Ever wanted to switch off and reconnect with nature (or yourself)? The National Wilderness Preservation System (NWPS) is a network of over 111 million acres with 803 designated wilderness spaces. Managed by the US government, they span 44 states and focus on wildlife and conservation. While nature rules supreme and humans fit around them, these spaces remain ideal for outdoor activities or simple solitude. From Oregon to Florida, let’s take a look at some of America’s most beautiful wildernesses.
Visitors take their time in the Sipsey Wilderness. Fairly easy hiking and horseriding trails criss-cross through, while visiting is made all the more tempting with camping spots. Spanning 25,809 acres, this wilderness covers the northern section of the Bankhead National Forest in northwestern Alabama. Pictured here is the beautiful Mize Mills Falls while just a few hundred yards away lies the equally sublime Turkey Foot Falls.
The largest designated wilderness is Alaska’s Wrangell-Saint Elias Wilderness. The colossal spans a whopping 9,432,000 acres and is home to remote valleys, wild rivers and wildlife like Dall sheep, grizzly and black bears, mountain goats and moose. It’s also home to Mount Saint Elias, the USA's second highest peak at 18,008 feet (5,489m). Visitors can explore the wilderness by foot, horse (although braiding rivers limit long distances), ski or boat.
Although Mazatzal means ‘an area inhabited by deer’ in Aztec language, there’s no evidence that the Aztecs ever visited this rough mountainous region. The stunning Mazatzal Wilderness is filled with Sonoran Desert shrubland, semi-desert grassland and some 240 miles (286km) of trails. Spanning 250,760 acres and home to Arizona’s only Wild River Area, there’s plenty to explore here, although visits are limited to 14 days. Horseriders will enjoy the 28-mile (45km) Verde River Trail while hikers can head out on the likes of the 6.2-mile (10km) Barnhardt Trail.
Buffalo River is often described as one of the most scenic rivers in eastern USA and its namesake wilderness is perfect for canoeing and wildlife-watching alike. Its 34,933 acres includes the winding Buffalo River, hidden waterfalls and towering dolomites. Visitors are likely to spot elk, black bears and bald eagles among the isolated forestland. It’s without a doubt an easy place to switch off from the outside world and fully immerse oneself in nature.
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Is it any wonder that 94% of Yosemite National Park is designated wilderness? At 704,624 acres, the Yosemite Wilderness is surrounded by national forest that is verdant green in summer and brilliant white with snow come winter. Glacier-filled lakes, marvellous waterfalls and skyscraper-like sequoias are just some of the gorgeous natural scenery. While there’s over 700 miles (1,127km) of trails that give access to the wilderness, rock-climbing marks another popular activity – although with Yosemite’s high faces, it’s not for the faint-hearted…
As the name suggests, it’s the volcanic turmoil we have to thank for the unique Lava Beds Wilderness. Spanning 28,460 acres, this space is home to deer, jackrabbits and rattlesnakes and thousands of migratory birds pass through every spring and autumn. Cinder cones are covered in vegetation, with plant species including purple desert sage, yellow blazing star and western swordfern. But it’s what’s beneath the surface that’s the big-hitter here, with at least 500 caves of otherworldly shaped lava tubes to check out.
The Ventana Wilderness straddles the Santa Lucia Mountains along the Central Coast of California. Among its 236,726 acres are steep, sharp ridges and craggy peaks which tumble into deep valleys. There are also waterfalls, deep pools and thermal springs along the major streams too. With around 197 miles of trails and at least nine trailheads to choose from, one of the most popular is the Pine Ridge Trail (24 miles/39km).
There are some 20 miles (32km) of trails to tackle in the Never Summer Wilderness, Colorado. As its name implies, this 20,847-acre area often sees rain and snow that gathers on its dizzying peaks, 17 of which are above 12,000 feet (3,658m) tall. There are also three main rivers, 600-year-old spruce and fir trees and ponds and bogs home to wood frogs, pygmy shrews and wolverines.
Out of Everglades National Park’s 1.4 million acres, the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Wilderness makes up the majority, covering 1,296,500 acres. The marsh of scattered tall grasses is home to alligators, flamingoes and more. A boat excursion to Florida Bay takes in nesting sites and salt water residents like bottle-nosed dolphins, sea turtles and even sharks. Head out on the Wilderness Walkway, a 99-mile (159km) marine trail or take shorter day hikes (1-14 miles/1.6km-23km) leading from Flamingo’s visitor centre.
