National parks are a great way to get away from the rat race and be at one with nature. However, during spring break these national parks can get overcrowded, meaning your peaceful destination won’t be that peaceful after all. If you really want to beat the tourist crowds, head to one of these alternative national parks.
Isle Royale National Park, Michigan, USA
This national park sits on the banks of Lake Superior which is also the gateway for arrival; the park is only accessible by boat. Located on one large island surrounded by 450 smaller ones, if you’re looking for solitude, Isle Royale is the place to be. It offers many activities for the adventurous backpacker, such as hiking, kayaking, and scuba diving as well as the chance to spot wolves and moose.
Oulanka National Park, Finland
If it’s flora and fauna you’re looking for, Oulanka National Park delivers on a massive scale. It’s rich with hundreds of plant species, and endangered species like lynx, wolverine, and bears also make their home here. If you visit during spring break, you’re sure to still find snow on the ground, but this should be no problem; Oulanka National Park is absolutely stunning whichever season you decide to go. Good activities for spring break are hiking, snowshoeing, and Nordic walking.
Khao Yai National Park, Thailand
Thailand makes a perfect destination for spring break; it’s cheap and is awash with culture. It’s also stunningly pretty and nowhere is more so than Khao Yai National Park. Only a short drive from Bangkok, it’s worth a visit for its many picturesque waterfalls amid lush green rainforest. There are over 300 species of tropical birds to keep your eyes peeled for, as well as elephants, gibbons, deer, and tigers.
Pembrokeshire National Park, Wales, UK
Spring is a delightful time in the UK; the weather is pleasant and everyone starts to spend more time outside. Of course, this can be a disadvantage if you’re looking for peace and tranquility. Pembrokeshire National Park has some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, but as a lot of visitors to Wales head to the north, it’s more than likely you’ll have it mostly to yourself. It’s located on the coast with sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and rocky coves. There’s also a number of historic sites, including Norman castles, Prehistoric tombs, and Iron Hill Age forts.
North Cascades National Park, Washington, USA
North Cascades’ biggest selling point is its glaciers; it has over 300, the largest amount in any US park outside of Alaska. It has many activities on offer, such as hiking, cycling, fishing, and climbing, all within an area of vast swathes of mountains covered in conifers and alpine lakes. It’s also a great place for wildlife watching: grizzly bears, grey wolves, and over 200 species of bird make their home here.
These national parks offer everything you could want on a spring break: fun activities, wildlife and beautiful scenery, all without massive amounts of tourists.
