The Best 100 Hiking and Trail Spots in the US

America’s diverse landscapes offer a treasure trove of hiking trails that cater to every adventurer’s dream. Whether you seek rugged mountains, serene forests, coastal paths, or desert vistas, the United States boasts an abundance of hiking opportunities. From the iconic trails like the Appalachian Trail to hidden gems off the beaten path, here’s a curated list of the 100 best hiking and trail spots across the country.

1. Appalachian Trail, East Coast

• Stretching over 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine, this iconic trail offers unparalleled beauty and a challenging trek through diverse landscapes.

2. Pacific Crest Trail, West Coast

• From Mexico to Canada, spanning 2,650 miles, this trail traverses the stunning Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges.

3. Grand Canyon, Arizona

• Experience breathtaking views and challenging hikes along the South Rim or venture down into the canyon for a more immersive journey.

4. Zion National Park, Utah

• Home to the famous Angel’s Landing and the Narrows, Zion offers unforgettable hikes amidst towering sandstone cliffs.

5. Glacier National Park, Montana

• Discover pristine wilderness and glacial-carved landscapes on trails like the Highline Trail and Iceberg Lake Trail.

6. Yosemite National Park, California

• Iconic trails include the Half Dome and Yosemite Falls, showcasing waterfalls, granite peaks, and ancient sequoias.

7. Acadia National Park, Maine

• Enjoy coastal hikes with stunning ocean views along trails like the Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail.

8. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

• Explore alpine lakes and panoramic vistas on trails like the Longs Peak and Bear Lake Loop.

9. Olympic National Park, Washington

• Hike through rainforests, along rugged coastlines, and up to alpine peaks on trails like the Hoh River Trail and Hurricane Ridge.

10. Denali National Park, Alaska

• Experience true wilderness on trails with views of North America’s tallest peak, Denali (formerly Mount McKinley).

11. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina

• Discover misty mountains and diverse ecosystems on trails like the Alum Cave Trail and Clingmans Dome.

12. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

• Witness geothermal wonders and wildlife on hikes such as the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Mount Washburn.

13. Arches National Park, Utah

• Explore the otherworldly landscapes and natural arch formations on trails like the Delicate Arch Trail and Devil’s Garden Loop.

14. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

• Enjoy panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains on trails including Old Rag Mountain and Stony Man.

15. Canyonlands National Park, Utah

• Discover rugged canyons and mesas on trails like the Island in the Sky and Needles districts.

16. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

• Marvel at the hoodoos and amphitheaters on trails such as the Navajo Loop and Queens Garden.

17. The Narrows, Zion National Park, Utah

• Hike through the narrow slot canyon of the Virgin River amidst towering walls in this iconic trail experience.

18. John Muir Trail, California

• Trek through the Sierra Nevada mountains on a 211-mile trail that includes stunning views of Yosemite and Kings Canyon National Parks.

19. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

• Explore wildflower meadows and glaciers on trails like the Wonderland Trail and Skyline Trail.

20. Mount Whitney, California

• Summit the highest peak in the contiguous United States via the challenging Mount Whitney Trail.

21. Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska

• Experience remote wilderness and tidewater glaciers on trails like the Bartlett River and Lamplugh Glacier Overlook.

22. North Cascades National Park, Washington

• Discover rugged peaks and pristine alpine lakes on trails like the Cascade Pass and Maple Pass Loop.

23. Death Valley National Park, California/Nevada

• Explore the unique desert landscapes and colorful canyons on trails such as Golden Canyon and Telescope Peak.

24. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

• Enjoy stunning mountain views and alpine lakes on trails like the Cascade Canyon and Paintbrush Divide.

25. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California

• Encounter giant sequoias and dramatic landscapes on trails including the Congress Trail and Rae Lakes Loop.

26. Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii

• Hike through the otherworldly volcanic landscapes and witness sunrise at Haleakalā Crater.

27. Appalachian Trail, New Hampshire

• Explore the White Mountains and hike the challenging Presidential Range on this section of the AT.

28. White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire

• Discover waterfalls, alpine lakes, and the Presidential Range on trails like the Franconia Ridge Loop.

29. Great Basin National Park, Nevada

• Experience solitude and ancient bristlecone pines on trails such as the Bristlecone Pine and Wheeler Peak Summit.

30. Acadia National Park, Maine

• Hike to coastal cliffs and summit Cadillac Mountain on trails like the Precipice Trail and Jordan Pond Loop.

31. Lost Coast Trail, California

• Trek along California’s rugged coastline, where the mountains meet the Pacific Ocean, offering stunning views and remote wilderness.

32. Mount Hood, Oregon

• Climb Oregon’s tallest peak or explore the Timberline Trail, which circles the mountain through alpine meadows and forests.

33. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon/Washington

• Hike among numerous waterfalls and enjoy stunning views of the Columbia River on trails like Eagle Creek and Dog Mountain.

