I was reflecting on a place that I visited in the past year that doesn't get the press that it deserves.

Teddy Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota is an incredible destination. I was amazed how few people were there, largely due to the remoteness of it. But when you consider the hordes of tourists who go through the Black Hills and Mt. Rushmore each year, I'd take Teddy Roosevelt NP any day. Great views, hiking, biking and fishing. Bully Pulpit Golf Course was the most dramatic course I've ever seen, and I've golfed in Hawaii and on the Calif coast.

A close second is Shenandoah.... what a great park. I actually like it better than the Rockies because you can actually scale peaks of mountains without being an experienced mountaineer. You just need to be in good shape and have good boots. What a great area.... the only reason it isn't my "most underrated" is because it gets lots of press being so close to DC.

I agree! Theo Roosevelt NP was a delightful surprise. Few crowds and much (if not more) of the splendor of The Badlands. More bison, too.

Another often overlooked NP but highly recommended -- Organ Pipe National Park, on the Arizona - Mexico border. Amazing cacti with such *character*, and only ran into a few other visitors. (Could have been due to the *dry* july heat of 110+ ). Hey, you go when you can go

I also agree with Teddy Roosevelt National Park being underrated.

Another underated park is Capitol Reef National Park in Utah. Beautiful setting, beautiful scenery and never a crowd.

Utahtea

Hi Utahtea!
I agree! And also Grand Escalante Nat'l Monument. Spectacular!

Glad to hear I'm not alone on Teddy Roosevelt. Incredibly raw ruggedness.

Thanks for the tip on Capitol Reef - I haven't been there, but will now try to visit it.

Kings Canyon in California. Such a spectacular place! Like Yosemite without the crowds.

Hazelmn: I am curious if you return to this post, where did you stay in the area of Teddy Roosevelt Nat'l Park?

Hey escargot, i'm not hazel but we stayed in Medora, ND, right at the entrance of the NP. The town reminded me of Tombstone, AZ re touristy shoppes etc. but it was a pleasant night. They also have a musical theatre type program that we opted not to do. Stayed in the Americinn (sp?) motel, clean with cont'l breakfast.

Lassen Volcanic National Park in Ca -
believe I have read its one of the least used- I have only driven through-
hope to spend some time there this summer.

Faina,
Please don't mention King's Canyon again. Our family has reunion camping trips there most summers and we'd prefer that more people not hear about what a great place it is.

LOL DixieChick, only if you agree not to mention the certain person from Texas so people won't break your CDs.

If we are discussing National Parks, then I agree on Lassen. Great views from the top.

If we want to add National Monuments, then there are several: Cedar Breaks, Natural Bridges, Canyon de Chelly, and Chaco Canyon.

Escargot,
We stayed in Dickenson because of using Hoiday Inn Express Priority Club points. Be sure to visit the north unit of TRNP. The silence is unbelievable.

Underated NP? Great Falls in Great Falls, VA outside the beltway. I lived in northern VA for many, many years thinking it was a county park. It is also accessable from the MD side of the Potomac.

I agree with DixieChick's sentiments. I'm not going to name any parks because I don't want to encourage people to go there.

Here's another vote for Kings Canyon (sorry DixieChick) I had never even heard of it before planning our last trip. Since we were visiting Yosemite and Sequoia we decided to check it out. It ended up being one of our favorites.

My vote would be for Dinosaur Nat'l Park and Monument in NE Utah. Great place to hike and raft, not to mention the whole dinosaur thing. It doesn't get much airtime with Zion and Bryce in the southern part of the state.

So many State Parks that don't get the credit they deserve, but I know this is a Nat'l thread.

Also agree that Roosevelt (North Dakota) is better than Badlands (South Dakota). It is less busy, but offers just as stunning and rugged landscape.

True, Canyon de Chelly is a monument, but it's a park-like monument. I loved it and rarely hear anyone mention it. Totally Underrated.

My vote is for Isle Royale National Park in Lake Superior. Canoeing with a pair of loons on a misty rainy afternoon - best full moon rise over Daisy Harbor - wildflowers in June - I miss it now that we don't live "up north."

SusanEva! SHHHHHHHH!!!

big bend np (west texas) is one of the least visited national parks and it is spectacular.