Going on a trip and publicly rating your experience can be a valuable tool for other future travelers.
In fact, many travelers have actually chosen what hotel they will stay at or which monuments they’ll visit based on the recommendations of others.
But inevitably, there are those reviews you just have to ignore…because there is ALWAYS someone who just can’t seem to be pleased.
In fact, even our national parks don’t get a pass from the one-star review crowd…
… who – despite visiting some of the most majestic natural creations in America – seem to be upset that an OUTDOOR park contains *gasp* bugs and mud.
Yes really.
And it’s those type of travelers that skew reviews for the rest of us who look to them as a guide.
Fortunately, one creative artist took the most ridiculous negative reviews and actually made them into a product line by featuring the complaints of travelers on witty t-shirts and postcards with her hilarious “Subpar Parks” series.
Check out some of the most ridiculous 1-star reviews of America’s greatest national parks – and see for yourself how some people are just never happy.
Sequoia National Park
1-Star Review: “There Are Bugs And They Will Bite On Your Face”.
Well yes, outdoor parks contain bugs…
…and many bugs do bite.
Which is why if you are trekking through the outdoors you should always protect yourself with bug spray.
Putting the bugs aside, Sequoia National Park is known for its underground Crystal Cave and is home to the General Sherman Tree – the world’s largest living tree.
Located right next to Kings Canyon, these two parks are combined and managed as one national park and contain five different areas for every type of outdoor taste.
In the winter you can go skiing or snowshoeing, and in the warmer weather you can go hiking or even horseback riding and soak in the views of breathtaking waterfalls.
A few bug bites are worth it for checking out this incredible national park.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
1-Star Review: “Very Very Very Very Muddy A Lot OF Mud”
This visitor seemed surprised this outdoor park contained mud.
Were they expecting paved roads?
Located just outside of Cleveland, Cuyahoga Valley National Park receives more than 2.2 million visitors each year and is one of the most popular parks in America.
While visiting the park, check out Beaver Marsh – a great place for birdwatching. Or visit Brandywine Falls – a 60-foot waterfall with a peaceful and relaxing view.
Even if you aren’t the typical “outdoors type,” this Ohio park has something for everyone including an outdoor concert series and even art and photography events!
Just don’t be surprised if your shoes get a bit muddy, you’re in a park.
Olympic National Park
1-Star Review: “No Wow Factor”.
This incredible national park sits in Angeles, Washington and is almost a million acres!
An outdoor enthusiast’s dream, here you can paddle down the river, kayak on the lake, backpack overnight through the wilderness, or take a day hike on trails designed for all fitness levels.
And the view of snow-covered mountain tops will take your breath away.
In addition, since 95 percent of the park is designated as “wilderness” and absent of manmade light, you can catch an incredible view of the starry sky in its natural form.
If nearly one million acres of a natural landscape isn’t a “wow factor” – we’re not sure what is!
When 1-Stars Are Actually Warranted
Here’s the deal – if you visit a place that has horrible service or bed bugs – feel free to let other travelers know.
The goal isn’t to never post a negative review…
… but to actually make sure the negative review is, well, actually negative.
America has 61 beautiful national parks and we encourage every Proud American Traveler to add them to their bucket list!
Just don’t forget the bug spray!
To stay current on the latest Proud American Traveler stories, follow us on Facebook and be sure to like and share our posts!
