From the Grand Canyon to the Statue of Liberty, the US has no shortage of popular destinations that bring crowds flocking in droves just to catch a glimpse. But what about the not-so-popular places that get overlooked by the average traveler? What about the hidden gems? In the modern age of smartphones and online travel blogs, it can feel like every good spot in the US has already been discovered. But there are still some gems that remain largely untouched by the masses, either because more popular places exist right next door or because they’re so remote, they’ve managed to fly under the radar. We’ve gathered a few of both to deliver some truly underrated and overlooked treasures. So if you’re ready to venture off the beaten path, here are 13 hidden gems in the US you have to visit.
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Table of Contents
- Letchworth State Park, New York
- North Shore, Minnesota
- Willamette National Forest, Oregon
- Devils Tower, Wyoming
- Texas Hill Country, Texas
- Stanley, Idaho
- Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
- Channel Islands National Park, California
- Matanuska Valley, Alaska
- Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah
- Quinault Rain Forest, Washington
- Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks, New Mexico
- Bok Tower Gardens, Florida
Letchworth State Park, New York
The Grand Canyon of the East, Letchworth State Park may see far fewer visitors than its western counterpart, but make no mistake; this is one showstopper of a park. Spanning 17 miles along the roaring Genesee River, the park is a sprawling 15,000-acre natural paradise complete with lush forests, cascading waterfalls, sweeping vistas, and the dramatic cliffs that form the Letchworth Canyon.
The most popular part of the park centers around the three major waterfalls in the southern half, but the entire area offers up a wealth of scenic views. Those alone are reason enough to visit, but for travelers who need a bit more incentive, Letchworth delivers. Think white water rafting in the summer, cross-country skiing in the winter, and early morning hot air balloon rides over the gorge. Every season promises something new and exciting to explore, from summer’s lush greenery to fall’s enchanting spectacle of color. Hike the trails, visit the dam, and even take a dip in the G.W. Harvey Pool. Whether you’re exploring popular falls or hunting for hidden gems, this is one US treasure you can’t miss.
North Shore, Minnesota
When most travelers hear the words ‘north shore’, they likely think of the beautiful stretch of surf along the coast of Oahu or perhaps the rocky shoreline of Massachusetts. Not too many souls outside of Minnesota have likely heard of the North Shore stretching along Lake Superior. But Minnesotans know this area boasts some of the most breathtakingly gorgeous scenery to be found in the Midwest, or anywhere for that matter.
Starting in Duluth, the North Shore stretches all the way to Grand Portage. This seemingly endless 154-mile stretch encompasses small towns and charming lighthouses, state parks and scenic trails, plunging cliffs and dramatic waterfalls, and, of course, stunning lake views. Stroll the picturesque Lakewalk in Duluth, snap photos of the Split Rock Lighthouse in Two Harbors, go hiking in Split Rock State Park, and hunt down the biggest waterfall in Minnesota in Grand Portage State Park. No matter where you stop along the road, the North Shore delivers small-town charm with big-time adventure and unspoiled nature by the mile.
Willamette National Forest, Oregon
Oregon has its share of beauties, both well-known treasures and hidden gems; the Willamette National Forest is a bit of both. At 1.6 million acres, it’s one of the largest national forests in the country and is no stranger to big crowds. But with so much ground to cover, it should come as no surprise that the Willamette National Forest has its share of hidden gems, too.
While tourists crowd the familiar paths, look for routes less traveled, like the Fall Creek Falls Trail, with its plunging waterfall and fern-covered slopes, or the Proxy Falls Loop, an immersive hike that ends at the base of the 225-foot-tall Proxy Falls. Nestled in the dense forest, the clear blue waters of Waldo Lake are a true hidden gem—one that comes with its own secret island in the middle. With near-endless hiking trails, refreshing swimming holes, and so many waterfalls hidden within douglas firs and ferns, the Willamette National Forest promises something new and unique upon every visit to keep you coming back for more.
Devils Tower, Wyoming
For a hidden gem hiding in plain sight in the US, it doesn’t get more obvious than the Devils Tower in Wyoming. And while some might question what the big deal is, given that it’s just a giant rock, the Devils Tower was actually the very first national monument in the US. Designated back in 1906 by Theodore Roosevelt, the Devils Tower definitely has its stories to tell. However, this place isn’t just an integral part of US history; it’s also a sacred site in Indigenous culture, with different stories associated with various Indigenous tribes.
