14 Most Remote Spots In America That You Need to Visit
Venturing into some of the most isolated places in the United States means getting away from it all in a new way. These places are not just off the beaten path; they are barely on the map. For those craving adventure and solitude, these remote destinations offer a true escape from daily life, where the usual hustle feels like a distant memory.
Some require grit and determination to reach, while others demand days of travel by boat. Yet, each rewards visitors with breathtaking scenery, unmatched tranquility, and the rare privilege of setting foot on land that few will ever experience.
The Wave, Arizona
The Wave is a geological wonder hidden away in the vast desert of northern Arizona, and seeing it requires luck and effort. The hike is difficult, and permits are limited, but those who reach the top are rewarded with swirling sandstone formations that look like they belong on an alien planet, not on Earth.
Kalaupapa, Hawaii
Kalaupapa is tucked away on the northern coast of Molokai; it has both beauty and history. Once a secluded settlement for those with Hansen’s disease (leprosy), it is now one of the most isolated spots in Hawaii. Separated from the rest of the island by sheer cliffs, it can only be reached by walking a steep trail, riding a mule, or taking a small plane.
Supai, Arizona
The small village of Supai is deep in the Grand Canyon, where the Havasupai Tribe lives, and some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country are located. However, there are no roads leading here, so visitors must hike eight miles, ride a mule, or take a helicopter to get to this secluded paradise. The reward? A brilliant blue-green waterfall over the top of red rock cliffs, so much fantasy you’d think you were entering a dream.
The Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness, Idaho
From its name, this is not exactly a casual weekend getaway. This wilderness area is also one of the largest in the lower 48, spanning over 2.3 million acres. Deep canyons, wild rivers, and rugged terrain fill it, and even the most experienced adventurers struggle.
Barrow (Utqiaġvik), Alaska
Barrow is the northernmost town in the United States, where the Arctic Ocean freezes over, and the sun disappears for 65 days in the winter. A flight is required to get here. It is an endless tundra; polar bears roam nearby, and you get a glimpse of the Iñupiat culture, the culture of life in one of the extreme environments on earth.
Isle Royale, Michigan
One of the least visited national parks in the U.S., Isle Royale, is floating in the middle of Lake Superior and is quite remote. There are no cars, no roads, just dense forests, crystal-clear waters, or a moose or wolf spotted occasionally. The only way to reach this secluded island is by ferry, seaplane, or private boat, which is why it’s the paradise of those who want to unplug the most.
Cumberland Island, Georgia
Just off the coast of Georgia is this wild, windswept paradise lined with untapped miles of beaches, wild horses, and old oak trees covered in Spanish moss. There are no paved roads or tourist traps; it is only reachable by ferry. It consists of quiet trails, historic ruins, and the occasional armadillo scurrying through the underbrush.
Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska
This is as remote as it gets. There were no roads, trails, or visitor centers. Gates of the Arctic National Park covers over eight million acres in northern Alaska and is a dream for those who want total solitude. There’s no easy way in or out; hikers and backpackers must be self-sufficient.
The Okefenokee Swamp, Georgia and Florida
The Okefenokee Swamp is a vast, eerie wetland that spans the Georgia–Florida border. It is an otherworldly escape of blackwater channels, floating peat islands, and alligators in the shallows. Paddling through the swamp is to enter a prehistoric world, where there are only the calls of herons and the occasional splash of something unseen under the surface.
Craters of the Moon, Idaho
Lava fields cover this place, far removed from civilization at Craters of the Moon National Monument. An alien-like expanse, barren, windswept, and with miles of empty land, stretches out in every direction so you can feel completely alone.
Point Roberts, Washington
This tiny slice of America is just below the Canadian border, completely cut off from the mainland. Travelers driving here must drive through Canada and cross the border again into this quirky, out-of-the-way town. It’s a peaceful retreat with rocky beaches, quiet forests, and a breathtaking view of the Salish Sea: a secret hideaway.
Denali Wilderness, Alaska
Denali National Park may be famous because it has the highest peak in North America, but its vast wilderness makes it so remote because only one road cuts through its six million acres, and much of the park is still untouched. From high into the backcountry, visitors can hop on a bus within the range of grizzlies and snow-covered mountains
The Maze, Utah
The Maze is a labyrinth of canyons, cliffs, and winding rock formations, true to its name, and is one of the most difficult places to get to in Canyonlands National Park. The roads are high clearance for four-wheel drive, and it is already a mission.
Dry Tortugas, Florida
Dry Tortugas National Park is a remote tropical paradise 70 miles off Key West, accessible only by boat or seaplane. However, this place is intriguing because of the crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and historic Fort Jefferson.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.