A recent study by Airbnb revealed that searches for off-the-grid stays have increased by over 70% in the past few years, showcasing a desire to disconnect and immerse oneself in nature.
From the rugged wilderness to the vast deserts, each state boasts secluded spots perfect for those looking to escape the ordinary.
1. Alabama: Dismals Canyon
Nestled in the Appalachian foothills of northwest Alabama, Dismals Canyon is a privately owned natural conservatory renowned for its unique geological formations, lush greenery, and captivating waterfalls.
2. Alaska: Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve
Encompassing a vast expanse of pristine wilderness in Alaska’s Brooks Range, Gates of the Arctic is the northernmost national park in the United States. Its rugged terrain, absence of roads or trails, and limited visitor facilities ensure an unparalleled sense of seclusion amidst towering mountains, sweeping valleys, and crystal-clear rivers.
3. Arizona: Havasu Falls
Tucked away within the Havasupai Indian Reservation, Havasu Falls is a breathtaking oasis renowned for its turquoise waters cascading down vibrant red rocks. The falls’ remote location, accessible only by a strenuous hike or helicopter ride, adds to its allure and seclusion.
4. Arkansas: Buffalo National River
Meandering through the Ozark Mountains of northern Arkansas, the Buffalo National River is a designated national park that offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Its pristine waters, towering bluffs, and diverse wildlife provide ample opportunities for secluded adventures such as kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and hiking.
5. California: Channel Islands National Park
Comprising five rugged islands off the coast of Southern California, Channel Islands National Park is a haven for wildlife and a testament to the state’s diverse natural beauty.
The islands’ isolation, limited accessibility, and abundant marine life create a unique and secluded experience for visitors.
6. Colorado: Lost Creek Wilderness
Lost Creek Wilderness is a rugged and remote area located southwest of Denver. It features towering granite peaks, alpine lakes, and dense forests, making it a favorite spot for experienced backpackers and those seeking solitude in the backcountry.
The area’s challenging terrain and lack of developed facilities contribute to its off-grid appeal.
7. Connecticut: Mohawk State Forest
Situated in the northwestern corner of Connecticut, Mohawk State Forest boasts over 3,000 acres of undisturbed woodlands, waterfalls, and scenic trails.
While not entirely off-grid, its remote location and limited cell service make it an ideal escape for those looking to disconnect and immerse themselves in nature.
8. Delaware: Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge
This coastal refuge on the Delaware Bay offers miles of secluded trails winding through salt marshes, dunes, and maritime forests. Birdwatching, kayaking, and fishing are popular activities, and the refuge’s remote location ensures a peaceful and off-the-beaten-path experience.
9. Florida: Big Cypress National Preserve
Located in the heart of the Everglades, Big Cypress is a vast wilderness area teeming with wildlife. Its cypress swamps, prairies, and mangrove forests provide a unique off-grid experience for paddlers, hikers, and campers.
10. Georgia: Cohutta Wilderness
Spanning over 37,000 acres in the North Georgia mountains, the Cohutta Wilderness is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Its rugged terrain, diverse ecosystems, and numerous waterfalls make it a popular destination for backpacking, hiking, and trout fishing.
11. Hawaii: Waimanu Valley
Located on the Big Island’s remote Hamakua Coast, Waimanu Valley is a hidden gem accessible only by a strenuous hike or boat ride. The valley’s pristine black sand beach, cascading waterfalls, and lush rainforest make it a paradise for those seeking solitude and a true off-grid experience.
12. Idaho: Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness
As the largest contiguous wilderness area in the lower 48 states, this vast expanse of rugged mountains, deep canyons, and wild rivers offers unparalleled opportunities for solitude and off-grid living.
Access is primarily by foot, horseback, or raft, ensuring a truly remote experience.
13. Illinois: Shawnee National Forest
While not completely off-grid, the Shawnee National Forest’s remote corners, particularly the Garden of the Gods Wilderness, offer secluded campsites and hiking trails far from the crowds.
The area’s rugged terrain and dense forests provide a sense of isolation and a chance to disconnect from the modern world.
14. Indiana: Hoosier National Forest
This vast forest in southern Indiana features diverse landscapes, including rolling hills, deep valleys, and pristine waterways. Its backcountry areas offer dispersed camping and hiking opportunities for those seeking a secluded retreat.
The Charles C. Deam Wilderness within the forest provides an even deeper level of solitude.
15. Iowa: Yellow River State Forest
Located in northeastern Iowa, this state forest boasts rugged terrain, scenic bluffs, and a network of trails perfect for hiking and backpacking. Its remote location and limited development make it a haven for those seeking peace and quiet in nature.
16. Kansas: Cimarron National Grassland
This vast expanse of prairie in southwestern Kansas offers a unique off-grid experience. Its wide-open spaces, rolling hills, and diverse wildlife provide a sense of freedom and solitude.
Dispersed camping is allowed throughout the grassland, allowing visitors to truly immerse themselves in the prairie landscape.
