15 Best Hikes In The U.S
America has never been short on natural beauty, from the red cliffs of the Southwest to the southern Blue Ridge Mountains to the iconic New England autumn foliage views. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned hiker, these breathtaking paths around the country will urge you to lace up your hiking boots and get outside.
According to research, the hiking experience is unique, providing advantages that go beyond what you get from regular exercise.
For example, oxygenating your heart helps keep your intellect sharper, your body calmer, your creativity alive, and your relationships happier. In addition, hiking is one of the best ways to escape your ordinary surroundings, get some exercise, and explore nature.
If you already decide to experience a great hiking adventure, every state in the U.S. has excellent national parks, putting the country’s natural splendor on full display.
America has never been short on natural beauty, from the red cliffs of the Southwest to the southern Blue Ridge Mountains to the iconic New England autumn foliage views. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned hiker, these breathtaking paths around the country will urge you to lace up your hiking boots and get outside.
Yosemite Falls In California
Many people dream about visiting Yosemite National Park. Yosemite Falls, which leads to North America’s tallest waterfall, is accessible to hikers of all experience levels and is our pick for the most incredible path in Yosemite, though Half Dome is more well-known.
The Black Rock Trail in North Carolina
Grandfather Mountain near Linville, North Carolina, is a picturesque preserve densely forested with spruce and fir trees. The Grandfather Trail is a beautiful challenge for intermediate and experienced hikers. Still, the Black Rock Trail is best, which offers MacRae, Attic Window Peaks, and Grandmother Mountain views.
Thunder Lake Trail In Colorado
The Lion Lakes are the crown jewel of Rocky Mountain National Park, an unbelievable network of alpine ponds accessible only by foot. Hike either the 11-mile Wild Basin Trail or the 6-mile Thunder Lake Trail to reach these beautiful waters.
The Ozark Highland Trail In Arkansas
Hike the Ozark Highlands Trail in Arkansas’s Ozark National Forest. The Ozark Highland Trail is 230 miles long and branches off the much longer main Ozark Trail.
Hikers looking to cool down throughout the day in the Ozarks should pick a segment of the trail that passes by one of the many swimming holes in the area.
Keep in mind that the Ozark Highland Trail will eventually stretch over 320 miles throughout the entirety of northern Arkansas.
The Benton Mackaye Trail In Georgia
Georgia is ideal Appalachian Trail terrain. The Benton MacKaye Trail traverses the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains for 300 miles. The Benton MacKaye Trail begins at the Appalachian Trail’s starting on Springer Mountain, which is notable for gorgeous streams, mountain vistas, and a heart-wrenching suspension bridge that crosses the Toccoa River.
South Kaibab Trail In Arizona
Finding the finest trek in Arizona is a no-brainer: it’s in the Grand Canyon. The South Kaibab Trail in the Grand Canyon is a moderate and breathtakingly beautiful climb that takes hikers four to six hours to complete. In addition, visitors will witness Cedar Ridge, Skeleton Point, Ooh Aah Point, and the Grand Canyon rim.
The Great Island Trail In Massachusetts
Cape Cod’s hiking is the best in Massachusetts, including scenic Atlantic Coastline trails. For example, in Wellfleet, Massachusetts, hikers can walk the Great Island Trail up to the pitch pine forest and the cliffs overlooking Cape Cod Bay after following the Cape Cod National Seashore and Herring River to Wellfleet Harbor.
River To River Trail In Illinois
Shawnee National Forest is a popular destination for hikers in Illinois, particularly in the Cedar Lake area. All the trails in the Shawnee National Forest’s Cedar Lake region belong to the Cedar Lake Trail System.
The River to River Trail, one of the longest routes in the system, spans 160 miles from the Lirley Trailhead to the other side of Little Cedar Lake. Therefore, its recommended to concentrate your efforts on the section of the route that circles Little Cedar Lake.
The Long Trail In Vermont
Like those in Washington, people in Vermont always appear to be prepared to go on a trek. You can’t go wrong with that much excitement. Vermont’s tallest peak, Mount Mansfield, has two miles of scenic ridge-top and alpine hiking.
Hikers may reach the peak of Mount Mansfield through several routes, but the favorite is the Long Trail. The Long Trail extends for 272 miles, yet just 2.5 miles are needed to reach the summit of 4,393-foot Manfield Peak.
Castle Rock In Kansas
Scrambling over boulders, dodging arches, and trekking the slopes of Hackberry Creek Valley are all part of the adventure on a trip to Castle Rock, one of Kansas’ natural beauties. The relatively easy 1.5-mile trek through the massive boulders may lead visitors to discover ancient relics, such as tiny fish fossils.
The Wild Azalea Trail In Louisiana
The Wild Azalea Trail is Louisiana’s longest trail, with blooming flowers in the spring, undulating hills, and even in-the-weeds bayous. The 24-mile path passes through the Kisatchie National Forest, the Valentine Lake Recreation Area, and other lovely Louisiana areas.
Bell Mountain Trail In Missouri
Missourians may hike the Bell Mountain Trail in Mark Twain National Forest, part of the larger Ozark Trail, which runs from St. Louis to Arkansas. Bell Mountain is one of Missouri’s highest peaks, rising 1,702 feet throughout 11.6 miles.
Bridal Veil Falls In Pennsylvania
Bushkill Falls, located in the Pocono Mountains, is frequently called the “Niagara Falls of Pennsylvania.” The Bushkill region is home to eight waterfalls accessible by footpaths. Start your Poconos adventure by hiking to Bridal Veil Falls, where three waterfalls pour down the mountains from different directions.
Highline Trail In Montana
Montana’s untamed landscape entices both American hikers and international visitors. But, of course, Glacier National Park showcases the greatest of Montana’s landscape.
Take the Highline track within Glacier National Park, sometimes known as the Highline Loop. The Highline Trail, a little over 14 miles long, traverses the Garden Wall and provides magnificent vistas of Mt. Cannon, Mt. Oberlin, and Heavens Peak before leading hikers to the Granite Park Chalet.
Sliding Sands Trail in Hawaii
Head to Haleakalā National Park and hike the 13-mile out-and-back Sliding Sands Trail from the Keonehe’ehe’e Trailhead to see an entirely different side of Maui.
This moderate-to-difficult trek may begin with a downhill, but be aware of the climb necessary to return. While the trail’s Mars-like scenery provides little shelter, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the volcano.
Start Exploring The Great Outdoors
Fortunately, several hiking paths twist through some of the most magnificent natural environments in the United States. These paths range in difficulty from simple to moderate. They also show a range of landforms, ranging from alpine to volcanic. As you decide which is best for you, remember that it’s always a good idea to check the park’s official website for information on existing conditions, permits, and closures.