17 Most Breathtaking Hiking Trails in the USA
Hiking is more than just a pastime; it’s a gateway to some of the world’s most jaw-dropping landscapes. According to the National Park Service, the United States has over 193,500 miles of trails and 423 National Park units, offering limitless opportunities for adventure enthusiasts to explore and reconnect with nature.
Whether you’re craving an uphill climb in the Rockies or a peaceful stroll through lush forests in Virginia, there’s a trail waiting for you. Here are 17 of the most stunning hiking destinations across the country.
Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite National Park is a perfect destination for hikers because it offers 278 hiking trails covering 4,729 miles. The Half Dome and the Mist Trail lead hikers through dramatic views of granite cliffs and spectacular waterfalls across beautiful valleys.
According to the National Park Service, Yosemite attracts over 4 million visitors annually and is one of the top hiking destinations in the world. Yosemite’s Half Dome hike gains nearly 5,000 feet in elevation, making it a bucket-list climb for adventurers.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is famous for its biodiversity and historical charm. It offers 348 trails across 4,354 miles, and hikers can explore paths lined with wildflowers, ancient cabins, and misty mountain vistas.
The park welcomes over 12 million visitors annually, the highest of any US National Park. The Smokies are home to more than 19,000 documented species, with many more yet to be discovered, making them a nature lover’s treasure trove.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park features 267 trails covering 3,507 miles, showcasing the best of America’s oldest National Park. From witnessing geysers like Old Faithful to spotting bison and bears, hikers are guaranteed a unique adventure.
Yellowstone provides unmatched opportunities to explore geothermal wonders and wildlife. According to the National Park Service, it has over 1,000 geothermal features, giving it an otherworldly landscape that leaves visitors in awe.
Olympic National Park, Washington
Olympic National Park offers an incredible variety of terrain across 194 trails and 3,072 miles. From temperate rainforests to rugged coastal vistas and alpine meadows, the park delivers a diverse hiking experience.
Olympic is one of the few places to hike rainforests, alpine tundra, and beaches—all in a single trip.
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Nestled in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park features 264 trails spanning 2,667 miles. The park is renowned for its cascading waterfalls, vibrant fall foliage, and abundant wildlife.
It’s a must-visit for hikers who enjoy stunning mountain views and serene trails. Over 100 miles of the Appalachian Trail runs through Shenandoah, making it a significant section for thru-hikers.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Known as the “Crown of the Continent,” Glacier National Park offers 154 trails covering 2,160 miles. Its rugged beauty includes glacial lakes, panoramic mountain views, and challenging terrains.
Glacier is a destination that rewards adventurers with unforgettable experiences. As confirmed by National Geographic, many of Glacier’s namesake glaciers are expected to disappear by 2030 due to climate change, making it an urgent destination to visit.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park is renowned for its high-altitude hikes and dramatic alpine landscapes spanning 235 trails and 1,970 miles. The park is a magnet for adventurers seeking peaks over 14,000 feet tall and stunning views of alpine tundra.
According to the National Park Service, Trail Ridge Road, located within the park, is 12,183 feet high, earning it the title of the “highest continuously paved road in the U.S.”
Sequoia National Park, California
Sequoia National Park has awe-inspiring giant trees and offers 98 trails spanning 1,624 miles. Among its highlights is the General Sherman Tree, the world’s largest tree by volume.
The park combines serene walks with more challenging climbs, making it a must-see for nature enthusiasts. The General Sherman Tree stands at 275 feet tall and is estimated to be over 2,200 years old.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
The Grand Canyon is one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders. It features 133 trails across 1,562 miles. Popular routes like Bright Angel and Rim-to-Rim provide stunning views of the canyon’s layered walls.
Hikers can explore this breathtaking landscape and experience its dramatic temperature changes from rim to base. Temperatures within the Grand Canyon can vary by up to 30°F between the rim and the bottom, so hikers should plan accordingly.
Kings Canyon National Park, California
Often overshadowed by its neighbor, Sequoia, Kings Canyon National Park is a hidden gem for hikers. With 68 trails spanning 1,583 miles, the park is known for its breathtaking deep canyons and offers a serene hiking experience away from the crowds.
It’s a haven for those seeking tranquility in nature. The Kings River Carved Canyon within the park is one of the deepest in North America.
Lost Coast Trail, California
The Lost Coast Trail is a 25-mile stretch along California’s remote coastline. It is for experienced hikers craving solitude. This trail takes adventurers through wild beaches and untouched landscapes. However, careful planning is essential, as certain sections become impassable during high tide.
The Lost Coast is the only remote part of California’s coastline that Highway 1 could not traverse it.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park boasts over 150 miles of trails, making it a hiker’s paradise. The park’s centerpiece is Cadillac Mountain, which rises 1,528 feet, earning its status as the tallest peak on the East Coast. It’s also the first place in the US to catch the sunrise, providing an unforgettable hiking experience.
Acadia is one of the top ten most-visited national parks in the US, attracting over 3.5 million visitors annually.
Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail, which spans an impressive 2,193 miles from Georgia to Maine, is one of the world’s longest hiking-only footpaths. It draws thousands of hikers each year, though few thru-hikers complete the entire route.
On average, a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail takes around 165 days.
Pacific Crest Trail
The Pacific Crest Trail stretches 2,650 miles through various landscapes, including deserts, forests, and alpine. This diverse and challenging trail allows hikers to experience some of the most striking ecosystems in one continuous journey.
The trail gained widespread fame after Cheryl Strayed’s memoir Wild became a bestseller.
Continental Divide Trail
The Continental Divide Trail covers 3,028 miles of remote wilderness from Canada to Mexico. Known for its challenging terrain, it attracts fewer hikers than other trails but rewards those who do with unparalleled solitude and wildlife encounters.
Hikers on the Continental Divide Trail might spot wolves, grizzlies, and mountain lions.
Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Wisconsin
The Ice Age National Scenic Trail offers a 1,200-mile journey through Wisconsin’s glacial landscapes. Shaped by the last Ice Age, the trail showcases unique geological features and provides a fascinating glimpse into Earth’s history.
The trail spans 31 counties in Wisconsin and is one of only 11 National Scenic Trails in the US.
Florida National Scenic Trail
The Florida National Scenic Trail is a congressionally designated, long-distance hiking trail that spans over 1,500 miles. It winds from Big Cypress National Preserve in the south to the Gulf Islands in the north, passing through swamps, pine forests, and diverse ecosystems.
With year-round hiking opportunities and the trail crossing protected wildlife areas, it offers a unique chance to explore Florida’s natural beauty.
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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