As the days grow longer and warmer, you’re likely itching for a road trip. And if you have the option to work remotely, why not hit the road and check out some underrated National Parks this summer?
And we don’t mean your standard (read: overcrowded) park visit. The best National Parks are the ones that few know about. That means more sweeping views to take in and open trails to blaze after you send your last email of the day.
From Crater Lake to Big Bend, here are our 6 favorite underrated National Parks to visit this year.
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Ready to be awed? Make this must-see National Park your first stop.
Nestled in the Cascade Mountain Range, you’ll find the deepest and bluest lake in the U.S. created from thousands of years of volcanic activity. Take a boat tour around Wizard Island, or enjoy a hike through towering conifers and pines on your way up to the crater.
As long as you avoid busy weekends in July and August, this is the best place to enjoy nature’s bounty while you work remotely (or take a day off).
Check out this unknown national park during the work week >
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado
You can’t go wrong with any Colorado National Park, but this one should be at the top of your list for a long weekend.
If you’re headed out west for a work trip, feel free to skip the bigger, more popular parks and opt for this hidden gem instead.
The smallest National Park in the U.S., you’ll be able to see the entire park in one go — from geological wonders to mysterious caves (which you can explore with a wilderness use permit).
Pro tip: the park itself has limited Wi-Fi access, so be prepared to make an Out of Office email for the day.
Get off the grid at this lesser-known National Park >
Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
Contrary to its name, this is the perfect spot for both water-lovers and National Park enthusiasts alike.
You can skip the tourist crowds on this remote island that’s full of water activities to sneak in on your lunch break. Go snorkeling with exotic sea life or reel in a fresh catch to grill up back at your campsite. Hop on the ferry after work, or take in the beautiful landscape from above on a seaplane charter.
And for the history buffs, you can tour the 19th century Fort Jefferson, one of the largest forts in the nation. It’s the perfect change of scenery you need to get through the work week!
Enjoy this National Park just 70 miles from Key West >
New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia
This underrated spot is one of the nation’s newest National Park and nature preserve.
With over 70,000 acres of stretching Appalachian canyons and cliffs, this is your new go-to after work spot to explore. Pencil in some rock climbing or try your hand at mountain biking through the vast trails.
Just an hour’s drive from Charleston, this is also a great place to unwind after a busy week of remote working. There are plenty of unique accommodations to explore, from cozy cabins to boat homes. We’d advise extending your weekend to settle into this beautiful spot!
Escape your inbox and unwind at this serene National Park >
Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
Just along the Canadian border of Minnesota, you’ll find this hidden gem of a National Park. As a certified International Dark Sky Park, this is the ultimate spot to stargaze after starring at your screen all day.
Take a weekend to camp along any of the park’s beautifully maintained campgrounds along the Sand Point Lakes. Or take a private boat around the waterways to watch the northern lights bounce off the water.
You’ll have a better chance of seeing the lights in the darker months of the winter, so check your work calendar against NASA’s sky calendar to brighten up your trip. Known for intergalactic views of the aurora borealis, you won’t want to forget your camera for this one!
Add this unexpected National Park to your work trip itinerary >
Big Bend National Park, Texas
This National Park may be harder to get to, but it’s well worth the effort. Like most National Parks, this one is open year-round for you to enjoy.
90 minutes from the small town of Marfa, this spot is the perfect place to unwind during a lunch break. The biodiversity alone will help you clear your mind: this park is home to over 450 species of birds, mammals, and lizards you won’t see anywhere else in the world!
And after a long remote work day, you can look forward to unwinding in the natural hot springs.
Make a stop at this National Park before you head back into the office >
Make the Most of Your Work Travel
We know you’re always on the go — for both work and for fun. Whether you’re taking a long weekend to a new National Park or taking your work with you on the road, you need a men’s travel bag that can do it all.
Get a travel bag that holds all your essentials — plus extra room to store whatever you need for those summer road trips.
Don’t head out without the perfect men’s travel bag for remote work >
