The Best Hiking Trails in Every State
Updated: Oct. 08, 2023
Discover amazing scenery across the country or explore new sights in your own neck of the woods while trekking the best hiking trails in the U.S.
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Wander the most beautiful trails in the country
There’s something magical about lacing up your hiking boots, hitting the trail and immersing yourself in the beauty of nature. Hiking, a beloved outdoor activity for people of all ages, holds the power to transport us from the mundane and into a world where stunning vistas, serene forests and rugged mountains become our playground—especially if you’re hiking some of the best hiking trails in the country. According to statistics from Project Untethered, more than 58 million people across the country embrace this rejuvenating activity.
Hiking is one of those camping activities that’s accessible to almost anyone, offering an opportunity to reconnect with nature, challenge yourself and experience a sense of adventure. Even if you’re camping for beginners, there’s a perfect hike for you. It never hurts to learn about the best hiking boots for women and the best hiking boots for men, so you’re prepared to keep your feet comfortable throughout the terrain you’ll be hiking on.
Whether you’re exploring the majestic Rockies or the enchanting forests of the East Coast, America has something to offer everyone. These trails will leave you with a deep sense of wonder—and accomplishment.
How we chose the best hiking trails
We’ve meticulously curated a list of the best hiking trails in every state, combining expert recommendations, user reviews and star ratings to ensure an unforgettable experience. As an avid hiker myself, having spent countless hours hiking trails in my home state of Montana and beyond, I can personally vouch for the transformative power of hiking. There’s a serene and magical quality to losing yourself amid the untamed wilderness, inhaling the mountain air and feeling the earth beneath your feet. It’s an experience that can awaken your senses and reconnect you with the raw beauty of nature.
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Alabama: Branyon Backcountry Trail
Trail length: 15+ miles
Trail difficulty: Easy/moderate
Best time to visit: Fall
Seven different trails make up the Branyon Backcountry Trail, a 15-plus-mile trek along this southern state’s Gulf Coast. Located near Orange Beach and Gulf Shores in Gulf State Park, it passes through a butterfly garden, marshes, swamps—and you may even see a bobcat or white-tailed deer too. The best time to visit for cooler weather (and less traffic) is in the fall, however all seasons on this trail make for a wonderful hiking experience. The trail also offers some opportunities for camping, so brush up on your campfire stories and plan an overnight stay.
Alaska: Winner Creek Trail
Trail length: 3–12 miles
Trail difficulty: Easy/moderate
Best time to visit: Summer
The northernmost state has tons of options for adventurous hikes—especially near glaciers and lakes—but the family-friendly Winner Creek Trail pleases everyone who visits. Located 45 minutes south of Anchorage, the most popular part of the trail is Lower Winner Creek, a three-mile walk that’s also a bike-friendly path. You’ll cross a wooden bridge and take a tram (which you pull across yourself) to get over Glacier Creek, a unique, breathtaking experience. Upper Winner Creek Trail leads nine miles through high country into spectacular mountains. When you’re in Alaska, make sure to take advantage of free car camping in the state.
Arizona: South Kaibab Trail
Trail length: 6.3 miles
Trail difficulty: Moderate/hard
Best time to visit: Fall
You can’t beat the views and the bucket list experience of the South Kaibab Trail in Grand Canyon National Park, arguably one of the best hiking trails in the country. It starts at Yaki Point on the South Rim, then one mile in, you’ll reach Ooh-Aah Point—perfectly named for how you’ll feel when you check out the canyon around you. Go another half-mile and you’ll arrive at a picnic spot called Cedar Ridge. Then, just another 1.5 miles ahead is Skeleton Point, a good turn-around spot for beginners. If you love to camp, you’ll also want to know the best places to camp in National Parks.
