Six underrated national parks worth visiting
. To subscribe,
.
TODAY'S STARTING POINT
With Independence Day this week kicking off the summer vacation season, travelers and the travel industry are asking,
The US set a record last year, with 332 million visits to
the 433 national parks, monuments, historic sites, memorials, seashores, and more that
'Our nation's national parks are barreling towards a crisis,' an advocacy nonprofit,
Advertisement
(
A side note:
The administration posted signs at the parks asking visitors to report any information they saw that was 'negative about any past or living American,' part of Trump's order that federal institutions be scrubbed of references to historic racism and sexism.
The Interior Department says the parks will be ready, although the Coalition warns that visitors may see more trash, fewer educational programs, less access to park features, and potentially fewer rangers to help keep them safe.
Advertisement
Long lines, traffic, and packed parking lots are already so common that some of the most popular parks, such as Yosemite in California (4.1 million visits in 2024) and Zion in Utah (4.9 million) are
However, there is an alternative to elbowing through crowds at the most popular parks: Visit the obscure ones.
Some parks may lack the obvious comeliness and marketing firepower of the Grand Canyon (4.9 million visits) or Yellowstone (4.7 million), but they are still among America's greatest places.
My wife and I have visited 45 of the 63 national parks, the crown jewels of the Park Service's holdings. That experience allows me to recommend some off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Here is my entirely subjective list of the four most underrated national parks with annual visits of fewer than 1 million, plus two nearby lesser-known parks:
Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
(358,000 visits in 2024)
The park's namesake, Lassen Peak, is a 10,457-foot volcano that erupted in 1915. Lassen NP has some Yellowstone-style geothermal features, while receiving fewer than 10 percent of the more famous park's annual visits. A trip to Lassen pairs nicely with a side excursion to California wine country.
A wild horse near Peaceful Valley Ranch in Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota.
Jack Dura/Associated Press
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
(733,000 visits)
North Dakota,
Advertisement
Channel Islands National Park, California
(263,000 visits)
This park consists of a handful of islands off the coast of Ventura, a ferry ride from the mainland. We ferried to Santa Cruz Island and backpacked across it over two mellow days. Along the way we saw dozens of island fox, an adorable, kitten-sized species that seems too tiny to be real. Views from the island are unspoiled and dramatic, the way the whole coast might have looked before the invention of the condo.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
(460,000 visits)
Maybe my favorite underrated park in the system — so far. It's scraggly on the surface, but 750 feet or so underground, the park's cave system is otherworldly. Electric lights delicately illuminate natural features of the caves, while maintaining a dark environment with just enough brightness to walk through without mangling yourself. People speak in reverent whispers down there, like they are visiting a great cathedral during services. A little advance planning is necessary; the park uses a timed-entry reservation system, though when I checked recently, no days within the next month were entirely sold out.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
(226,000 visits)
It's easy to combine Carlsbad Caverns on a trip with two other lesser-known national parks in the neighborhood. One is Guadalupe Mountains, a hiker's park with almost no roads and home to Texas' highest mountain — 8,751-foot Guadalupe Peak.
Advertisement
A photographer at White Sands National Park in New Mexico.
David Zalubowski/Associated Press
White Sands National Park, New Mexico
(702,000 visits)
The other is a former national monument that leveled up to national park in 2019. White Sands is a massive set of rolling gypsum dunes, startlingly white and bright and weird.
If you do this epic Southwest road trip,
might as well stop in the
Am I missing an underrated national park?
.
🧩
4 Across:
88°
POINTS OF INTEREST
By Ian Prasad Philbrick
'A heavy burden on taxpayers':
Springfield, Massachusetts's third largest city, has paid more than $11 million
State budget:
Massachusetts lawmakers sent their spending plan for the next fiscal year to Governor Maura Healey's desk — the first time in nearly a decade
Market Basket:
Two executives loyal to the grocery company's ousted CEO visited two stores to thank retiring employees.
