Need to get away from it all? Try 400+ square miles all to yourself in some of America's most pristine and remote wilderness.

That's what you get at some of these preserves -- the most remote and least visited national parks in the United States (and its territories). But you don’t get all that grandeur to yourself for nothing: Some of these parks are accessible only by boat, only by plane, or at the very least only by a long haul in the car.

If you’re going to make the trip, the weekend of August 15-16 is a good time to try; it’s the last fee-free weekend this year at U.S. national parks, when entrance fees are waived. (Even the Obamas are planning to take advantage of the free pass.)

So, here they are, your least visited national parks, listed from least visited to most (though even the most visited only sees fewer than 90,000 visitors a year -- a far cry from the 9.4 million visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited park in the U.S. 

Note: Population figures in this feature are the latest estimates available from the National Park Service.

 




(Photo: National Park Service)

Concentrating all the best that Alaskan wilderness has to offer into a single park, it is surprising Lake Clark National Park and Preservation had only 5,549 visitors in 2007. Lakes, active volcanoes, three mountain ranges, glaciers, waterfalls, arctic-like tundra, and even a rainforest comprise this majestic park outside of Anchorage. Sled dog teams were the best way to travel around the area until the 1960s, but they have recently faced competition from snowmobiles.

At 6,297 square miles, Lake Clark National Park provides plenty of open space for your personal enjoyment. With an average of only 15 visitors per day, this means each visitor has 419 square miles of pristine national park to him or herself every day.

See stunning photos of Alaskan glaciers.

 






(Photo: National Park Service)

Considering the state's size and location (which is inconvenient, to say the least), it's no surprise Alaska has so many parks on this list. While Alaskan national parks feature some truly amazing stuff, North Cascades National Park in Washington provides an opportunity to experience Alaska-like wilderness closer to home. In addition to bears, moose, and cougars, this park has the most glaciers (more than 300 of them!) outside of Alaska. Sadly, that number is steadily decreasing as global warming continues to claim its victims, so go see them while you can.

Located in northern Washington, the park is popular among backpackers and hikers. Its 400 miles of trails also make it accessible to less-adventurous outdoor lovers. North Cascades National Park was enjoyed by 19,534 visitors in 2007.

 




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