Arkansas: Lost Valley
Trail length: 2.2 miles
Trail difficulty: Easy
Best time to visit: Year round
You’ll see tons of pretty sights on the trek through Lost Valley in the Buffalo River Wilderness District, including Eden Falls, a quadruple-tiered waterfall, Cobb Cave, countless wildflowers and maybe an elk or two. It’s a journey just over two miles round trip, which means you can bring the entire family with you, plus, the first half-mile is wheelchair accessible. To know which trail is the best for hiking, you’ll want to know your comfort level and do your research, as this varies person to person. And it also never hurts to know what to do if you see a bear!
California: Table Mountain to Phantom Falls
Trail length: 4.2 miles
Trail difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: November–April
Some of the best hiking trails in the country—and some of the most famous ones—fill the Golden State, as it’s home to Yosemite National Park, Redwood National Park, Joshua Tree National Park and Lake Tahoe. But for a hidden gem, check out the moderate 4.2-mile out-and-back hike to Phantom Falls during your time visiting Table Mountain in Butte County, where you get a mix of wildflower super blooms. Try to plan a trip for spring, when these bright flowers paint the hills. Get inspired by taking a gander at these gorgeous photos of our national parks in full bloom.
Colorado: West Maroon Pass
Trail length: 22 miles
Trail difficulty: Difficult
Best time to visit: Summer
Given that it spans from Crested Butte to Aspen for 22 miles, most hikers take the West Maroon Pass as a one-way and either stay overnight at one end or take a shuttle back to the start that same day. According to the tourism board, this trail includes the most photographed peaks in all of Colorado, Maroon Bells. For backpacking and camping on your adventure, check out some of the best tents for camping so you’re prepared for your journey.
Connecticut: Gillette Castle State Park
Trail length: 2.2 miles
Trail difficulty: Easy
Best time to visit: Year round
Generally considered an easy route, this trail takes an average of an hour to complete. It’s a very popular area for hiking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Also, visiting Gillette Castle State Park, without doing tons of walking, you’ll see pretty views of the Connecticut River. But follow the 1.3-mile path to the medieval-looking stone castle (open Memorial Day through Labor Day), and you’ll get to see the former home of actor William Gillette, built between 1914 and 1919. A steam train and riverboat might also pass by as you hang around the area—riding them is on our bucket list for the Nutmeg State.
Delaware: Junction & Breakwater Trail
Trail length: 5.8 miles
Trail difficulty: Easy
Best time to visit: Spring/summer
Through Cape Henlopen State Park and between Lewes and Rehoboth Beach, the Junction & Breakwater Trail offers waves, dunes, evergreen forests and expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean. It has that shoreline feel, with wildlife like osprey, bald eagles and shorebirds flocking overhead. Consider it the perfect combo of beach time and green space. Gather your best hiking socks to wear with hiking boots or your best hiking sandals, if you prefer no socks in the summer, and hit the trail.
Florida: Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail
Trail length: 46 miles
Trail difficulty: Easy
Best time to visit: Spring/summer
The Florida National Scenic Trail system has tons of top-notch options for some of the best hiking trails in the country. But for a multi-purpose path, check out the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail, a nearly 50-mile stretch in Pasco and Pinellas counties. It’s recommended by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit working to create a countrywide trail from Washington D.C. to Washington State. This rail trail connects parks, coastal towns and neighborhoods. Hike small sections at a time to make the most of your adventure. The Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail curves northwest from St. Petersburg before ending in Tarpon Springs. If you plan to stay near the trail, check out these luxury camping options, and bring along some of your favorite camping games.
Georgia: Tennessee Rock Trail
Trail length: 2.2 miles
Trail difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: Spring
In the Blue Ridge Mountains, Black Rock Mountain State Park is the highest in the state and packs trails with flowers, streams, small waterfalls and forests—along with beautiful views. The 2.2-mile Tennessee Rock Trail, winding its way through some of the highest and lushest forests, is the park’s most popular and one of the best hiking trails in the park. Rated by experienced hikers as easy to moderate, the trail offers most visitors a perfect opportunity to get better acquainted with the area’s rich woodlands and vistas, which on clear days span more than 80 miles into the neighboring states of North and South Carolina and Tennessee. Bring along your car camping essentials and make this trail part of your ultimate American road trip.