17. Kentucky: Red River Gorge Geological Area
Known for its sandstone cliffs, natural arches, and waterfalls, the Red River Gorge offers numerous secluded campsites and hiking trails for those seeking an off-grid experience. Its rugged terrain and diverse wildlife make it a popular destination for rock climbing, backpacking, and exploring nature.
18. Louisiana: Atchafalaya Basin
As the largest swamp in the U.S., the Atchafalaya Basin provides a unique and secluded environment for those who want to escape the crowds. Its maze of bayous, cypress forests, and waterways can be explored by boat or kayak, offering a chance to encounter diverse wildlife and experience the tranquility of the swamp.
19. Maine: Allagash Wilderness Waterway
This 92-mile-long waterway winds through remote forests, pristine lakes, and rushing rivers, providing a true wilderness experience. Paddlers and campers can enjoy the solitude and beauty of the North Maine Woods, far from civilization and modern conveniences.
20. Maryland: Assateague Island National Seashore
While not entirely off-grid, the undeveloped areas of Assateague Island offer a sense of seclusion and remoteness. Its wild beaches, dunes, and maritime forests provide a habitat for wild horses and a variety of bird species, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and beachgoers seeking a less crowded experience.
21. Massachusetts: October Mountain State Forest
Located in the Berkshires, this state forest offers over 16,000 acres of woodlands, trails, and scenic vistas. Its remote campsites and backpacking trails provide opportunities for solitude and immersion in nature.
The forest’s diverse terrain and abundant wildlife make it a popular destination for hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching.
22. Michigan: Isle Royale National Park
Located in Lake Superior, this island park is accessible only by boat or seaplane, offering a truly remote experience. Its rugged terrain, dense forests, and pristine lakes provide a haven for hikers, backpackers, and paddlers seeking solitude and wilderness.
23. Minnesota: Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
This million-acre wilderness of interconnected lakes and forests offers unparalleled opportunities for solitude and adventure. Paddlers and campers can explore the pristine waters, fish for walleye and northern pike, and observe a variety of wildlife, including moose, wolves, and bears.
24. Mississippi: Black Creek Wilderness Area
Located in the De Soto National Forest, this wilderness area features diverse ecosystems, including pine forests, swamps, and sandy ridges. Its remote location and lack of developed facilities make it an ideal destination for those seeking solitude and a connection with nature.
25. Missouri: Irish Wilderness
Situated in the Mark Twain National Forest, this wilderness area offers over 16,000 acres of rugged terrain, clear streams, and diverse plant and animal life. Hikers and backpackers can explore its trails, discover hidden waterfalls, and enjoy the peace and quiet of the Ozarks.
26. Montana: Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex
This vast wilderness complex encompasses over one million acres of pristine forests, alpine meadows, and glacial lakes. It’s a haven for hikers, horseback riders, and anglers, offering a true wilderness experience with abundant wildlife and breathtaking scenery.
27. Nebraska: Pine Ridge National Recreation Area
Located in the northwestern corner of the state, this remote location and limited development recreational area offers rugged canyons, dense pine forests, and scenic vistas.
28. Nevada: Great Basin National Park
This remote park in eastern Nevada is known for its diverse landscapes, including rugged mountains, alpine lakes, ancient bristlecone pine forests, and Lehman Caves. Its isolation and limited light pollution make it an ideal destination for stargazing and experiencing the solitude of the desert.
29. New Hampshire: Northwest of Mount Cabot
Nestled in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, northwest of Mount Cabot lies a secluded area that is truly off the beaten path. With dense forest cover, rugged terrain, and few roads, this region is a nature lover’s paradise.
30. New Jersey: Wharton State Forest
As the largest state forest in New Jersey, Wharton offers over 122,000 acres of pine forests, swamps, rivers, and historic villages. Its diverse landscape and extensive trail network provide ample opportunities for hiking, camping, canoeing, and wildlife watching in a relatively secluded setting.
31. New Mexico: Gila Wilderness
As the first designated wilderness area in the U.S., the Gila Wilderness offers over 558,000 acres of rugged mountains, deep canyons, and pristine rivers. It has a remote location and challenging terrain, making it a haven for hikers, backpackers, and anglers.
32. New York: Five Ponds Wilderness Area
Located in the western Adirondacks, this wilderness area features a network of interconnected ponds, dense forests, and rolling hills. Its remote location provides a peaceful and secluded environment for camping, canoeing, and fishing.
33. North Carolina: Shining Rock Wilderness
Situated in the Pisgah National Forest, this wilderness area features high-elevation balds, rocky outcrops, and pristine forests. Its diverse landscape and remote location offer a peaceful retreat for backpackers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts.
34. North Dakota: South of Devil’s Pass
Deep within the prairies of North Dakota lies a remote and secluded area south of Devil’s Pass. With vast, open land and a scarcity of human settlement, the region offers a blend of stark beauty and unrivaled solitude, making it one of the state’s most isolated areas and an ideal destination for those seeking a truly secluded escape.
