If you’re heading for Canada’s great outdoors, you really should include a visit to Banff National Park. Nestled in the Canadian Rockies, some say it’s one of the world’s most naturally beautiful places. Hiking here is arguably the best way to experience this park’s wildlife and scenery.  

There are hundreds of different hiking trails to choose from too. There are hiking trails frequented mainly by wildflowers and wildlife, and more popular hiking trails that lead you along the shores of one of the loveliest lakes on the continent. For those readers who are overwhelmed by the possibilities, here is a list of the 15 incredible hikes in Banff National Park.

15 Incredible Hikes In Banff National Park

1. The Moraine Lake Shoreline Trail 

The Moraine Lake Shoreline Trail is an easy hike. The distance of this hike is 5.14 kilometers out and back. The elevation is 275 meters.

Veteran visitors say it is one of the park’s prettiest hikes and is not boring. Oddly, while Moraine Lake is very popular, the majority of tourists pay little attention to this trail. They actually stop and take pictures and then move on to their next travel destination.  

They have no clue that this trail is highlighted by some epic views. You can even turn this trek into a full-fledged day trip. There’s a cafe here that’s open seasonally and canoes for rent too.

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The Parker Ridge To Saskatchewan Glacier Hike

This hike covers a distance of 5.4 kilometers out and back and has an elevation of 250 meters. Some sources report this hike to be moderately difficult. Others report it to be one of the park’s “least challenging.” What they do agree on is that it is one of the best hikes here.  

The trailhead is on the Icefields Parkway’s west side a few kilometers from the official Banff-Jasper border. The path to the striking glacier is generally wide-open and offers surprisingly expansive views on most of the hike. Enjoy the views of Mount Andromeda, Mount Athabasca, and Cirrus Mountain. If you love colorful wildflowers, take the trek in the summer when it is famously blanketed with them.

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The Bow Glacier Falls Hike 

This is also a moderately difficult hike. At an elevation of 298 meters, you will hike a total of 8.9 kilometers, out and back. Those who have been, claim that if time is a factor, the Bow Glacier Falls hike certainly doesn’t disappoint.

This scenic hiking trail runs along ice-blue Bow Lake’s shores. It’s one of the park’s most picturesque places. The attractions here will make the hike seem shorter than it actually is.  

After you enjoy the lake, there is an old, wooden staircase to climb, and a small, relatively unchallenging rock scramble near the end. If you own an athletic dog, it is also important to note this is one of the few trails where leashed dogs are allowed.

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The Johnston Canyon To Upper Falls Hike

This out-and-back hike will have you hiking a total of 5.1 kilometers at an elevation of 262 meters. It’s rated moderately difficult. What makes this hike special is that it can be completed at any time.

The area is beautiful both in the summer and the winter. The waterfall is breathtaking when frozen, and incredible while in the summer. You even have your choice of how to complete the trip. Take the short way to the lovely lower falls, turn back, or you can check out the lower falls and then continue to the upper falls. Additionally, the trail runs along Johnston Creek and takes you across an unusual metal walkway built right into the walls of the canyon. 

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The Lake Agnes Tea House Trail

The out-and-back distance of the Lake Agnes Tea House Trail is 7.4 kilometers. It is reported to be a moderately difficult hike at an elevation of 435 meters. It is a favorite of several travel bloggers as well.

The trailhead is at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and runs upwards through the verdant forest there. Highlights of this hike include magnificent Mirror Lake and a lovely little waterfall located at Lake Agnes. The main attraction, the historic Lake Agnes Tea House, was erected in 1901. Take the hike between June and November and you can enjoy a snack there too!

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The Plain Of Six Glaciers Hike

The Plain Of Six Glaciers Hike is, out-and-back, 14.6 kilometers at an elevation of 464 meters. It is a moderately difficult hike that leads to shining Lake Agnes and is reputedly one of the park’s most scenic treks. Mind you, if you turn around at Lake Agnes, your distance will be different.

Of course, whether you go your own way or complete this specific hike, you will be able to take in some spectacular views. Highlights here include Lake Louise and Victoria Glacier. If you’re lucky, you might even spot such wildlife as bighorn sheep or caribou. Once you hike past the lake, the trail gets more difficult. The Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House is open in the summer too. 

