21 Underrated Places to Visit in the US (Great for Outdoor Adventures)

Looking for some of the most underrated places to visit in the US for outdoor recreation? After traveling extensively in all 50 states, these are 20 areas around the county that I don’t think get enough love.

The United States has a LOT to offer and it can be overwhelming to pick your destinations. While well-loved places like Zion, Yellowstone, Destin or Gatlinburg certainly have their place, being among throngs of people or lines of cars can ruin the experience for many. It can be really nice to explore an area that might not be known as a popular vacation destination, but still has plenty to offer.

Whether you’re looking to hike somewhere new, or just hoping to escape the crowds on your next trip, I hope this guide provides some new ideas!

Each of these destinations offers hiking and outdoor adventure. Please make sure to leave no trace when you visit, as it’s important to keep these places beautiful for generations to come. If you’re not familiar, the seven principles of leave no trace are:

• Leave what you find
• Minimize campfire impacts
• Plan ahead and prepare
• Dispose of waste properly
• Respect wildlife
• Travel and camp on durable surfaces
• Be considerate of others

21 Underrated Places to Visit in the US

This list covers 21 fun destinations across 21 states, and is a mix of parks, cities and towns. They are listed in no particular order.

1. Bentonville, Arkansas

This town may be best known as the Walmart headquarters, but it has a surprising amount of adventure as well. In fact, it’s a world class destination for mountain biking, with over 100 miles of mountain bike trails around the city.

The city also has a thriving art scene. It’s home to the stunning Crystal Bridges, which is free to visit. This impressive glass-domed building has a variety of artworks and even outdoor sculpture trails. And if you enjoy modern art, be sure to also visit The Momentary, which is located inside of a former Kraft cheese factory. Personally, I find it so cool to see industrial buildings take on new life.

There is also a great culinary scene in Bentonville. The 8th Street Market offers some great options, including Happy Wagon for dessert or Bike Rack Brewing for brews. If you’d like to visit somewhere more upscale, The Preacher’s Son is an elegant restaurant located inside of a former church.

Finally, there are some great day trips you can take that offer hiking and more. Check out Devil’s Den State Park (located about an hour south) or Eureka Springs, an adorable and historic town located one hour east.

Read my full guide for visiting Bentonville, Arkansas.

2. Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio

This beautiful state park in Southeast Ohio is known for its caves, waterfalls, natural bridges and great rock formations all around. There is a practically endless selection of cabins to choose from, so you can have a cozy stay in an A-frame, a dome, a classic cabin or even inside of a cave.

When you visit, there are some incredible hikes within the state park that range from easy to hard. A few to consider are Old Man’s Cave, Rockhouse and Cedar Falls. There is also more to do besides hiking, such as ziplining, rock climbing, visiting a winery or even a visit to the quirky Pencil Sharpener Museum.

Whether you spend most of your time relaxing in a cabin, or doing adventurous activities such as rock climbing and hiking, I think Hocking Hills makes for a great trip for anyone.

Read my full guide for visiting Hocking Hills, Ohio.

3. Red River Gorge, Kentucky

Red River Gorge is a wonderful destination for anyone who loves hiking, camping or rock climbing. This area is especially known for its high concentration of rock arches and natural bridges. In fact, it has the second highest number of arches outside of Utah!

A few beautiful day hikes to consider include Chimney Top, the Double Arch, Courthouse Rock and Auxier Ridge Loop, or Rock Bridge. There are several miles of hiking trails for all levels.

Along with hiking, you can enjoy ziplining, kayaking in a cave or rock climbing. Red River Gorge is also popular for backpacking and permits can be obtained at the Gladie Visitor Center or at local stores.

Red River Gorge is particularly beautiful in the fall, but really makes for a great trip year round.

Read my full guide for visiting Red River Gorge, Kentucky.

4. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas

This remote, mountainous national park in West Texas is out of the way, but worth the trip. Plus, it’s quite close to Carlsbad Cavern National Park in New Mexico, and isn’t far from White Sands either.

If you’re up for a challenge, one of the best hikes to do when you visit is the hike to Guadalupe Peak, the tallest peak in Texas. The trek is steep (bring lots of water), but the sweeping 360-views at the top are worth it.

Other great trails include Devil’s Hall and McKittrick Canyon. And if you’re interested in a backpacking trip, there are opportunities for that as well. This park may be remote, but it’s an incredible place to go if you enjoy hiking, or just can’t get enough of mountain views.

Read my full guide for visiting the Guadalupe Mountains.

5. Cumberland Island National Seashore, Georgia

This historic island offers undeveloped coastline, a variety of landscapes and a population of feral horses that you’re very likely to spot during your visit.