The Pelican Island Wilderness is the smallest designated wilderness at just 5.5 acres. Situated in the wide lagoon of the Indian River, it’s home to 15 threatened and endangered species. Wading birds feast on the abundance of natural fish while other nesting birds include brown pelicans, great blue herons and oyster catchers. However, Pelican Island Wilderness is closed to the public as the Fish and Wildlife Service, who manage the site, strive to conserve the native fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats.
At 2,619 acres, the J.N. “Ding” Darling Wilderness makes up the northern portion of the 6,400-acre National Wildlife Refuge in southwestern Florida. This cluster of mangrove islands is home to alligators, river otters and a multitude of migratory birds that the refuge was originally designed for. Visitors can take to the waters on motor boats in selected areas or go kayaking, canoeing or fishing in open water.
Spanning 353,981 acres, the Okefenokee Wilderness is an idyllic place to visit and even stay for a while. Visitors camp on wooden platforms surrounded by wet-prairie and moss-covered cypress. Listen to the calls of herons and ibis to feel fully submerged in this remote land of nature. Islands, lakes and scrub-shrubs are just some of the habitats that allow a rich variety of wildlife and plants to thrive here. The wilderness also includes Okefenokee Swamp, one of the oldest and best-preserved freshwater areas in the US.
Hawaii’s Big Island is not only home to its Volcanoes National Park but also a designated wilderness, which is split into four sections. Mauna Loa, pictured here, is located in the northwestern part while over in the southwest there are several miles of coastline to explore. Spanning 123,100 acres in total, there’s around 150 miles (241km) of trails, such as the Ka’aha Trail which leads towards the ocean.
Straddling the Idaho and Montana border is the Bitterroot Mountain Wilderness, encompassing a total of 1,347,644 acres. Idaho contains around 1,092,854 acres while further 254,790 acres sit across the state border in Montana. Dominated by ridges with raw granite peaks, the deep canyons below are covered with thick coniferous forest and fewer visitors mean Selway elk roam freely. That said, there are still 1,800 miles (2,899km) worth of trails, although they’re slightly less established than others on this list.
The Isle Royale Wilderness is full of superlatives. At 132,018 acres, it makes up 99% of Isle Royale National Park. Not only is it the largest island in the largest freshwater lake in North America, but it’s also the largest wilderness area in Michigan. With over a hundred lakes and small ponds, 36 campgrounds set along 170 miles (274km) of trail and a shoreline forest, this is a brilliant spot to go hiking, camping, fishing and kayaking.
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness spans 816,244 acres with rocky shores, sandy beaches and rugged crags to take in. This unique natural area offers 18 hiking trails, 2,200 campsites and 1,200 miles (1,931km) of canoe routes. It’s connected with Canada’s Quetico Provincial Park – another wilderness-managed area – and together they cover two million acres of core wilderness. The area’s rich human history dates back 12,000 years to Paleo-Indian culture.
Forming part of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex along with The Great Bear and The Scapegoat Wildernesses, the Bob Marshall Wilderness is the largest of the three, covering some 1,062,694 acres. Designated in 1964, it’s also the oldest of the three, located in northwestern Montana. Offering 1,100 miles (1,770km) of trails and wooden bridges over the pretty gorges, it’s great for hikers, horseriders and even alpaca walkers.
It’s worth seeking out the Arc Dome Wilderness in Nevada. Nestled in the southern area of the Toiyabe Range, this area spans 120,551 acres and offers the highest summits in the range. Most stand at 10,000 feet (3,048m) but the Arc Dome itself dominates at 11,775 feet (3,589m). One of the recommended routes is the Cow Canyon Trail which follows the Reese River – a prime spot for trout-fishing – for half a mile (800m) before splitting onto other trails and parts of the wilderness.
There aren’t many wildernesses in northeastern US, which is what makes the Sandwich Range Wilderness in New Hampshire so special. At 35,301 acres it’s made up of rugged valleys, high mountain passes and long ridgelines with streams, cascades and pools. There’s roughly 57 miles (92km) of hiking trails in this southeastern corner of the White Mountains. Many of these were first formed in the 1900s, giving visitors a douse of history along with their walk.
It may only cover 7,242 acres but the Ah-shi-sle-pah Wilderness in New Mexico is one of the most distinctive wildernesses. This badland area includes grey-white clay hills, wide, barren valleys and yellow-orange hoodoos (or fairy chimneys). With little in the way of vegetation it gives exposure to plenty of unique geological formations and fossils. The result? An ethereal, otherworldly landscape that can’t be missed.
