Which type of map is typically least useful for finding areas of interest in a rural setting?

City or state road maps are typically least useful for finding areas of interest in a rural setting because they primarily focus on urban areas and major roads rather than detailing rural landscapes. These maps are designed to facilitate navigation within cities and towns, showing street layouts and points of interest that are more common in densely populated areas.

In contrast, topographic maps provide detailed information about the terrain, including elevation changes and natural features, making them ideal for exploring the outdoors in rural settings. Geographic maps or atlases offer a broader overview of regions that can include rural areas, while political maps depict boundaries and areas of governance, which may also cross into less populated territories. Therefore, city or state road maps do not typically serve as effective tools for identifying rural points of interest, as their scope doesn't encompass the nuances of rural geography.