Are you looking for the best places to go hiking in the US? Look no further! In this blog I will cover my Top 5 recommendations, this list will have you reaching for your hiking shoes and hitting the trail in no time. Next stop, breath-taking views. There will even be a bonus destination at the end. Somewhere I bet you haven’t heard of before, but a location that should definitely be on your shortlist of best hiking destinations in the US. It’s a little known gem, located in a corner of America that may surprise you.
My list will take you to some of the most beautiful national parks in the US, from Alaska to New England via California. And a few other places in between. For each recommendation, I will provide details of hikes for you to tick off (including some planning tips). These hikes range from family-friendly, short loops that, to all day epics in some of the most remote parts of America. Whether you’re looking for lush forest, sparkling lakes or hilltop views that go on forever, my list of best places to go hiking in the US has you covered!
My Top 5 showcases the most jaw droppingly (is that even word?!) stunning landscapes on offer anywhere in the US. In fact, I’ve intentionally chosen places that are distinct from one another, as everyone has their favourite hiking environment right? As someone who moved to the US from England, it still blows my mind how varied the terrain is across this beautiful land. It truly is beyond compare; this country is a hiker’s paradise. I love it!
Let’s get into it, here are the best places to go hiking in the US.
#1 of best places to go hiking in the US: Zion National Park
For my first recommendation, we are headed to Zion National Park in the state of Utah. A land of dramatic red cliffs and endless canyons. This 200 sq-mile desert beauty is a geologist’s dream, stuffed full of some of the most dramatic rock formations found on planet earth. Some of the best hikes in Utah can be found in this National Park.
The hiking trails in Zion will have you atop high ridge lines one moment, then deep down into the bottom of canyons the next. Whichever route you choose, you will never be too far from the signature red rock formations that this place is famed for.
So what are best hikes in Zion? Read on to discover two epic options!
The Angels Landing Trail
Angels Landing is one of the most iconic and thrilling hikes in Zion, people come from all over the world for this one. Whilst short in length (5 miles), there is plenty of climbing to be done on this out and back route. Your climbing efforts will be rewarded with sensational views, right across the Zion Valley.
And in further good news, there is a chain railing on hand for the steeper sections as you approach the high point of the trail. The summit section is exposed, can you hold your nerve and make it right to the top?
Planning hints and tips: This is a popular route, so a couple of planning points to consider. Parking at the trail head is limited and will fill up quickly on weekends and holidays, arrive early (i.e. before sunrise early!) to get a parking spot. With it being so popular, the National Park Service (NPS) introduced a permit system for this route, acquired through a lottery before you visit. More details: Angels Landing Permits & Hiking – Zion National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
The Narrows
Fancy a hike that takes you through a river? Zion provides. The Narrows is a hike that takes you through the slimmest section of Zion Canyon, this popular gorge hike will see you wading (or maybe even swimming) through the Virgin River.
There are a couple of options available, depending on your adventure level. The full hike is a 10 mile out and back, you will spend over half of your hike wading or swimming – From the Bottom Up – Zion National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov). A more family friendly option is to hike the first mile only, before turning back to the start. This section is paved, but still offers the opportunity for some river wading action.
Planning hints and tips: Water levels are key for this hike, aim for summer or fall (autumn). Make sure you check the forecast before setting off. This site provides up to date water levels info – North Fork Virgin River Near Springdale, UT – USGS Water Data for the Nation.
#2 of best places to go hiking in the US: Acadia National Park
Prefer your hiking with a side order of Atlantic coastline? Then head to Acadia National Park in Maine, tucked right up in the far north-eastern corner of the US. Feel the cool salt air on your face as you explore this unrivalled coastal beauty.
Whilst one of the smaller national parks in the country, the diversity of terrain available is incredible. Even on some of the shorter trails, it is possible to experience rocky beaches, dense forest and granite peaks all within a few miles.
Acadia is packed with a broad array of trails for all abilities, check my two recommended hikes below.
Jordan Pond Path
A family favourite, take a leisurely stroll on this 3 mile (1.5 hr) loop around Jordan Pond, an iconic spot. Follow wooden boardwalks and flat paths to enjoy relaxing views of crystal clear water, this is one of the best hikes in New England.
Planning hints and tips: If you’d like to combine the views with some delicious views, end your hike in the trailside restaurant of Jordan Pond House.
Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail
Want to step it up a gear? This trail is the most scenic route to the highest point in Acadia. 7 miles in length, winding forest paths take you to the summit of Cadillac Mountain. The Atlantic Ocean views from the top are spectacular, you’ll be sharing this view with soaring eagles.
During the summer months, aim to catch a sunrise or sunset from the top. Simply stunning!
Planning hints and tips: Lying quite far north, this is a cold spot during the winter months! Aim to complete this hike in the summer months.
#3 of best places to go hiking in the US: Yosemite National Park
I mean, there was never any doubt, was there? This place almost needs no introduction. Yosemite National Park would make the shortlist of best places to go hiking in the WORLD! Located in central California, this national park is revered for its mind blowing beauty and has some of the best hiking in California.
A combination of thick pine forest, grassy meadows, bubbling rivers and iconic granite monoliths, hiking here is like walking around in a never ending postcard. The scenery includes no less than 5 waterfalls of 1,000 ft or more, including the ever popular Yosemite Falls. And the views don’t stop at night, the night sky is something to behold. It feels like there are more stars than darkness!
Where to even begin? Well, with the two recommendations below of course:
Yosemite Falls Trail
One of the best days hikes in Yosemite, follow this 7 mile trail (out and back) to stand atop the tallest waterfall in North America. This classic takes you from the valley floor right to the top of the waterfall, and is one of the oldest historic trails in the park (built in 1873). As you might expect, there is plenty of elevation gain to reach the top, so give yourself 6-8 hours to tick this one off.
From the top, it feels like you can see the whole world! View highlights include views of Half Dome (more on that below..) and an array of other Sierra mountain peaks. Jaw. Dropping. Stuff.
Planning hints and tips: Water levels are low by August, so aim for earlier in the year for maximum waterfall goodness. Check out the Yosemite Falls webcam for a sneak peak before you arrive. The upper portion of this route is exposed, with no shade. Adjust your timings to avoid the midday summer sun here.
Half Dome Hike
Take on an icon, complete one of the top hikes in Yosemite (maybe even the world? Discuss!). If you’ve seen pictures or videos of Yosemite National Park, the chances are you’ve seen the world famous, dome shaped granite rock that is Half Dome. Setting off from shady pine forest, the route climbs ever higher before a final 600 ft ascent up an exposed 45-degree rock face (known as ‘the cables section’). From the standalone summit the view is something else! You will have a 360-degree vista, including straight down its vertigo inducing 2000 ft north face. If you’re after a challenge, this incredible hike is it. Do it!
Be prepared, this is an epic hike of 12 hours (including 4800ft of elevation gain), this is one of the hardest hikes in Yosemite. In other preparation news, you need an advance permit for this one and the summit is only open May to October.
Planning hints and tips: Whilst most aim to complete this hike in a day, if time allows you should break it into a 2-day effort. Camp along the way (Little Yosemite Valley is the best spot), and enjoy the incredible night sky. This is once in a lifetime stuff. Why rush?
#4 of best places to go hiking in the US: Kenai Fjords National Park
Welcome to the most epic wilderness available anywhere in the US. Welcome to Alaska! Kenai Fjords National Park is where mountains, ice and ocean meet. This 587,000 acre beast of a park offers unparalleled opportunity for hiking adventure. And speaking of beasts, keep your eye out for whales, sea lions and bears. As a hiker here, you are definitely in their territory.
Of all the magical hiking available in this state, I’ve chosen Kenai Fjords because it’s relatively easy to get to; by Alaskan standards! The park lies just a 2-3 hour drive south of Anchorage, which is a gateway airport accessible via direct flight from a number of US cities. The travel to get here is 100% worth it, arriving here is like stepping back into the Ice Age. Welcome to glacier country.
The two hikes below are at either ends of the Alaska spectrum. One short, one longer. Both stunning.
Exit Glacier Overlook Trail
Kenai Fjords is an incredible glacially carved landscape. This highly accessible trail is a fantastic way to get up close and personal to Exit Glacier. Starting at the excellent nature centre (where rangers are on hand to answer your questions!), this 2 mile loop includes an overlook point over the glacier itself.
The trail network here is the most extensive of anywhere in the park, there are numerous opportunities to extend this hike further should the incredible scenery inspire you to do so!
Planning Hints and Tips: For the ultimate outdoors experience, consider spending a night at the Exit Glacier Campground, the only formal campground in the entire National Park. Fall asleep at the toe of the glacier, because how many people get the change to do that?!