The island can only be reached by boat, and you take a day trip or camp there overnight. A perfect day trip may involve hiking, relaxing on the beach, exploring historic ruins, photographing wildlife or taking a historic tour.

If you have a bike, you can bring that over to the island too. Either way, be sure to reserve your ferry tickets in advance.

Whether you relax on the pristine beach or spend a day hiking, this unique national park site is a gem on the East Coast.

Read my full guide for visiting Cumberland Island.

6. Little Jerusalem State Park, Kansas

This state park is otherworldly! Little Jerusalem Badlands is a small, Western Kansas park that has about 3 miles of trails. On both the Life on the Rocks trail and the Badlands Overlook trail, you can admire badland rock formations that used to be the ocean floor millions of years ago.

If you plan ahead, you can also book a guided hike in the park, which allows more access off-trail. They are offered on a limited basis, so check the website ahead of time for dates. Regular admission to the park costs $5.

Nearby, it’s also worth checking out the Keystone Art Gallery and Monument Rocks. The art gallery has an impressive collection of large fossils (plus gifts for sale).

The Monument Rocks are another example of the chalk rock formations, and can be reached from an unpaved road that is typically suitable for all cars. This beautiful corner of Kansas is worth a stop on a USA road trip.

Discover more unique things to do on a Kansas road trip.

7. The Wichita Mountains, Oklahoma

The Wichita Mountains are a stunning region in Southern Oklahoma known for their wildlife and hiking opportunities. The area is characterized by granite mountains and 1,000’s of acres of prairie grasses. This wildlife refuge encompasses over 50,000 acres and protects bison, longhorn cattle, elk and more.

Fun Fact: This was one of the earliest wildlife refuges in the US.

When it comes to hiking trails, there are many great options. My favorites include the Forty Foot Hole Trail and the Narrows. In addition to hiking, you can enjoy camping and rock climbing. And don’t miss driving to the top of Mount Scott, a 2,464-foot tall peak that you can drive to the top of (check hours ahead of time).

If you enjoy hiking, this underrated destination should be on your USA bucket list.

Read my full guide to visiting the Wichita Mountains in Oklahoma.

8. The Sawtooth Mountains, Idaho

The Sawtooth Mountains are a mountain range in central Idaho that are a sight to behold. This 650-square mile area encompasses 57 peaks and around 400 lakes. The jagged peaks and alpine lakes make for exceptional scenery for hikers.

On a visit to the Sawtooth Range, you can enjoy hiking, camping, backpacking, fishing, rafting and more. There are even hot springs to soak in.

One of my favorite hikes is to Alice Lake, which is part of a popular backpacking route. When you visit, it’s also worth kayaking on Redfish Lake, enjoying the restaurants in Stanley, soaking in a hot spring (Valley Creek Hot Springs is right in the town of Stanley) or going white water rafting.

Be sure to take extra care in following the local guidelines for campfires when you visit. Unfortunately, wildfires are common here.

This special place is one of my favorite places to visit in the United States!

Read my full guide to visiting Stanley, Idaho.

9. Isle Royale National Park, Michigan

Due to its remote location, Isle Royale is one of the least visited national parks in the United States. However, it’s one of my favorite national parks!

Isle Royale is located on an island in Lake Superior, so it’s only accessible by boat or seaplane. Make sure to make your reservation in advance. While many visitors only take a day trip, I highly recommend staying a few nights out on the island. If you’re able, a backpacking trip across the island makes for a memorable trip spent in the wilderness.

The island is home to moose, wolves, beavers, foxes and other wildlife. It’s an incredible place to hike, photograph wildlife and enjoy lakeside views from all kinds of angles.

Read my full guide to backpacking on Isle Royale.

10. Chattanooga, Tennessee

Chattanooga is an outdoorsy city in Southern Tennessee that sits on a curve in the Tennessee River. The city has some very unique natural attractions, such as a 145-foot tall waterfall inside of a cave.

A few of the best things to do in Chattanooga include visiting Ruby Falls (a waterfall inside a cave!), hiking nearby in Cloudland Canyon State Park and exploring Rock City (you can see 7 states from this viewpoint!).

It’s also worth exploring the local eats, such as The Bitter Alibi and The Rosecomb. And be sure to enjoy some ice cream at Clumpies for dessert.

In my opinion, Chattanooga is perfect for a weekend getaway with a mix of both adventure and city!

11. Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

This North Dakota national park is a peaceful place to enjoy wildlife, hiking, camping and scenic drives. Theodore Roosevelt National Park covers over 70,000 acres and includes rolling hills full of mixed-grass prairies along with unique rock formations.

