definitely gained a lot of respect similar to Canyonlands.
By far, the best way to experience Congaree National Park is to paddle it. Much better than walking the boardwalk or dirt trails. There are guides who will take people canoeing or kayaking the Congaree River or up the creeks. It's a small but good park. For a boardwalk experience of the same type of environment (a little over an hour away), I'd say the Audubon-Francis Beidler Forest Sanctuary down toward Charleston is much better.
People often puzzle over why they made such a small place a National Park. I think it was done not as much for the visitors' enjoyment as it is for the government-enforced protection of those old growth cypress and tupelo trees. Definitely worth visiting, though.
It is worthy visiting and I’m glad you like Congaree! Thanks for watching.
Love the videos man can’t wait to see you visit the last 2 national parks. Stay safe
Thank you!
you deserve much more!
I agree Gunnison is underrated, North Cascades should be up there too. Congaree is awful unless you like humidity, massive spiders, mosquito swarms, and a boring boardwalk through some trees. It’s tied for last on my list with Gateway Arch and I’ve been to 40 parks.
North Cascades might make the list for me now.
In the many trips I have made to the National Parks in my 80+ years there are, obviously, many highlights. The first time I saw a flight of Roseate Spoonbills in the Everglades, A bear climbing on my car in Great Smoky Mountains, being confronted by a peccary on a hike in Saguaro but the horseback ride up into the Chisos Mountains, over 50 years ago, to the South Rim and the view deep into Mexico is still the one that stirs my soul. I just went to the website and was disappointed to read that ride is not available any more.
That Big Bend fact is unfortunate, but I’m happy you’ve had so many wonderful experiences.
Park Point in Mesa Verde is so unexpected. It's an amazing view.
Agreed!
I love all of the national/provincial parks (in Canada) that I’ve been too. also what do u like more, coasters and theme parks, or national parks?
I prefer national parks. Also, Banff and Jasper are two of my favorites with Elk Island being very underrated.
@@NationalParkWild I went to Banff when I was like 4 I barley remember it.
Big Bend is simply a gem! The Chisos Mountains are incredible.
Indeed
Booo theme parks do more National park stuff on this channel! 🤣 love the content, glad to be one of the lucky 350 who know this channel exists!
I have a lot more subscribers now, but I haven’t enjoyed making content on this channel as much.
I like how you define underrated. And I'm glad you didn't add Alaska because most of us will never get to experience those so we don't care as much about them tbh 😂
And I totally agree with your ranking of big bend. Loved it and being so far from major cities made it really unique because it seemed like no one else knows about it
I’m glad you enjoy the ranking and I’m happy to see someone who loves Big Bend.
I've been to 49 NPs and i think we have a similar taste i love teddy roosevelt. Big bend is my #3! Haven't been to any alaska parks yet
Awesome! Big Bend was my #3 as well when I first visited.
Idyllwild CA, mt jacinto destroys pinnacles
Supposedly one of John Muir’s favorite views
Many of these should not even be NATIONAL PARKS