Off the Beaten Path
ParkChat
RoadTripsCoffee
A2 Unfortunately I have always found the best way to avoid the crowds and enjoy a hike off the beaten path is to get up early. Very early. Crack of dawn. With coffee. #ParkChat
tthrash
replying to @Exotichikes
@Exotichikes A2. Where possible, a listing weekends is my first plan; then I am for the off season, again, if at all possible.
We're hitting .500 there for that #parkchat meetup.
59NationalParks
replying to @mjn126 @mjn126 @RCGibby73 @Wild_Tribute @Exotichikes Both look like great Parks. Going to have to get to them someday. #ParkChat
59NationalParks
RT @Exotichikes: Q2) Many claim that our parks are too crowded. How do you avoid the masses and discover off the beaten path destinations w…
rscottjones
replying to @Exotichikes
@Exotichikes A2 #parkchat Definitely depends on the park, but generally anywhere off of pavement—whether trails or roads—will lighten the crowd substantially. Off of trails entirely usually results in solitude.
However, the further you go, the smaller the crowd is needed to feel crowded.
RCGibby73
replying to @Exotichikes @Exotichikes A2: get out early in the morning, study the map, ask Rangers where to best avoid the crowds. So many options to escape it all. Barring all that, go in shoulder season #ParkChat
DryTortugasFilm
replying to @AlongfortheTrip @AlongfortheTrip @59NationalParks @Exotichikes @Wild_Tribute @DryTortugasNPS No, I went to @EvergladesNPS , which is headquarters to @DryTortugasNPS to location scout for interviews in April. #ParkChat https://t.co/dHO6uHx3UD
mjn126
replying to @Exotichikes @Exotichikes A2) Prepare yourself for crowds, at least in the beginning, then head to the backcountry or at least a longer path. OR, get there earlier than the others! #ParkChat
t_jh2009
replying to @Exotichikes @Exotichikes A2) I tend to avoid the crowds by visiting the parks during the weekdays in the shoulder & off seasons while going to the areas that are less popular/visited. #ParkChat
Parkasaur
replying to @Wild_Tribute @Wild_Tribute @Exotichikes A1. Any hike where you use a map and compass would qualify as off the beaten path. #ParkChat
TPRjerks
replying to @Exotichikes @Exotichikes A2. Sometimes it's pretty easy to do a little extra research to find less crowded places. Also, I find that a lot of places aren't crowded if I go midweek. #ParkChat
unconpeace
replying to @Exotichikes @Exotichikes @Wild_Tribute @rscottjones I thought a talus was what I wrap around my shoulders during morning prayer #parkchat
RCGibby73
replying to @59NationalParks @59NationalParks @mjn126 @Wild_Tribute @Exotichikes There’s an eclipse in a few years 🙂 #ParkChat
Wild_Tribute
replying to @Exotichikes @Exotichikes @rscottjones Indeed! If the winds not ripping, you’re either listening to the chirp of a pika, the gurgle of snowmelt, or a crazy marmot (and often the sound of your heart beat in your head) #ParkChat
59NationalParks
replying to @Exotichikes @Exotichikes We always found that telling a ranger what you are looking for prompts a pretty good answer. #ParkChat
t_jh2009
replying to @DryTortugasFilm @DryTortugasFilm @59NationalParks @Exotichikes @Wild_Tribute It should be fun. #ParkChat
beckyjlomax
A2 Hiking or climbing is my preference to get away from the masses. Usually after a few miles, the masses thin out, so putting down miles is necessary. Off trail above Hurricane Pass looking at Grand Teton. #parkchat
Wild_Tribute
replying to @RoadTripsCoffee @RoadTripsCoffee Also the best time for pictures..#ParkChat
Exotichikes
Q3) We all know the popular National Parks, but what is your favorite off the beaten path National Park you have or would like to visit and why? #ParkChat
RoadTripsCoffee
replying to @AlongfortheTrip @AlongfortheTrip @unconpeace Also: me after finishing off a jar of @SugarlandsShine. #ParkChat
e_terren