Advertisement
Police sergeant:
A Boston Police Department sergeant
LA lawsuit:
The Trump administration sued Los Angeles, alleging that its 'sanctuary' policies violate the Constitution by thwarting immigration enforcement. (
Kilmar Abrego Garcia:
The Salvadoran immigrant who was mistakenly deported and then returned to the US will remain in federal custody until at least mid-July, a judge ruled. Abrego Garcia's lawyers asked to delay his release to avoid giving the Trump administration a chance to deport him. (
Sanctions relief:
Trump lifted US sanctions on Syria to help its new government, which overthrew Bashar al-Assad's dictatorship last year. (
Idaho shooting:
The authorities named a 20-year-old male suspect in the fatal shooting of two firefighters near Coeur d'Alene, saying he set a fire to lure first responders before killing himself. (
Diddy trial:
Jury deliberations appear to be off to a rocky start. In a note, jurors told the judge that one juror 'does not follow' the judge's instructions. Deliberations are set to continue today. (
Campaign finance:
The Supreme Court agreed to hear a Republican challenge to restrictions on how much political parties can spend in coordination with federal candidates. (
BESIDE THE POINT
💍
The Big Day:
His medical residency left little time for dating. So
📷
As he sees it:
On Broadway in Chelsea,
Advertisement
✍️
;(
The semicolon has long had its detractors. Now the punctuation mark seems to be going extinct. (
📺
Speaking of overlooked:
There are a kajillion TV shows to choose from. Here are 15 good ones that
🔭
Out there:
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope appears to have discovered a new exoplanet, dubbed TWA 7 b, which orbits a star outside our solar system. (
😎
Fun in the sun:
The Globe asked readers to name their favorite family-friendly beaches.
😋
🤢
Mixed reviews:
The durian, a Southeast Asian fruit, is alternately prized ('it elevates your spirit') and reviled (like 'a dead body out in the sun') for its smell and taste. One writer visited the world's mecca for the controversial fruit. (
Thanks for reading Starting Point.
This newsletter was edited by
❓ Have a question for the team? Email us at
✍🏼 If someone sent you this newsletter, you can
📬 Delivered Monday through Friday.
Mark Arsenault can be reached at
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Miami Herald
an hour ago
- Miami Herald
Popular convenience store chain fixes a fast-food problem
Fast-food begins with the word "fast" for a reason, so when an order takes longer than 30 minutes to place and receive, it can be incredibly frustrating when in a rush. Travelers understand this frustration more than anyone, and if you grew up with a big family that did yearly long-distance road trips as a kid, pit stops were a must. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter However, when a long road trip becomes even longer, one or more sibling fights will undoubtedly be in the books. Love's is an iconic travel center with convenience and gas stations, and for many American families, it's the go-to travel stop. Related: Nostalgic arcade restaurant chain unveils new spinoff concept Love's and Arby's joined forces in 1999 to provide more dining options for travelers who stop at its convenience stores while on the road. As of this year, Arby's restaurants are available inside 112 Love's stores, making it its third-largest food chain partnership. Image Source: Shutterstock Love's has partnered with Bite, bringing self-ordering kiosks to all its Arby's locations to enhance efficiency and the overall dining experience. This addition is part of a $1 billion investment the company launched in 2023 to remodel and update 200 stores by 2028. The new kiosks aim to improve order accuracy by eliminating human error and reducing operational costs, since workers aren't needed to take orders. This addition is geared toward travelers who don't have time to spare and are just looking for a quick meal to get back on the road as soon as possible. The kiosks will also reduce language barriers, as orders can be taken in English and Spanish, and menu items will be displayed with images, making them more accessible to a broader audience. Related: McDonald's brings back experimental menu item 13 years later Introducing self-ordering kiosks is a win for both brands. It makes ordering at Arby's easier and encourages customers to shop around Love's while their order is made, instead of waiting in line to place it. "This technology doesn't just improve the guest experience – it transforms our operations. By streamlining the ordering process, our team members can dedicate more time to food preparation, optimizing the customer experience and driving loyalty," said Love's VP of Food Service Joe Cotton in the press release. "It's another way Love's helps customers get back on the road quickly." Although this innovative addition sounds like a