Hawaii: Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail
Trail length: 2 miles
Trail difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: Summer
Of course, this island state has some of the most epic hikes and best hiking trails in the country, thanks to the seriously stunning views you’ll find around every corner. So you really can’t go wrong with whatever you choose. But if we had to pick just one, on Hawaii’s most popular island, Oahu, the Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail would be it; a moderate two-mile trip, it offers incredible sights of the island’s southeastern coastline, including Koko Head, Koko Crater and, of course, the Makapu’u Lighthouse, built in 1909 with an eye-catching red roof.
Idaho: Fishhook Creek Trail
Trail length: 5 miles
Trail difficulty: Easy
Best time to visit: Summer
Located near Stanley, Idaho, and Redfish Lake, the Fishhook Creek Trail is a five-mile round-trip hike with plenty of spots to stop and take in the beauty of your surroundings. You’ll make your way through sagebrush-lined paths, forests, meadows and flower patches, reaching a combo view of Fishhook Creek Meadow and Mount Heyburn—the ideal place to park it for a few minutes and just relax. There are also several campgrounds nearby with picnic areas where you can unwind and enjoy some easy make-ahead camping meals or a hot meal from your grill after you’re done hiking.
Illinois: Garden of the Gods
Trail length: 1.5 miles
Trail difficulty: Easy
Best time to visit: May–October
Head six hours south of Chicago and you’ll hit the Shawnee National Park in southern Illinois, settled between the Ohio River and Mississippi River. Opt for the Perkins Central Garden trail to Garden of the Gods. At the peak, you can view awesome sandstone rock formations that stretch for miles. Along the way, you’ll travel through canyons and under green leaf canopies. This is an easy, 1.5-mile round-trip path, with less than a 30-foot rise. This trail is in the heart of the park, at the base of the highest rock formations.
Indiana: Knobstone Trail
Trail length: 60 miles
Trail difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: Summer
For those seeking a more challenging trek, try the Knobstone Trail. This is Indiana’s longest backpacking trail and is used by thru-hikers to train for the Appalachian Trail. Count on taking three to four days to hike it, depending on which routes you take. On a clear day you can see Louisville as you tackle the 20,000 total feet of elevation change on this hike. The Knobstone Escarpment is one of Indiana’s most scenic areas, rising more than 300 feet above low-lying farmland in some areas as it snakes northward from near the Ohio River to just south of Martinsville. While you’re traveling through Indiana, be sure to avoid common travel mistakes like packing the wrong shoes or forgetting to let your bank know you’re taking a trip.
Iowa: High Trestle Trail
Trail length: 25 miles
Trail difficulty: Easy
Best time to visit: April–October
A wheelchair-accessible part of the Great American Rail Trail, this concrete footpath is located north of Des Moines. Its stand-out sight will grant any good Instagrammer the perfect picture: a half mile, three-story bridge that features an art installation of geometric shapes and lights that bring it to life at night. The trail spreads across five towns and four counties, so you also have plenty of opportunities to take a break and grab some grub along your journey. If you like hiking in Iowa and have a sense of adventure, you’ll want to check out these affordable quick trips and add a few to your bucket list.
Kansas: Elk River Trail
Trail length: 15 miles
Trail difficulty: Mixed
Best time to visit: Fall
A 15-mile, point-to-point, moderate-to-difficult hike, the Elk River Trail in Elk City offers waterfalls, rock formations, small caves, limestone bluffs and ancient trees like oak, sycamore and hickory. It gets its stamp of difficulty because of the switchbacks that lead to steep climbs (turns out Kansas isn’t all flat after all!). On top of the rock formations, you get a pretty view of Elk City Lake. During your stay in Kansas, brush up on your camp cooking and make the best of your stay in nature.
