Hiking is one of those things which is for everybody. Not only is it great for your health, but it’s also fun to do while you experience the beauty of the trail. We are fortunate to have so many hiking trails in the country from those for solitude or stargazing to those for wildlife or extreme weather and everything in between!
Every hike is a different experience for each one who decides to take it. While it is difficult to get a consensus on the list of the most beautiful hikes in the US, these come highly recommended. Go out and experience them for yourself!
List of 10 most beautiful hikes in the US
1. Billy Goat Trail (Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Maryland)
| Billy Goat Trail is a 4-mile hike along the Potomac River with scenic views of Great Falls. The Section A trail is the most popular as it is both strenuous and most rewarding in terms of scenic spots. Sections B and C are moderate and easy ones respectively Starting point: Great Falls, MD Best time to hike: Year-round, except during high water levels |
2. John Muir Trail (Sierra Nevada, California)
| John Muir Trail lands on the list of most beautiful hikes in the US as it is very popular amongst those seeking some solitude and peace. It passes through Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks and is one of the longest ones, running almost 210 miles and staying mostly above 7000 ft. Starting point: Yosemite Valley, CA Best time to hike: Late June to early September |
3. Mount Leconte Trail (Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee)
| The trail to Mount Leconte (Alum Cave trail), is one of the best day hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The national park is one of the highest visited national parks in the US and the trekkers will pass by Arch Rock, Inspiration Point, and Alum Cave. The trail is 11 miles long. Starting point: Alum Cave Trailhead, TN Best time to hike: April to October |
4. Pacific Northwest Trail (Montana to Washington)
| Pacific northwest trail is a long 1200-mile hike trail with magnificent views of the Alpine terrain and the ocean. There have been many sightings of grizzly bears reported so one has to be an avid and experienced hiker to start on this one. If you are looking for some more long hikes, check out this list Starting point: Glacier National Park, MT Best time to hike: July to September |
5. Trans-Catalina Trail (California)
| Over 37 miles long this one is great if you are a wildlife enthusiast and are hoping to see some. The trans-Catalina trail begins in Avalon, far away from the mainland south California, and crosses the entire Catalina island. Starting point: Avalon, CA Best time to hike: Year-round, except during the hot summer months |
6. Root Glacier Trail (Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska)
| This one is one of the best ones for extreme weather hikes. Passing through the Alpine Tundra and a large national park, it offers scenic views of glaciers and ice caves. Since you will be dealing with ice you will need to gear up, but it is worth the adventure. Starting point: Kennicott, AK Best time to hike: June to September |
7. Ridge Trail, Old Rag Mountain, Virginia
| Located in Shenandoah National Park this 9-mile hike offers the rare experience of passing through a natural cave. There is also an opportunity for rock climbing around the trail. Starting point: Old Rag parking area Best time to hike: May to October |
8. Kalalau Trail (Kauai, Hawaii)
| Kalalau trail in Hawaii has notoriously made its way into one of the most dangerous trails due to the wet weather conditions and dangerous cliffs. However, its beauty continues to attract skilled hikers. It is a 22-mile strenuous hike along the rugged Na Pali Coast on Hawaii’s Kauai island with views of amazing waterfalls and sea cliffs. Starting point: Ke’e Beach, HI Best time to hike: May to September |
9. Bright Angel Trail (Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona)
| A 9.3-mile hike to the Colorado River with stunning canyon views. This one is an easy trail even for newbies with rest areas almost every 1.5 mile. It is one of the things to do in the Grand Canyon National Park and is very popular amongst visitors. Starting point: Bright Angel Trailhead, AZ Best time to hike: March to May, September to November |
10. Angels Landing Trail (Zion National Park, Utah)
| A spectacular day hike that has been drawing hikers for ages and continues to do so! This one should not be attempted if you are not in good physical shape as it is a strenuous hike with steep switchbacks. But for those who can, it rewards with amazing views and a narrow ridge to panoramic views of the park Starting point: Grotto Trailhead, UT Best time to hike: March to November |
Hiking has several benefits that include physical exercise, mental strength, stress relief, improved cognitive function, and of course, a connection with nature. It can also be a great way to form social connections with other like-minded people. Hope this list of the most beautiful hikes in the US got your adrenaline flowing as you get on to your next adventure. If you are looking for some more adventure, check out our list of 10 amazing European destinations on the road less traveled!
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Keep Living It Up…Always!