Hidden Gems: Underrated National Parks to Explore
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska:
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, located in the heart of Alaska, is a vast and untamed wilderness that beckons adventurers and nature enthusiasts. Spanning over 53.000 square km, it is not only the largest national park in the United States but also a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park's name itself reflects its grandeur, with the Wrangell and St. Elias mountain ranges dominating the landscape. Towering peaks, sprawling glaciers, and pristine rivers define this remote and rugged paradise.
The park is a haven for wildlife, with grizzly bears, moose, Dall sheep, and countless bird species calling it home. The Copper River, famous for its salmon runs, winds its way through the park, providing a lifeline for both wildlife and the native communities that have thrived here for centuries. Wrangell-St. Elias is a place where the wilderness reigns supreme, where visitors can embark on epic backcountry adventures, witness the dramatic effects of glacial forces, and savor the solitude of one of the least-visited national parks in the United States.
Whether you're exploring the historic Kennecott Mines, marveling at the immense Malaspina Glacier, or simply immersing yourself in the raw beauty of the Alaskan wilderness, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the unspoiled wilderness of the Last Frontier, where nature's power and beauty are on full display.
Peneda-Gerês National Park, Portugal:
Peneda-Gerês National Park, nestled in the northern reaches of Portugal, is a natural wonderland that seamlessly marries rugged landscapes with rich biodiversity. Encompassing over 70,000 hectares, it stands as the country's only national park, inviting visitors to explore its captivating beauty. The park's terrain is a diverse tapestry of craggy mountains, cascading waterfalls, pristine lakes, and dense forests, making it a paradise for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and adventure seekers.
One of the park's highlights is its impressive mountain range, the Serra do Gerês, which reaches elevations of over 1,500 meters and provides breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscapes. The park is also renowned for its meandering rivers and crystal-clear lakes, such as the Caniçada Reservoir, which offers opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and other water-based activities. Peneda-Gerês is home to a variety of wildlife, including the elusive Iberian wolf, and provides a sanctuary for native flora and fauna.
Visitors can explore charming villages that dot the park, immersing themselves in the local culture and savoring traditional Portuguese cuisine. Peneda-Gerês National Park serves as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of nature and human heritage, offering an escape into the wild beauty of northern Portugal, where adventure and tranquility coexist in perfect harmony.
Hossa National Park, Finland:
Hossa National Park, located in northeastern Finland, is a captivating natural sanctuary spanning over 11,000 hectares. The park is a hidden gem that immerses visitors in the heart of the boreal wilderness, offering a pristine and serene escape. Its landscape is characterized by crystal-clear lakes, dense pine forests, and an intricate network of hiking trails and waterways.
One of the distinctive features of Hossa is its rugged, glacier-carved terrain, resulting in numerous kettle hole ponds and picturesque ridges that reveal the park's glacial history. Hossa is known for its vibrant biodiversity, housing a variety of wildlife species, including brown bears, reindeer, and numerous bird species. The park's tranquil waters are perfect for canoeing and fishing, and its well-marked hiking trails invite exploration, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
Hossa National Park allows visitors to experience the essence of Finland's wild north, where nature's grandeur and the peacefulness of the boreal forest create a perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures, wildlife encounters, and a deep connection with the natural world.
Khao Sok National Park, Thailand:
Nestled in the heart of southern Thailand, Khao Sok National Park is a natural wonder, spanning over 739 square kilometers. Its lush, ancient rainforests are believed to be among the oldest in the world, creating a verdant haven for wildlife and nature enthusiasts. The park's centerpiece is the stunning Cheow Lan Lake, surrounded by towering limestone karsts that give it an otherworldly beauty.
Khao Sok's dense rainforests harbor an incredible diversity of flora and fauna, including unique plant species and elusive animals like tigers, elephants, and clouded leopards. Visitors can explore the park through a network of well-maintained trails, offering opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife encounters. The serene Cheow Lan Lake beckons with opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and even spending the night in floating bungalows, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in this pristine natural environment. Khao Sok National Park is a testament to the beauty of Southeast Asia's wilderness, where ancient rainforests and spectacular landscapes create a truly unforgettable experience.
Serra dos Órgãos National Park, Brazil:
Nestled in the Serra dos Órgãos mountain range of Brazil, the Órgãos National Park covers an area of approximately 110 square kilometers, making it a compact yet striking natural treasure. The park's name, which means "Organ Pipes" in Portuguese, derives from the towering rock formations that resemble the pipes of a grand organ. These rugged formations, sculpted by millions of years of natural processes, create a dramatic and awe-inspiring landscape that attracts hikers and nature enthusiasts from around the world.
Órgãos National Park is a haven for biodiversity, with lush Atlantic rainforests, pristine rivers, and an array of wildlife. Visitors can explore a network of well-marked trails, providing access to breathtaking viewpoints, waterfalls, and diverse flora and fauna. One of the park's most famous attractions is the Pedra do Sino, a mountain peak that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the city of Rio de Janeiro in the distance. For adventure seekers, rock climbing and abseiling opportunities abound, making this park a perfect destination for those who appreciate the wonders of the natural world and the thrill of outdoor activities.
The park's unique blend of geological marvels, dense forests, and outdoor recreational opportunities offers an unforgettable experience for visitors. From its striking rock formations to its pristine wilderness, Órgãos National Park is a testament to the natural beauty and diversity of Brazil's landscapes, and it stands as a reminder of the importance of preserving such pristine environments for generations to come.
These underrated national parks invite you to step off the beaten path and immerse yourself in their unique wonders. Whether it's the untouched wilderness of Alaska, the tranquil beauty of Portugal, the serene landscapes of Finland, the exotic rainforests of Thailand, or the majestic mountains of Brazil, each park promises unforgettable adventures and a chance to connect with nature in its purest form. Explore these hidden gems and create memories that will last a lifetime.