Kentucky: The Berea Pinnacles
Trail length: 6.59 miles
Trail difficulty: Moderate/difficult
Best time to visit: Spring–fall
The Berea Pinnacles is a can’t-miss path that often slips under the radar of Kentucky visitors. What makes it so great? Well, the lush surroundings for starters, as well as a view of Indian Fort Mountain. You can also choose your distance, but crossing off all the lookout points (East Pinnacle, West Pinnacle, Buzzards Roost and Eagles Nest) makes for a five-mile loop. If you like this lesser-known find, discover the hidden gem in your state.
Louisiana: Louisiana State Arboretum
Trail length: 4+ miles
Trail difficulty: Easy
Best time to visit: Spring–fall
A system of short trails in Ville Platte, this entire collection of footpaths in the Louisiana State Arboretum totals six miles. Founded by the southern state’s first female forester, naturalist, artist and author, Caroline Dormon, the area got an official stamp of approval in 1964. Buzzing with plenty of bird watching, cypress trees, rolling hills and creeks, the Arboretum is right near Chicot State Park (currently closed), which also offers a 19-mile loop, if you’re looking for a longer hike.
Maine: Mount Kineo State Park
Trail length: 6.1 miles
Trail difficulty: Easy
Best time to visit: May–February
From the very beginning of this hike, you get a pretty cool and unique experience: To get to Mount Kineo State Park, you need to take a shuttle boat from the town of Rockwood. When you get there, you have just over six miles of trails to hike. Choose from four different routes (Indian, Bridle, Carriage or North) to the summit, where a converted fire tower sits. From the top, you’ll see a range of mountains in all directions, plus Moosehead Lake down below. If you’re wondering about a nature phenomena in your state, see if we can explain it.
Maryland: Appalachian Trail
Trail length: 40 miles (in Maryland)
Trail difficulty: Moderate/difficult
Best time to visit: Late spring–early fall
While the full Appalachian Trail spreads more than 2,000 miles, a 40-mile stretch of it runs across Maryland and provides some of the best hiking trails for a daylong adventure in the state. Popular routes include Annapolis Rock (at 1,700 feet, it has the highest elevation of the three), Washington Monument and Weverton Cliffs. You have lots of opportunities for lookout points to catch a glimpse of the greenery around you. One best day hike is Annapolis Rock, a 2.2-mile moderate hike that offers a fine view of Greenbrier Lake and Cumberland Valley to the west. Continue north on the A.T. one mile to Black Rock, which also offers a westward view.
Massachusetts: Mohawk Trail State Forest
Trail length: 5.9 miles
Trail difficulty: Moderate/difficult
Best time to visit: Year round
Located in Western Mass, Mohawk Trail State Forest is a popular spot for lots of outdoor activities as you stop and take in the woodlands of New England. You have more than 6,000 acres of mountains, gorges and trees to explore, so the options for which direction to hike are nearly endless. You can also camp overnight at 56 spots or choose to spend the night at one of six log cabins for rent. (Here are more amazing campsites across America that should be on your bucket list.) The best hike in the Mohawk State Forest is Mohawk Mountain via Mohawk Trail, which takes an average of two and a half hours to complete. This is a popular trail for cross-country skiing, hiking and snowshoeing, but you can still enjoy some solitude during the quieter times of day.
Michigan: Empire Bluff Trail
Trail length: 1.5 miles
Trail difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: Summer
If you haven’t seen one of the Great Lakes in your lifetime, now is your chance to see one—and snap great pics for your Instagram Stories while you’re at it. Offering a quick round trip, on the Empire Bluff Trail (just 1.5 miles) you get a stunning overlook of Lake Michigan, as well as seeing beech-maple forest, fields and dune plants. Most of the path is dirt or wood-laden, which makes for easier hiking.
