Hoshino Resorts KAI Poroto, Shiraoi

OutsideApr 30

Forget National Parks, Geoparks Are the Most Underrated Hiking Spots on Earth

While national parks often separate people from the land, UNESCO Global Geoparks celebrate the relationship between human culture and the earth’s rarest geological phenomena. Here's why these 229 sites are one of the best-kept secrets in travel.

weaves Ainu culture into design, luxurious onsen

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Upopoy National Ainu Museum and ParkMuseumlearn about Japan's indigenous Ainu people
Hoshino Resorts KAI PorotoHotelweaves Ainu culture into design, luxurious onsen
Elsewhere
Toya-Usu UNESCO Global GeoparkSightHokkaido, Japanstretch of volcanic terrain with caldera lakes
Shikotsu-Toya National ParkSightHokkaido, Japanfiery centerpiece within Toya-Usu geopark
Mt. UsuSightHokkaido, Japanactive stratovolcano with four eruptions in past century
Rie EgawaPlaceHokkaido, Japanguided hikes with Sotoasobu Guides
Sotoasobu GuidesPlaceHokkaido, Japanoffers guided hikes with Volcano Meister Rie Egawa
Mt. Usu Climbing RouteTrailHokkaido, Japanshort, steep 1.8-mile climb to volcano crater rim
Mt. Usu RopewaySightHokkaido, Japanwindow-walled gondola open year-round
Mt. Usu Outer Rim TrailTrailHokkaido, Japan3-mile loop to Lake Toya Observation Deck
Lake Toya Observation DeckSightHokkaido, Japanepic view from Mt. Usu Outer Rim Trail
Nakajima Island LoopTrailHokkaido, Japan5-mile loop through native spruce and oak
Akebono ParkPlaceHokkaido, Japancampsite on the edge of Lake Toya
Arutori-misaki Camp SitePlaceHokkaido, Japancampsite near the base of Mt. Usu
Okishi Seaside CampsitePlaceHokkaido, Japancampsite on the shoreline of Uchiura Bay
Stonehammer geoparkSightSaint John, Canadaancient geology, prehistoric discoveries
Irving Nature ParkSightSaint John, Canada600-acre peninsula with Bay of Fundy coastline
Seal TrailTrailSaint John, Canada2-mile loop along fossil-laced shoreline
Heron TrailTrailSaint John, Canada1.6-mile trail linking to Seely Point Lookout
Seely Point LookoutSightSaint John, Canadasweeping views of Saints Rest Marsh
Split Rock TrailTrailSaint John, Canada5.4-mile route through exposed geology
In Step AdventuresPlaceSaint John, Canadaguided hikes in Stonehammer geopark
Inside Out Nature CenterPlaceSaint John, Canadafamily-friendly guided hikes in Stonehammer geopark
Five Fathom Hole TrailTrailSaint John, Canada
Black Beach TrailTrailSaint John, Canada

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Hoshino Resorts KAI Poroto

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Forget National Parks, Geoparks Are the Most Underrated Hiking Spots on Earth