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Lake Annette Via Paradise Valley Trail Hike

This is yet another moderately difficult out-and-back trail. It covers 11.4 kilometers at an elevation of 392 meters. A number of travel experts agree that this is one of the park’s “most underrated hikes.”

As you make your way to Lake Annette you will see hanging glaciers, massive mountain ranges, and Paradise Creek. Indeed, you actually cross this creek more than once and will welcome the shady, densely forested areas while hiking in the hot summer heat. Rest a bit at Lake Annette, then if you’re feeling energetic, continue on to pretty Paradise Valley. Mind you, that makes your total trek almost 21 kilometers.

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The Helen Lake Hike

The Helen Lake hike is a moderately difficult, 11.6-kilometer, out-and-back hike at an elevation of 540 meters. This is another often ignored hiking trail. Those in the know say that despite the official difficulty rating, it is comparatively one of the park’s easier treks.

Here you’ll witness a variety of terrains including sparkling lakes, dense, lush forests, and meadows full of glacier lilies, before reaching your glittering goal: scenic Helen Lake. Remember, you will also encounter some creeks so keep in mind that recent rains may have made the water deeper than you expect.  

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The Sentinel Pass Via The Larch Valley Trail

This is a challenging out-and-back hike with a distance of over 11 kilometers and an elevation of 799 meters. This hike features fantastic fall foliage if you take it in autumn. The larch trees turn a beautiful shade of gold.

At first, the hike is relatively easy as you trek ‘cross the flat ground. However, the switchbacks come quite quickly as the elevation increases. Ah, but remember, you’ll soon see some surprising views of Moraine Lake.

Stop at the summit of striking Sentinel Pass. There, above the trees, you can see every one of the park’s 10 peaks. Keep in mind that the busy Moraine Lake parking lot fills up quite quickly and the park officials close the road, which forces visitors to take the shuttle. Reservations are recommended.

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The Cascade Amphitheatre Hike

This challenging, dramatic out-and-back trek will take you a distance of nearly 14 kilometers in total. At an elevation of 924 meters, it is one of the best hikes here in Banff. The trailhead is located right behind Mount Norquay’s Mystic Chairlift.

The first mile is easy as the trail eventually leads you through a largely forested area ‘til you come to the popular natural amphitheater. Once you reach the amphitheater, you may wish to summit Cascade Mountain. Mind you, it is no easy task to do so. Indeed, unless you have previous climbing experience you should probably not attempt the feat.

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 The Cory And Edith Pass Loop

This challenging loop trail has a total distance of 12.7 kilometers and an elevation of 1,135 meters. It is the significant elevation gain and an area that requires you to scramble over rocks that makes this little Banff outdoor adventure a challenge. On the other hand, it certainly is a heck of a way to avoid crowds of tourists!

So, get in shape and then head up the Cory Pass side and head down the Edith Pass. This way you will be able to get some incredible views of magnificent Mount Cory. Doing it this way also means the toughest part of your trek comes first so you don’t need to stress over having enough energy to complete the hike. The unique views and overall sense of accomplishment will make all that scrambling over big boulders worth it!

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The Bourgeau Lake Trail

This is also a challenging hike. The out-and-back distance here is 13.8 kilometers with an elevation of 960 meters. This is one of the trails the locals enjoy hiking. Additionally, it is tourist-free too.

The trail is highlighted by what makes the Canadian Rockies special: alpine lakes, stunning views, thundering waterfalls, and wildlife. What makes this trail challenging is mainly the section past Bourgeau Lake as you’re heading to Harvey Pass. If you keep hiking beyond the lake it tacks on another 2.4+ kilometers. Additionally, no matter when you go, the pass is reportedly covered in ice and snow.  

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The Fairview Mountain Hike

This hike is, out-and-back, almost 10 kilometers. It is another challenging hike and has an elevation of 1,012 meters. The journey here begins at lovely Lake Louise.

Many visitors choose a less difficult trail and thus you will encounter fewer travelers along your trip. Some consider this a hard hike because of the steep ascent. Prepare for at least one hour of climbing and know you’ll be crossing a few false summits as well. Once you truly reach the top though, you’ll enjoy incredible 360-degree views. 