34. Big Sur, California

• Experience coastal hikes with breathtaking views of the rugged cliffs and ocean along trails like the McWay Waterfall Trail and Ewoldsen Trail.

35. Lost Mine Trail, Big Bend National Park, Texas

• Enjoy panoramic views of the Chisos Mountains and the Chihuahuan Desert on this moderate hike in West Texas.

36. Enchantments, Washington

• Explore alpine lakes, granite peaks, and pristine wilderness on this stunning backpacking route in the Cascade Range.

37. Ozark Highlands Trail, Arkansas

• Traverse through the rugged Ozark Mountains on this 165-mile trail, passing waterfalls, bluffs, and scenic vistas.

38. Adirondack High Peaks, New York

• Summit some of the highest peaks in the Adirondacks, including Mount Marcy, the highest point in New York State.

39. Glacier Gorge, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

• Discover stunning landscapes, alpine lakes, and waterfalls on trails like the Loch Vale and Sky Pond.

40. Hoh Rain Forest, Olympic National Park, Washington

• Hike through one of the world’s temperate rainforests, with moss-draped trees and lush vegetation along trails like the Hoh River Trail.

41. Wind River Range, Wyoming

• Explore rugged peaks, glaciers, and pristine lakes in the Bridger Wilderness, including hikes to Titcomb Basin and Cirque of the Towers.

42. Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota

• Experience canoeing and backpacking among interconnected lakes and dense forests in this remote wilderness area.

43. Painted Desert Rim Trail, Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona

• Hike through colorful badlands and see ancient petrified wood on this trail that offers expansive views of the Painted Desert.

44. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas

• Summit Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas, or explore rugged canyons and desert landscapes on other trails in the park.

45. Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, Washington

• Hike through a landscape still recovering from the 1980 eruption, with trails offering views of the crater and surrounding mountains.

46. Uinta Mountains, Utah

• Explore high alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, and rugged peaks on trails in this less-visited mountain range in Utah.

47. Kauai’s Na Pali Coast, Hawaii

• Trek along the Kalalau Trail for dramatic coastal views, sea cliffs, and lush valleys inaccessible by road.

48. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado

• Hike across the tallest sand dunes in North America and explore alpine lakes and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

49. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin

• Discover sea caves, pristine beaches, and historic lighthouses on hikes along Lake Superior’s Apostle Islands.

50. Mount Desert Island, Maine

• Explore Acadia National Park’s lesser-known trails, including the Beehive Loop and Precipice Trail, for challenging hikes and stunning views.

51. Big Bend National Park, Texas

• Encounter desert landscapes, canyons, and the Rio Grande on hikes like the South Rim Trail and Santa Elena Canyon.

52. Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Wisconsin

• Hike along this trail that traces the edge of the last glaciation in Wisconsin, offering diverse landscapes and historical sites.

53. San Juan Islands, Washington

• Explore these island gems on hikes offering coastal views, marine wildlife, and peaceful beaches accessible by ferry from Seattle.

54. Devil’s Lake State Park, Wisconsin

• Hike bluffs overlooking a picturesque lake and explore unique rock formations in the Baraboo Range.

55. Saguaro National Park, Arizona

• Experience the Sonoran Desert and iconic saguaro cacti on trails like the Cactus Forest Loop and Tanque Verde Ridge.

56. Mount Katahdin, Maine

• Summit the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail via challenging trails like the Knife Edge and Hunt Trail.

57. Highline Trail, Glacier National Park, Montana

• Hike along the Continental Divide, offering expansive views of glaciers, alpine meadows, and rugged peaks.

58. Channel Islands National Park, California

• Explore the unique marine and island ecosystems on trails that offer views of sea cliffs, secluded beaches, and coastal bluffs.

59. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio

• Hike through waterfalls, lush forests, and along the historic Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.

60. Ozette Loop, Olympic National Park, Washington

• Trek through coastal forests and along rugged beaches, discovering tide pools and sea stacks along the way.

61. Capitol Reef National Park, Utah

• Hike among towering cliffs and rock formations on trails like the Capitol Gorge and Grand Wash.

62. Red River Gorge, Kentucky

• Discover sandstone arches, natural bridges, and scenic overlooks in this geological wonderland in eastern Kentucky.

63. Lassen Volcanic National Park, California

• Explore hydrothermal areas, alpine lakes, and volcanic peaks on trails like the Bumpass Hell and Lassen Peak.

64. White Sands National Park, New Mexico

• Hike across shimmering white gypsum dunes and experience stunning sunsets in this unique desert landscape.

65. Mount Rogers, Virginia

• Summit the highest peak in Virginia and hike through spruce-fir forests on the Appalachian Trail or other nearby trails.

66. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado

• Hike along steep cliffs and explore the depths of this narrow and dramatic canyon carved by the Gunnison River.