savvy investment, some disagree, as its implementation has been controversial in other companies. McDonald's (MCD) launched cashless self-ordering kiosks nationwide in 2015, aiming to improve operational speed and boost sales. However, some consumers were dissatisfied, as the kiosks only accept card payments, lack human interaction, have technical issues, and are confusing, especially for older users. More Retail News: Iconic fast-food burger chain announces late-night hours expansionStarbucks' huge new rival opens first US storesMcDonald's social media hints at return of infamous menu item Even employees disliked the kiosks, fearing their job security might be threatened, although the fast-food giant claimed no layoffs would result from their implementation. Last year, McDonald's launched cash kiosks at its company-owned locations to make them more inclusive. However, the company's systemwide sales, which include those made through the McDonald's app, delivery services, and kiosks, still declined by 1% during the first quarter of 2025. Nonetheless, Love's plans to continue implementing self-ordering kiosks into more in-shop restaurants this year, but it hasn't named any specific brands. Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Why are Dutch kids the world's happiest? A teenager weighs in
EDITOR'S NOTE: Mary Frances Ruskell graduated from high school last month in Columbia, South Carolina. She will be attending Dartmouth College in the fall. The summer before sixth grade, my friend Lou and I discovered an empty lot with an abandoned dock on the lake in her neighborhood in Columbia, South Carolina. It was always magical there. We only went in the late afternoon to avoid the heat, when the light was sliding into evening and the cicadas and frogs were sit on the dock eating candy and drinking slushees for hours. Those are some of my favorite summer memories from elementary and middle school. My parents gave me a long leash as a kid, provided I was home before the streetlamps turned on. I walked long distances, especially in the summer when I had more time. I'd wander down to the neighborhood drugstore for gummy candies, or all the way to a main shopping street to try on clothes I couldn't afford. I'd walk to restaurants, coffee shops and far-flung friends' houses. It was fun, and it taught me how to be on my own in the world, in its own small way. But I was a rare free-range child among my peers. Dozens of kids my age lived in the neighborhood, but only three were allowed to walk to my house to ask if I wanted to play when we were in elementary school. The other parents didn't let their kids go off in the neighborhood on their own. Instead, they called my mom to set up playdates in what felt like the far-off future. I appreciate how much effort and organization that took, but when you're a little kid, the desire to play was immediate. It was frustrating. When I visited friends in the Netherlands in March, the Dutch kids I encountered reminded me of my own childhood roaming my neighborhood. I was staying in Haarlem, a small storybook city outside of Amsterdam, with Tracy, a family friend and American expat now living in the Netherlands. Her three kids were born there and are being raised Dutch. They were always in and out of the apartment, headed to school, restaurants and friends' houses. These kinds of comings and goings aren't unique to their family. Many Dutch children enjoy a freedom of movement that most American kids don't, which might be the key to why Dutch kids are the happiest kids in the world, according to a 2025 UNICEF report. The agency measured childhood well-being in 43 countries that are members of the European Union and/or the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The US was not fully ranked in mental health because researchers were missing relevant data. Even without a definitive mental health ranking for American children, I still think Dutch kids are far happier than American kids like me. Articles discussing the report offer lots of different answers as to why this happiness gap exists: better health care, high-trust culture, less pressure to excel academically. But when I asked parents and children in the Netherlands why they thought their children were so happy, they all had one answer: Dutch parents value giving their children independence, possibly above all else. American parents say they value independence, too. Nearly three-quarters of American parents with children ages 5 to 8 say 'they make it a point to have their child do things themselves, when possible,' according to the 2023 C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health. The poll also found that among parents of children ages 9 to 11, '84% agree that children benefit from having free time without adult supervision.' So, if both American and Dutch parents value independence, why do Dutch kids seem so much happier? I wonder if the key difference lies in how both sets of parents understand what freedom for kids looks like. 