Ever open a package and expecting something you really wanted, only to fine out it was a tie or pair of sox? Same scenario here.
- MandSM from Parma, Ohio

Apparently Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the national parks equivalent of a lame Father’s Day gift. (Photo: iStock)

Related: Funniest Bad TripAdvisor Reviews of the Best Places

“It’s a hole in the ground”

Seriously. It’s a hole in the ground. To me, it’s not spectacular, it’s not pretty. It’s a giant hole in the ground. There’s nothing to see from the top. YMMV
— Jama J from Phoenix

That sounds like something the Grand Canyon would say to itself when it’s having a low self-esteem day: “I know I’m supposed to be a “natural wonder” and all, but I don’t see the big deal about me. I’m just a giant hole in the ground.” (Photo: iStock)

Related: Which National Park Is for You?

“A big slab of Granite”

It is a huge chunk of rock but that is it.

— geoffviking from St Helens, United Kingdom

That’s not fair, geoffviking. You don’t see us Americans coming to your country and talking smack about Stonehenge. Wait a minute… we totally do. Carry on. (Photo: iStock)

Related: 10 National Parks with the Best Beaches

“Boring”

Better off looking at a spout from your elementary school water fountain.
— RiverBirch1967 from Santa Fe, New Mexico

No, thanks, RiverBirch1967. The line for that water fountain is just too long. (Photo: iStock)

Related: 10 Secret Places in National Parks

“no way. way too dangerous.”

I have driven a lot of high switchbacks, but this road was created by people who hate people. No guard rails? why? Went to Bear Lake and kissed the flat ground.
— Bigbuilder from Virginia

The government contract to build the road must have gone to the People Who Hate People Construction Company. (Photo: iStock)

Related: America’s 20 Most Popular National Parks, Ranked

“Don’t understand what is the fuss about.”

Its all trees, greenery so what don’t you find elsewhere? I don’t think this is something too great just another forest… Probably you have never seen greenery anywhere else if you are awestruck about these. I guess…

— udayverma

Actually, it’s not “just another forest”; Hoh is the only temperate rainforest in the lower 48 states. But udayverma is right in that it most definitely has greenery. (Photo: iStock)

Related: Why Winter Is the Most Amazing Time to Visit the National Parks

… Mid-day there is no shade so it’s hot and the sweat runs in your eyes making it hard to see….
— Samuel J from Las Vegas, Nevada

Free advice to any prospective concessionaire: Sell headbands at Zion National Park! (Photo: iStock)

Related: Extreme Heat, Falling Trees, the Plague: Are National Parks Trying to Kill Us?

When a review of a national park sounds like the description of a mediocre blind date. (Photo: iStock)

Related: National Park Week Special: Top Travelers Share Their Favorite #NatureSelfies

“If you have a fear of heights, stay away…”

“Both myself and my friend were trying to give ourselves a pep talk as we kept coming around these turns. By the time we got to the top, I was so shaky I couldn’t get out of the car. It was comical really, as I tried to drive on the left side of the road to avoid getting too close to the edge. My friend didn’t know which was worse, the anticipation of going over the cliff, or me driving into another car as I continued on the wrong side of the road!!”
— Judy W from West Islip, NY

Amended advice: If you have a fear of heights, you may want to stay away from any sort of mountain. (Photo: iStock)

“Very strenuous hike for beginners and people from Florida.”

— Bubble914 from Titusville, Florida

Coming soon to national parks: Separate trails for people from Florida! (Photo: Alice Crain/flickr)

“A National Park? You’re kidding right?”

This was a waste of precious driving hours. But it’s probably a thrill — for somebody in Ohio.

— 1runner from Minneapolis, MN

Guess it’s a park that only a Buckeye could love. (Photo: iStock)

“Flop show volcano”

Well, nothing was going despite all the talk of recent activity! We were eagerly expecting lots of fire and sound. There was only a plume of smoke for the 2 hours we were there.

— Vcat13 from Pune

Just shows you how good we have it in America when people complain about a volcano that is NOT spewing deadly, destructive hot lava. (Photo: iStock)

“Mine deserves to remain lost…”
— James T from Fullerton

Apparently, the horses weren’t lost after all; it’s just that they also hated the park. (Photo: Michael Dorausch/Flickr)

— SmokeyBlueTulle

It’s always good to visit a place that takes you back in time to the nasty bathing rituals of yore. (Photo: Jimmy Emerson, DVM/flickr)

“Dont do this hike unless you are sadistic, masochistic, or just plain stupid.”

— ScruffRN

If you’re all three of those things, is admission free? (Photo: iStock)

Entered from Rte 7 and roadway was only open up to the 2nd visitor center which was closed and due to very high snow banks from snowplowing, I only saw about 5% of the mountain’s scenery and thus took a mere 20 photos.

— Bruce S from Hyde Park, New York

Another example of governmental dysfunction: not being able to properly manage snowfall on a mountain. Thanks, Obama! (Photo: iStock)

“Park still great but getting there literally stinks”

Unfortunately, as much as my husband and I love SNP, getting there has become a stinky experience and not pleasant. I’m speaking of Virginia’s extreme use of sewage sludge on farmlands. No matter which way we drive to get to the park, we are always passing fields which have these "bio solids” on them. Virginia is one of the nation’s largest users of the stuff, and it’s everywhere (outside the park, that is). The Shenandoah Valley, the Eastern ridges and approaches, etc. Signs warning of biosolids, yellow tape everywhere, stinking fields: If Virginia thinks this is a proper way to greet tourists they are mistaken. Trust me, traditional farms do not have this kind of odor.”

— Katrinka W from Charlottesville, VA

“That smell? Oh, um… it must be the bio solids. Yeah, that’s right. Darned bio solids…” [Awkwardly rolls down car window] (Photo: iStock)

“Sunrise at Haleakala”

Beware of car sickness! Most reviews ask you to take coffee to watch the sunrise - do just that - bring it up! Don’t drink it on the way! The twists and turns had my son throwing up all the way up and down the mountain.
— AVR_PJ

Poor guy. The volcano should be the only thing that’s spewing. (Photo: iStock)

“Leave your car at your peril!!!”

But.. worst of all… the mosquitos!! We walked back to our car and before getting in, looked down and both of our legs were covered in mosquitos… These were professional blood suckers…

— p0lak from the United kingdom

Insert lawyer joke here. (Photo: iStock)

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