Harding Icefield Trail
We are starting to get a little more remote now! This 8 mile round trip is a spectacular day hike, leaving from the aforementioned Exit Glacier area. Starting at the valley floor, this winding trail passes through forests and meadows, before taking you above the tree line for breath-taking views across the icefield.
The top of this trail is a window to the Ice Age. With ice and snow as far as the eye can see, you’ll begin to understand why this state is known as the ‘Last Frontier’.
Planning Hints and Tips: Hiking in Alaska is not to be taken lightly. The weather in this part of the world can be extreme, even in the summer. Always take plenty of water, let someone know your plans, and have a means of communication with you. These things are an absolute minimum.
#5 of best places to go hiking in the US: The Rocky Mountain National Park
The state of Colorado is one of the best states for outdoors lovers. The Rocky Mountain National Park offers some of the best hiking anywhere in Colorado. Therefore, you really need to go! With abundant wildlife, majestic alpine scenery and hundreds of miles of trails, this part of the country is a day hikers paradise!
One of the best things about Rocky Mountain National Park is the almost unlimited variety of trail length and difficulty available. It’s tough to narrow it down to just a couple, but the two recommendations below rank as some of the best hiking trails in Colorado.
Sky Pond Trail
One of best lake hikes in Colorado. Full stop. That alone is a pretty good indicator! Need more convincing? Along the 8 mile route you will be served with stunning views of alpine lakes (including the majestic Sky Pond itself), surrounded by towering peaks and there will even be some waterfall action!
This is a challenging hike, based on the elevation and a few steep sections along the way. The jagged mountains that form the backdrop of this hike are a reminder that you’re in serious backcountry territory here!
Planning Hints and Tips: To help manage visitor numbers, a timed entry reservation system exists between May and October. The system is pretty straightforward to navigate, and definitely helps reduce crowds on the trail during peak summer months.
Emerald Lake Trail
For a more family friendly option, check out the ever popular Emerald Lake Trail. At 4 miles in length, this out and back route is suitable for hikers of all ages and skill levels. Its relatively short length doesn’t mean you miss out on any of the picturesque scenery though. This is one of the best scenic hikes in Colorado.
Highlights include the aspen groves and ponderosa pine that line your path to the sparkling Emerald Lake. Once arrived, you’ll be greeted by views of the jagged spires of Flat Top Mountain which can be seen across this iconic alpine lake.
Planning Hints and Tips: The weather in Colorado can turn in an instant. You should always check the forecast before heading out, and be prepared for changing weather conditions. Lightning strikes are common in these parts, watch for building storm clouds and return to the trailhead immediately if you hear thunder.
Best places to go hiking in the US: The Bonus Option
And now for something a little different! For my bonus option, we are headed to a part of the US that you might not associate with the best hiking in the US.
Wait for it…
West Virginia. Specifically, New River Gorge National Park.
But I’ve never heard of this place, I hear you cry! Welcome to the newest (and 63rd) national park in all of America. Established in December 2020, this is the first national park in West Virginia. It is a rugged stunner with serious views!
Whilst the park is new, the landscape is most definitely not. The New River is actually one of the oldest in the world, and the primeval forest gorge it runs through is one of the most stunning in the Appalachians. The National Park Service (NPS) protects a 50 mile stretch of the New River, which forms the park.
Endless Wall Trail
The Endless Wall trail is one of the best hikes in New River Gorge National Park, this short and sweet hike showcases the very best of the park. The trail leads out to overlooks along the ‘Endless Wall’, a long line of sandstone ridges high above the gorge. Diamond Point is the main overlook to aim for, from which the views of the gorge are gorge-ous (sorry, couldn’t resist)!
And it’s not just hiking. The river itself offers world class whitewater rapids for paddlers, the surrounding forest is criss-crossed with challenging single-track trails for mountain bikers. There’s even a massive bridge (the longest single-arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere!) that is open to BASE jumpers!
This place is a mecca for the active adventurer. One to put on the list.
Conclusion: get hiking!
The US is packed full of great places to go hiking. Aiming for one of the numerous National Parks is a great place to start, there are fantastic trails to follow in all of them. Whether you’re into the stunning red rock formations of Zion, the epic wilderness of Kenai Fjords or the rugged Atlantic coast views of Acadia, I’m hoping my recommendations have helped inspire you. Perhaps you’re even thinking of taking on the iconic Half Dome Hike – you can do it!
Whichever place you’re going to aim for, get your hiking boots laced up and get up there!