Few things in life are better than a day spent in the great outdoors. It’s healing for the body, mind, and soul. The Land of the Free is brimming with opportunities to dance with Mother Nature.
Whether you have your heart set on a trip to the northwest, southeast, or all the lands in between, we have a hiking trail to bring your dreams to life.
1. Denali State Park, Alaska
Let’s start in the Last Frontier, shall we? There are countless different ways to approach Denali Park, but your best bet is Kesugi Ridge Trail.
With four different starting/ending points, you can customize this spectacular hike to meet the needs of everyone in your group. And, since it’s slightly less popular than some of the other wonders on offer in Denali, you might enjoy its quieter feel.
2. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Within Mount Rainer, you’ll find Summerland Trail, a moderate climb lasting about 8.5 miles or four hours. As you walk along these trails, you’ll savor the sights of dense, green forests, lush meadows, and mountain views over Rainier’s glaciers.
3. Mount Adams South Climb, Washington
Mount Adams in cozy Washington State is spectacular any time of year. However, if you plan your trek for the summer, you’ll be able to climb hillsides that are simply exploding with color from the native wildflowers.
This is a medium to difficult climb and snow remains on the summit all year round. So, for this hike, you just want to be sure Mother Nature is on your side before you go.
4. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Washington and Oregon offer some of the most magnificent forest hikes. They really know how to transport you a world away.
Tucked into Crater Lake National Park, you’ll find Watchman Peak Trail, an approximate 3.5-mile hike on the eastern edge of Crater Lake. A pro tip for approaching these National Parks in the summertime is to head out early, as afternoon storms are a regular affair.
5. Yosemite National Park, California
If you have seven miles and five hours in you, the Mist Trail in Yosemite National Park pays itself forward in countless ways.
Not only are the views out over the National Park stunning but so is Vernal Fall – a 317-foot waterfall that will wash all your cares away.
6. Torrey Pines Beach Trail Loop, California
For something a little more coastal, head south to Torrey Pines Beach Trail Loop. This is a moderate three-mile climb trailing along the Pacific blue waters. While you’re on foot, you can gaze upon the Torrey Pines, an evergreen indigenous to this corner of the country.
7. Yosemite National Park, California
There are so many different ways to approach Yosemite, so we have to return to it again. If you’re an experienced hiker — you might consider Half Dome. Located deep within the valley, it’s a 15-mile trail that is one with nature, all the way down to the spectacle of waterfalls.
8. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Where does one begin when approaching one of the most show-stopping National Parks in America—if not the world?
You can seek out Rim Trail, a 13-mile hike through this unforgettable Park for a moderate climb. Pack a small charcuterie board because Yavapai Geology Museum offers some splendid picnic spots.
9. The Wave, Arizona
If you do a quick search for this on Instagram, you’ll see why this is such a stunning destination. We’re talking swirling red sandstones in the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument.
For better or for worse, it’s so popular that the Bureau of Land Management started limiting foot traffic to this 5.2-mile slice of heaven. Truth be told, you have to be quite lucky to secure a permit these days because only 20 lucky people are permitted per day.
10. Kuli’Ou’Ou Ridge Trail, Hawaii
How about a slow and easy trek that offers panoramas over Diamond Head as prize money for those who complete the 5-mile hike?
During your time on the trail, you’ll soak up Oahu sunsets, emerald-green jungles, bamboo, and more. Best of all, this is a dog-friendly trail if you think Fido is up for it!
11. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Located on the Big Island, this entire National Park is breathtaking. Neatly nestled within its hills, however, you’ll find Mauna Loa Summit. However, this is not for the faint of heart, clocking in at 17 miles.
You just have to check before you go because Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will close whenever there’s any sign of volcanic activity.
12. Long’s Peak, Colorado
Like Mauna Loa Summit, this certainly isn’t for the faint of heart, either. We’re talking about a 15-mile uphill climb that’s as difficult as it is rewarding.
Everyone who makes this attempt knows to go in the wee hours of the morning to secure parking, get started before the peak heat, and – if they’re lucky enough – catch a glorious sunrise out over the park’s stoic line of trees.
13. Arches National Park, Utah
Arches National Park is simply incomparable. Those desert arches and rock formations are like none other.
If the whole park is a bit too much to handle, that’s perfectly alright because Delicate Arch Trail lives up to its name. As a moderate three-hour hike, its semi-steep pathways are well worth the effort as soon as you see those sensational sandstone arches.
