You’ve got your water bottle, your playlist, and the urge to see something beautiful. Now you’re asking the fun question: what are the best hiking trails in the US and which one should you try next. This friendly, trail tested guide covers the icons, the underrated gems, and the beginner friendly routes that still deliver big views.
Quick take: the best trail is the one that matches your season, fitness, and comfort with exposure. Start with easy wins, build skills, and keep a short wish list for your next long weekend.
Best hiking trails in the US – quick picks
Use this at a glance list to spark ideas. From easy boardwalks to bucket list ridge lines.
- Highline Trail, Glacier National Park, Montana – airy ledges, wildflowers, mountain goats, and huge views the whole way.
- Angels Landing, Zion National Park, Utah – chained ridge, steep drops, massive canyon vistas. Permits required.
- The Narrows, Zion National Park, Utah – walk the Virgin River between towering walls. Water levels and gear planning matter.
- Half Dome via the Cables, Yosemite National Park, California – granite slabs, big exposure, big reward. Permits required.
- Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls, Yosemite, California – waterfalls, misty steps, and rainbows on sunny mornings.
- Grand Canyon South Kaibab to Bright Angel Loop, Arizona – rim to river and back as a tough day or overnight. Heat and timing are key.
- Wonderland Trail, Mount Rainier, Washington – 90+ mile circumnavigation with glaciers, forests, and flower meadows.
- The Enchantments, Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Washington – otherworldly lakes, larches in fall, steep approaches.
- Four Pass Loop, Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, Colorado – alpine passes, wildflowers, and photogenic peaks.
- Kalalau Trail, Nā Pali Coast, Kauai, Hawaii – lush cliffs and turquoise water along an exposed coastal path. Permits required.
- Harding Icefield Trail, Kenai Fjords, Alaska – climb from forest to icefield views that fill the horizon.
- Acadia’s Precipice and Beehive, Maine – iron rungs, ocean views, short but thrilling. Seasonal closures possible.
- Franconia Ridge Loop, White Mountains, New Hampshire – classic New England ridge walk above treeline.
- Grinnell Glacier Trail, Glacier National Park, Montana – teal lakes and ice views without technical terrain.
- South Rim Loop, Big Bend National Park, Texas – Chisos high country with far reaching desert vistas.
Important note: some of these hikes require permits, have seasonal closures, or involve exposure. Check current conditions with the park or forest service before you go.
How to choose the right trail for you
Matching the hike to your day is everything.
- Distance and elevation: begin with routes where the gain feels approachable. Add challenge slowly.
- Exposure comfort: narrow ledges and drop offs are not for everyone. Choose wide, forested paths if you prefer secure footing.
- Season and weather: snow, heat, and storms change difficulty fast. Early starts and flexible plans help.
- Logistics: permits, shuttles, water sources, and bathroom access matter more than you think.
Training for bigger days. Build strength and stamina with a simple plan here: How to train for hiking.
Best hiking trails in the US by region
West Coast wonders
California
- Yosemite Valley classics: Mist Trail to Nevada Fall, Panorama Trail, and the Half Dome route for experienced hikers.
- Redwood National and State Parks: James Irvine Trail to Fern Canyon – cathedral quiet, ferns, and coastal fog.
- Point Reyes: Tomales Point Trail – tule elk, ocean breeze, rolling bluffs.
- Big Sur: Ewoldsen Trail in Julia Pfeiffer Burns – redwoods and coastal ridges.
Oregon
- Timberline Trail, Mount Hood: circumnavigation with river fords and glacier views.
- Eagle Creek Trail, Columbia River Gorge: punch bowl falls, basalt walls, and lush canyon scenery.
Washington
- Mount Rainier: Skyline Loop from Paradise – glaciers up close, flowers in summer, volcano views.
- North Cascades: Maple Pass Loop – larches in fall and lakes below a sweeping ridge.
Hawaii
- Kauai: Kalalau Trail sections for day hikers or the full permit route for experts.
- Big Island: Kīlauea Iki Trail – crater floor, steam, and an otherworldly landscape.
