10 Hidden Gems of America's National Parks (PHOTOS)

There is also no better time than now to visit America’s parks. The National Park Service is celebrating its 100th birthday August 25, 2016 and is waiving admission fees for all national parks August 25-28.  

But with free admission and record-crowds expected, travelers looking to escape the crowds might want to avoid some of the most popular spots and instead, check out these 10 hidden gems:

(MORE: America’s 59 Amazing National Parks)

1. Elves Chasm, Grand Canyon National Park

Elves Chasm is a beautiful little canyon, home to a stunning waterfall that tumbles down over moss-covered red rocks into a blue-green pool. Off the beaten path, this chasm accessible by a nearly hidden spur trail that detours off from the Royal Arch Loop, a five-day hike considered one of the most challenging backpacking routes in the Grand Canyon.  Those wanting to avoid that strenuous hike can also access the chasm by taking a side excursion while rafting Colorado River.

2. Schoodic Point, Acadia National Park

Schoodic Point, located at the very tip of a peninsula, is one of the most secluded areas of the park – despite being one of the only mainland portions of Acadia National Park. It offers stunning views of the ocean and Mount Desert Island. In addition, at high tide, crashing waves collide with the peninsula’s steep granite walls, sending a spray of water high into the air. Visitors to Schoodic Point should be careful, though, as the shoreline is slippery and tourists have been carried out to see by pounding waves.

3. Spruce Falls, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

One of the best secret gems of Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the trail to Spruce Flats Falls. The trail to the falls is not even shown on most park maps, according to the Huffington Post, and it leads down to a stunning, multi-tiered waterfall. The main section of the waterfall is almost 30-feet high, and from there, the water cascades over a smaller rocky drop before landing in a stunning plunge pool. 

4. Chesler Park Loop, Canyonlands National Park

The needles district of Canyonlands National Park is a wild landscape full of strange, spire-like rock formations and one of the best ways to explore the area is via the strenuous Chesler Park Loop.  The trail starts at Soda Spring and winds through high desert grasses and colorful sandstone spires. There are also a number of campsites along the trail.  

5. Moro Rock, Sequoia National Park

6. Petroglyph Canyon, Zion National Park

Petroglyph Canyon is one of the most secret parts of Zion National Park. Even rangers try to keep it hush-hush, reports The Huffington Post, in an attempt to help protect the petroglyphs from damage. But the canyon is a stunning cultural hidden gem, home to an archeological site featuring more than 150 petroglyphs and a pictograph (painted image). 

7. Specimen Ridge, Yellowstone National Park

Located on the southern side of the Lamar Valley, Specimen Ridge is a remote part of Yellowstone National Park. Once a more tropical climate home to redwood, breadfruit and mangrove trees, the landscape was dramatically altered after volcanic eruptions in the area. Today, it is home to an abundance of amethysts, opals, and petrified wood.  Accessible via an unnamed trailhead, hikers can even see petrified upright tree trunks along the ridge. 

8. Apikuni Falls, Glacier National Park

Located near Many Glacier, Apikuni Falls is an under-the-radar, 150-foot-tall waterfall in Glacier National Park that is definitely worth a visit. With only room for about 10 cars to park, there are rarely any crowds. The waterfall is accessible via a one-mile trail from the parking lot. 

9. Colter Bay, Grand Teton National Park

Located off the northeast side of Grand Teton National Park, Colter Bay is a breathtaking, isolated place to take in the mountain views. The lake is a great place to go fishing, kayaking or canoeing, and there is also a marina for visitors looking to rent a motorboat. There are also a number of beautiful campsites in the Colter Bay Village Campground nearby. 

10. Artist Point, Yosemite National Park

As one of the most visited National Parks in America, it can be hard to find a scenic view without hordes of tourists, but Artist Point is one such place. The trailhead to Artist Point starts on the uphill side of the road at Tunnel View, and the journey is only a mile long before you get to take in the scenic views. 

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