From the Field

Grand Canyon. Great Smoky Mountains. Yellowstone. Yosemite. You’ve heard of, or maybe even traveled to, our nation’s most popular national parks, from Acadia’s rock beaches to Rocky Mountain’s snow-capped peaks. But the United States is home to 59 national parks, many of which are off the beaten path.

Avoid the crowds, cars, and noise of the popular parks — famously called “National Parking Lots” ­­by Edward Abbey — and get your dose of the great outdoors at one of these lesser-known national park destinations.

You may also be interested in these blogs: 10 Favorite National Wildlife Refuges and 10 Great State Parks for Wildlife