Southwest classics
Arizona
- Grand Canyon: South Kaibab down, Bright Angel up as a demanding loop or an overnight to the river.
- Sedona: West Fork of Oak Creek – red rock canyon, shaded creek crossings, autumn color.
Utah
- Zion National Park: The Narrows water hike and Angels Landing ridge (permit system).
- Bryce Canyon: Fairyland Loop – hoodoos, quiet, and big sky.
- Canyonlands, Needles District: Chesler Park and Joint Trail – sandstone fins and fun corridors.
- Arches: Devil’s Garden Loop – arches on arches, with a primitive section for light scrambling.
New Mexico
- White Sands: Alkali Flat Trail – dunes and endless horizon.
- Bandelier: Falls and Frijoles Canyon trails – history, ladders, and soft canyon light.
Texas
- Big Bend: South Rim Loop – Chisos high country, desert views, and stars.
- Guadalupe Mountains: Guadalupe Peak – the high point of Texas with sweeping vistas.
Rockies and High Country
Colorado
- Four Pass Loop: Maroon Bells passes and wildflower heavy meadows.
- Ice Lakes Basin, San Juans: electric blue lakes and steep but steady climbing.
- Longs Peak via Keyhole: serious alpine objective for experienced hikers with an early start and stable weather.
Wyoming
- Grand Teton: Cascade Canyon to Lake Solitude – glaciers, peaks, and friendly marmots.
- Wind River Range: Titcomb Basin – big granite and serious backcountry.
Montana
- Glacier NP: Highline, Grinnell Glacier, and Iceberg Lake – all different, all beautiful.
Idaho
- Sawtooths: Alice-Toxaway Loop – craggy peaks, clear lakes, and classic high country camping.
Pacific Northwest and Alaska
Washington and Oregon have their own section above, but it’s worth repeating: The Enchantments and Mount Rainier’s Wonderland are life list material.
Alaska
- Kenai Fjords: Harding Icefield Trail – forest to icefield views.
- Denali: Savage Alpine Trail – tundra ridge with the type of silence you don’t forget.
East Coast and Appalachians
Maine
- Acadia: Precipice and Beehive for short thrillers, Jordan Pond Path for serene views.
- Baxter State Park: Katahdin and the Knife Edge for experienced hikers in good weather.
New Hampshire
- Franconia Ridge Loop: Little Haystack, Lincoln, Lafayette – airy, classic, and best on clear days.
- Bondcliff: long approach to a stunning cliff edge view.
Vermont
- Camel’s Hump or Mansfield ridges: alpine zones on the Long Trail with big foliage payoffs in fall.
New York
- Adirondacks: Cascade and Porter for a starter high peak, or the Great Range traverse for experts.
- Catskills: Slide Mountain and Panther for quieter, forest heavy routes.
Pennsylvania
- Ricketts Glen: waterfall loop with slick rock and lush forest.
Virginia
- Shenandoah: Old Rag circuit with scrambles, Stony Man for an easy summit vista.
North Carolina and Tennessee
- Great Smoky Mountains: Alum Cave to Mount LeConte, or Andrews Bald for a family friendly view day.
- Roan Highlands: grassy balds and rolling ridge walking with wildflowers.
Georgia
- Blood Mountain via Byron Reece and Appalachian Trail: rocky summit, big views, AT energy.
Midwest and Heartland beauties
Michigan
- Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: Chapel Loop – cliffs, beaches, and blue green lake water.
Minnesota
- Superior Hiking Trail: Oberg Mountain Loop – maples, overlooks, and Lake Superior below.
Wisconsin
- Devil’s Lake State Park: bluffs and boulders beside a spring fed lake.
South Dakota
- Black Hills: Black Elk Peak – granite domes, ponderosa pines, and a stone lookout.
Missouri
- Ozark Trail sections: clear creeks, bluffs, and spring wildflowers.
Ohio
- Hocking Hills: Old Man’s Cave to Cedar Falls and Ash Cave – short, dramatic sandstone scenery.
