15 Scenic Hiking Trails in America You Have to See to Believe
America’s scenic hiking trails offer breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experiences, drawing millions of adventurers each year. In 2023, over 61 million people participated in hiking activities in the U.S., highlighting the growing popularity of this outdoor pursuit. The Appalachian Trail, stretching 2,189.2 miles across 14 states, is a testament to America’s vast wilderness, ranking as the most popular hiking trail in the country.
Alyson Chun, assistant director at Stanford University, highlights hiking’s physical and mental benefits, from reduced anxiety to better heart health. With over 193,500 miles of hiking trails on federal lands, America offers a diverse range of scenic trails that cater to all skill levels, ensuring there’s a path for every nature enthusiast. Here are 15 scenic hiking trails in America that you must see to believe.
Angel’s Landing – Utah
Angel’s Landing in Utah’s Zion National Park is a thrilling 5.4-mile round-trip hike that offers breathtaking views of Zion Canyon. The trail gains approximately 1,500 feet in elevation, culminating in a narrow ridge with 1,000-foot drop-offs on both sides. Since 2022, hikers must obtain a permit to venture beyond Scout Lookout due to the trail’s popularity and safety concerns.
The final half-mile stretch features chains bolted into the rock to assist hikers along the most precarious sections. Angel’s Landing attracts thousands of adventurers annually, with the National Park Service reporting that about 300,000 people attempted the hike in 2019.
The Wave – Arizona
The Wave in Arizona’s Coyote Buttes North is a mesmerizing sandstone that draws hikers worldwide. The 6.4-mile round-trip hike requires a permit, with only 64 hikers allowed per day to protect the delicate landscape. Hikers must navigate without a marked trail, relying on map reading skills and GPS coordinates to reach the destination.
The Wave’s unique swirling patterns were formed by wind and water erosion over millions of years, creating a photographer’s paradise. Despite its popularity, the area’s remoteness and lack of facilities make it a challenging adventure, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F in summer.
Half Dome – California
Half Dome in California’s Yosemite National Park is an iconic 14-16 mile round trip hike that challenges even experienced hikers. The trail gains approximately 4,800 feet in elevation, culminating in a 400-foot cable section to reach the summit at 8,842 feet. Permits are required for the cable section, with only 300 hikers allowed per day to manage crowds and ensure safety.
The hike typically takes 10-12 hours to complete and offers stunning views of Yosemite Valley and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains. Half Dome’s popularity has grown significantly, with hikers increasing from 50,000 in 2008 to over 80,000 in recent years.
The Narrows – Utah
The Narrows in Utah’s Zion National Park is a unique 16-mile hike through the narrowest section of Zion Canyon. Hikers wade through the Virgin River, with water levels varying from ankle-deep to chest-high depending on the season and recent rainfall. The trail is flanked by towering sandstone walls up to 1,000 feet high, creating a dramatic and immersive experience.
The Narrows can be hiked as an out-and-back day hike or a two-day trip with a permit for overnight camping. Due to the risk of flash floods, hikers should always check weather conditions and water levels before attempting this unforgettable adventure.
Acadia National Park’s Precipice Trail – Maine
Acadia National Park’s Precipice Trail in Maine is a challenging 1.6-mile round-trip hike that ascends 1,000 feet up the eastern face of Champlain Mountain. The trail features iron rungs, ladders, and narrow ledges, making it suitable only for experienced hikers without fear of heights. Peregrine falcons nest on the cliffs, often causing trail closures from late spring through mid-August to protect these endangered birds.
The Precipice Trail offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding islands, rewarding hikers with a unique perspective of Acadia’s rugged coastline. Despite its short length, the trail’s technical difficulty and exposure make it one of the park’s most challenging and memorable hikes.
Havasu Falls – Arizona
Havasu Falls, nestled deep within the Grand Canyon, offers hikers a 25-mile round-trip journey through one of the most stunning landscapes in the U.S. The trail begins at the Hualapai Hilltop, descending 2,500 feet into the canyon and passing by five incredible waterfalls, including the iconic Havasu Falls with its turquoise waters. Permits are required, and visitors typically spend three nights at the campground to fully explore this oasis.
In 2025, over 30,000 hikers visited Havasupai lands, showcasing its enduring popularity despite limited access. With its unique blend of desert scenery and lush waterfalls, Havasu Falls is a bucket-list destination for adventurers seeking natural beauty.
Kalalau Trail – Hawaii
The Kalalau Trail on Kauai’s Napali Coast is an 11-mile trek that combines dramatic sea cliffs with lush tropical valleys. Originally built in the late 1800s, this trail offers breathtaking views of Hanakapi’ai Beach and Kalalau Valley, with rare native plants and wildlife along the way. Due to its challenging terrain and environmental preservation efforts, permits are required beyond Hanakapi’ai Beach.
The trail attracts thousands of hikers annually, with its rugged beauty earning it a reputation as one of the world’s most adventurous hikes. At the trail’s end, Kalalau Beach provides a serene reward for those who complete this demanding journey.
Skyline Trail – Washington
The Skyline Trail in Mount Rainier National Park is a 5.5-mile loop that showcases cascading waterfalls, mighty glaciers, and vibrant wildflower meadows. Starting from Paradise on Rainier’s south side, this moderate hike gains 1,450 feet in elevation and offers panoramic views of Washington’s tallest peak. During peak season in July and August, thousands of hikers flock to experience Rainier’s southern exposure and longer hiking season.