Minnesota: Superior Hiking Trail
Trail length: 300+ miles
Trail difficulty: Easy/difficult
Best time to visit: September
This spot also offers a chance to spend time taking in the wonder of a Great Lake, but this time it’s Lake Superior. With more than 300 miles of trails, from Duluth to the Canadian border, you can pick your favorite spot along the Superior Hiking Trail (trailhead parking lots pop up every few miles, for a total of 50 entryways). Trek in for a day hike or pack up and spend a few nights along the path—campsites come along every five to eight miles. With either option, you get river, stream, waterfall and forest scenery. Like to lounge too? Check out these great hammocks to bring along for your camping adventure.
Mississippi: Longleaf Trace
Trail length: 45.5 miles
Trail difficulty: Easy
Best time to visit: June–September
Winding through woods and wetlands, this rail trail connects to the University of Southern Mississippi, extending from Hattiesburg to Prentiss. Lots of pine trees line the 40-plus-mile path, providing soothing scenery along the way. Plenty of towns also line the trail, so you can hop off to grab a bite or do some shopping. At every turn, you’ll see a quintessential Southern setting.
Missouri: Katy Trail State Park
Trail length: 239.6 miles
Trail difficulty: Easy
Best time to visit: Fall
One of the longest rail-to-trail routes in the country, this is the most well-known footpath in Missouri and traverses nearly the length of the state. It runs from Machens, just outside of St. Louis, to Clinton, on the outskirts of Kansas, spanning more than 200 miles. Take your pick on how long you want to walk it, whether that be just a few miles or dozens. You can step on a trailhead about every 10 miles throughout the path, pausing for a rest at eateries, wineries and breweries whenever you need a pit stop.
Montana: Blodgett Overlook Trail
Trail length: 3 miles
Trail difficulty: Low/moderate
Best time to visit: Year round
Set in Bitterroot National Forest, this hike is loved by locals for its gorgeous view of Blodgett Canyon when you reach the overlook. While the route has some steep climbs, it’s nothing that people of any age or skill level can’t handle. And it’s well worth it to make it to the top for its 360 degrees of picture-perfect sights.
Nebraska: Black Hills Overlook
Trail length: 3.3 miles
Trail difficulty: Hard
Best time to visit: Year round
Both hikers and bikers often hit this trail in Chadron State Park, Nebraska’s oldest state park. At the viewing point, you’ll see grasslands and glimpses of South Dakota, and you’ll also get one of the best panoramas of the north canyon. Head eight miles south of Chadron for a trailhead. Before you plan your trip, make sure to shop for the best camping gear deals so you’ll be able to afford everything you need.
Nevada: South Loop Trail to Charleston Peak
Trail length: 8.5 miles
Trail difficulty: Difficult
Best time to visit: June or September
Nevada’s not all about flashy Las Vegas; it has amazing outdoor spaces too. This path, in particular, located in the Spring Mountains National Recreation area—a place locals call Mount Charleston—is an hour drive northwest of the strip. The hike itself is 8.5 miles to the beautiful sights at the peak, which reaches close to 12,000 feet. To get there, you’ll traverse toward Echo Canyon and over an avalanche chute, as you spot aspen trees and walk across a meadow.
New Hampshire: White Cross Trail at Mount Monadnock
Trail length: 3.8 miles
Trail difficulty: Moderate/difficult
Best time to visit: Spring
You’ll likely share this trail with lots of nature lovers leaving from the Monadnock State Park headquarters and trekking to the summit. The White Cross Trail is a 3.8-mile jaunt to the top, requiring a pretty steep climb, so feel free to take your time. As you pass wildflowers, you’ll come to the highest point, where you can see the state and its rolling hills for miles and miles.
