The Hidden Secrets of America’s National Parks: Avoiding Crowds and Maximizing Your Experience with Matt and Karen Smith

Matt and Karen Smith, a couple who met in college and spent the first 25 years of their marriage focusing on work and family, decided to quit their jobs in 2010 to embark on a journey to visit every US national park. Their love for hiking and wildlife inspired this adventure, although they weren’t particularly fond of crowds.

The Smiths have now visited every major US national park and have shared their top tips for avoiding crowded national parks. With over 325 million people visiting at least one national park in the US last year, encountering crowds is almost inevitable during the summer months. However, by following the advice of Matt and Karen, visitors can steer clear of the tourist masses and have a more enjoyable experience.

Matt and Karen 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, offering valuable insights on how to avoid crowds in national parks.