67. Ruby Mountains, Nevada

• Discover alpine lakes, lush meadows, and rugged peaks on trails like the Ruby Crest Trail in this hidden gem of Nevada.

68. Joshua Tree National Park, California

• Explore unique desert landscapes with Joshua trees and rock formations on trails like the Hidden Valley and Ryan Mountain.

69. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan

• Hike along Lake Superior’s shoreline, passing colorful sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, and beaches on trails like the Chapel Loop.

70. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina

• Explore diverse ecosystems and historic sites on trails like the Alum Cave Trail and Appalachian Trail through the Smokies.

71. Santa Fe Baldy, New Mexico

• Summit the highest peak in the Santa Fe Mountains for panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness and Sangre de Cristo Range.

72. Mount Timpanogos, Utah

• Hike through wildflower-filled meadows and along dramatic ridgelines to summit this iconic peak in the Wasatch Range.

73. Black Elk Peak, South Dakota

• Summit the highest peak in the Black Hills for panoramic views of the surrounding forests and granite peaks.

74. Eagle Lake Trail, Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada

• Enjoy stunning views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains on this popular trail near Emerald Bay.

75. Buffalo River Trail, Arkansas

• Hike through the scenic Ozark Mountains and along the Buffalo National River, with opportunities for backpacking and river crossings.

79. Waterpocket Fold, Capitol Reef National Park, Utah

• Explore the geological wonders and colorful canyons of this rugged landscape on trails like the Grand Wash and Cohab Canyon.

80. Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio

• Discover waterfalls, caves, and rock formations on trails like Old Man’s Cave and Cedar Falls in southeastern Ohio.

81. Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota

• Explore prairie landscapes and unique cave formations on trails like the Rankin Ridge Nature Trail and Lookout Point Trail.

82. Great Divide Basin, Wyoming

• Hike through remote desert landscapes and discover unique geology on this section of the Continental Divide Trail.

83. Kachemak Bay State Park, Alaska

• Explore coastal trails offering views of glaciers, marine wildlife, and rugged fjords accessible by water taxi from Homer.

84. North Shore, Lake Superior, Minnesota

• Hike along the Superior Hiking Trail for views of Lake Superior’s rugged coastline, waterfalls, and dense forests.

85. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Michigan

• Discover scenic overlooks, waterfalls, and Lake Superior’s shoreline on trails like the Escarpment Trail and Lake of the Clouds.

86. Appalachian Trail, Vermont

• Hike through the Green Mountains and along scenic ridges on this section of the iconic Appalachian Trail.

87. Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, Colorado

• Explore alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, and the iconic Maroon Bells on trails like the Maroon Lake Scenic Trail.

88. Great Gulf Wilderness, New Hampshire

• Hike through rugged terrain and along alpine ridges on trails like the Great Gulf Trail in the Presidential Range.

89. Allegheny National Forest, Pennsylvania

• Explore old-growth forests, scenic overlooks, and the Allegheny Reservoir on trails like the North Country National Scenic Trail.

90. Congaree National Park, South Carolina

• Hike through old-growth bottomland hardwood forest and along boardwalks through the floodplain on trails like the Boardwalk Loop.

91. Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

• Discover the rugged Badlands landscape and wildlife on trails like the Ridgeline Trail and Petrified Forest Loop.

92. Black Elk Wilderness, South Dakota

• Explore pristine wilderness and granite peaks on trails like the Little Devil’s Tower and Harney Peak (Black Elk Peak).

93. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin

• Discover sea caves, pristine beaches, and historic lighthouses on hikes along Lake Superior’s Apostle Islands.

94. Channel Islands National Park, California

• Explore the unique marine and island ecosystems on trails that offer views of sea cliffs, secluded beaches, and coastal bluffs.

95. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan

• Hike along Lake Superior’s shoreline, passing colorful sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, and beaches on trails like the Chapel Loop.

96. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina

• Explore diverse ecosystems and historic sites on trails like the Alum Cave Trail and Appalachian Trail through the Smokies.

97. Santa Fe Baldy, New Mexico

• Summit the highest peak in the Santa Fe Mountains for panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness and Sangre de Cristo Range.

98. Mount Timpanogos, Utah

• Hike through wildflower-filled meadows and along dramatic ridgelines to summit this iconic peak in the Wasatch Range.

99. Black Elk Peak, South Dakota

• Summit the highest peak in the Black Hills for panoramic views of the surrounding forests and granite peaks.

100. Eagle Lake Trail, Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada

• Enjoy stunning views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains on this popular trail near Emerald Bay.

This list captures the diversity and beauty of hiking trails across the United States, offering something for every adventurer, from coastal hikes and desert landscapes to alpine peaks and dense forests. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker looking to summit a challenging peak or a nature enthusiast seeking scenic views, these trails promise unforgettable experiences and a deep connection with America’s natural wonders. Happy hiking!