15 Underrated Places Across the U.S. Most Travelers Completely Miss

Naturally, every traveler wants to check off the most popular boxes. The Grand Canyon, the Smoky Mountains, Yellowstone, and Yosemite are all breathtakingly beautiful adventures worthy of your vacation days, but what about the lesser-known spots? These underrated places across the U.S. often get missed by travelers, and that's a shame! These destinations are equally impressive, and you get the added perk of fewer crowds, too! With a little luck, you might find these hidden gems across the U.S. all to yourself!

1. Kitch-Iti-Kipi 

Speaking of things that are hard to understate, the beauty of Kitch-Iti-Kipi is near the top of the list. It's the largest natural freshwater spring in Michigan, and it's utterly magnificent. At 200 feet wide and up to 40 feet deep, it might as well be a lake where the water is the cleanest and freshest you've ever experienced. There is no swimming allowed, so please respect the land. Take only photographs, and leave only footprints.

2. Kaʻena Point State Park

Ka’ena Point State Park in Oahu often doesn’t get the attention it deserves because it’s not very easy to reach. This breathtaking state park is located on the northwest corner of Oahu and can only be accessed on foot. The Ka’ena Point Trail is an old railroad and dirt road that runs 2.5 miles along the open coastline — it’s not the easiest journey. However, the final destination is well worth the effort as you’ll find sandy beaches, tide pools, incredible waves, and gorgeous views.

3. Meteor Crater Natural Landmark

How many states can boast that they have the world’s largest meteor crater? And you can actually get up close and personal to see it. More than 50,000 years ago, the Barringer Crater was formed when a meteor weighing hundreds of tons landed in the Arizona desert. This roadside attraction, located just off I-40 near Winslow, is so massive that it can fit about 20 football fields inside. Visiting this site has left locals and visitors alike in awe. Be sure to stop by the museum or take a guided tour to learn more about Arizona's incredible natural landmark. Of course, while you’re in the area, you’ll want to stop by the charming town of Winslow, too! 

4. Madeline Island

Madeline Island is an incredibly beautiful island with a flair for the dramatic. It's home to La Pointe, a small town in Wisconsin that offers both peace and quiet as well as adventure and excitement. Only accessible by boat, plane, or ice road (which is only open in the winter), this remote little place is a must-do for anyone living in or visiting Wisconsin. It's fun to visit year-round, and there's always something going on, from boating competitions to dog sledding and more. Be sure to check out Tom's Burned Down Cafe while you're there!

5. Poinsett Bridge

It's the oldest bridge in South Carolina and quite possibly the entire Southeast region of the U.S. The Poinsett Bridge was officially completed in 1820 and served as part of the original road that connected Greenville to Asheville. There's a well-marked walking path through the woods that will lead you to this architectural beauty, which was designed by Robert Mills, who designed the first Washington Monument building.

6. Hacklebarney State Park

Whether you feel like chasing waterfalls or casting a line for a quiet day of fishing, you’ll quickly discover why Hacklebarney State Park earns a nod as a gem that flies under the radar. Scenic trails wind through the 890-acre state park that passes the Black River, wetlands, and tiny waterfalls. Hiking and cross-country skiing are both popular when conditions allow. Biking is not permitted. Bring your binoculars to spot the wildlife – from deer and foxes to woodchucks and more than 100 bird species – that call the park home.

7. Shawnee State Park

We're fortunate to have 124 state parks in Pennsylvania, but we can easily overlook a few gems with so many. Sprawled across more than 3,980 acres in Bedford County, Shawnee State Park is one of those hidden treasures that promises something for everyone, whether you feel like exploring on an easy hike or getting your adrenaline pumping with a round or two of disc golf. Summer's all about lounging on the sand and turf beach, picnicking by or boating on Shawnee Lake, and falling asleep under the stars. (Camping is seasonal.) Add a winter visit to this year-round state park to your to-do list, too, to go sledding, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and ice skating.

