Did you know that some of America’s most breathtaking hiking trails are hiding in plain sight, overshadowed by their more famous counterparts? As an avid explorer of hidden gems across the United States, I’ve uncovered a treasure trove of underrated trails that rival – and sometimes surpass – their popular neighbors. From the lush forests of Yellowstone to the crystalline waters of Dry Tortugas, these lesser-known paths offer solitude, adventure, and natural wonders that will leave you awestruck. Join me as we venture off the beaten path and discover 11 of the most underrated hiking trails in America’s national parks.
1. Union Falls Trail: Yellowstone’s Best-Kept Secret
Tucked away in Yellowstone’s remote Bechler Region lies the Union Falls Trail, a 16-mile journey that rewards intrepid hikers with views of the park’s second-largest waterfall. This lush corner of Yellowstone receives more rainfall than any other area, creating a verdant oasis that feels worlds away from the crowded geyser basins.
As you trek through the dense forest, the sound of rushing water grows louder, building anticipation for the grand finale. When Union Falls finally comes into view, its 250-foot cascade splitting into two distinct channels before reuniting in a thunderous pool below, you’ll understand why this hike is worth every step.
“Union Falls is the hidden jewel of Yellowstone,” says park ranger Sarah Thompson. “It’s a challenging hike, but the payoff is a waterfall experience that rivals anything you’ll find in more accessible parts of the park.”
2. Chesler Park Loop: A Sandstone Wonderland in Canyonlands
While most visitors flock to the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands, those in the know head to the Needles area for the Chesler Park Loop. This 10.7-mile trek takes you through a maze of towering sandstone spires, each one more impressive than the last.
The trail’s difficulty level varies, with some sections requiring scrambling over rocks and squeezing through narrow passages. But the effort is worth it when you emerge into Chesler Park itself, a hidden valley surrounded by a forest of red and orange hoodoos that seem to defy gravity.
For an even more immersive experience, combine the Chesler Park Loop with the Joint Trail, a slot canyon so narrow you can touch both walls at once. It’s a journey that will make you feel like you’re exploring another planet entirely.
3. North Kaibab Trail: The Grand Canyon’s Road Less Traveled
When most people think of hiking the Grand Canyon, they picture the popular Bright Angel or South Kaibab trails. But for a truly unique experience, set your sights on the North Kaibab Trail. This 28.2-mile round-trip journey takes you from the less-visited North Rim all the way to the canyon floor and back again.
The North Kaibab Trail offers a more intimate Grand Canyon experience, with fewer crowds and a greater sense of wilderness. As you descend through five distinct ecological zones, you’ll witness the dramatic transformation of the landscape, from pine forests to desert scrubland.
“The North Kaibab Trail is like a time machine,” explains geologist Dr. Emily Sanderson. “With every step down, you’re traveling millions of years back in Earth’s history, visible in the colorful rock layers all around you.”
4. Alpine Lakes Loop: Great Basin’s Triple Threat
Great Basin National Park may be one of America’s least-visited national parks, but that only adds to its appeal. The Alpine Lakes, Bristlecone, and Glacier Loop combines three trails into one unforgettable 11-mile journey that showcases the best of this hidden gem.
Start your hike surrounded by ancient bristlecone pines, some of the oldest living organisms on Earth. As you climb higher, you’ll reach a series of pristine alpine lakes nestled beneath towering peaks. The final leg of the journey takes you to the foot of Nevada’s only glacier, a remnant of the last ice age clinging to the slopes of Wheeler Peak.
For those seeking an even more secluded experience, Great Basin offers some of the darkest night skies in the Lower 48, perfect for stargazing after a long day on the trail. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most rewarding destinations are the ones that require a little extra effort to reach.
5. Sentinel Dome Trail: Yosemite’s Hidden Viewpoint
While crowds jostle for space at Glacier Point, savvy hikers make their way to Sentinel Dome for equally spectacular views with a fraction of the foot traffic. This 2.2-mile round-trip hike is relatively easy, making it accessible to a wide range of visitors, yet it remains surprisingly uncrowded.
The trail winds through fragrant Jeffrey pines before emerging onto the bare granite dome. As you make the final ascent, panoramic views of Yosemite Valley unfold before you, with Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls all visible in one sweeping vista.
Time your hike for sunset, and you’ll be treated to a light show as the fading sun paints the surrounding peaks in shades of gold and pink. It’s a moment that captures the magic of Yosemite without the crowds that often detract from the experience elsewhere in the park.
6. Hidden Beach Trail: Where Redwoods Meet the Sea
Redwood National Park is famous for its towering trees, but the Hidden Beach Trail offers a unique twist on the typical redwood experience. This 4-mile out-and-back trail takes you through a lush forest before emerging onto a secluded stretch of coastline that feels worlds away from civilization.
As you hike, keep an eye out for Roosevelt elk, which often graze in the meadows along the trail. The real treat comes at the end, where Hidden Beach lives up to its name with a pristine expanse of sand framed by dramatic cliffs and dotted with tide pools teeming with marine life.
For those seeking even more adventure, the Hidden Beach Trail connects to the California Coastal Trail, offering the opportunity to extend your hike and explore more of this rugged and beautiful coastline. It’s a perfect example of how some of the best experiences in our national parks are found just off the beaten path.
7. South Fork Skokomish Trail: Olympic’s Wilderness Escape
Olympic National Park is known for its diversity, and the South Fork Skokomish Trail showcases this variety in a single 16-mile journey. This trail takes you deep into the heart of the park’s wilderness, far from the crowds that cluster around more accessible areas.
