Exploring the great outdoors through hiking is a popular activity in the United States, thanks to the country’s diverse landscapes and abundance of scenic trails. Here are the top 20 hiking trails in the United States, offering a variety of terrains, vistas, and experiences for hikers of all levels:
- Appalachian Trail (Georgia to Maine): Stretching over 2,000 miles along the Appalachian Mountain Range, this iconic trail offers a long-distance hiking experience through forests, mountains, and meadows.
- Pacific Crest Trail (California, Oregon, Washington): Extending from the Mexican border to the Canadian border, the PCT traverses the stunning landscapes of the West Coast, including deserts, forests, and alpine regions.
- John Muir Trail (California): Named after the renowned naturalist, this 211-mile trail winds through the Sierra Nevada Mountains, passing by majestic peaks, pristine lakes, and lush meadows.
- Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim Trail (Arizona): This challenging hike takes you from the North Rim to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, offering breathtaking views of the canyon’s vast expanse.
- Half Dome Trail (California): Located in Yosemite National Park, this strenuous hike takes you to the summit of Half Dome, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the park’s iconic granite peaks and valleys.
- Angel’s Landing Trail (Utah): This thrilling trail in Zion National Park features narrow ridges and sheer drop-offs, culminating in a breathtaking viewpoint overlooking Zion Canyon.
- Kalalau Trail (Hawaii): Located along the rugged Na Pali Coast of Kauai, this 11-mile trail offers stunning ocean views, lush valleys, and secluded beaches accessible only by foot.
- Mount Washington (New Hampshire): Ascend the highest peak in the Northeast via the Tuckerman Ravine Trail or the more challenging Lion Head Trail, both offering spectacular views of the White Mountains.
- The Narrows (Utah): Hike through the narrow slot canyon of the Virgin River in Zion National Park, where towering walls of red rock rise hundreds of feet above you.
- Highline Trail (Montana): Explore Glacier National Park on this scenic trail that traverses the Continental Divide, offering sweeping views of alpine meadows, glacial lakes, and rugged peaks.
- Bright Angel Trail (Arizona): Descend into the Grand Canyon along this historic trail, which offers access to Phantom Ranch and stunning viewpoints along the way.
- Mount Katahdin (Maine): Conquer the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail via the challenging Knife Edge Trail, which offers exhilarating ridge-top hiking and panoramic views.
- The Wave (Arizona/Utah): Located in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, this otherworldly sandstone formation can be reached via a challenging hike through the desert.
- Mount Rainier Wonderland Trail (Washington): Circumnavigate the iconic Mount Rainier on this 93-mile trail, passing through diverse ecosystems and alpine meadows.
- Havasu Falls Trail (Arizona): Descend into the Grand Canyon to reach the stunning turquoise waters of Havasu Falls, located within the Havasupai Indian Reservation.
- Enchantments Trail (Washington): Explore the alpine wonderland of the Enchantment Lakes Basin in the Cascade Range, known for its pristine lakes, jagged peaks, and vibrant wildflowers.
- Old Rag Mountain (Virginia): Ascend this rocky peak in Shenandoah National Park via the challenging Ridge Trail, which offers panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- Lost Coast Trail (California): Hike along the remote and rugged coastline of Northern California, where towering cliffs meet the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean.
- Mount Whitney (California): Summit the highest peak in the contiguous United States via the Mount Whitney Trail, which offers stunning views of the Sierra Nevada range.
- Bryce Canyon Navajo Loop Trail (Utah): Descend into the otherworldly hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park on this scenic trail, which offers breathtaking views of the amphitheater below.
These top 20 hiking trails in the United States offer unforgettable outdoor experiences amidst some of the country’s most spectacular natural landscapes. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely day hike or a challenging multi-day trek, there’s a trail for every adventurer to explore and enjoy.