'Dutch parenting is all about raising self-sufficient kids,' Tracy told me. 'My older two (ages 12 and 14) bike more than 10 kilometers (6 miles) daily to school since there are no school buses. 'If a teacher cancels a class, students just have free time instead of a substitute. My 14-year-old had two canceled classes this morning and simply stayed home until noon. This would be a logistical nightmare for schools and parents if we didn't just expect our kids to sort it out.' Dutch parenting, according to the close to a dozen parents in the Netherlands I spoke with, emphasizes allowing children a freedom of movement that many American kids don't have. When I was in Haarlem and Amsterdam, bikes and little kids on bikes were everywhere. Dutch kids get bicycles at an early age, Tracy told me, and that gives them the ability to move around their towns and cities by themselves. I also saw plenty of kids walking with their friends to stores and restaurants. Generally speaking, Dutch children and teens are allowed to move freely through the world. Most American kids don't have anything close to this degree of freedom. Only 33% of American children between the ages of 9 and 11 are allowed to bike or walk to a friend's house alone, according to the Mott survey. One-half are allowed to find an item at a store while a parent is in another aisle, and 15% may trick-or-treat with friends on their own. They cannot move through the world without their parents there. There may be many reasons why American parents are limiting their kids' physical independence, but the main reason seems to be concern for children's safety. American parents are afraid for their children's well-being, and that makes them anxious. In fact, 40% of parents report being extremely worried about their children struggling with depression or anxiety, and 36% report being 'somewhat' concerned, according to a 2023 Pew Research Center survey of American parenting. More than 4 in 10 parents describe themselves as overprotective, the survey noted. That may be why they limit their child's freedom of movement. That lack of freedom of movement might be undermining what parents say they actually want for their children: well-being. After all, don't parents protect their kids so they'll be happy and healthy? A team of researchers concluded in a 2023 study that 'a primary cause of the rise in mental disorders is a decline over decades in opportunities for children and teens to play, roam, and engage in other activities independent of direct oversight and control by adults.' The study's researchers argue that independent activity in adolescents leads to the well-being that parents want. Independent activities require young people to make their own decisions and find their own solutions, leading to the development of a strong 'internal locus of control,' the researchers noted. That locus refers to a person's tendency to believe they have control over their life and can solve problems as they arise. A weak internal locus of control, stemming from less independence in adolescence, often leads to anxiety or depression. My high school classmate Cal commented on this anxiety once when we were talking about how Gen Z apparently parties less. 'People are too scared for their kids to go and do stuff, and I think, as a result (we) as a generation are too scared to do stuff now.' I'm not a parent, and I'm not trying to tell anyone how to raise their children. But I did just graduate from high school, so I know what modern childhood is like. I remember how wonderful and rare it was being able to wander in elementary and middle school, so I hope my perspective might be helpful to some anxious parents. This summer, consider letting your kids walk to the neighborhood park without you. Or give them money to buy an ice cream cone without your supervision. Encourage them to invite a friend. Let them have some physical freedom, and the memories that come with it. Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple. Sign up for CNN's Life, But Better newsletter for information and tools designed to improve your well-being.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Best, worst times to be on the road in Florida during Fourth of July week. Here's the timing