New Jersey: Franklin Parker Preserve in Pine Barrens
Trail length: 21 miles
Trail difficulty: Varies
Best time to visit: Year round
Pine Barrens, aka the Pinelands, is an enormous area of land that covers 1.1 million acres. The Franklin Parker Preserve takes up 9,700 acres of that space and has four hiking trails covering 21 miles. You’ll find loops that weave around cranberry bogs, blueberry fields and around the homes of bald eagles. And when you’re finished hiking, try winding down with some classic family camping movies at a nearby campground.
New Mexico: Dale Ball Trail System
Trail length: 24.4 miles
Trail difficulty: Varies
Best time to visit: Year round
Not too far from downtown Sante Fe, you’ll find a 24-plus-mile network of trails as part of the Dale Ball Trail System, situated at the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. It offers great opportunities for beginners and advanced hikers alike, along with amazing views of the surrounding wilderness and back toward the city. Whether you’re a beginner hiker or advanced in your treks, there’s a route (and a view!) for you.
New York: Bear Mountain Loop Trail
Trail length: 4 miles
Trail difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: April–November
Not too far outside the Big Apple, the Bear Mountain Loop Trail is the perfect escape to the woods when you want to trade the tall city skylines with amazingly green, tree-stocked views. You’ll head to the top via the Major Welch Trail and wrap around to join the Appalachian Trail. Along the way, notice the Hudson River and Anthony’s Nose across the water, another popular New York hiking spot.
North Carolina: Whiteside Mountain Trail
Trail length: 2 miles
Trail difficulty: Difficult
Best time to visit: Year round
A two-mile loop along the Whiteside Mountain Trail brings you around the Eastern Continental Divide, over rocks nearly 500 million years old. Along the ridge line, you peep pretty epic views of the Appalachian Mountains, from Georgia to North Carolina. Whiteside has one of the steepest vertical cliffs in the eastern United States, so it’s a good thing there’s a fence at the top so you can still look down over the granite rock face. If you’re lucky, you could also see an endangered species: the peregrine falcon, which sometimes flies overhead or nests on the rock.
North Dakota: Caprock Coulee Nature Trail
Trail length: 1.6 miles
Trail difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: Summer
This is just 0.8 miles of the Caprock Coulee Nature Trail (1.6 miles round trip), but it’s arguably the best part. That’s because you’ll see a vast amount of badlands (eroded land with little vegetation), while also grabbing a look at wooded areas around Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Other cool nature sightings include prickly pear cactus, petrified wood and sagebrush.
Ohio: Buckeye Trail
Trail length: 1,444 miles
Trail difficulty: Easy
Best time to visit: Spring–fall
Not just everywhere has a trail that loops around the entire state, but Ohio does, and it spans 1,444 miles and hits all four corners. You can start on the Buckeye Trail near Cleveland, on a beach on Lake Erie or near Cincinnati overlooking the Ohio River. You can also dip into Cuyahoga Valley National Park. You don’t have to make it all the way around in one fell swoop, and rather, you can enjoy a small stretch when you can. And if you get bit by any mosquitoes on the trail, here’s how to stop mosquito bites from itching.
Oklahoma: Oklahoma River Trails
Trail length: 13 miles
Trail difficulty: Easy
Best time to visit: Year round
Travel on the Oklahoma River Trails, a lovely paved, tree-lined path through downtown Oklahoma City. Near S. Harvey Avenue, catch a view of the SkyDance Bridge, a unique sight for any hike. Inspired by Oklahoma’s state bird, the scissor-tailed flycatcher, it rises 200 feet and at night, gets adorned in colorful, eye-catching lights. And when you’re ready to come back to civilization, you’ll also want to check out the most beautiful Main Streets in America.
Oregon: Drift Creek Falls
Trail length: 3 miles
Trail difficulty: Easy
Best time to visit: November–June
Traverse a suspension bridge 100 feet above a canyon floor, walk through a coastal forest and view a 75-foot waterfall on this hike along Drift Creek Falls. Greens like vine maples, huckleberry and salmonberry bushes graze the trail, winding through the wet Siuslaw National Forest. Speaking of waterfalls, discover the most gorgeous waterfall in your state.
