3 Hidden Gems in the U.S. National Parks You Can Explore on a Budget
The US has some of the most beautiful national parks in the world, each with its own special something that brings in millions of visitors every year. Yes, iconic places like Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon get all the attention, but there are hidden gems in the National Park System that offer just as amazing experiences without the crowds or the cost. Let’s get into these treasures and why you should visit them.
Congaree National Park, South Carolina
Congaree National Park is different in many ways. Congaree preserves an ancient alluvial floodplain and is not like crowded parks with big views and big animals. This dense and deep ecosystem was once a refuge for slaves seeking freedom. The park’s 26,000 acres have the largest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the US, with some of the tallest trees in Eastern North America and incredible species diversity.
You can experience the park in many ways. Start with the boardwalk, a 2.4-mile loop through towering bald cypress trees. The wide, paved path crosses slow-moving creeks that resemble swamps, bringing you up close and personal with turtles, snakes, alligators, deer, woodpeckers and even bobcats. The boardwalk is an easy way to experience the park without getting dirty or lost.
Try the Sims Trail from the Harry Hampton Visitor Center to Weston Lake to add some excitement. Venture into the wilderness to challenge yourself more and have fun exploring 22,000 acres. The 25 miles of trails are primitive, with fallen trees and growing vines, so you’ll need long pants and sturdy boots.
Paddle the 6.6-mile Cedar Creek water trail for a peaceful yet thrilling experience. The water trail is full of natural wonders like owls and champion trees and obstacles like vines and trees. Park rangers lead scheduled paddles and share history and stories about runaway slaves who lived here and bootleggers who used the area during Prohibition.
Overall, the park is a nature lover’s paradise and best of all, no entrance fee. To ensure you enjoy everything while keeping it affordable, you can try looking for the right accommodation and packages online. For example, https://www.yourdreamreservation.com/ has affordable travel packages that will get you discounts on hotels near the park. Find a plan there and exploring Congaree will become much more affordable!
Great Basin National Park, Nevada
Great Basin National Park is simply stunning, with 77,100 acres offering rugged mountains and vast caverns hiding a world of diverse life. You’ll see some of the oldest trees on Earth here. The rare Great Basin bristlecone pine grows on mountain slopes and has endured for over 4,000 years. These old timers are proof of toughness.
At the top of Wheeler Mountain, you’ll be 13,060 feet above sea level. You may want to try the Mountain View Nature Trail at 6,825 feet if looking for an easier experience. You can also find the Lehman Rock Glacier, a big chunk of ice-bound boulders, along the Glacier and Summit trail. Just above is the last remnant of the ice glaciers that carved this area 10,000 years ago in Lehman Cirque.
Unlike the crowded trails of bigger parks, the Great Basin offers solitude. You’ll find quiet trails and unspoiled views. Best of all, you’ll enjoy free entry and budget lodging nearby. Whether you’re climbing peaks, looking at ancient trees or gazing at glacial formations, Great Basin National Park is a unique adventure.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas, towers above a park full of natural beauty and historical significance. You can hike through serene forests, rugged deserts and the world’s largest Permian fossil reef.
The park has over 80 miles of trails that take you through many different landscapes. You can hike the Guadalupe Peak Trail to the summit and enjoy panoramic views. Trails range from mountain climbs to easy strolls through springs and woodlands. Go for McKittrick Canyon for a more mellow experience as it’s a peaceful trail with great fall color.
You’ll witness history coming alive at Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Early hunter-gatherers lived in the caves here and left behind agave pits. Later, the Mescalero Apaches hunted on this land. There’s also a small museum at Frijole Ranch that tells the stories of early inhabitants and settlers.
The park also has canyons and deserts, and wildlife roams free, giving you the opportunity to see elk, mule deer, or mountain lions on the trails. Whether you’re looking for adventure, history, or time in nature, Guadalupe Mountains National Park has it all.
Endnote
Opting for hidden gems like the Great Basin, Congaree, or Guadalupe Mountains National Parks makes a lot of sense. These lesser-visited parks offer big experiences. You’ll love peace on quiet trails, enjoy breathtaking views, and learn fascinating history, all on a budget.