At 283,818 acres, the Three Sisters Wilderness is the second largest Wilderness in Oregon. This area includes North Sister, Middle Sister and South Sister whose heights range between 10,085 (3,074m) and 10,358 feet (3,157m). Combined with other glaciers like the Collier Glacier, the 260 miles (418km) of trails bring tremendous volcanic landscapes of lava fields, waterfalls, alpine meadows and lush forests.
South Dakota’s Badlands Wilderness originated as a marshy jungle some 38 million years ago and was home to now-extinct species like saber-toothed cats. The elements slowly transformed the area into grassland with cliffs, gorges and fossil-filled canyons. The Badlands Wilderness is the largest mixed-grass prairie wildland in the US. This is an ace backpacking area with plenty of camping spots and wildlife, but it’s worth taking extra care as there aren’t any established trails in its 64,144 acre area.
The largest wilderness in Tennessee, the Citico Creek was largely devastated by tree logging in the 1920s, although there are still some strands of virgin forests. Covering 16,213 acres, the wilderness includes 13 trails totalling 57 miles (92km), most of which are across lower elevations that follow old tramways or roads. Pictured here is the Cherohala Skyway which allows access to the Falls Branch Falls, a designated trail leading to a 70-foot-tall (21m) waterfall.
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Home to the most extensive, exposed fossil reef in the world, more than half of the Guadalupe Mountains National Park is designated wilderness. The iconic Guadalupe Peak marks the highest point in Texas at 8,749 feet (2,667m) tall – visitors can explore it on the Guadalupe Peak Trail (a 8.4 mile/13.5km round trip). This wilderness is a perfect spot for solitude – although you’ll still be sharing the space with some 60 mammals, 310 birds and 55 reptiles species.
Although there are a few steep slopes, the Turkey Hill Wilderness is pretty much an accessible spot for everyone. Situated in Angelina National Forest in eastern Texas, the highlight here is Turkey Hill which stands at 298 feet (91m) above sea level. Yet despite the name, you’re more likely to encounter deers and snakes than turkeys. Among its 5,536 acres, the Wash Branch Trail is relatively gentle covering 3.5 miles (5.6km) along Wash Branch and over a ridge.
Utah’s Desolation Canyon Wilderness is a fascinating place to take in geology and prehistoric cultures. Covering 142,996 acres, it’s home to an abundance of deep canyons – Rock Creek is more than one mile (1.6km) deep. The stand-out is the 84-mile (135km) segment of the Green River which tears through Desolation and Gray canyons. Diverse vegetation ranges from desert to high mountains where Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep roam freely. As well as scenic hikes, it’s also fun for whitewater river rafting.
Covering 44,270 acres, Washington State’s Buckhorn Wilderness is located in the northeastern corner of the Olympic National Forest. The northern portion includes mountains and forested lowlands while the larger southern section includes large alpine meadows, dense forests and glacier-carved valleys. As such, parts of the southern section are slightly less accessible. The two are divided by the Dungeness River, with the Marmot Pass (pictured here) an extremely picturesque trail corridor through the wilderness.
The Cranberry Wilderness is prime hiking territory for those who want to venture deep into the woods. Spanning 47,742 acres, it sits in Pocahontas and Webster Counties and offers broad mountains, steep valleys and elevations between 2,400 (732m) to over 4,600 feet (1,402m). It’s also home to an abundance of Appalachian hardwood and red spruce trees. Many of the trails follow the Williams and Cranberry rivers – the Middle Fork Trail covers nine miles (14km) while the North Fork Trail is just over seven miles (12km).
Close to the Canada border in northeastern Wisconsin sits the Blackjack Springs Wilderness, encompassing 5,912 acres within Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Visitors can cover trails along abandoned logging roads and railroad grades from the early 1900s when road building and timber harvest was in full swing. Yet nature still abounds with four large springs serving as the focal point of the wilderness. There’s no missing Whispering Lake with its surrounding forest reflecting onto the still water.
Named after Chief Wahshakie, a leader of Wyoming’s Shoshone tribe, this wilderness encompasses 704,274 acres in the southern Absaroka Mountains. It’s home to deep, narrow valleys with mesmerising volcanic layers, steplike cliffs and buttes and petrified forests. While there’s several miles of trails, be cautious of some of the dangerous wildlife that live here, like grizzly bears, wolves and mountain lions.
The Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness is a real showstopper. It sits across two Primitive Areas, six national forests and covers 2,358,886 acres. While the Salmon River Mountains dominate the interior of the wilderness, its two white-water rivers provide endless fun with rafting and jet-boating available. Eight big game animals live among the rugged mountains and deep canyons. Horseriders will enjoy this wilderness as much as hikers – and small planes are even permitted to land on primitive airstrips.