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The Sulphur Mountain Trail

The Sulphur Mountain Trail is a 10.9-kilometer, out-and-back hike. This is yet another challenging, less-trafficked trail perfect for athletic adventurers looking to avoid tourist crowds. This hike starts at the top of the Banff Gondola parking lot. 

What makes the hike hard is its elevation: 756 meters. Plus, you will find yourself scrambling and climbing steep, scree-coated slopes. The views across the entire park and the nearby Sundance Mountain Range once you reach the summit make the effort well worthwhile.

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The Healy Pass Hike

Last but certainly not least, is this challenging, 18.3-kilometer, out-and-back adventure. The elevation here is 890 meters. The difficulty level here is mainly due to the elevation gain and the length of the trail.  

If you are a regular hiker you should have the endurance to handle the hike. Much of it leads through a lush, canopied forest, opening up as you get close to Healy Pass. Enjoy the sweeping lake and mountain views.

While this Banff trail includes picturesque scenery in the summer, the fall foliage is particularly colorful. If you hike it in the summer, you will discover a valley full of colorful wildflowers. Hike it in the fall and you will see the golden, fiery larch trees.

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How To Prepare And Pack For Hiking In Banff National Park

It is important to note that Banff National Park has a lot of snow in both the winter and the spring. That means that the major roads in this area close seasonally. Therefore, the very best time to visit is usually between the middle of June and early October. You will be able to safely and easily access the park at that time.

Here are some things you should have with you on every hike regardless of difficulty level:

• Backpack
• Comfortable, layered clothing 
• Bug repellant
• Hiking boots and socks
• Hiking staff/trekking pole
• Map 
• Sun/UV protection: hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses
• Trail mix/energy food
• Water bottle or hydration pack and/or water bottles
• Smartphone in waterproof bag/container (You can download Google Maps offline if you lose service)

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If you’re looking for a cool place to chill in the unspoiled wilderness, you might want to consider the 49th state in the US. Alaska can be both beautiful and inspiring. Here to help you with your Alaskan itinerary, we now present 19 awesome things to do in Alaska.

19 Awesome Things To Do In Alaska

Get On A Great Glacier

More than five percent of the 49th state is covered by big glaciers. At last count, there were more than 100,000 in Alaska. Perhaps the most challenging to reach is Ruth Glacier.  

Its upper reaches are roughly three miles from Denali’s summit. Still, there are several more easily accessible glaciers such as Byron Glacier, Exit Glacier, Matanuska Glacier, and Portage Glacier. Hire a professional guide to help you explore the various ice caves and frozen crevices.

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SeeThe Arctic Circle

If you go to the Arctic Circle, you earn the right to brag. (Seriously, if you’re part of a tour group, they give you a certificate!) Tour companies offer travelers both one-day and multiple-day trips throughout the year. Your tour begins with a flight to the Coldfoot camp nestled in the Brooks Mountain Range, and a drive to Fairbanks. It includes stops at the Trans Alaska Pipeline, remote villages, the mighty Yukon River, and the Arctic Circle sign. 

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Hit The Local Brewing Scene

You’ve climbed every glacier and now it’s Miller time! Here in Alaska, there are more than 40 breweries. Many of them are in Anchorage. There’s the Anchorage Brewing Company, the Midnight Sun Brewing Co., Onsite Brewing Company, and Cynosure Brewing, to name a few. Beyond Anchorage, there’re more. There’s Denali Brewing Company in Talkeetna, Grace Ridge Brewing in Homer, Kodiak Island Brewing Co. in Kodiak, and the 49th State Brewing Company in Healy, among others.

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Try Kayaking In Kenai Fjords National Park

Navigating a tandem kayak ‘round bobbing bits and pieces of glistening glacial ice can be an incredible experience. Visit in the summer and sign on with a Seward-Alaska-based guided two-part, three-hour expedition not far from an infrequently visited, calving glacier. The first part of this tour consists of a private charter tour of Resurrection Bay where you might spot bald eagles, humpback whales, orca, otters, and sea lions too.

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Learn About Alaska’s History At The Alaska Native Heritage Center

The Alaska Native Heritage Center is situated in Anchorage. Here you can learn about both the contemporary and traditional ways of the 213 tribes indigenous to the state. Learn of more than 10,000 years of culture and history including art, dance, and Native games. See full-scale traditional dwellings too.

