Top 10 Underrated National Parks You Need to Visit

What makes a national park 'underrated'? An underrated national park is one whose visitor numbers are disproportionately low relative to its scenery, wildlife, or cultural significance — usually because it lacks mainstream media coverage or sits off the typical tourist trail.

When is the best time to visit these parks? Timing varies widely by region: Torres del Paine peaks November–March; Jiuzhaigou Valley is most vivid in autumn (September–November); Plitvice Lakes and Cappadocia are quietest in spring and late autumn. Targeting shoulder seasons avoids even the modest crowds these destinations attract.

Do any of these parks require special permits? Yes for several. Jiuzhaigou Valley requires advance online ticket booking; Nahanni National Park Reserve requires wilderness permits; entry to Socotra depends on current Yemen travel advisories. Always check official park and government travel sites before booking.

Which park on this list is easiest to reach? Great Smoky Mountains (USA) and Plitvice Lakes (Croatia) have the best-developed tourism infrastructure — nearby airports, car rentals, and a wide range of accommodation — making them the most accessible entries for first-time visitors.

Are these underrated national parks safe to visit? Most parks on this list are well-managed with established trails and visitor infrastructure. Always check your government's official travel advisories before booking — particularly for remote destinations like Nahanni National Park Reserve (Canada) or Socotra Island (Yemen).

When is the best time to visit these parks? Timing varies by region. Torres del Paine (Chile) peaks November–March; Plitvice Lakes (Croatia) and Zhangjiajie (China) shine in spring and autumn when foliage is at its most vivid. Shoulder-season travel typically means thinner crowds and lower costs across the board.

Do I need to book in advance? Several of these parks now manage visitor numbers with timed-entry permits. Jiuzhaigou Valley and Plitvice Lakes both require advance reservations during peak months. Torres del Paine's W Trek and Circuit circuits must be booked months ahead through CONAF-approved operators.

### What counts as an "underrated" national park? On this list, an underrated national park is one that offers world-class scenery but receives far fewer visitors than more famous parks. Most of the parks below are also UNESCO World Heritage Sites or Biosphere Reserves, which helps confirm their global significance.

### Are these national parks safe for regular travelers? Yes, but they range from very accessible (Plitvice Lakes, Great Smoky Mountains, Goreme) to genuinely remote (Nahanni, Socotra, Torres del Paine treks). For the more remote parks, book guided tours, check seasonal weather windows, and confirm visa requirements well in advance.

### When is the best time to visit these parks? Each park has its own peak season tied to local climate. Generally, shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) give you milder weather, thinner crowds, and better photography light than mid-summer in the Northern Hemisphere parks.

### How was this list put together? This is a curated travel list of 10 national parks commonly described as underrated in widely read travel guides and visitor surveys. Vote for the one you'd visit first, and share any hidden gems we missed in the comments.