Hidden gems for adventurous travellers
When it comes to travel, some destinations offer a unique blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty without the overwhelming presence of tourists. From expansive hiking trails to thrilling underground escapades and quirky roadside attractions, there’s a wealth of lesser-known spots waiting to be discovered. Here, we explore a few hidden gems across North America and beyond that promise memorable experiences for the intrepid traveller. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a paddling enthusiast, or simply someone with a penchant for uncovering the extraordinary, these destinations offer something special.
Lonely Planet’s newest release, Offbeat North America, guides you to 100 of the continent’s most underrated spots. Here are just eight hidden gems in North America:
Tulsa, Oklahoma
When suggesting a “city break,” usual suspects like New York, Montréal, Los Angeles, and New Orleans often come up. However, we have an unexpected candidate: Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Moloka‘i, Hawaii
Recently, there’s been a call to rethink holidays in Hawaii due to concerns from locals and sustainability experts about the impact of nine million annual visitors on the archipelago’s culture and environment. If Hawaii is a must-visit on your list, consider exploring one of its lesser-visited islands like Moloka‘i.
John Day Region, Oregon
At first sight of the John Day Region’s Painted Hills – a vibrant blend of yellows, golds, blacks, and reds, akin to Peru’s Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) – you’ll wonder how much longer this secret can stay under wraps.
Alamosa, Colorado
Nestled between lofty peaks and tranquil wildlife refuges, this unassuming town is a hub for UFO enthusiasts, but it also features boutiques, antique shops, and craft breweries.
Ice Age Trail, Wisconsin
While hiking trails don’t usually evoke thoughts of overtourism, it’s an ongoing issue in wilderness areas. Wisconsin’s Ice Age Trail – a 1,200-mile path weaving across the state – might be worth a look. Still a work in progress, it includes connecting trails and country roads, making it less demanding and shorter than the PCT or the Appalachian Trail. To date, fewer than 500 people have completed the whole trail, leaving plenty of bragging rights for future adventurers.
Alabama
If you’re into paddling, you likely know Alabama boasts some of the best canoeing and kayaking in the country, with 6,300 miles of accessible waterways. What you might not know is that its underground adventures are equally thrilling, with an impressive 4,800 known caves in the state.
“Ukrainian Bloc,” Alberta
Fans of “Giant Things,” this one’s for you. Northeast of Edmonton, Alberta, boasts roadside attractions with a specific theme: Vegreville’s giant pysanka (Ukrainian Easter egg), Glendon’s giant perogy (Ukrainian dumplings, also spelled pierogi), and Mundare’s giant kovbasa (Ukrainian sausage). At the turn of the century, this area was home to the largest Ukrainian settler colony in Canada.
Ruta Puuc, Yucatán, Mexico
As one of the “new” seven wonders of the world, it’s easy to see why more than 2.5 million visitors head to Chichén Itzá annually. Yet, only about 40,000 people visit Labná, Sayil, and Xlapak, three Maya sites within the wider Uxmal UNESCO World Heritage site.