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Ride The Alaska Railroad Through The Wilderness

Climb aboard the Alaska Railroad, relax, and enjoy the scenery. Travel from Seward to Fairbanks. Enjoy stops at places like Talkeetna, Anchorage, and, of course, Denali National Park.  

You’ll get some great pictures of the distinct coastline from the popular second-level outdoor viewing platform. Take in the view of the icy, snow-capped mountains, deep gorgeous gorges, and wildlife. Trained tour guides will even be narrating the entire trip.

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Explore Anchorage

Too many travelers simply fly in and fly out of Anchorage. They get a rental and drive south to the striking Kenai Peninsula or head north to Denali. Veteran visitors, however, can confirm that there’s a good reason why half of Alaska’s residents live in Anchorage. Here you can explore the Anchorage Museum, hike in nearby Chugach State Park, go bicycling on the town trails, dine at exceptional eateries, and go fishing for king salmon in the urban fishery Ship Creek.

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Look For The Northern Lights In Fairbanks

As previously reported, The well-known Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, is an amazing natural light show close to the Arctic Circle. If you are visiting Alaska from August into May, the lights are the most visible. They become even more intense between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. While experts note that they are unpredictable, Fairbanks witnesses approximately 200 light shows annually. Book a tour with a professional northern lights hunting group.  

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Go Whale-Watching 

If you visit in the summer, you have a chance to see a number of different whale species migrating to Alaska’s coastal waters to feed. More specifically, the gray whales return in the middle of April, the orcas come back in May, followed by humpback whales in June. From April to September, you can sign on for a whale watching tour in Juneau and Seward. They all reportedly include professional narration and several of the longer excursions also include meals and even drinks.  

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Delve Into Denali National Park and Preserve

This 6.1 million-acre park is both one of the USA’s most unspoiled places and top 25 tourist attractions. In English “Denali” means “the high one.” Here you’ll find Mount McKinley, the continent’s highest mountain.  

Not up for mountain climbing? Do some hiking. The park has trails of various degrees of difficulty. Other possible activities include ATV rides and Jeep excursions. Keep your eyes open for such protected wildlife as caribou, grizzly bears, moose, and wolves.

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Be One With The Wilderness In McCarthy

Located in the heart of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, McCarthy is possibly one of America’s most unique towns. It is a remote, former mountain boomtown with a total population of fewer than 24 people. It’s a great base from which you can explore the near virgin wilderness around it. Hike through the alpine mountain ranges, explore the long-abandoned Kennecott Mines, visit Root Glacier, or go white water rafting!

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Go Island Hopping Through Southeast Alaska

Despite the recent pandemic, you can still explore the state’s Southeast region. You can still board smaller tour vessels. You can even plan your own trip.

Prefer a bird’s eye view? Alaska Airlines has flights out of Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka. The views of the massive mountains, feeding whales, and vast wilderness are stunning.

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Land A Trophy Fish

“Fish on!” You’ll have lots of opportunities to land a trophy fish whether it’s a “barn door”-sized halibut or a 40-pound king salmon. In the summer the river beds can be busy, so if you prefer more intimacy, sign on for a fishing charter. Indeed, if you’re inexperienced, it’s incredibly helpful to have a guide who will take you to places where practically guaranteed bites. They even filet your catch at the end of the outing. 

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See Brown Bears In Their Natural Habitat

You will find the world’s highest concentration of brown bears in Katmai National Park and Preserve. Visit during the summer and you can spot them in the rushing river, using their claws to scoop the upstream-swimming salmon, or even catching them in mid-air with their sharp teeth as the salmon attempt to jump over a little yet turbulent waterfall. This park is only accessible via floatplane, but it’s nigh-pristine and worth the extra expense.

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Watch The Sunset After Midnight

During the Gold Rush, the poet Robert Service wrote: “There are strange things done under the Midnight Sun.” Visit in the summer and you’ll discover that the season’s so short that residents try to make the most of every day. Here the sun doesn’t set until sometime after midnight. The farther north you travel, the longer the days are. In fact, Utqiagvik is the USA’s northernmost settlement. There they have more than 80 days in a row without one sunset.  

