Spanning more than and the American territories, the National Park Service is home to 59 breathtaking national parks. Encompassing mountain ranges, deserts, lakes and gorges, these parks are also some of the most popular destinations in the country. In fact, a visited the parks last year, and that number is only expected to rise this year because the park service is celebrating its centennial year.
There is also no better time than now to visit America’s parks. The National Park Service is celebrating its 100th birthday August 25, 2016 and is waiving admission fees for all national parksAugust 25-28.
But with free admission and record-crowds expected, travelers looking to escape the crowds might want to avoid some of the most popular spots and instead, check out these 10 hidden gems:
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1. Elves Chasm, Grand Canyon National Park
is a beautiful little canyon, home to a stunning waterfall that tumbles down over moss-covered red rocks into a blue-green pool. Off the beaten path, this chasm accessible by a nearly hidden spur trail that detours off from the , a five-day hike considered one of the most challenging backpacking routes in the Grand Canyon. Those wanting to avoid that strenuous hike can also access the chasm by taking a .
2. Schoodic Point, Acadia National Park
, located at the very tip of a peninsula, is one of the most secluded areas of the park – despite being one of the only mainland portions of . It offers stunning views of the ocean and Mount Desert Island. In addition, at high tide, crashing waves collide with the peninsula’s steep granite walls, sending a spray of water high into the air. Visitors to Schoodic Point should be careful, though, as the and tourists have been carried out to see by pounding waves.
3. Spruce Falls, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
One of the best secret gems of Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the trail to . The trail to the falls is , according to the Huffington Post, and it leads down to a stunning, multi-tiered waterfall. The main section of the waterfall is almost 30-feet high, and from there, the water cascades over a smaller rocky drop before landing in a stunning plunge pool.
4. Chesler Park Loop, Canyonlands National Park
The of is a wild landscape full of strange, spire-like rock formations and one of the best ways to explore the area is via the strenuous Chesler Park Loop. The trail starts at Soda Spring and winds through high desert grasses and colorful sandstone spires. There are also a along the trail.
5. Moro Rock, Sequoia National Park
Located in the center of is Moro Rock, a granite dome rock formation that . Brave hikers take in the view from the top of this dome via a challenging 400 step-stairway carved into the rock. The staircase trail is short, but in several places. The hike is worth it though, as the top offers sweeping views of the Kaweah River gorge below.
6. Petroglyph Canyon, Zion National Park
Petroglyph Canyon is one of the most secret parts of . Even, reports The Huffington Post, in an attempt to help protect the petroglyphs from damage. But the canyon is a stunning cultural hidden gem, home to an archeological site featuring and a pictograph (painted image).
7. Specimen Ridge, Yellowstone National Park
Located on the southern side of the Lamar Valley, Specimen Ridge is a remote part of . , the landscape was dramatically altered after volcanic eruptions in the area. Today, it is home to an . Accessible via an unnamed trailhead, hikers can even see petrified upright tree trunks along the ridge.
8. Apikuni Falls, Glacier National Park
Located near Many Glacier, is an under-the-radar, 150-foot-tall waterfall in that is definitely worth a visit. With only room for about 10 cars to park, there are rarely any crowds. The waterfall is .
9. Colter Bay, Grand Teton National Park
Located off the northeast side of , Colter Bay is a breathtaking, isolated . The lake is a great place to go fishing, kayaking or canoeing, and there is also a marina for visitors looking to rent a motorboat. There are also a number of nearby.
10. Artist Point, Yosemite National Park
As one of the , it can be hard to find a scenic view without hordes of tourists, but is one such place. The trailhead to Artist Point , and the before you get to take in the scenic views.
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