The park is divided between 3 units - the North Unit, South Unit and Elkhorn Ranch Unit. I think it’s worth visiting both the North and South units if you can. In the North Unit, don’t miss the Riverbend Overlook and Cannonball Concretions.

In the South Unit, don’t miss the Wind Canyon Trail, Boicourt Overlook Trail and the Buck Hill trail.

If you want to see the badlands light up in shades of pink, be sure to watch the sunset from the Painted Hills Overlook, which doubles as a rest stop on I-94.

For hikers and wildlife enthusiasts alike, this midwest national park is worth a visit.

Read my one day itinerary for Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

12. Southern Indiana

Southern Indiana is a region that may surprise you. There are several state parks, along with national forest land, that offer waterfalls, rock formations, forests and more.

My absolute favorite place to hike in Indiana is Turkey Run State Park. Some of the trails have really fun elements such as ladders, climbing up and down waterfalls, and more. Other great parks to explore in Southern Indiana include Brown County State Park, Clifty Falls State Park and Shades State Park.

There are also some really cute towns in this region. Check out French Lick, Indiana to check out the GIANT dome in the historic West Baden Springs Hotel, or spend time exploring the shops in Nashville, IN. There is a lot to see and do in Southern Indiana.

Read about the best hikes across Indiana.

13. The Black Hills, South Dakota

Millions of visitors flock to Mt Rushmore each year, but not everyone explores deeper to see all of the incredible nature nearby. This Black Hills region of South Dakota is home to jagged rock formations, intricate caves, lush waterfalls and a lot of wildlife.

Don’t miss Custer State Park, which in my opinion, is one of the best state parks in the US. A few things to do in Custer include driving the Wildlife Loop and the Needles Highway, hiking to the tallest peak in South Dakota (Black Elk Peak) or kayaking on Sylvan Lake.

It’s also worth a drive to Spearfish Canyon, where you can enjoy some stunning waterfalls. And if you have time, it’s worth booking a cave tour in Wind Cave National Park or Jewel Cave National Monument, or both.

You can also find some great restaurants in both the town of Custer and Spearfish. I love Leones' Creamery, Spearfish Brewing Company and the Purple Pie Place.

Make sure to spend at least a couple of days exploring the Black Hills region if you’re taking a South Dakota road trip.

Read my Black Hills and Badlands South Dakota itinerary.

14. Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania

The small town of Ohiopyle and Ohiopyle State Park is a beautiful area for hiking, biking, whitewater rafting and more.

If you’re up for an adventure, get your adrenaline pumping on a whitewater rafting trip. There are rafting trips of multiple levels offered on the Yough River.

You can also hike in Ohiopyle State Park. A few of the popular trails include the Ferncliff Trail, Cucumber Falls and the Meadow Run Trail. You can also slide down a Natural Water Slide right off the road!

If you’re interested in architecture, there are also some famous Frank Lloyd Wright sights in the area. You can visit the famous Fallingwater home and the lesser known Kentuck Knob.

Finally, if you love a unique stay, there is an epic treehouse and a Hobbit House located in town. This unique Pennsylvania getaway is the perfect mix of adventure and beauty!

Read my full guide on visiting Ohiopyle in the Laurel Highlands.

15. Medicine Bow, Wyoming

This incredible corner of Wyoming is beautiful for hiking, backpacking, off-roading and more. There are even hot springs nearby!

Be sure to take a scenic drive on the Snowy Range Scenic Byway, which offers incredible views without needing to hike. But if you’re up for hiking, the Medicine Bow Peak Trail or a hike to South Gap Lake are great choices.

Keep in mind that this area has a bit of a short hiking season (although you can ski in the winter months!) and the road closes. I recommend visiting between July - September for hiking and checking conditions ahead of time.

The area also has many miles of UTV trails, and there are places nearby to rent your own UTV.

Finally, you may want to enjoy soaking at the Saratoga Hot Springs after a day full of adventure.

16. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

Minnesota’s national park is located on the border of Canada and known for its peaceful waters. Some of the best things to do in Voyageurs include taking a boat tour or renting a houseboat to explore on your own.

You may also want to visit the Kettle Falls Hotel, which is only accessible by boat. You can stay overnight or visit on a day trip. In addition to an interesting dam, they have an iconic tilted bar known as the “Tiltin’ Hilton.”

If you want to hike in Voyageurs, be prepared with lots of insect repellent and bug nets during the summer. The mosquitoes here are no joke!

If you’re prepared for a winter visit, the park transforms in the colder months. Popular winter activities include snowmobiling, snowshoeing and cross country skiing.

The park is also full of wildlife, and a great place to spot bald eagles, otters and bears. Whether you’re relaxing on a houseboat in the summer or crossing the frozen lake in the winter, this national park is very underrated.