Nature abounds here, too, with the area surrounding the Devils Tower a haven for unique flora and fauna. Hike the Joyner Ridge Trail for different perspectives of the Devils Tower, visit the Prairie Dog Town in the fields surrounding the monument, and stick around after sunset for some astounding nighttime stargazing. Standing 867 feet above the rolling plains, the Devils Tower is a first among US national monuments and a cool hidden gem in the unspoiled landscape of Wyoming.
Texas Hill Country, Texas
As the saying goes, “Everything is bigger in Texas.” But not everything about Texas is larger-than-life and in your face, and the Texas Hill Country is a perfect example. This region is, in a word, picturesque. The small towns, rolling hills, and vibrant wildflowers speak to a quiet beauty that’s as enchanting as it is unassuming. But that’s not to say this region isn’t without its adventures; in fact, it’s bursting with them. From natural pools to state parks and scenic drives to home-grown wines, this region doesn’t disappoint.
Tube down the shallow blue-green waters of the magical Medina River. Explore the many waterfalls of Pedernales State Park. Visit the natural springs of Krause Springs, one of the best hidden gems you’ll find in Hill Country. Drive along scenic roads like Ranch Road 965 and Ranch Road 337 in the spring for vivid displays of wildflower blooms. And all along the way, pop into the small towns dotting Hill Country for everything from wine and food to funky souvenirs and personalities that definitely lend some credence to Texas’ big personality.
Stanley, Idaho
If you’re looking for quiet getaways and unspoiled nature, then Stanley, Idaho, is a must-visit among hidden gems in the US. Frankly, there’s very little that’s not to love about this idyllic mountain town, from the rustic buildings full of charm to the jaw-dropping mountain vistas that surround them. Add in pine tree forests, winding rivers, glacial lakes, and the largest federally managed wilderness area in the contiguous US, and you have yourself a recipe for a natural paradise unlike any other.
With so much natural beauty, it’s no surprise that the number one activity in Stanley is hiking. Stanley’s otherworldly trails promise unparalleled views of pine tree forests, wildflowers, and, of course, the dramatic Sawtooth Mountains. But there’s plenty more to do, from relaxing in hot springs to kayaking in Stanley’s over 300 lakes and brewery hopping in town. Stanley is a place that reminds you to slow down, breathe deep, and venture onward; the best is always yet to be discovered.
Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
It doesn’t get more underrated than the second-smallest national park in the US. At just 5,500 acres, you might think there’s not much to see in this park. But that’s where you’d be wrong. Referred to as “The American Spa,” the park is home to over 47 naturally heated hot springs. Taking a soak is one of the main reasons to visit this hidden gem, but it’s by far not the only one.
The park extends down into the city, where you’ll find traditional bathhouses along Bathhouse Row. Visitors can hike the Grand Promenade, which runs above and offers lovely views of the bathhouses, or embark on the roughly 26 miles of hiking trails that wind around the park. Between soaking in the springs and soaking up the views, Hot Springs National Park is an unforgettable experience that’ll leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. And unlike other places, where you can only take what you bring with you, you can actually take water from Hot Springs, Arkansas! Fill up a bottle of natural spring water from one of the city’s designated fountains for a refreshing taste of the park that you can take with you when you leave.
Channel Islands National Park, California
Want to see nature, culture, and history collide? One hundred miles from Los Angeles, off the coast of California, sits a national park made up entirely of islands. The Channel Islands National Park encompasses five islands in the Pacific Ocean: Anacapa, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, San Miguel, and Santa Rosa. Formed by tectonic plates and utterly separate from the mainland, these islands promise a wealth of plant and animal life, including 145 species you won’t find anywhere else on Earth.
The nature on display here is nothing short of breathtaking, and if that doesn’t do it, then the beauty of this place will. Kelp forests hide under the water’s surface, hiking trails boast spectacular views, and sea caves dot the coastline. Visit the colony of nesting seabirds on Anacapa, snorkel the clear waters of Scorpion Cove, and hike the canyons of Santa Rosa. If the Channel Islands were a bit easier to get to, undoubtedly, they wouldn’t be one of the best hidden gems in the US. But if you’re willing to extend the effort, then it’s worth the planning and extra steps to get a glimpse of California in all its untrod and untouched glory. You won’t be the first to discover the Channel Islands’ wonders, but you’ll certainly feel like it.
Matanuska Valley, Alaska
As one of the least populated states in the US, most of Alaska could be considered a hidden gem. Within “The Last Frontier,” you’ll find no shortage of overlooked and underrated treasures just by simply noting where the crowds are going and heading in the opposite direction. Case in point, Matanuska Valley, or just Mat-Su Valley, is a hidden gem lying just north of Anchorage that doesn’t get the scores of crowds seen at spots like Denali or Seward. But it’s certainly not for lack of beautiful places to explore or fun adventures to be had.
