Finding Solitude in Nature: Hiking Trails Where You Won't See Many Hikers
Are you seeking a peaceful and quiet hiking experience where you can enjoy the solitude nature has to offer? Some of the best places for this can be found in areas like Switzerland or places like the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee, where the population is small, and hiking trails are often more remote. In the following content, we explore some of the best places to hike and enjoy the peace and quiet away from the crowds. This article will also provide tips on how to find these trails, from remote and less crowded to more off-the-beaten-path locations.
Switzerland and Remote Hiking Trails
Switzerland is a land of stunning landscapes and small population. During off-peak seasons such as when it’s not a holiday or in bad weather, many trails can be relatively empty, providing hikers with vast, quiet expanses to explore. In particular, traveling to more remote trails can significantly increase the likelihood of having the trail to yourself. My personal experience in southern Utah, where I had very remote and remote trails, illustrates this well. The photos from my trip only show a few people along the trail, indicating that the wilderness was largely undisturbed.
These less crowded trails often require backpacking, which can involve camping overnight over several days to get away from the crowds. However, if you truly want to enter the wilderness, you’ll need strong backpacking and survival skills. For beginners, I strongly recommend finding a group for safety. Platforms like Meetup can be a great resource to find hiking partners and potentially new friends who share your love for the outdoors.
High Peaks and Off-Trail Hiking
Much of the time, less popular trails and off-trail hiking offer an almost deserted experience. By choosing trails that are less frequented, you can significantly decrease the chance of encountering other hikers. It's important to note that hiking off-trail is rare, but there is a much lower probability of meeting other people compared to sticking to well-traveled paths. If you plan your hike for mid-week, you'll have fewer people on the trails, as weekends and the immediate weeks before and after holidays tend to be busier.
However, some areas, such as the desert regions, have different peak usage periods. In the US, for example, the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is usually the busiest. Nonetheless, if you plan your trip before mid-May and after mid-September, you can enjoy a more peaceful experience. Consulting with a visitor center can also be helpful as they often provide information on the most crowded trails and suggest quieter alternatives.
Remote Hiking in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, located in Tennessee, offers an abundance of less crowded trails. Despite the presence of people around popular trailheads and campgrounds, the park is vast, and many backcountry trails are less frequented. My favorite place to experience solitude is the No Business Creek Valley, named after its rugged terrain. You can camp nearly anywhere in the backcountry, but a backcountry camping permit is necessary for this. Most of the trails are between 6 to 10 miles in length, making them suitable for day hikes. The landscapes here are breathtaking, and it truly feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
For hikers seeking a serene and peaceful experience in nature, Switzerland's remote trails or Big South Fork's backcountry are ideal. Whether you find hiking partners through Meetup or explore less popular trails on your own, the key is to plan your trip carefully to ensure the solitude you desire. Enjoy the quiet trails and the beauty of nature!