17. Cave Junction, Oregon

This area of Southern Oregon is perfect for hiking, discovering unique nature, whitewater rafting and more. Cave Junction is a small town very close to Oregon Caves National Monument and the area is surrounded by mountains. Many visitors might pass through on their way to the California Redwoods, but it’s worth spending a couple days.

If you enjoy a unique stay, a stay at Out'n'About Treehouse Treesort is a must. There are several treehouses here and some are only reached via swinging bridges. It’s a really neat experience to see all of the impressive treehouses.

When it comes to outdoor adventure, be sure to book a cave tour at Oregon Caves. You can also enjoy hiking at Illinois Forks State Park and visiting the Eight Dollar Mountain Botanical Area (which has some rare plants!).

And if you’re there at the right time, be sure to visit the Cave Junction Farmers Market, where you’ll find lots of local eats, jewelry and musical performances.

Grants Pass is a larger city nearby that also has some wonderful restaurants. This beautiful area is one of my favorite weekend getaways on the West Coast!

Read my full guide on visiting Cave Junction, Oregon.

18. Petit Jean State Park, Arkansas

There are two Arkansas destinations on this list, and that’s because I think it might be the most underrated state in the United States! My favorite place to hike in Arkansas is Petit Jean State Park. This was Arkansas’ first state park, and it offers a variety of hiking trails.

Don’t miss Cedar Falls, which you can admire from above or hike to the base of. Other great day hikes include the Seven Hollows Trail and Bear Cave.

In addition to hiking, you can camp here or stay at the lodge. They even offer YURTs to sleep in. There are also some beautiful scenic drives and overlooks, such as Red Bluffs Road.

Finally, don’t miss Petit Jean Coffeehouse nearby - it’s super cute!

Read my full guide for visiting Petit Jean State Park.

19. Buffalo, New York

Buffalo is best known for football and wings, and for the iconic Niagara Falls nearby. However, the city also has some beautiful architecture, interesting history and delicious food.

During the summer, you can kayak on the Erie Canal and see the giant Grain Elevators. A few more of the best things to do in Buffalo include visiting Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House, the Burchfield Penney Art Center and the Buffalo Botanical Gardens.

There are also some epic day trips from Buffalo. Make sure to check out the stunning Letchworth State Park, which has some tall waterfalls.

If you like history, take a trip to East Aurora, which was the birthplace of the Roycroft Arts and Crafts movement.

And of course, if you haven’t been to Niagara Falls, it’s worth a visit there too. I recommend hiking in Devil’s hole and Whirlpool State Park for a less crowded experience nearby.

Read my full guide to visiting Buffalo and Niagara Falls in the Winter.

20. The Michigan U.P.

The Michigan Upper Peninsula is another one of my favorite places to visit for outdoor recreation. The region sits between the rugged coastline of Lake Superior to the north and the brilliant blue Lake Michigan to the south. It’s a sparsely populated area with plenty of space for outdoor recreation.

A few of the best places to go in the Michigan UP include Pictured Rocks National Seashore (kayaking, boat tours and hiking are all popular activities), Porcupine Mountains State Park (the largest state park in Michigan) or the Quincy Mine (which you can tour).

The famous Mackinac Island is also technically part of the U.P., and that’s worth a trip on its own.

This epic region makes for an epic summer road trip!

Read my itinerary for visiting the Michigan U.P.

21. Delaware Water Gap

The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area extends across New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and is characterized with countless views of the Delaware River. The Delaware River is the longest free-flowing river east of the Mississippi!

On a visit to Delaware Water Gap, you can enjoy hiking, fishing, paddling, camping and more. One epic day hike to consider is the hike to Mount Tammany, which leads to an epic view of a curve in the river.

You may also rent to explore the water via kayak or canoe, and there are several outfitters that offer rentals.

Whether you’re taking a day trip for a hike or exploring this area deeper, this is an amazing area that isn’t far from New York City, Philadelphia and other major cities on the East Coast.

Final Thoughts

I hope this guide gives you some fresh ideas for unique vacations across the US. Whether you’re looking for new places to hike, or just wanting to escape the crowds, I think all of these places can make for an incredible weekend getaway.

Do you have a place that you think deserves a spot on the list, or a recommendation of where I should go next? Feel free to let me know via email or Instagram!

For more unique and outdoorsy travel ideas across the USA, check out these blogs:

• The Best Things To Do in New River Gorge National Park, WV
• A Guide to Buffalo, NY and Niagara Falls in the Winter
• The Best Hiking near Ithaca, NY
• The Best Outdoor Adventures in St. Cloud, MN
• An Epic Michigan UP Road Trip
• How to Spend a Weekend in Boise, Idaho

Thanks for Reading!