Pennsylvania: Mid State Trail
Trail length: 327 miles
Trail difficulty: Easy–difficult
Best time to visit: Year round
Named Pennsylvania’s trail of the year in 2019, the Mid State Trail is the state’s longest, stretching from the border of New York to the border of Maryland. Mainly on public land, the MST passes through eight state forests, eight state forest natural areas, four state forest wild areas, four state forest picnic areas, two Scout camps and one roadside rest.
Rhode Island: East Bay Bike Path
Trail length: 14.3 miles
Trail difficulty: Easy
Best time to visit: Spring–fall
It might say “bike” in the name, but don’t let that confuse you. You can absolutely choose to hike this beautiful New England rail trail. Through Bristol and Providence counties, it has a nautical feel, courtesy of the waterfront views and overpasses. India Point Park is a good place to start. The trail follows a ramp up to a pedestrian bridge that reopened in 2015 after serving since the 1930s as the eastbound span of the Washington Bridge.
South Carolina: Table Rock Mountain Lake Side Trail
Trail length: 1.9 mile loop
Trail difficulty: Easy
Best time to visit: Year round
At Table Rock Mountain at Table Rock State Park in Pickens, you’ll find streams, waterfalls, views of Table Rock and the Pinnacle Mountains and wildlife galore. Animals in the area include black bears, white-tailed deer, raccoons, gray fox, bobcat and wild turkey, among others. Choose from six different trails, ranging from 0.6 miles to 3.6 miles, easy to strenuous. Lakeside Trail is one of the best trails to hike, as it’s marked with purple blazes and offers a bit of history, great views of the mountain and a family-friendly alternative to hiking up the steeper mountain trails.
South Dakota: Black Elk Peak in Black Hills National Forest
Trail length: 3.5 miles to the top
Trail difficulty: Easy/moderate
Best time to visit: Year round
At the highest point in South Dakota—previously named Harney Peak—you have several trails to test out nearby. The most popular is Black Elk Peak, an easy-to-moderate hike that goes for 3.5 miles to the top. There, you’ll see views that span most of the region, with granite formations and forestry in the foreground. At 7,242 feet, Black Elk Peak isn’t just South Dakota’s highest point. It’s also the highest elevation between the Rocky Mountains in the western United States and the Pyrenees Mountains in France, and it may be one of the best hikes in the world. South Dakota is also a wonderful place for a road trip, so before you hit the open road, get prepared by checking out some of the best free road-trip apps.
Tennessee: Raven Rock Trail
Trail length: 1.5 miles
Trail difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: Spring, summer and fall
Visit the rhododendron gardens here in June, a prime time to stop and stare at the beautiful blooms, and also when the park hosts an annual festival. In the area, you have several miles of hiking trails, with one of the highest rated being Raven Rock Trail, a 1.5-mile loop near Roan Mountain, Tennessee. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 58 minutes to complete. This trail is great for hiking and running, and it’s unlikely you’ll encounter many other people while exploring.
Texas: Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Trail length: 30+ miles
Trail difficulty: Varying
Best time to visit: Year round
Located in Canyon, Palo Duro is the second largest canyon in the United States, yet somehow not many people visit this gem each year—just 300,000, compared with the Grand Canyon’s 5 million. You have 15 trails to choose from, where you can see the canyon from several different angles. Try the seven-mile stretch of Upper Comanche to cross a river, or a three-mile hike on Kiowa Trail for a close-up of the red-hued Permian formation.
Utah: The Living Room Hike
Trail length: 2.3 miles
Trail difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: Year round
You could visit Zion, Bryce Canyon or Arches National Parks for some pretty epic hiking in Utah. Or you could get quite the stellar view from this hidden gem, located near Salt Lake City. Ask most locals if they’ve done the Living Room Hike trek, and they’ll likely say yes. It’s short but steep and offers an expansive view of Salt Lake Valley when you reach the lookout, a spot on the foothills above the Natural History Museum of Utah. The inviting name comes from the rocks on the trail set up as a welcoming seating arrangement—you have our permission to park it and just enjoy the view from your camping chair.