Florida
- Everglades: Anhinga Trail boardwalk for wildlife watching, early morning for fewer crowds.
Beginner friendly hikes that still feel special
- Jordan Pond Path, Acadia, Maine – flat, beautiful, and ocean air.
- Emerald Lake, Rocky Mountain NP, Colorado – short, scenic, and great for visitors.
- Artist Point Overlooks, North Cascades, Washington – short walks with glacier views.
- Taft Point, Yosemite, California – sunset favorite with careful footing at the edge.
- Hoh Rain Forest Hall of Mosses, Olympic NP, Washington – fairy tale green.
Pro tip: if you’re new to hiking, comfort trumps mileage. Wear wicking socks, soft layers, and bring a warm layer for stops. Need a socks guide. Start here: How to choose hiking socks.
Safety, permits, and seasonal timing
Permits and quotas are common on famous routes like Half Dome, Angels Landing, and the Enchantments. Book early or choose shoulder season weekdays.
Weather windows matter. Start early for summer heat, watch afternoon storms in the Rockies, and respect snow conditions on shoulder season ridges.
Water and sun are non negotiable in the desert. Carry more than you think, use electrolytes on hot days, and give your skin a break with a brimmed cap. Want a quick fit guide. This helps: Hiking hat guide.
Trekking poles upgrade stability on steep climbs and long descents. If you’ve never used them, here’s an easy intro: Using trekking poles.
What to pack for a great day on any trail
Keep it light, useful, and organized.
- Water and electrolytes, plus a little extra
- Snack mix of quick carbs, protein, and something salty
- Navigation: map snapshot, offline app, or a simple paper map
- Weather layer: light rain shell and warm mid layer
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- First aid basics and blister care
- Headlamp in case sunset wins the race
- Small trash bag to pack out what you pack in
Small comforts add up. A soft pair of socks in the car and a cozy layer for the drive home can turn a long day into a relaxed evening.
Sample long weekend plan – pick a region, stack two hikes
Yosemite Valley
- Day 1: Mist Trail to Nevada Fall, late afternoon chill in the meadow
- Day 2: Taft Point for sunset or Panorama Trail if legs feel strong
Zion National Park
- Day 1: The Narrows bottom up with rental booties and a dry bag
- Day 2: Canyon Overlook at sunrise, scenic drives and shorter walks later
Acadia National Park
- Day 1: Beehive or Precipice in the morning, Jordan Pond Path in the afternoon
- Day 2: Sunrise on Cadillac Mountain and a coastal stroll
People also ask – quick answers
What are the best hiking trails in the US for beginners
Look for short, well marked routes with moderate elevation. Try Jordan Pond Path in Acadia, Emerald Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, or Hoh Rain Forest in Olympic National Park.
What is the number one hiking trail in the US
There isn’t one best for everyone. The Highline Trail in Glacier, Half Dome in Yosemite, and Angels Landing in Zion are famous for a reason, but the right choice depends on your season and comfort with exposure.
What is the most beautiful state for hiking
Beauty is everywhere. For variety, the Pacific Northwest blends mountains, glaciers, and coastline. The Southwest offers red rock and slot canyons. New England brings ocean views and alpine ridges in a compact footprint.
Which US national park has the best day hikes
Glacier, Yosemite, Zion, and Acadia are hard to beat for day hiking density. Choose based on travel distance, crowds, and weather windows.
Do I need special gear for these hikes
Comfortable footwear, layers, water, snacks, and basic navigation are enough for most day hikes. Trekking poles help on steep terrain, and permits are required on certain routes.
Wrap up
The best hiking trails in the US are not only the famous ones. They’re also the quiet paths near a lake, the ridge behind town, and the shady creek you stumble on by accident. Start with a trail that matches your day. Pack the small essentials. Add a little courage and a lot of curiosity.
If you want extra confidence before a bigger route, train smart with How to train for hiking, bring poles if the terrain gets spicy with Using trekking poles, and treat your feet well with How to choose hiking socks. Then pick a region, pick a weekend, and let the trail do its magic.