The Virtues of Solitude: Unspoiled Hiking in North America
North America is a vast continent with numerous locations that offer the experience of walking for two days without encountering a single human soul. This guide explores some of the most remote and breathtaking areas where you can immerse yourself in nature and find the tranquility you seek.
Wisconsin's Northern Wilds
Wisconsin’s northern regions, particularly Northern Wisconsin, offer an ideal setting for such adventures. During a drive for a few hours, one might find themselves in an area devoid of cars, people, or any signs of human civilization. While the experience can be awe-inspiring, it's wise to carry basic survival gear, especially if you plan to venture off the beaten path.
My personal experience in this area involved carrying a rifle, a fishing rod, a sleeping bag, and candles as a precaution. Inclement weather, such as a broken fan belt, could require you to wait a day or two for assistance. This preparedness underscores the importance of taking safety and survival equipment.
Canadian National Parks: Natural Wonders Unveiled
Canada boasts numerous national parks that are perfect for such solitude-hungry adventurers. Both Gros Morne and Terra Nova National Parks in Newfoundland offer backcountry trails that can take two to three days to explore. Here, you are more likely to run into wildlife like moose rather than fellow hikers. The International Appalachian Trail in western Newfoundland is another prime example, offering a true wilderness experience.
Torngat Mountains National Park is even more extraordinary. Local Inuit guides lead hikes along routes first used by their ancestors, providing a unique cultural and historical perspective. This area, while remote, offers a true sense of wild freedom and adventure.
Florida and the American South
Florida’s National Scenic Trail stretches for an impressive 1500 miles, winding through the Everglades ecosystem, including Everglades National Park and the Big Cypress National Preserve. During the off-season, hikers often find solitude along these trails. Similarly, mountain trails in the Rockies and Appalachia offer a different kind of wilderness experience. Many US national forests, particularly during the late fall and early spring months, can be explored with minimal encounters with other humans.
Another advantage of such remote hikes is the inevitability of wildlife encounters. Whether it’s a deer, a moose, or any other unique species, these encounters add an extra layer of excitement and wonder to your journey.
Finding Your Perfect Trail
The specific location and the kind of experience you desire will guide your decision. The northern woods in summer are known for their solitude, largely due to the discomfort of mosquitoes, black flies, ticks, and other insects. These formidable challenges make them a perfect destination for those seeking a true wilderness experience.
Other parts of Canada, and much of the US, offer vast areas of untouched nature. While popular trails in the US see frequent human traffic, venturing off-trail can lead you to millions of acres of solitude where you can truly connect with nature.
For those passionate about exploring the vast wilderness of North America, the options are limitless. These areas not only provide a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life but also offer a unique opportunity to witness and appreciate the natural beauty of the continent.