35. Ohio: Zaleski State Forest
Situated in southeastern Ohio, this state forest boasts over 28,000 acres of unspoiled woodlands, rock formations, and waterfalls. Its remote areas, such as the Wildcat Hollow backpacking trail, offer a challenging and rewarding experience for those looking for peace and quiet.
36. Oklahoma: Black Kettle National Grassland
Located in western Oklahoma, this vast grassland offers a unique and remote landscape characterized by rolling hills, canyons, and prairie. Its dispersed camping opportunities and limited development make it an ideal destination for solitude seekers and nature lovers.
37. Oregon: Eagle Cap Wilderness
Tucked away in the heart of Wallowa Mountains in Oregon, Eagle Cap Wilderness is a rugged and remote area that offers unparalleled natural beauty and unspoiled wilderness. It features towering peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife.
38. Pennsylvania: Allegheny National Forest
Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Pennsylvania, Allegheny National Forest offers seclusion and beauty that is often overlooked in favor of more popular outdoor destinations. It spans nearly 500,000 acres of dense forest, tranquil lakes, and remote hiking trails in the lush wilderness of the Northeast.
39. Rhode Island: Prudence Island
Prudence Island, the third-largest island in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, is a secluded paradise just a ferry ride away from bustling mainland life. While this island offers coastal scenery and rural charm, it remains largely untouched and uncrowded.
40. South Carolina: Santee Coastal Reserve
This wildlife refuge on the South Carolina coast encompasses diverse habitats, including salt marshes, maritime forests, and barrier islands. Its remote location and limited development provide opportunities for birdwatching, kayaking, and experiencing the natural beauty of the Lowcountry.
41. South Dakota: Unnamed Dirt Road South of Bradley Bauer Ranch
Deep in the heart of South Dakota’s rolling plains lies an unnamed dirt road, running south of the Bradley Bauer Ranch. This isolated, unpaved stretch is often overlooked, offering a unique and secluded driving experience that showcases the state’s untamed beauty and rugged wilderness.
42. Tennessee: Clark Creek Terminus
Hidden away in the rugged wilderness of the Great Smoky Mountains, the Clark Creek terminus offers a glimpse into Tennessee’s most secluded backcountry. Surrounded by dense forest and miles away from civilization, the area provides a true escape from modern life, where the only sounds are those of the creek and the rustling of leaves in the wind.
43. Texas: Southeastern Edge of Big Bend National Park, on the U.S. & Mexico Border
Located at the edge of Big Bend National Park, this secluded corner of Texas straddles the border with Mexico and offers an unparalleled mix of rugged beauty and cultural heritage. With its stark, untouched landscape and proximity to both American and Mexican communities, the area provides an opportunity for visitors to experience a land untouched by modern development and explore the diverse and rich history of the region.
44. Utah: Great Salt Lake Desert
Its vast expanses offer shimmering salt flats, rugged mountain ranges, and surreal landscapes. From pioneers to speed racers and adventure seekers, the desert has inspired countless tales and legends that continue to draw visitors to its seemingly endless and barren shores.
45. Vermont: Hunger Mountain
Hunger Mountain has been a site of mystery and wonder for centuries. With its dense forest cover, rocky terrain, and remote location, the mountain has long been associated with legends of ghosts and strange occurrences. Despite its foreboding reputation, the mountain provides stunning views of the wild beauty of Vermont.
46. Virginia: Red Creek Terminus
At the southern edge of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests in Virginia lies the Red Creek terminus, a secluded area that provides an awe-inspiring escape from modern life. Surrounded by dense woodlands and rugged peaks, the area remains largely untouched by human development.
47. Washington: Liberty Cap
Towering at over 8,300 feet, Liberty Cap is a remote and rugged peak that rises above the surrounding landscape in Washington’s North Cascades National Park. With its dramatic cliffs, jagged ridges, and stunning vistas, the peak is a true test of endurance and skill for even the most experienced mountaineers.
48. West Virginia: ½ mile south of East Fork & McCloud
This remote area in the Monongahela National Forest offers rugged terrain, dense forests, and pristine streams. Its isolation and limited access make it an ideal destination for hikers, backpackers, and anglers seeking a secluded wilderness experience.
49. Wisconsin: Outer Island
On the northern shores of Lake Michigan, amidst the scenic Apostles Islands, lies Outer Island – a secluded paradise that epitomizes the rustic beauty of Wisconsin. From its historic lighthouse to its diverse array of flora and fauna, the island is a true gem that embodies the wild spirit of the Midwest.
50. Wyoming: Hardluck Mountain
Rising from the rugged landscape of Wyoming’s Bighorn Mountains, Hardluck Mountain is a remote and largely unexplored peak that epitomizes the state’s untamed beauty. Known for its challenging terrain, sparse vegetation, and extreme weather conditions, the mountain presents a formidable challenge for even the most experienced hikers and climbers.
Whether you’re seeking a challenging backpacking trip, a peaceful camping retreat, or simply a chance to unplug and reconnect with nature, these hidden gems provide an escape from the ordinary and a chance to experience the true raw beauty of America.
Source:
Read Next:
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.