Get Off the Grid: Five Great USA Escapes
The end of August tends to be a packed time of year, especially for families with school age children. The seemingly endless to-do list and rushing to and from activities can make us crave isolation, solitude, and quite frankly: an escape. We’ve rounded up five off-the-grid locations you can visit if you need to recharge and get away from the hustle and bustle of every day life.
Appalachian Trail
Proudly claiming to be the longest hiking trail in the world, The Appalachian trail spans a staggering 2,200 miles and crosses 14 state boarders, from Georgia to Maine. While much of the trail is considered an extreme hiker’s paradise, there are areas that are more easily accessible for most anyone, as well as cabins tucked along the route to reserve. This could be just what you are looking for if you want to experience serene nature in a slightly rustic but also charming setting.
The Appalachian Trail
Spencer Pond, Maine
Located 14 miles from the next registered city, Spencer Pond in Maine is the epitome of isolation. With a total of only six cabins available to book (that are spread far apart from each other), the chances of running into anyone you are not traveling with is quite small. The lake is open for fly fishing in the summer, so if you enjoy fishing and quiet contemplation this might be your next great escape!
Spencer Pond, Maine
Big Sur, California
Are you craving solitude, reflection, and perhaps most importantly: silence? Consider visiting the New Camaldoli Hermitage, a Benedictine Monastery, in Big Sur, California. As working monastery, you can live like the monks do in a spiritual retreat for as little or long as you’d like. While visiting, join the monks for prayer four times a day and listen to their soothing, prayerful chants. Make sure to drive across the famously photographed Bixby Bridge while in the area.
Big Sur, California
Adirondack State Park, New York
A National Historic Landmark in upstate New York, Adirondack State Park is the largest publicly protected area in the contiguous United States (6 million acres!). It is not considered a state or national park, so you won’t run into any fees to enter or curfews to leave. Also home to 105 small towns and villages, there are plenty of spots to stay and enjoy the area year round; specifically during the fall months to see the breathtaking foliage and the winter months if you enjoy skiing (gazing at snow-topped mountains).
Grand Canyon: North Rim
While the Grand Canyon is no doubt oh-so-inspiring, it can also be oh-so-crowded, as it’s one of the largest tourist attractions in the United States. If you want to still visit while beating the crowds, consider avoiding the south side and traveling to the north rim of the canyon, near the Toroweap/Tuweep areas. This location is considered extremely isolated, though, so make sure you have enough gas, food, and can go without cell service while visiting!
The Grand Canyon
While you might not be able to escape the busyness of August, consider traveling to one of these remote locations for your next getaway. Reach out to us for details on any trip you may have in mind.