8. Glacial Grooves - Kelleys Island

Tucked away on Kelleys Island, the Glacial Grooves are something you almost need to see to believe. Spanning 400 feet and dipping down 15 feet into the earth's surface at its deepest points, these fascinating striations are a remnant of the last ice age. They're a natural side effect of glacial movement: As the ice moved across the surface of the earth, debris caught in its path is dragged along with it. These leave scratches in the earth, and the example of this phenomenon here in Ohio is the largest example of glacial grooves anywhere in the world. Plan to stay for a while and observe them; this experience is a look back in time that's unrivaled.

9. Malheur National Wildlife Refuge

The Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, located in the high desert region of southeastern Oregon near Burns, may seem uninviting compared to the lush landscapes of the West, but with over 187,000 acres of crowdless beauty and diverse habitats, it's a spectacular place to explore on foot. Established all the way back in 1908, Malheur is an overlooked sanctuary that boasts some of the state’s highest concentrations of bird populations, along with landscapes that are equally overlooked. The refuge's ponds, marshes, and rocky crags create a literal mecca for wildlife, from raptors to pronghorns and everything in between, and an absolute goldmine for photographers.

10. Machicomoco State Park

Located along the lovely York River, Machicomoco State Park is one of the newest state parks in Virginia. This peaceful, scenic state park features an open-air interpretive pavilion that sheds light on the landscape and culture of the Virginia Indians who moved through and lived in this region. The park offers a walking path, paved trail, and pier for fishing and boating. Reviewers appreciate the quiet beauty of the park along with the top-notch campsites.

11. Dry Falls

This incredible natural feature in Washington was once a massive waterfall that was created during the Ice Age Floods more than 13,000 years ago. Today, it is an impressive 400-foot-tall, 3.5-mile-wide cliff with beautiful bodies of water along the base. Plan a visit to the Dry Falls Visitor Center to learn more about this incredible natural feature and its history. You won't regret it.

12. Sluice Boxes State Park

With multiple trails winding through Sluice Boxes Canyon, gorgeous Smith River views, wildflower-filled meadows, and remnants of Montana's mining history dotting the area, this overlooked state park has quite a bit to offer hardy explorers. Its proximity to Natural Bridge Falls in nearby Smith River State Park makes it even more appealing, and the two parks are the perfect duo for a family outing or weekend getaway.

13. Bell Mountain Wilderness

It's difficult to overstate the wonder that is the Bell Mountain Wilderness. At 9,143 acres, Bell Mountain Wilderness is vast, and it's as beautiful as it is huge. Journey through old-growth forests, marvel at crystal-clear, sky-blue water in every pond and lake, and take in the beauty of Missouri at its purest. This state is paradise, and the Bell Mountain Wilderness is proof of this. The 11.6-mile trail you'll find is an amazing way to get acquainted with the grounds - bring a camera for this one and unleash your inner landscape photographer.

14. Fern Canyon

Fern Canyon in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is absolutely breathtaking and a destination that will cause you to marvel. It is located in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park and is where you’ll find 50-foot walls covered in ferns and other vegetation. Between the canyon walls is Home Creek, a small stream that makes this area feel even more fairytalesque. You will need to put on your hiking shoes if you want to see Fern Canyon in person. There are several trail options, but we recommend hiking the Fern Canyon Loop Trail, which is short and sweet. Be aware that permits are required. Visit the National Park Service website for the most up-to-date information on this process.

15. Virgin Creek Falls

Located just a quick 40-minute drive from Anchorage, this spectacular trail is located in the northernmost rainforest in North America. But you won't find just trees here; all that rain contributes to some seriously fantastic-looking waterfalls as well, like Virgin Creek Falls. The hike is under a mile and offers something new in every season. While Virgin Creek only tumbles around 15 feet into the scenic pool at its base, it's a phenomenal day trip for all ages and abilities.

Did we miss any of your favorite underrated places across the U.S. that most travelers completely miss? Visit our nomination page and tell us about them! Share this article with your fellow travel buddy and start making plans for your next great adventure today. Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.