Vermont: The Long Trail
Trail length: 272 miles
Trail difficulty: Varying
Best time to visit: April–October
The Long Trail runs the length of the state, and some people hike the entire 272-mile footpath, while others pick out day hikes, aiming to complete the full length in sections. There are also 166 miles of side trails to choose from if you want even more variety. Following the Green Mountain ridgeline, you will never run out of fresh air and lush green views to capture. There are also more than 70 backcountry campsites, so be sure to bring your best camping sleeping bag, and avoid these common camping mistakes.
Virginia: Crabtree Falls Trail
Trail length: 3 miles
Trail difficulty: Easy/moderate
Best time to visit: Spring
Featuring a steep waterfall in Nelson County, this stand-out hiking spot is not known by many people but worth checking out. The falls really are the main attraction at Crabtree Falls Trail, with five big cascades and more smaller ones, the steepest dropping 1,200 feet. You get a stop-and-spectate point just a hundred feet from the parking lot, but for those who want to travel another three miles to more stunning views of Tye River Valley, that’s an option too. Traveling by RV? Then you won’t want to miss our roundup of the best RV parks in every state.
Washington: Hurricane Hill
Trail length: 3.2 miles
Trail difficulty: Easy/moderate
Best time to visit: April–October
Off Hurricane Ridge, a gorgeous mountainous region, Hurricane Hill in Olympic National Park is the perfect starting trail. It’s an easy out and back if you want it, or you can use it as a connection to longer trails. Either way, you get a breathtaking view of the surrounding area, especially if you go for a sunset hike (highly recommended!). Get inspired by taking a look at these photos of the most spectacular sunset in every state.
West Virginia: Endless Wall Trail
Trail length: 2.5 miles
Trail difficulty: Easy/moderate
Best time to visit: Year round
A true standout in the Mountain State, the Endless Wall Trail is just over two miles and offers awesome views of a gorge—the name actually comes from the rock cliffs that line it. Hike to Diamond Point for the perfect viewing spot of the cliff along the rim of the gorge. Here, you’ll also have access to rock climbing if you want to add another activity to your day. West Virginia also offers endless camping opportunities, so bring your gear, and pick up some of the best vintage camping hacks from seasoned experts before you head out.
Wisconsin: Amnicon Falls State Park
Trail length: 2 miles
Trail difficulty: Easy
Best time to visit: March–October
Get a dose of Midwest history on the two miles of trails that wind around Amnicon Falls State Park. The area features natural landscapes, formed from earthquakes that happened half a billion years ago. The River Trail specifically offers mini-pools and waterfalls for watching too. Definitely make a stop at the Horton Bridge, a covered overpass located at Lower Falls. There’s a selfie stick set up for you downstream from the bridge, so you can snap all the photos you want. Note that this isn’t the only place in the United States where you’ll find a natural swimming hole. Here are more of our favorite natural swimming pools.
Wyoming: Continental Divide Trail
Trail length: 550 miles (in Wyoming)
Trail difficulty: Varying
Best time to visit: May–October
In a state that’s home to both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, The Continental Divide Trail in Medicine Bow National Forest stands out for a few reasons and is one of the best hiking trails in the world. The entire Continental Divide Trail covers more than 3,000 miles and five states, but in Wyoming, you get 550 miles of it, from Yellowstone down to Medicine Bow. Along the route, you’ll come across iconic sights like the Wind River Range, Great Divide Basin and South Pass City. If you enjoy hiking in National Parks, you may also love these National Park camping opportunities.
Additional reporting by Suzanne Downing.
Source:
- Project Untethered: “55+ Hiking Statistics and New Trends (2023)”