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Learn About Alaska’s Historic Gold Rush Past

Alaska would look a lot different today if gold had never been discovered in the then US territory in 1897. As the 20th began, thousands of people traveled there in search of their fortune. Visit Fairbanks and Skagway where there is still reportedly gold to find, and you can actually take part in an actual gold panning tour and learn all about the historical impact gold had on the state.

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Have A Steamy Soak In Chena Hot Springs

The well-known Chena Hot Springs was first intended to serve as a place where the many miners could relax and recharge. Today one can still relax and recharge there, but now the springs are but a single part of the entire contemporary Chena Hot Springs Resort complex. Visit at the right time and you might even be able to glimpse the legendary Northern Lights through all the steam. Other activities offered by the resort include snowmobile and ATV tours, dogsledding demonstrations, and the chance to enjoy a cocktail at the popular Aurora Ice Museum bar.

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Cruise The Seward Highway

Alaska has 31,000 miles of road, but arguably the best and most stunning stretch of blacktop in the state is the Seward Highway between Girdwood and Anchorage. To one side, is a rugged, sheer rock wall, favored by both adventurous climbers and gravity-defying, surefooted Dall sheep. On the other side is a waterway named the Turnagain Arm. Here you might spot both beluga whales and surfers trying to catch the massive wave known as the bore tide. There are convenient pull-outs every few miles to take pictures too.

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See The State Of Alaska By Air

There is so much to see in the state of Alaska. There’s North America’s tallest peak, the most rugged coastline, the largest mammals, and more.  

Some say the best way to truly appreciate just how vast this place is is by taking a flightseeing tour. Hop on a bush plane, a seaplane, or even a helicopter and take a tour that will not only allow you to see for miles and miles but will be able to access places you would not otherwise be able to reach. 

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The USA has some beautiful, unspoiled places whether it is a huge national park, a remote little, uninhabited island, or some far-flung nook or remote cranny. Some of these places may be a bit less accessible at present, yet they are all worthy of attention. Thus, without further ado, here are America’s most unspoiled places.

America’s Most Unspoiled Places

1.  Cumberland Island, Georgia

Cumberland Island can be found just off the southeast coast of Georgia. Here you will discover almost 10,000 acres of vast unspoiled wilderness including marshes, salt-sprayed forests, and wetlands. It is a barrier island where loggerhead turtles nest and wild horses gracefully graze on the dune grass that sprouts from the pale sand here.

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Molokai, Hawaii

Hawaii is no stranger to tourism. Still, some places are comparatively less-visited than others. You can find teal water and palm-fringed beaches on all these islands. Molokai, a.k.a. “The Friendly Isle”, is significantly more rural. This little isle is only 10 miles wide and 38 miles long but it is highlighted by the world’s highest sea cliffs and the world’s officially longest continuous fringing reef too.

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Big Bend National Park, Texas

Prior to the pandemic, the only time this park was ever closed was in the summer due to high temperatures. Thus, the best time to visit is during cooler months. This vast park includes part of the Chisos Mountains, the Chihuahuan Desert, and the Rio Grande. Veteran visitors suggest hiking the Lost Mine Trail. See the sunset here too!

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Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah

The bleak Bonneville Salt Flats actually resemble Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni. This stark white cracked, and curled, lunar-like landscape spans 30,000+ acres. Once ancient Lake Bonneville dried up, these salt pans were pretty much all that remained. Perhaps unsurprisingly, you will find absolutely nothing growing here.

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Supai, Arizona

At the bottom of the famous Grand Canyon is the remote little village of Supai. It was founded by people who chose to avoid the hustle and bustle of urban areas and live a much more isolated life. Members of the Havasupai Tribe have lived in this place since 1300. Mail is delivered here via pack mule. Highlights here include the Navajo Falls, Beaver Falls, Fifty Foot Falls, Havasu Falls, and Mooney Falls. 

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Painted Hills, Oregon

The pretty Painted Hills’ peach, gold, and apricot stripes are both natural and memorable. These colorfully highlighted hills are the result of volcanic activity and reveal the changes in geology and local climate. They are quite reminiscent of the Rainbow Mountains in China. You will find them in the well-known John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.   

