Matt and Karen Smith, college sweethearts, embarked on an adventure in 2010 when they decided to quit their jobs and visit every US national park. Their love for hiking and wildlife inspired this journey, although they weren’t particularly fond of crowds. The Smiths, who have visited every major US national park, have shared their top tips for avoiding crowded national parks.
The National Parks Service reported that over 325 million people visited at least one national park in the US last year, a 4% increase from the previous year. With such high numbers, encountering crowds is almost inevitable during the summer months when Americans explore these natural wonders. However, Matt and Karen Smith offer valuable insights on how to steer clear of the tourist masses.
The Smiths met in college in Kansas and spent the first 25 years of marriage focusing on work, raising kids, and earning a living. Once their youngest child left for college in 2010, they became empty nesters. After relocating to Seattle and being introduced to national parks by friends, the Smiths decided to embark on an adventure. Using their savings, they visited all 63 national parks in the US, including remote areas like American Samoa and north of the Arctic Circle.
During their journey, they documented their experiences in emails to friends, which eventually led to their first book “Dear Bob and Sue.” Today, Matt and Karen continue to share their national park adventures through Instagram and their podcast while offering valuable insights on how to avoid crowds in national parks.
Matt and Karen’s advice includes visiting during off-peak seasons like fall or winter when crowds are smaller. They also suggest exploring less popular parks or areas within a park that are often overlooked. Additionally, they recommend arriving early in the morning or late in the evening to beat the crowds.
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