Hidden Gems and Hard-to-Reach Parks Worth the Effort

What if the best hikes in America’s national parks aren’t the ones you’ve already heard of?

Jason Frye is a travel and outdoor writer who grew up in the mountains of West Virginia and now lives in North Carolina near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. His latest book with Moon Travel Guides, USA National Parks Hiking: The Top 100 Trails, covers 100 hikes across 40 U.S. national parks.

Jason takes us through some of the best hikes in America’s national parks, broken down into three helpful categories: the iconic must‑do trails where the views are legendary but the crowds may be heavy, the lesser‑known trails inside the big parks where you can find solitude without sacrificing scenery, and the true hidden gems tucked away in lesser‑visited parks waiting to be discovered. 

Whether you’re an experienced hiker or someone who just wants to get outside and explore nature, Jason shares practical tips on how to avoid crowds, pick a hike that fits your comfort level, and get the most out of your park visit. 

Plus, we have part one of our bonus three-part mini series, Best in Travel Tech!

What’s the best hike you’ve ever done in a national park, and what made it memorable for you? I'd love to hear what about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

Tune In To Learn:

• Why hiking down into a surreal red-rock landscape full of spires and silence can feel like a private wilderness escape

• Why the right timing in one of the most visited parks in the country can make all the difference 

• Why the annual U.S. National Parks pass is still one of the best travel deals in America

• How to identify lesser­crowded trails in major parks, and what to do when you arrive and the parking lot is full.

• Safety tips for extreme terrain, wild weather, and remote locations that catch many hikers off guard

• Why “just try” might be the most important mindset to take into the backcountry

• A short trail that leads to an unforgettable view, yet barely anyone talks about

• Why national parks aren’t just about nature—they’re also about culture, history and the stories of people and place beneath the landscapes.

• Which resources Jason uses to scout, prep, and get the most out of every national park trip

• And so much more

Resources:

• Sign up for our FREE newsletter

• Moon US National Parks Hiking: The Top 100 Trails

• Jason on Instagram

• National Park Service

• Recreation.gov 

• AllTrails

• Google Explore

Want More?

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Thanks To Our Sponsors

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