The 63 Congress-designated national parks have been touted as "America's best idea" — and with their mile-deep canyons, 3,000-year-old trees, and stunning mountain ranges, it's easy to see why.

However, with great beauty often comes great crowds. Many top-rated national parks routinely make headlines for their confusing timed-entry reservation systems, long lines of cars, and overrun trails.

This year, I suggest you skip the more famous national parks in favor of these six underrated gems.