replying to @Exotichikes @Exotichikes A2. Homework ahead of a trip to find less-visited areas, study maps. Get going early in the day. This worked well when I was in Rocky Mountain NP at the height of the season. No one was in the Trail Ridge Visitors Center lot at 7 am. Hiked 2 hours before I saw anyone. #parkchat
ParksandPoints
A2) Instagram. Can't go wrong there! Seriously though, we try to do our research ahead of time though do crowdsource through great resources like AllTrails and Hiking Project. @AllTrails @hikingproject #ParkChat
DryTortugasFilm
replying to @Exotichikes @Exotichikes A2) #Parkchat It means walking a bit further and being more prepared than the "Crowds" would like to be and going EARLY, with a plan. #OffthebeatenPath
Wild_Tribute
replying to @Parkasaur @Parkasaur @Exotichikes And/or GPS. The unsung beauty of smart phones #ParkChat
Exotichikes
replying to @TPRjerks @TPRjerks Totally. If you are lucky enough to be able to go on weekdays, the trails and roads are often less crowded. Great tip. #ParkChat
mjn126
replying to @Exotichikes @Exotichikes A3) Big Bend is "popular" but not REALLY popular. I prefer National Forests to avoid the crowds (usually in New Mexico or Oklahoma/Arkansas) #ParkChat
rscottjones
replying to @Wild_Tribute @Wild_Tribute @Exotichikes Definitely never hear heavy breathing. 😬 #parkchat
RoadTripsCoffee
replying to @Wild_Tribute @Wild_Tribute THIS is very true. Unless you have an ND400 filter that allows me to capture a 5-minute long single exposure in full sunlight. I can make Times Square at noon appear abandoned. #ParkChat
59NationalParks
replying to @unconpeace @unconpeace @AlongfortheTrip I went to grad school in Jonesboro. You are exactly right. #ParkChat
RoadTripsCoffee
RT @Exotichikes: Q3) We all know the popular National Parks, but what is your favorite off the beaten path National Park you have or would…
RCGibby73
replying to @Exotichikes @Exotichikes A3: Guadalupe Mountains is a low visited Park and I’d love to hike to the top of Texas (Guadalupe Peak) or in McKittrick Canyon #ParkChat
Wild_Tribute
RT @Exotichikes: Q3) We all know the popular National Parks, but what is your favorite off the beaten path National Park you have or would…
NakMakFeegle
replying to @Wild_Tribute @Wild_Tribute @Exotichikes A1 Somewhere where you can go on a summer weekend and never see another soul. #ParkChat
AlongfortheTrip
A3) We would LOVE to visit American Samoa. For now, @DryTortugasNPS wins for most #offthebeatenpath I think. #ParkChat
Parkasaur
replying to @Exotichikes @Exotichikes A2. As homeschoolers, we love trying to visit during the school year - although trying to coordinate visits with extended family often complicates that. #ParkChat
Exotichikes
replying to @ParksandPoints @ParksandPoints @AllTrails @hikingproject I have legitimately found great data on IG. It is a great start before seeing the real trail beta. I helped provide the @OlympicNP trails for @hikingproject, so I totally agree with that one. #ParkChat
ParksandPoints
A3) We haven't been there, but from our #Alaska planning, we would love to do the week long group hike out of the crater at Aniakchak NM & PRES to the Bering Sea. #Parkchat #All50Before40 @AniakchakNPS
mjn126
replying to @RCGibby73 @RCGibby73 @Exotichikes Yes, 100x yes. On my list, for multiple visits this year hopefully. #ParkChat
AlongfortheTrip
replying to @mjn126 @mjn126 @Exotichikes We drove the Talimena National Byway last year from OK to AR and loved it. Very pretty country. #ParkChat
t_jh2009
replying to @Exotichikes @Exotichikes A3) One of my favorite off the beaten path National Parks is @GreatBasinNPS in Nevada near the Utah border. It takes some time to get there but its worth it. #ParkChat
Exotichikes
replying to @e_terren @e_terren Yes. Planning head and being ready for the tri, and early mornings, makes everything so much easier! #ParkChat