While the most famous national parks like Yellowstone and Yosemite often grab the spotlight, there are many hidden gems in the U.S. National Park system that offer just as much beauty and adventure—with fewer crowds. For road trippers and nature lovers alike, these lesser-known parks feature scenic drives, stunning landscapes, and plenty of opportunities to explore right from your car.

Pack your bags, fuel up, and discover these seven underrated national parks that are perfect for a driving adventure.

1. Great Basin National Park, Nevada

Nestled in eastern Nevada, Great Basin National Park is a treasure for those seeking tranquility and natural wonders. Its remote location means light traffic, making it perfect for leisurely drives with stunning scenery.

Highlights:

  • Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive: A 12-mile paved road winds its way up to 10,000 feet, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and rugged Nevada terrain. Along the way, stop to hike trails or explore alpine lakes.
  • Bristlecone Pines: Drive to trailheads that lead to groves of bristlecone pines, the oldest known living trees, some over 4,000 years old.
  • Lehman Caves: Accessible by a short drive to the visitor center, these richly decorated caverns are a must-see for geology enthusiasts.

Don’t forget to stay for the dark skies! Great Basin is one of the best parks in the country for stargazing.

2. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado

Tucked away in western Colorado, this dramatic and lesser-visited park is home to one of the steepest and most striking canyons in North America.

Highlights:

  • South Rim Road: This 7-mile drive delivers jaw-dropping views, with overlooks such as Painted Wall and Gunnison Point. Each stop offers unique perspectives of the 2,700-foot-deep canyon.
  • North Rim Road: For those seeking seclusion, the North Rim provides even more peaceful viewpoints. Roads are unpaved but manageable for most vehicles.
  • Wildlife Spotting: Keep your eyes peeled for deer, eagles, and rock-loving lizards along the scenic drives.

With its sheer cliffs and dramatic drops, this park provides some of the most spectacular photo opportunities.

3. Congaree National Park, South Carolina

Located just a short drive from Columbia, South Carolina, Congaree is a hidden gem that feels like stepping into another world. The park’s floodplain forest is best explored via its accessible boardwalks and roads.

Highlights:

  • Scenic Drive to the Boardwalk Loop: Start your visit with a peaceful drive to the Congaree Visitor Center, where the boardwalk trail begins. From there, enjoy an easy stroll through towering bald cypress trees and serene swamp views.
  • Canoeing Access Points: Drive to nearby canoe launches along Cedar Creek. Paddle through the park’s water trails to see an entirely new side of this lush environment.
  • Fireflies in Summer: Visit during late spring or early summer for the mesmerizing firefly displays, an event that draws only a fraction of the crowds compared to other parks’ seasonal attractions.

This park is an unexpected haven for those who want a mix of driving and serene outdoor exploration.

4. Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

Named after the president who championed America’s national parks, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a quiet, underrated haven in the Badlands of North Dakota.

Highlights:

  • Scenic Loop Drives: The South Unit’s 36-mile loop road and North Unit’s 14-mile drive are perfect for taking in the park without leaving your car. Watch for bison, wild horses, and prairie dogs dotting the landscape.
  • Painted Canyon Overlook: Located just off Interstate 94, this viewpoint is an easy stop and one of the most picturesque spots in the park.
  • Elkhorn Ranch Site: For history buffs, a drive to the site of Theodore Roosevelt's ranch gives insight into the president’s love of rugged wilderness.

Quiet roads combined with stunning prairie and Badlands scenery make this park a driver’s dream.

5. Capitol Reef National Park, Utah

While its Utah siblings like Zion and Arches National Park receive most of the attention, Capitol Reef remains a hidden gem with impressive rock formations and wide-open roads.

Highlights:

  • Capitol Reef Scenic Drive: This 8-mile paved route showcases the dramatic geology of the Waterpocket Fold. For those with high-clearance vehicles, side roads extend the adventure into remote areas.
  • Orchard Stops: Drive to the historic Fruita district, where you can stop to pick fruit from the park’s orchards during harvest season.
  • Cathedral Valley District: This remote section of the park can be accessed by a rugged road, revealing towering sandstone monoliths that rival those of more famous parks.

Capitol Reef combines stunning landscapes with a quiet, laid-back atmosphere, making it easy to explore in your own time.

6. North Cascades National Park, Washington

Often called the “American Alps,” North Cascades National Park is one of the most wild and awe-inspiring parks in the Pacific Northwest. Its winding roads make it accessible while still feeling like an untamed wilderness.

Highlights:

  • North Cascades Highway (State Route 20): This 127-mile scenic road cuts through rugged mountain terrain with overlooks, waterfalls, and turquoise alpine lakes. Popular stops include Diablo Lake and Washington Pass Overlook.
  • Cascade River Road: Ideal for reaching trailheads, this road immerses you in lush forests and glacier views, making it a great starting point for short hikes.
  • Wildlife Viewing: Look out for black bears, mountain goats, and bald eagles along the roads.

With its combination of dramatic peaks and valleys, this park is a must for anyone seeking an unforgettable alpine drive.

7. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

Known for its interconnected waterways and expansive boreal forests, Voyageurs National Park offers stunning views and plenty of car-accessible stops.

Highlights:

  • Rainy Lake Visitor Center Drive: Accessible by well-maintained roads, the drive to Rainy Lake provides panoramic water views and access to short trails.
  • Kabetogama Lake Scenic Byway: This lesser-known gem winds through serene landscapes dotted with aspen and pine trees, perfect for a peaceful drive.
  • Aurora Watching: Stop at designated overlooks along the drive to catch the northern lights during the winter months.

While Voyageurs is often explored by boat, its scenic roads make it just as rewarding for car travelers.

Tips for Exploring National Parks by Car

To make the most of your road trip to these lesser-known parks, keep these tips in mind:

  • Check Road Conditions: Some parks have unpaved or seasonal roads, so ensure your vehicle is equipped for the terrain.
  • Pack Essentials: Bring plenty of water, snacks, and layers to stay comfortable during outdoor stops.
  • Start Early: Beat the crowds and enjoy serene roads by driving early in the morning.

Whether you’re after sweeping views, wildlife encounters, or peaceful drives, these seven underrated national parks are a road tripper’s dream. Avoid the hustle of more crowded destinations and discover the hidden beauty waiting for you to explore.