12 Best Off-Grid Travel Experiences in North America for 2026

9. Great Smoky Mountains Backcountry, Tennessee/North Carolina

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a unique off-grid experience in the heart of Appalachia, where visitors can explore over 800 square miles of pristine wilderness that protects the largest remnant of temperate deciduous forest in North America and supports an incredible diversity of plant and animal life. The park's backcountry camping system includes over 100 designated campsites and shelters accessible only by hiking trails that range from easy day hikes to challenging multi-day expeditions through some of the oldest mountains on Earth. The Smokies' unique ecosystem supports over 19,000 documented species, including black bears, wild boars, elk, and over 200 bird species, while its ancient forests contain some of the largest trees in eastern North America, including massive tulip poplars, hemlocks, and oaks that create a cathedral-like canopy overhead. The park's backcountry experience varies dramatically by elevation and season, with lower elevations offering mild temperatures and diverse wildlife viewing opportunities, while higher elevations provide cooler temperatures, panoramic views, and unique high-altitude ecosystems that support rare and endemic species found nowhere else on Earth. What makes the Smokies particularly special is their designation as both a National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing their global significance as a center of biodiversity and natural beauty that attracts millions of visitors annually while maintaining pristine backcountry areas for wilderness enthusiasts. The park's rich cultural history includes remnants of Appalachian settlements, historic cabins, and gristmills that provide insight into the region's human heritage, while its extensive trail system includes portions of the Appalachian Trail that offer opportunities for long-distance hiking adventures through some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in eastern North America.