14. Zion National Park, Utah
Within this vast national park, you’ll find The Narrows, a nice, easy hike – even for beginners. You can go anywhere from two miles to twelve as you dip in and out of the Virgin River. When you’re ready to take in these sights, ensure your footwear is waterproof!
15. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Bryce Canyon National Park opens the door to eight different trails to tantalize your toes. Two of the most popular options within are the Fairyland Loop – a 7.8-mile hike – and Rim Trail – a 5.5-mile hike.
Because Fairyland Loop is as magical as it is popular, it’s not the place to go for a little R&R. Rim Trail, however, is slightly quieter – but not by much because people travel from all over the world to see its rock formations that look like they belong on Mars more than Utah.
16. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
For another moderate climb, The Jenny Lake Trail offers a seven-mile journey through verdant, green pine forests and sparkling blue lakes. After a little bit of effort, the vistas will open up to the Teton Range, rewarding you for all your efforts.
17. Titcomb Basin, Wyoming
At a staggering 28 miles, this is more of a camping trip than a hike. But, it certainly deserves an honorable mention on this list because of its alpine lakes and snow-capped peaks.
Island Lake is a fan favorite for people hoping to make camp for a few nights. You’ll come across several fellow travelers with a deep love for this highly unique hiking trail.
18. Glacier National Park, Montana
Located within one of the most iconic National Parks in the U.S., you’ll find Lake Trail – a more forgiving hike than other parts of the park.
Although the views over the mountains and valleys are spectacular, what you’ll really want to come here for are Ptarmigan Falls and Iceberg Lake. It’s possible that you’ll never again see such crystal blue waters.
19. Petrified Forest Loop, North Dakota
A petrified forest in North Dakota? Where do we sign up? For something that sounds mildly ominous, the Petrified Forest Loop is relatively easy and can be accomplished in one glorious day.
While you’re there, be sure to say hello to the antelope and deer. What you won’t be able to get over is all the petrified wood specimens that have seemingly turned into stone. What a natural wonder.
20. Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Within Badlands National Park, you’ll find Notch Trail, a pleasant mile-and-a-half journey through a small canyon ensconced in dusty white smoke and clear blue skies. This is marked as a moderate-level climb because it’s not as flat as some of the other options on this list. But, it’s still short enough to welcome hikers of every skill level.
21. The Long Trail, Vermont
Now, this is a challenge. Perhaps it’s not the Appalachian Trail, but it does run the length of the beautiful state of Vermont!
If you’re able to plan your hike for the fall season – when the leaves are absolutely exploding with color – this could easily turn into the trek of a lifetime.
22. Tuckerman’s Ravine, New Hampshire
Tuckerman’s Ravine is a glorious starting point for those who want to take on Mount Washington in New Hampshire’s White Mountains.
Mt. Washington, itself, is a huge challenge for even the most experienced hiker. However, Tuckerman’s Ravine and Boott Spur Trail are far more forgiving when you time it right with the weather.
23. Acadia National Park, Maine
Tucked into the beautiful Acadia National Park, you’ll find Ocean Path, a two-mile trek that takes roughly two hours to complete and offers scenic ocean views.
You’ll find this to be a relatively easy hike, with flat, paved pathways along Park Loop Road. Given its relatively small incline, this could make for a nice, family-friendly hike, especially if you happen to catch any of the sea lions or seals offshore.
24. The Appalachian Trail, Maryland
Of course, the entire Appalachian Trail isn’t for the faint of heart. Covering nearly 2,200 miles from Georgia to Maine, plenty of people hike it in its entirety – but it’s something they’ve trained for quite extensively.
For a more moderate offering, you can take aim at Black Rock Trail in Maryland. This is a 7.5-mile hike with stunning vistas. Catching a sunset at its climax is something that will live on in your heart forever.
25. Johns Mountain Trail, Georgia
How does a canopy of green trees and a babbling brook sound for company on your hike? That’s what Johns Trail has to offer – and more.
Here, you’re looking at a five-mile hike over rivers and streams that leads to the most magnificent falls – Keown Falls.
Happy Trails to You!
…until we meet again! There’s no better getaway than one swathed in the warm embrace of Mother Nature. We hope these trails provide you with the thrill of a lifetime.
Whichever state you’re heading to next, we have a destination guide to help you get there in style and experience the trip of a lifetime.