Google defines “wilderness” as “an uncultivated, uninhabited, and inhospitable region.” For many people this may sound unappealing, but for those who love the adventure, wilderness is the ultimate destination. Whether you plan your next backcountry experience in the largest or the smallest wilderness areas in the United States, it’s bound to be a good time.
Throughout the United States there are 765 wilderness areas that cover a total of 110,005,113 total acres. That’s roughly 5% of the total land area of the United States These vast swaths of wild lands are managed by federal government agencies like the National Park Service, US Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service and Bureau of Land Management.
Find Wilderness Areas Near You
When planning your next adventure, there are plenty of wilderness areas to choose from. Many outdoor enthusiasts gravitate to the mysterious appeal of the largest wilderness areas in the United States, but why don’t you put the smallest wilderness areas in the United States at the top of your list. These remote and unique destinations might be just what you are looking for.
Below you will find the 13 smallest wilderness areas in the United States. All of these wilderness areas have less than 100 acres:
1. Pelican Island Wilderness
- Agency: US Fish & Wildlife Service
- State: Florida
- Total Acres: 6
- Year Designated: 1970
2. Rocks and Islands Wilderness
- Agency: Bureau of Land Management
- State: California
- Total Acres: 6
- Year Designated: 2006
3. Michigan Islands Wilderness
- Agency: US Fish & Wildlife Service
- State: Michigan
- Total Acres: 12
- Year Designated: 1970
4. Three Arch Rocks Wilderness
- Agency: US Fish & Wildlife Service
- State: Oregon
- Total Acres: 15
- Year Designated: 1970
5. Island Bay Wilderness
- Agency: US Fish & Wildlife Service
- State: Florida
- Total Acres: 20
- Year Designated: 1970
6. Wisconsin Islands Wilderness
- Agency: US Fish & Wildlife Service
- State: Wisconsin
- Total Acres: 29
- Year Designated: 1970
7. Hazy Islands Wilderness
- Agency: US Fish & Wildlife Service
- State: Alaska
- Total Acres: 32
- Year Designated: 1970
8. Taylor Creek Wilderness
- Agency: Bureau Of Land Management
- State: Utah
- Total Acres: 35
- Year Designated: 2009
9. Passage Key Wilderness
- Agency: US Fish & Wildlife Service
- State: Florida
- Total Acres: 36
- Year Designated: 1970
10. Beartrap Canyon Wilderness
- Agency: Bureau Of Land Management
- State: Utah
- Total Acres: 40
- Year Designated: 2009
11. Saint Lazaria Wilderness
- Agency: US Fish & Wildlife Service
- State: Alaska
- Total Acres: 65
- Year Designated: 1970
12. West Sister Island Wilderness
- Agency: US Fish & Wildlife Service
- State: Ohio
- Total Acres: 77
- Year Designated: 1975
13. Goose Creek Wilderness
- Agency: Bureau Of Land Management
- State: Utah
- Total Acres: 93
- Year Designated: 2009
Information in this post is based on data found on Wilderness.net. For a complete list of all wilderness areas, visit Wilderness.net. Click here for a map of all of the wilderness areas in the United States.
See Also:
- 10 Largest Wilderness Areas In The United States
- 10 Largest Wilderness Areas In The Lower 48
- The Biggest National Forests In The United States
- 21 Smallest National Parks In The USA