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Alvord Desert, Oregon

This unspoiled mountain-fringed landscape was once a lovely lake. Over a period of time, it evaporated leaving nothing but a number of pale alkali beds. It is reminiscent of Chile’s Atacama Desert. It features multiple natural hot springs. Alvord Hot Springs is popular for its mountainous backdrop. Mickey Hot Springs comes complete with mud pots that hiss and turquoise pools that bubble.     

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The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, Kansas

While huge sections of the USA were once carpeted with prairie land, one of the few places this specific ecosystem still remains is here on this unspoiled preserve in Kansas’ Flint Hills. Here you can hike the winding trails through the flowing fields of copper-tinted grass, past fields often grazed on by white-tail deer and bison. 

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Caddo Lake, Texas and Louisiana

Caddo Lake is situated on the border between the states of Louisiana and Texas. It spans an area of 25,400 acres and is not just a simple lake. It is an ethereal, almost eerie network of mysterious marshes, ponds, bayous, and Spanish moss-covered cypress trees whose knotted, broad trunks are underwater. Even Bigfoot was once supposedly sighted here! 

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Monhegan Island, Maine

You will find this inspiring isle off the coast of Maine. Monhegan Island includes some lovely, lush landscape. There are under 80 people living here on this impressive mountainous enclave, and most of them are actually artists. It has a vibe all its own and features craggy outcroppings, wild woodlands, ocean bluffs, and refreshing, salty sea air.

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White Sands National Monument, New Mexico

This strange 275-square-mile distinctive desert is nestled in Tularosa Basin between the Sacramento and San Andres Mountain ranges. These shortbread-tinted dunes are actually composed of rare gypsum sand. They curve, dip, rise, and fall, and seem to go on forever. While gypsum easily dissolves in water, the state’s dry climate allows this special sand to thrive here. Take a ranger-led tour and learn more!

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Apostle Islands, Wisconsin

While Lake Superior is pretty popular with Northerners, few put this awesome archipelago on their bucket list. This group of often underrated isles offers visitors numerous natural wonders to witness. Visit during the winter months, and you can see the ice caves that form here. As previously reported, the untouched coastline is said to be gorgeous.

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Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

This vast national park is highlighted by crystalline lakes, snow-capped mountains, and wild woodland. Here you can discover Jackson Hole, and the park’s popular namesake, the 13,775-foot Grand Teton Mountain. This is a great place to visit in the winter. Indeed, every year, more than 3 million people visit to hike to the great glaciers. 

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Finger Lakes, New York

The famous Finger Lakes region is famous for its wineries and vineyards. It also includes 11 different long lakes. Here you will also see gorgeous gorges, dense woods, rolling hills, and waterfalls. Indeed, you can hike to 19 different waterfalls in Watkins Glen State Park. Looking for more to do? Do some fishing at sparkling Skaneateles Lake.  

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Carova Beach, North Carolina

This is a little place in the northern Outer Banks. Here herds of wild horses run free across the rolling dunes and pale beaches. These stunning steeds are believed to be the descendants of Spanish mustangs that were shipwrecked here back in the 15th century. This unspoiled area has made it easy for these graceful animals to live here wild and free for centuries.

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Black Hills, South Dakota, and Wyoming

The Black Hills are well-known for their beauty and all the outdoor adventures available there. The area encompasses 5.4 million acres of canyons, cascading waterfalls and lovely lakes, majestic mountains, open grasslands, and pine forests in the state’s southwestern region. This noteworthy natural belt is impossible to entirely cover on just one trip. See Mount Rushmore too!

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Whidbey Island, Washington

Whidbey Island is one of a pair of islands just off the mainland of Washington State in the Pacific Northwest north of Seattle. Take the ferry and get back to nature here. See the clusters of oysters clinging to the shoreline, and try to spot orcas. Visit Deception Pass State Park and see the centuries-old trees there.

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North Cascades National Park, Washington

North Cascades National Park is nestled on the beautiful border between Washington and Canada. One of the country’s least-visited parks, it’s only open in the summer as the connecting highway is usually closed by October 1st. Nicknamed “The American Alps”, It includes more than 1,000 glacier-crowned peaks, waterfalls, and over 500 pretty ponds and turquoise lakes.