Spanning over 23,000 miles, Matanuska Valley is dotted with mountain trails, alpine lakes and rivers, and the kind of open wilderness that will delight any true nature lover. Take a scenic drive to Hatcher’s Pass for amazing views of Alaska’s backcountry. Choose your picture-perfect hike, from easy climbs with spectacular vistas to challenging treks with rewarding panoramas. Explore Matanuska Glacier, open year-round, for hiking and ice climbing. Summer offers nearly endless sun for recreational activities, and winter delights with its own brand of snowy escapades and glimpses of the Northern Lights. In every season, the Matanuska Valley is an outdoor playground that combines surreal beauty with constant recreation at every turn and never a dull moment.
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah
Living history is often used to refer to museums and reenactments that bring the past to life for modern audiences. But the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is more than just a reenactment; it’s the embodiment of a living history that’s still, in fact, living. Depending on where you step, you’ll find yourself walking across weathered earth that’s anywhere between 50 million and 275 million years old. Funnily enough, this old soul is relatively young as a landmark. Designated as a national monument in 1996, it was the last place in the lower 48 to be mapped. But while it’s been officially mapped, it’s far from well-trod, which means, for those in search of a hidden gem, this is paradise.
This monument brims with colorful cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and an infinite expanse of slickrock, but the pièce de résistance is the Grand Staircase, a fascinating collection of layered rock formations. Hike the cliffs, snap pics of cool rock formations, delve into history at one of the four visitor centers around the monument, and stay after dark to stargaze. This is one giant empty playground that you can delight in having nearly all to yourself.
Quinault Rain Forest, Washington
When thinking of Olympic National Park and its beauty, most people have heard of the Hoh Rainforest, with its tree-laden trails and moody moss. But the Hoh Rainforest isn’t the only rainforest in Olympic National Park, or even the most impressive. Enter Quinault Rain Forest. Boasting a similar lush beauty to the Hoh Rainforest, the Quinault Rain Forest actually possesses more diversity, from a verdant rainforest to majestic waterfalls and even lake views. It’s even called the “Valley of the Giants” because of the number of record-sized trees growing here. Walking among those giants is chief among the top experiences at the Quinault Rain Forest. But there are plenty of unique adventures waiting.
Try wildlife spotting among the lush vegetation. Go for a drive along the 31-mile Quinault Rain Forest Loop Drive. And strap on your hiking boots to hunt for waterfalls hiding in the dense foliage. In the summer, Lake Quinault is open to the public, and its still waters are a peaceful place to find yourself kayaking in the morning or on a scenic cruise at sunset. If you’re looking for a lush, moody escape in Washington, Quinault Rain Forest is a hidden gem lying in plain sight in the US.
Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks, New Mexico
While the crowds flock to White Sands National Park down the road, take the path less traveled and let it lead you straight to Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks. This area bursts with history, adventure, and jaw-dropping views from every vantage point in the park. The monument includes four distinct regions—the Organ Mountains, Desert Peaks, Potrillo Mountains, and Doña Ana Mountains—encompassing narrow canyons, open woodlands, desert mountains, volcanic landscapes, and more. The varied terrain makes this an exciting stop for any outdoor enthusiast, but there’s something for everyone to enjoy here.
Delve into thousands of years of history with petroglyphs and archeological sites. Hike amazing trails like Dripping Springs and Pine Tree Loop to get a good look at both sides of the mountain, go horseback riding along scenic routes like Soledad Canyon Loop and Baylor Canyon Pass Trail, and photograph stunning spots like Aguirre Springs and La Cueva Rock Formation. The Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks is one area you’ll be astonished you knew nothing about but so glad you finally discovered this hidden gem.
Bok Tower Gardens, Florida
Lots of the best hidden gems in the US are natural creations and rightfully so, as it can be hard to compete with nature at its finest. But one creation that does a pretty good job is the Bok Tower Gardens. Nestled atop the Iron Mountains north of Lake Wales, Florida, this garden and bird sanctuary was created by author Edward Bok and architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. Built as a serene escape meant to inspire its visitors, the 250-acre property plays host to sprawling gardens, a 25-acre bird sanctuary, a 20-room Mediterranean-style mansion called El Retiro, and more.
But no surprise, the main feature is the iconic 205-foot-tall Singing Tower. Designed in a Gothic revival style, the 60-bell carillon plays 30-minute concerts every day. Between exploring the gardens, grabbing a bite at the Blue Palmetto Café, and kicking back to listen to an enchanting bell concert, the Bok Tower Gardens are a magical retreat and a reminder that man-made gems are hidden all over the US.
