Let us face facts – there is an undeniable thought of taking a well-deserved week off from work, upgrading your exploring gear, perhaps splurging on a new tent, and then setting out on a road trip to one of the most beautiful national parks in the world. Picture it: being surrounded by awe-inspiring natural beauty, with nothing but the ambient sounds of nature accompanying you on a personal journey of discovery.
Well, you are in the right place. We have got your back with a curated roundup of the absolute best places to hike in the U.S. These trails offer more than just a walk in the woods; they promise bucket-list canyon descents, breathtaking oceanside walks, and treks through landscapes adorned with color-popping leaves. In this guide, we have not only highlighted the scenic beauty of each trail but also ranked them by difficulty levels and provided an estimate of the time each hike might take – ranging from a leisurely afternoon stroll to challenging adventures spanning several weeks. So, lace up your boots and get ready for an insider’s look at the essential hikes across the diverse and stunning terrains of the United States.
- John Muir Trail | C.A. Escape to Sierra Nevada’s Majesty Traversing 211 miles from Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney, the John Muir Trail promises breathtaking views of steep passes, alpine meadows, and sequoias. A legendary trek, it is a perfect blend of challenge and beauty, offering iconic sights like Half Dome and Vernal Falls.
- Tongue Mountain Loop | NY Serene Peaks Overlooking Lake George Nestled in the rugged Tongue peninsula, this 13-mile loop treats hikers to unparalleled views of Lake George and its islands. With three summits to conquer, the trail provides a perfect blend of workout and relaxation, allowing for a refreshing dip in the water at Montcalm Point.
- Tillamook Head Trail | OR Lewis and Clark’s Coastal Odyssey Following the footsteps of Lewis and Clark, this 6.3-mile trail from Seaside to Ecola State Park boasts dramatic views of mountain ridges meeting the Pacific. Encounter old-growth forests, elk, eagles, and the misty beauty of Cannon Beach along the way.
- Kalalau Trail | H.I. Tropical Paradise on Kauai’s Nā Pali Coast Offering the only land access to Kauai’s Nā Pali Coast, this 11-mile trail leads to the secluded Kalalau Beach. Encountering tropical valleys, waterfalls, and mango trees, it is a challenging yet rewarding hike, showcasing the surreal landscape seen in Jurassic Park.
- Nankoweap Trail | AZ Grand Canyon’s Challenging Descent Considered one of the most challenging hikes in the Grand Canyon, the Nankoweap Trail descends 6,000 feet in 14 miles. Built in the 1880s, this route offers jaw-dropping views, switchbacking through sandstone cliffs, limestone, and shale, ultimately leading to the roaring rapids along the Colorado River.
- Observation Point | U.T. Dramatic Heights in Zion National Park This eight-mile round trip in Zion National Park is a dramatic ascent to Observation Point. Switchbacking along the sandstone wall, the trail visits Echo Canyon and skirts the precipitous White Cliffs, rewarding hikers with a sweeping view of the canyon, including Red Arch Mountain and Angels Landing.
- Mount Rogers | VA Virginia’s Alpine Adventure Rising 5,728 feet in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Mount Rogers offers a 4½-mile hike from Massie Gap. Passing through rugged pastures, hikers enjoy wide-open views, culminating in a dense spruce-fir forest at the summit. Encounter wild ponies grazing on mountaintop meadows throughout the route.
- Penobscot & Sargent Mountains, ME Acadia’s Rewarding Summit Loop This 5.4-mile loop in Acadia National Park encompasses two summits, rocky scrambles, and crystal-clear ponds. Starting and ending at Jordan Pond House, hikers squeeze between boulders, scale Penobscot, dip down to Sargent Pond, and climb past the tree line for panoramic views of the Down East Coast.
- Superior Hiking Trail | M.N. Midwest’s Epic Ridgetop Adventure Hugging the ridgeline of Lake Superior for 296 miles, the Superior Hiking Trail offers an epic adventure from Duluth to the Canadian border. With stunning views of the lake, forested river valleys, and the chance for wildlife sightings, this trail showcases the beauty of the Midwest.
- West Maroon Creek Trail, CO Wildflower Wonderland between Aspen and Crested Butte Best explored in July for peak wildflowers, this 10-mile trail connects Aspen and Crested Butte. With abundant larkspurs, violets, and columbines, hikers are treated to dramatic views of Maroon Bells and a breathtaking descent after climbing Maroon Pass.
Summary Whether you seek the challenging terrain of the Grand Canyon or the serene peaks of Lake George, these trails promise an unforgettable journey into nature’s tranquility. Lace up your boots, breathe in the fresh air, and let the trails unveil the beauty of the American wilderness.
