Top Places to Hike in America: Discover the Great Outdoors
The United States is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, offering a diverse range of landscapes that are perfect for exploring on foot. Whether you’re drawn to the rugged mountains of the West, the lush forests of the East, or the vast deserts of the Southwest, there’s a hiking trail in America that’s calling your name. From iconic national parks to hidden gems, here are some of the top places to hike in America that will inspire you to lace up your boots and discover the great outdoors.
1. Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite National Park is a hiker’s paradise, known for its towering granite cliffs, majestic waterfalls, and ancient sequoia groves. With over 750 miles of trails, Yosemite offers something for everyone, from easy strolls to challenging climbs.
Must-Hike Trails:
- Half Dome: One of the most iconic hikes in the country, the Half Dome trail is a challenging 14- to 16-mile round trip that rewards hikers with breathtaking views from the summit. The final ascent includes the famous cable route, which is not for the faint of heart.
- Mist Trail: This popular trail takes you past two of Yosemite’s most famous waterfalls, Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall. The trail is steep and can be slippery from the mist, but the views are worth the effort.
Why It’s Special: Yosemite’s dramatic landscapes and iconic landmarks make it one of the most awe-inspiring places to hike in America.
2. Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park is renowned for its stunning red rock canyons, towering sandstone cliffs, and unique slot canyons. The park’s diverse trails offer a range of experiences, from easy walks along the Virgin River to thrilling climbs up sheer rock faces.
Must-Hike Trails:
- Angels Landing: One of the most thrilling hikes in Zion, Angels Landing is a 5-mile round trip that includes narrow ridges and steep drop-offs. The views from the top are spectacular, but this hike is not for those with a fear of heights.
- The Narrows: Hike through the narrowest section of Zion Canyon, where the Virgin River has carved out a stunning slot canyon. The Narrows can be hiked from the bottom up, starting at the Temple of Sinawava, or as a more challenging top-down hike with a permit.
Why It’s Special: Zion’s unique geological formations and thrilling trails make it a must-visit destination for adventurous hikers.
3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina
Straddling the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its mist-covered peaks, lush forests, and abundant wildlife. As America’s most visited national park, it offers a wide range of hiking trails for all skill levels.
Must-Hike Trails:
- Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte: This 11-mile round-trip hike takes you through old-growth forests, past striking geological features, and up to the summit of Mount LeConte, one of the park’s highest peaks.
- Andrews Bald: A 3.6-mile round-trip hike to one of the park’s most beautiful grassy balds, Andrews Bald offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, especially during the fall foliage season.
Why It’s Special: The Great Smoky Mountains’ biodiversity and stunning natural beauty make it a fantastic destination for hikers of all levels.
4. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
The Grand Canyon is one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world, and hiking in this vast and rugged landscape offers a truly unforgettable experience. Whether you’re descending into the canyon or walking along the rim, the views are nothing short of spectacular.
Must-Hike Trails:
- Bright Angel Trail: This classic trail descends 4,380 feet from the South Rim to the Colorado River, offering a challenging hike with incredible views of the canyon’s layers of rock. The full hike to the river and back is 19 miles round trip, but shorter hikes to Indian Garden or Plateau Point are also popular.
- South Kaibab Trail: This trail offers some of the most dramatic views in the Grand Canyon, with steep descents and panoramic vistas. The trail is less crowded than Bright Angel and provides a more rugged hiking experience.
Why It’s Special: The Grand Canyon’s vast scale, geological history, and breathtaking views make it a bucket-list destination for hikers.
5. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park is a hiker’s dream, with over 350 miles of trails that wind through alpine meadows, dense forests, and along crystal-clear lakes. The park’s high elevation and rugged terrain offer both challenging climbs and easy day hikes.
Must-Hike Trails:
- Longs Peak: The tallest peak in the park at 14,259 feet, Longs Peak is a challenging hike that requires a full day and a good level of fitness. The Keyhole Route, the most popular path to the summit, involves scrambling over rocks and traversing narrow ledges.
- Bear Lake to Emerald Lake: This 3.6-mile round-trip hike is one of the park’s most popular, offering stunning views of alpine lakes and towering peaks. The trail is accessible year-round, making it a great option for all seasons.
Why It’s Special: Rocky Mountain National Park’s combination of alpine scenery, diverse trails, and abundant wildlife makes it a top destination for hikers.
6. Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park is a gem of the East Coast, offering rugged coastline, granite peaks, and lush forests. The park’s trails range from easy walks to challenging climbs, with many offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Must-Hike Trails:
- Precipice Trail: This challenging 2.5-mile round-trip trail takes you up steep cliffs with the aid of iron rungs and ladders. The views from the top of Champlain Mountain are worth the effort, but this trail is not recommended for beginners or those with a fear of heights.
- Jordan Pond Path: A 3.3-mile loop around Jordan Pond, this trail offers stunning views of the Bubbles, two rounded mountains that rise above the pond. The trail is relatively easy and offers a great way to experience the park’s natural beauty.
Why It’s Special: Acadia’s unique blend of coastal and mountain scenery, along with its challenging trails, makes it a favorite among East Coast hikers.
7. Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park, often referred to as the "Crown of the Continent," is known for its stunning landscapes, including glacial valleys, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear lakes. The park’s trails offer some of the most breathtaking views in the country, with opportunities to spot wildlife such as grizzly bears, mountain goats, and moose.
Must-Hike Trails:
- Highline Trail: This 11.6-mile one-way hike follows the Continental Divide, offering jaw-dropping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trail is relatively flat but includes narrow sections with steep drop-offs, making it a thrilling adventure.
- Grinnell Glacier Trail: This 10.6-mile round-trip hike takes you to one of the park’s most iconic glaciers. The trail offers stunning views of alpine scenery, wildflowers, and the turquoise waters of Grinnell Lake.
Why It’s Special: Glacier National Park’s remote beauty and challenging trails make it a paradise for serious hikers.
8. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Shenandoah National Park, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, offers more than 500 miles of trails, including a portion of the famous Appalachian Trail. The park’s trails range from easy walks to strenuous climbs, with many offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Must-Hike Trails:
- Old Rag Mountain: One of the most popular hikes in the park, the 9-mile Old Rag Mountain loop offers a challenging climb with rock scrambles and stunning views from the summit.
- Whiteoak Canyon: This 4.8-mile round-trip hike takes you past a series of waterfalls, making it one of the most scenic hikes in Shenandoah. The trail can be extended to include more waterfalls and a longer hike.
Why It’s Special: Shenandoah’s beautiful mountain scenery, diverse trails, and proximity to major cities make it a perfect destination for a hiking getaway.
9. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its unique hoodoos—tall, thin spires of rock that rise from the canyon floor. The park’s trails take you through these otherworldly formations, offering a hiking experience like no other.
Must-Hike Trails:
- Navajo Loop Trail: This 1.3-mile loop is one of the most popular hikes in Bryce Canyon, taking you down into the amphitheater of hoodoos and through the narrow Wall Street section of the canyon.
- Fairyland Loop: For a longer hike, the 8-mile Fairyland Loop offers stunning views of the hoodoos and the surrounding landscape. The trail is less crowded than other hikes in the park, offering a more peaceful experience.
Why It’s Special: Bryce Canyon’s unique geology and striking landscapes make it a must-visit destination for hikers looking for something out of the ordinary.
10. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Mount Rainier National Park is home to the iconic Mount Rainier, an active volcano and the highest peak in the Cascade Range. The park’s trails offer a variety of experiences, from easy walks through wildflower meadows to challenging climbs up the mountain’s slopes.
Must-Hike Trails:
- Skyline Trail: This 5.5-mile loop takes you through some of the park’s most stunning scenery, including views of Mount Rainier, the Tatoosh Range, and the Nisqually Glacier. The trail is particularly beautiful in the summer when the wildflowers are in bloom.
- Wonderland Trail: For experienced hikers, the 93-mile Wonderland Trail circumnavigates Mount Rainier, offering a challenging and rewarding multi-day backpacking experience. The trail takes you through a variety of ecosystems, from dense forests to alpine meadows.
Why It’s Special: Mount Rainier’s towering presence and diverse landscapes make it a top destination for hikers looking for both beauty and challenge.
Final Thoughts
America’s hiking trails offer endless opportunities to connect with nature, challenge yourself, and experience the beauty of the great outdoors. Whether you’re trekking through the granite peaks of Yosemite, exploring the red rock canyons of Zion, or taking in the coastal views of Acadia, there’s a trail out there that’s perfect for you. As you prepare for your hiking adventures, don’t forget to gear up with your Eleven Elfs vests and coats. Their stylish designs and superior warmth will keep you comfortable as you explore some of the best hiking destinations America has to offer. So, grab your hiking boots, pack your essentials, and get ready to discover the great outdoors!