Getting ready to pack up the car to head out for the Fourth of July weekend? Be aware that there will be a record-breaking number of drivers out there with you, and Wednesday is expected to be one of the busiest days on the road for Florida and the rest of the United States. A record 72.2 million Americans are expected to travel domestically during the July 4 week, according to AAA. That's 1.7 million more travelers (2.4%) than last year and 7 million more than 2019 pre-pandemic levels. Nearly 4.6 million of those hardy travelers will be Floridians, up 146,000 (3%) from 2024, the auto club said. And about 4 million of them will be behind the wheel. That's likely due to July 4 coming at the start of a three-day weekend, the first long July 4 weekend in nearly a decade. AAA travel forecasts are for the week from Saturday, June 28 to Sunday, July 6. "Independence Day is one of the most popular times for travel, with Americans eager to take advantage of summer vacation opportunities," said Debbie Haas, vice president of AAA Travel in a release. "This year, we're seeing strong demand for road trips, flights, and cruises, especially with the holiday falling on a Friday. This is allowing travelers to extend their getaways and make lasting memories with loved ones." Here's what to know, and the best time to hit the road. By vehicle: 4 million, compared to 3.9 million in 2024 By air: 329,762, compared to 325,471 million in 2024 By other (bus, train, cruise, etc): 203,629, compared to 188,809 million in 2024 See SSSS on your boarding pass? What that means for you at the airport Gas prices have been bouncing around lately, but they're on course to remain more than 31 cents lower than they were during last year's holiday. As of July 2, Florida drivers are currently paying $3.15 per gallon, AAA said. That's five cents lower than the national average of $3.17. GasBuddy lists the state average as $3.11. Load up the car early, according to traffic analyst INRIX, to avoid the worst traffic. The best travel times are: Wednesday, July 2: Before noon Thursday, July 3: Before noon Friday, July 4: Before noon Saturday, July 5: Before 11 a.m. Sunday, July 6: Before 11 a.m. The worst times to travel will be afternoon to early evening, AAA said, and the busiest days on the road will be Wednesday, July 2, as people head to their destinations, and Sunday, July 6, when they head home, according to INRIX. Wednesday, July 2: noon-9 p.m. Thursday, July 3: 2 p.m.-6 p.m. Friday, July 4: noon-7 p.m. Saturday, July 5: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, July 6: noon-6 p.m. AAA, which responded to nearly 700,000 customers stuck on the side of the road during the holiday period last year, urges everyone to get your car in shape before you drive. Check your tires: Make sure your tires are inflated to the proper pressure and check your tread depth to see if you need to replace any. Don't forget the spare! Inspect your brakes: Have any grinding noises or vibrations checked out before they become a dangerous problem. Test your battery: If your engine starts slowly or the lights are dim, it may be time for a replacement. Replace wiper blades: It can seem a minor thing, but wipers that streak or don't clear the windshield thoroughly can lead to hazardous conditions, especially in a state where it rains every summer afternoon. Top off fluids: Check your oil, coolant, and brake, transmission, and power steering fluids. Use products recommended in your owner's manual. Replenish your emergency kit: Make sure you have essentials like a flashlight, batteries, first-aid supplies, water, non-perishable snacks, jumper cables, emergency flares, and a basic tool kit. Peak congestion times in major U.S. cities: Departing: Wednesday, July 2, from Tampa to Orlando on I-4 E at 2:30 p.m. Returning: Friday, July 4, from Orlando to Tampa on I-4 W at 3:45 p.m. Departing: Sunday, June 29, from Atlanta to Birmingham on I-20 W at 12:15 p.m. Returning: Sunday, July 6, from Savannah to Atlanta on I-16 W at 2:30 p.m. Departing: Saturday, June 28, from Boston to Hyannis on Route 3 S at 10:45 a.m. Returning: Saturday, July 5, from Hyannis to Boston on Route 3 N at 11:45 a.m. Departing: Wednesday, July 2, from Chicago to Indianapolis on I-65 S at 6 p.m. Returning: Sunday, July 6, from Milwaukee to Chicago on I-94 E at 2:30 p.m. Departing: Thursday, July 3, from Detroit to Toronto on I-94 E at 3 p.m. Returning: Saturday, July 5, from Grand Rapids to Detroit on I-96 E at 1:30 p.m. Departing: Saturday, June 28, from Houston to Galveston on I-45 S at 11:15 a.m. Returning: Sunday, July 6, from Galveston to Houston on I-45 N at 11:45 a.m. Departing: Sunday, June 29, from Minneapolis to Eau Claire on I-94 E at 2 p.m. Returning: Sunday, July 6, from Eau Claire to Minneapolis on I-94 W at 3:45 p.m. Departing: Tuesday, July 1, from New York to Jersey Shore on Garden State Pkwy S at 4:30 p.m. Returning: Sunday, July 6, from Albany to New York on I-87 S at 4:15 p.m. Departing: Saturday, June 28, from Philadelphia to Rehoboth Beach on I-95 & Route 13 at 10:45 a.m. Returning: Sunday, July 6, from Poconos to Philadelphia on I-76/I-476 Pennsylvania Turnpike at 1:15 p.m. Departing: Saturday, June 28, from Washington, D.C. to Annapolis on US-50 E at 1:45 p.m. Returning: Friday, July 4, from Annapolis to Washington, D.C. on US-50 W at 11:30 a.m. This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Fourth of July traffic predicts Wednesday as worst day to drive
