5 awesome alternatives to popular national parks

You want to sneak in that epic National Park experience this year, but you're short on time to plan, or you want to break away from the crowd. That's cool -- we have a few National Park alternatives that have all the history, landscape, and adventure you're looking for.

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Alternative to Great Smoky Mountain National Park

What you'll find in Shenandoah National Park:

• Just an hour and a half drive from Washington D.C.
• Lush waterfalls and canopy-covered hikes
• Rolling hills boasting bright foliage in Fall months
  
  

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado

Alternative to Grand Canyon National Park

What you'll find in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park:

• Hikes along the rim with incredible canyon views
• Heart-pumping kayaking and rock climbing
• Trout fishing with an unbeatable backdrop
  

Kings Canyon National Park, California

Alternative to Yosemite National Park

What you'll find in Kings Canyon National Park:

• Awesome scenery from the road (check out the Generals Highway Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park)
• Ancient Sequoia trees
• High Sierra meadows and pristine lakes
  
  

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah

Alternative to Zion National Park

What you'll find at Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument:

• Iconic Utah landscapes of sandstone cliffs, rock arches, and slot canyons
• Hiking (navigating through tight spaces) along slot canyons
• Photo opportunities galore
  

Wind River Range, Wyoming

Alternative to Grand Teton National Park

What you'll find in the Wind River Range:

• Incredible peaks throughout the mountain range
• Sought-after climbing and winter skiing experiences
• Big wildlife, like pronghorn deer and grizzly bears

Cover Photo: Carissa Trapp