Starting in lush lowland forest, the trail climbs through a series of ecosystems, each more breathtaking than the last. You’ll cross crystal-clear streams, traverse wildflower-filled meadows, and eventually reach subalpine zones with sweeping views of the surrounding peaks.
“The South Fork Skokomish Trail is Olympic National Park in microcosm,” says local guide Maria Hernandez. “It offers a taste of everything that makes this park special, from rainforests to alpine meadows, all in a single day’s hike.”
For backpackers, several backcountry campsites along the trail offer the chance to extend your journey and fully immerse yourself in the wilderness experience. Just be sure to obtain the necessary permits and practice Leave No Trace principles to help preserve this pristine environment.
8. Notch Trail: Badlands’ Hidden Canyon Adventure
Badlands National Park is often overlooked in favor of more famous destinations, but those who venture here are rewarded with otherworldly landscapes and surprising biodiversity. The Notch Trail, a 1.5-mile round-trip hike, offers a perfect introduction to the park’s unique geology and hidden wonders.
The trail starts innocuously enough, winding through a narrow canyon filled with juniper and ash trees. But the real adventure begins when you reach the log ladder, a steep climb that adds a touch of exhilaration to the hike. Once at the top, you’re treated to panoramic views of the White River Valley, its colorful rock layers telling a story millions of years in the making.
Keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep, which often frequent the area. And if you’re feeling adventurous, the park encourages off-trail exploration, allowing you to create your own path through this lunar-like landscape. Just be sure to bring plenty of water and sun protection, as shade is scarce in this arid environment.
9. Mt. Watchman Trail: Crater Lake’s Sunset Spectacle
Crater Lake National Park is centered around its namesake body of water, but the Mt. Watchman Trail offers a perspective on this natural wonder that few visitors experience. This 1.6-mile round-trip hike may be short, but it packs a punch when it comes to views.
The trail climbs steadily through forests of whitebark pine and mountain hemlock, offering tantalizing glimpses of the lake through the trees. But it’s at the summit where the real magic happens. From the fire lookout tower atop Mt. Watchman, you’re treated to a 360-degree panorama of Crater Lake and the surrounding Cascade Range.
For an truly unforgettable experience, time your hike to reach the summit for sunset. As the sun dips below the horizon, it paints the caldera in a breathtaking array of colors, reflecting off the lake’s surface in a display that rivals any other sunset you’ve ever seen. It’s a moment that captures the essence of why we seek out these hidden trails in the first place.
10. Mule Ears Spring Trail: Big Bend’s Desert Oasis
Big Bend National Park is a vast wilderness of desert and mountain landscapes, and the Mule Ears Spring Trail offers a perfect introduction to its rugged beauty. This 3.8-mile round-trip hike takes you through a variety of desert ecosystems before reaching a hidden oasis that seems almost miraculous in its harsh surroundings.
The trail is named for the distinctive Mule Ears Peaks, twin volcanic formations that dominate the skyline. As you hike, you’ll pass through stands of yucca and ocotillo, their spiny silhouettes a stark contrast to the blue sky above. Keep an eye out for roadrunners and jackrabbits, which often dart across the trail.
The real treat comes at the end of the trail, where a small spring creates a lush microclimate filled with cottonwoods and desert willows. It’s a stark reminder of the resilience of life in even the harshest environments, and a perfect spot to rest and reflect before making the return journey.
11. Fort Jefferson Trail: Dry Tortugas’ Island Adventure
Dry Tortugas National Park may be one of the least visited national parks in the country, but it’s not for lack of appeal. This remote island chain, located 70 miles west of Key West, offers a unique combination of history, nature, and adventure that’s hard to find anywhere else.
While there’s no traditional hiking trail here, the walk around Fort Jefferson on Garden Key is an experience unlike any other. This massive 19th-century fort, built of more than 16 million bricks, dominates the tiny island. As you explore its walls and corridors, you’re treated to stunning views of the turquoise waters surrounding the key.
After your fort exploration, don your snorkel gear and head into those crystal-clear waters. The coral reefs surrounding the islands are teeming with colorful fish, sea turtles, and other marine life, offering an underwater hiking experience that’s just as memorable as any mountain trail.
“Dry Tortugas is the ultimate hidden gem,” says marine biologist Dr. Laura Chen. “It’s a place where history and nature collide in the most spectacular way, and yet so few people ever get to experience it.”
As we conclude our journey through these underrated hiking trails, it’s clear that some of America’s most extraordinary natural wonders are hiding in plain sight. These paths less traveled offer not just solitude and adventure, but a chance to connect with the raw beauty of our national parks in a way that’s increasingly rare in our crowded world. So the next time you’re planning a hiking trip, consider venturing beyond the popular trails. You might just discover your own hidden gem, a place that captures your heart and keeps you coming back for more.
And remember, the spirit of exploration that leads us to these hidden trails doesn’t have to end at our national parks. From hidden beaches in Mallorca to secret waterfalls in Costa Rica, there’s a whole world of undiscovered wonders waiting to be explored. Whether you’re seeking underrated coastal towns, hidden New England lighthouses, or even European food markets that put Whole Foods to shame, the joy of discovery is always just around the corner. So lace up your hiking boots, pack your sense of adventure, and set out to find your own path less traveled. The wonders you’ll encounter along the way are sure to leave you breathless.
