Top 10 Remote Destinations
Previous-
With over 300 million residents in the United States, it seems as if finding a nice, quiet place to get away from it all would be impossible. But 80% of U.S. residents live in urban areas, so in reality there are plenty of remote destinations for a relaxing vacation. In fact, if the population of Wyoming, the state with the lowest population -- just over a half million people -- was spread out over its 97,000-plus square miles, you'd find just five people every square mile. Now that's what we call remote!
Up Next: Nez Perce National Forest -
Nez Perce National Forest, ID
The Nez Perce National Forest spans more than two million acres in north central Idaho, touching the borders of Oregon to the west and Montana to the east. In the spring, the Selway Falls are spectacular as the snow-pack melts; the panoramic Heavens Gate and Hells Canyon offer breathtaking scenery. The Meadow Creek cabin is a perfect spot to hide out, and a bargain at $25 / night. To get there, simply hike 14 miles from Slim's Camp -- and that's after a 45-minute drive from the nearest town, Lowell.
Up Next: Lajitas -
Lajitas, TX
Lajitas is located near Big Bend National Park and is an urban cowboy's dream come true. Once a dusty cavalry outpost, Lajitas has been transformed into a lush resort town with luxurious amenities amidst the isolated splendor of Big Bend. Hunt in the resort's hunt club or in the national park, learn to shoot like a cowboy or simply relax in the resort's spa after a day of hiking. At the end of the day, when the sun sets over the mountains, enjoy a beer with the mayor of Lajitas; the old goat Clay Henry III is indeed a beer-guzzling goat that beat out a Houston bigwig for the job.
Up Next: Le Conte Lodge -
Le Conte Lodge, TN
Pick any of five trails which lead to the summit of Mt. Le Conte and the Le Conte Lodge, high above the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While the park is the most visited national park in the U.S., very few actually make it to the top of Mt. Le Conte. The shortest trail, Allum Cave, is also the steepest; the five and a half mile hike takes about four hours for a hiker in excellent condition. The longer trails require hikes of up to eight hours, so starting early in the day is essential in order to make the 6PM dinner bell. To really indulge in the isolation, reserve a snug cabin instead of space in one of the multi-bunk sleeping lodges.
Up Next: Adirondacks -
Adirondacks, NY
Set in the nation's most populated section of the country, the Adirondacks may not seem so inaccessible. But the Vanderwhacker region provides plenty of natural diversions -- miles of isolated trails and unspoiled wilderness to explore. There are waterfalls and caves to discover, clear, cool springs and creeks to splash in, and top-of-the-world vistas to take in. Try something unique and sleep in yurts at Falls Brook Yurts.
Up Next: Isle au Haut -
Isle au Haut, ME
Seven miles off the coast of Maine, Isle au Haut is reached by mail boat; there are just two shops and two inns. And you know that visiting is discouraged when the island's web site suggests other islands for those wishing to "experience the tranquility and beauty of a Maine island firsthand." The majority of the island is comprised of Acadia National Park, with 18 miles of hiking trails along the rocky shoreline and through bogs, marshes and wooded uplands. A smattering of campsites is available in the park and biking is discouraged, so your only transportation is your own two feet.
Up Next: Gallatin National Forest -
Gallatin National Forest, MT
A part of the greater Yellowstone ecosystem, Gallatin National Forest is an almost two-million acre forest that spans six major mountain ranges. With some of the country's best trout fishing, river rafting, mountain biking and snowmobiling, Gallatin also encompasses Big Sky ski area. Surround yourself with nothing but wilderness at the Yellow Mule Cabin, accessible at the very end of a road in Big Sky. Just follow the Buck Creek Ridge Trail #10 -- an eight mile hike with a thousand-foot elevation gain -- to the cabin, which sleeps two for an affordable $20 per night.
Up Next: Evergreen Mountain Lookout -
Evergreen Mountain Lookout, WA
The Evergreen Mountain lookout sits at almost 5600 feet elevation, with great views of the Henry M. Jackson Wilderness, the Cascade Range including Glacier Peak, and Mt. Rainier. It was built in 1933, and features one large room with windows all around, accommodations for four and cooking utensils -- but no heat. Also, the facilities are a short hike downhill. All this solitude is yours after a mile and a half hike that's akin to climbing steep stairs, but the perks are worth the trip -- ripe huckleberries to pick, lush mountain meadows to explore, and an abundance of wildlife to watch.
Up Next: Barrow -
Barrow, AK
Barrow is 300 miles north of the Arctic Circle, which means there's plenty of dry yet bone-chilling weather, with temperatures remaining below freezing from October through May; the highs for the year hit an average of 46. The annual July 4th celebration is highlighted by the Eskimo Games and the winners go on to the World Eskimo Indian Olympics. The only way to get to Barrow is via plane, as there are no roads leading to town. With a clear view of the Aurora Borealis, spring whaling celebrations, polar bears on Point Barrow and snow owls, a visit to Barrow opens the door for self contemplation.
Up Next: Kokopelli's Cave -
Kokopelli's Cave, Farmington, NM
To truly escape from the world, burrow into a cave carved from a 65-million year old sandstone formation, 70-feet below ground. But worry not about leaving the comforts of home too far behind -- the isolated Kokopelli's Cave is actually a B&B equipped with hot and cold running water, native New Mexican furnishings and even a waterfall-style shower and flagstone hot tub. When it's time to reconnect with the outside world, start with stargazing on the deck outside the cave, or head to Chaco Canyon or the cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde.
Up Next: Jedediah Smith Wilderness -
Jedediah Smith Wilderness, WY
Over 100,000 acres of pristine wilderness on the other side (read: the western slope) of the Teton Mountain range, the Jedediah Smith Wilderness is the ultimate in backcountry, with every species of the Yellowstone ecosystem represented here. Grizzly and black bear, big horn sheep, moose, elk and wolverines prowl the wilderness, which is part of the Targhee National Forest. Llama and horse pack trips and back country camping are available through the wilderness, but limited to small groups.
Up Next: More Travel Features -
Be Inspired!
Whether you're an armchair traveler
or have an insatiable case of wanderlust,
AOL Travel gives you tips, tricks and
great ideas for your next big adventure.
Find inspiration and get great getaway ideas on AOL Travel.
Subscribe to the weekly
AOL Travel Newsletter today!
