I've been to 20 national parks and forests around the US. The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is the most underrated.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

• The Grand Canyon's North Rim offers a peaceful alternative to the crowded South Rim.
• The South Rim has around 4 million visitors annually while the North Rim sees less than 1 million.
• I visited the North Rim and felt like I'd discovered a hidden gem in the national park.

I never feel smaller than when I'm sitting on the edge of the Grand Canyon, a natural world wonder visible from outer space.