The historic Paradise Inn, built in 1916, is a hub for visitors exploring this iconic trail. With its blend of alpine beauty and accessible terrain, the Skyline Trail remains one of Washington’s most beloved hikes.
Harding Icefield Trail – Alaska
The Harding Icefield Trail in Kenai Fjords National Park is an 8.2-mile round-trip hike that ascends through forests and meadows to reveal a horizon of ice stretching as far as the eye can see. Starting at Exit Glacier, hikers gain approximately 1,000 feet per mile for a total elevation gain of over 3,500 feet. The trail attracts thousands annually who seek to witness remnants of ancient ice ages and Alaska’s rugged wilderness.
Even shorter hikes along the trail offer impressive views of Exit Glacier’s terminus and surrounding valleys. For those who reach the top, the Harding Icefield provides an unforgettable window into Alaska’s glacial past.
Franconia Ridge Loop – New Hampshire
Franconia Ridge Loop in New Hampshire’s White Mountains is an 8.5-mile trail offering panoramic views from peaks like Mount Lafayette (5,249 feet) and Mount Lincoln (5,089 feet). This strenuous hike features over 3,700 feet of elevation gain and exposed ridgeline walking through Franconia Notch State Park. The trail attracts over 200,000 hikers annually due to its incredible vistas overlooking the Pemigewasset Wilderness.
Pan American Trails reports that over 40,000 visitors hike the Franconia Ridge between late May and early October. Greenleaf Hut provides a midpoint rest stop for backpackers tackling longer routes like the 15-mile Franconia Range traverse. With its alpine beauty and challenging terrain, Franconia Ridge is a must-see destination for New England adventurers.
The Highline Trail – Montana
The Highline Trail in Glacier National Park spans 15 miles from Logan Pass to The Loop, offering dramatic cliffside views and encounters with wildlife like bighorn sheep. This moderate-to-strenuous hike features exposed sections where slipping could be fatal but rewards hikers with stunning Lake McDonald and Red Rock Point vistas. Haystack Butte is a popular turnaround point for those seeking shorter hikes along this iconic route.
Pink Caddy Travelogue reports that nearly a million people hike part of the trail yearly. Thousands of visitors hike the Highline annually to experience Glacier’s rugged beauty and pristine wilderness. For those who complete it, Granite Park Chalet offers a historic overnight stay amidst Montana’s majestic peaks.
Maroon Bells Scenic Loop – Colorado
The Maroon Bells Scenic Loop near Aspen is a stunning 26-mile trek through Colorado’s Elk Mountains, featuring alpine lakes and wildflower-filled meadows. This challenging route climbs four passes over 12,000 feet—West Maroon Pass is the highest at 12,500 feet—and offers breathtaking views throughout its circuit. Backpackers typically take three to four days to complete this loop while adhering to strict regulations like bear-proof food storage containers introduced in 2023.
Post Independent reports that visitors to Maroon Lake and the surrounding area increased by 12% from 2016, reaching a record 320,500 in 2017. Maroon Bells attracts thousands annually due to its unparalleled scenery and accessibility via shuttle systems from Aspen Highlands during peak season. This loop defines Colorado hiking at its finest with its towering peaks and serene valleys.
Lost Coast Trail – California
The Lost Coast Trail in Northern California spans 25 miles along America’s most undeveloped coastline within the King Range National Conservation Area. Hikers navigate black sand beaches against steep mountains rising to over 4,000 feet while contending with tides that render sections impassable during high water levels. Due to limited access points along this rugged route, permits are required, which attracts roughly 10,000 hikers annually.
Backcountry Emily reports that the Lost Coast Trail permits become available each year on October 1st of the previous year. Despite logistical challenges like remote shuttles that take hours from major cities like San Francisco or Sacramento, many still make the journey. The Lost Coast remains one-of-a-kind, showcasing raw Pacific wilderness untouched by modern development.
Cascade Canyon Trail – Wyoming
Cascade Canyon Trail in Grand Teton National Park is a scenic 13-mile round-trip hike that begins at Jenny Lake and leads into Wyoming’s majestic Teton Range. The trail is flanked by towering peaks like Teewinot Mountain and Mount Owen, which rise over 8,000 feet above sea level, offering unparalleled alpine vistas throughout the trek. Tens of thousands visit each year, reaching the Forks of Cascade Canyon, where the trail splits to Lake Solitude and Paintbrush Divide for backcountry adventures.
The National Park Service reports that nearly 980,000 people visited the North Cascades National Park Service Complex in 2016. The hike features a moderate to strenuous climb and rewards hikers with breathtaking scenery. One of the highlights early in the journey is Hidden Falls, a stunning waterfall that perfectly showcases the grandeur of the Tetons, unmatched elsewhere in the Rockies.
Ice Age Trail – Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s Ice Age Trail stretches over 1,200 miles, following glacial formations that shaped North America’s landscape during the last Ice Age. It connects diverse ecosystems, including forests, prairies, wetlands, and lakes, offering countless opportunities for outdoor recreation across the Badger State. Approximately two million people explore the trail annually, with segments varying in difficulty and length, from short day hikes to long-distance backpacking routes.
Dryden Wire reports that a 2024 study from the Fiscal and Economic Research Center at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater found that 4.65 million people use the trail annually. As a designated National Scenic Trail, it preserves the region’s geological and historical significance while highlighting its natural heritage. This trail fosters conservation appreciation, ensuring future generations enjoy Wisconsin’s glacier-shaped outdoor haven.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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