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Lost Coast, California

The famous Pacific Coast Highway, or California’s Highway 1, ends in Mendocino County where it merges with the busy 101 freeway. The coast itself, of course, continues. This 25-mile section beyond the above-mentioned highway is known as the Lost Coast. It is too wild and raw for a highway and is essentially a remote area of driftwood beaches and fog-filled forests.  

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Isle Royale National Park, Michigan

This national park is actually part of the well-known Great Lakes. It’s an attractive archipelago of over 200 islands. Some of them even have waterfalls, lakes, and entire shipwrecks of their own. Isle Royale is the largest of them and is home to a lot of wildlife such as moose and wolves.

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Rawah Wilderness, Colorado

Travel to the southern end of the mighty Medicine Bow Mountain Range. For it is here you will find the Rawah Wilderness. It is an unspoiled place spanning over 74,000 acres. This raw, wild area includes sapphire lakes, glacier-carved valleys, and mountain slopes dotted with fir trees too.

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Everglades National Park, Florida

This vast, subtropical wilderness, roughly 45 minutes out of Miami, is yet another noteworthy unspoiled place. The best time to visit is in the winter when the weather is usually warm and dry. Spanning an area of 1.5 million acres, it’s the third-largest national park in the entire continental United States and home to the endangered Florida panther.

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Assateague Island, Maryland, and Virginia

If you’re an equine aficionado, you’ve probably heard of this unspoiled place. It is a barrier island extending from Maryland to Virginia. Here you’ll find feral horses running free across sandy beaches soft as castor sugar. The two herds of wild horses are managed by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company and one by the National Park System.

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Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida Keys

This park is a seven-island chain located in the gleaming Gulf of Mexico just 70 miles off the shore of Key West. It’s most famous for its 19th-century structure, Fort Jefferson. Nevertheless, the focus here is on the water and marine life. Here you can see sea turtles nest, go kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, and stargazing.

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Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota

This unspoiled attraction found in the Superior National Forest encompasses an area of 1,090,000 acres and stretches along the state’s border with the northern nation of Canada. It’s a watery expanse including 1,000 lakes, streams, and rivers and is very peaceful. This watery expanse is an incredibly peaceful place but beware of black bears.

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Denali National Park, Alaska

Here you will find North America’s tallest peak. The park’s namesake, massive Mount Denali, is 20,320 feet tall and the highest mountain in the country. High adventure enthusiasts enjoy its numerous remote campsites and backcountry hiking trails within this six-million-acre park. It is the home of such wildlife as dall sheep, elk, caribou, wolves, and brown bears.

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Washington Island, Wisconsin

Also known as Teraina, this atoll spans an area of 23 square miles. It remains largely unspoiled as it has under 700 residents. Here you will find a famous stone beach, and impressive hardwood forests as well. What’s more, the very air is scented with fresh lavender, which grows wild here.

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Shasta Cascade, California

Shasta Cascade is situated in the area bordering Nevada and Oregon. US President Theodore Roosevelt was particularly fond of Burney Falls. He said the spring-fed waterfall that cascades into a shining pool was the “eighth wonder of the world”. Veteran visitors find the forests, lakes, lava beds, and mountains there also praiseworthy.

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Texas Hill Country, Texas

The east meets the west just one hour out of Austin. The Texas Hill Country is a large area of unspoiled natural beauty that comes complete with rugged hills, pastoral plains, and vista-filled valleys. It is arguably most known for its wildflowers, especially bluebonnets, which you can see for yourself if you visit in the spring. This geographic region actually forms the southeastern portion of the popular Edwards Plateau.  

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The Adirondack Mountains, New York

Swap views of skyscrapers for views of a more natural nature by heading a few hours north out of New York City. These breathtakingly beautiful mountains are roughly within the boundaries of Adirondack Park. Here you will see snow-capped mountain peaks that eventually melt away into the lakes and rivers once spring arrives. Here you can hike tree-lined trails or wander in meadows of wildflowers. 

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Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska

While unspoiled Kenai Fjords is one of the state’s smallest national parks, it receives high marks for its beautiful scenery. Nestled on the stunning Kenai Peninsula, it includes great glaciers, harsh headlands, and, naturally, fjords. Highlights here are Resurrection Bay, the Harding Icefield, situated along the Harding Icefield Trail. This coastal park is also home to black bears, clown-faced puffins, coyotes, harbor seals, moose, sea otters, and wolverines.  

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