The Best Hiking Trails in the United States: A Journey through Nature's Marvels

 

The United States boasts a diverse range of landscapes and terrains, making it one of the greatest places to hike globally. 

From the high peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the desert horizons of the Southwest, and from the rain-soaked rainforests of the Pacific Northwest to the rolling hills of the Appalachian Trail, America offers something for every kind of hiker new hikers searching for postcard-perfect promenades to seasoned explorers in search of challenging jaunts. 

This piece features some of the best hiking trails in the U.S., presenting the natural landscape, diversity, and thrill of the great outdoors.

#1 Appalachian Trail (Eastern United States):

Distance: 2,190 miles

States: Georgia to Maine

Highlights: Diverse ecosystems, historic shelters, mountain scenery

The Appalachian Trail, or A.T., is one of the most renowned long-distance trails in the globe. 

Extending from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine, the trail traverses 14 states and meanders through dense forests, mountain ridges, and serene valleys.

While not many attempt the entire trek (5 to 7 months), day hikers and overnight backpackers can test out shorter sections, such as the stunning McAfee Knob in Virginia or the treacherous White Mountains of New Hampshire. 

The A.T. is not a hike it's coming of age for outdoor enthusiasts. 

#2 Pacific Crest Trail (Western United States):

Length: 2,650 miles

States: California, Oregon, Washington

Highlights: Sierra Nevada, Cascade Range, desert, alpine lakes

The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is comparable to the Appalachian Trail in terms of scenic quality and length. 

It starts at the U.S.–Mexico border and traverses California's deserts, the granite spires of Sierra Nevada, Oregon's volcanic peaks, and Washington State's moss-lined forests.

Popular segments include the John Muir Trail (a 211-mile section of the PCT) and Washington's Goat Rocks Wilderness. 

PCT hikers experience extremes deserts, snowfields, and dense forests but the visual payoffs are worthwhile.

#3 Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim (Arizona):

Length: 24 miles

Location: Grand Canyon National Park

Highlights: Stunning canyon vistas, river crossings, unique geology

The Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim trail is a bucket-list adventure in which hikers have the privilege of descending from the North Rim, crossing over the Colorado River, and ascending to the South Rim. 

The change in elevation is breathtaking, and the climate varies wildly from the temperate forested North Rim to the blistering inner canyon.

Hikers need to be prepared for this grueling hike and carry lots of water. 

Sleeping overnight at Phantom Ranch or Bright Angel Campground gives respite in the middle of the canyon. 

The dramatic scenery and view make it one of the most memorable hikes on earth.

#4 Zion Narrows (Utah):

Length: 16 miles (top-down), or 5 miles (bottom-up day hike)

Location: Zion National Park

Highlights: Slot canyons, Virgin River, steep sandstone walls

The Narrows within Zion National Park offers a new kind of hiking experience: you hike in a river. 

Surrounded by 1,000-foot canyon walls, the trail follows the Virgin River as it makes its way along a narrow gorge where sunlight hardly reaches the water.

Narrows requires water shoes and a walking pole, and it's better to hike in late summer when the water has receded. 

The top-down trail is for thrill-seekers and requires a permit and is typically attempted in one or two days.

#5 Kalalau Trail (Hawaii):

Length: 11 miles (one way)

Location: Kauai, Na Pali Coast

Highlights: Cliffs, beaches, jungle, waterfalls

On Kauai, the Hawaiian island, the Kalalau Trail is an equatorial backpacker's paradise. 

Curving around the Na Pali Coast, the trail twists through lush valleys, rocky ridges, and spits out on isolated Kalalau Beach. 

It's one of the globe's most stunning coastal strolls, but it's also deadly from consequential narrow paths and unforeseen rain showers.

Trampers must request an overnight camp permit, and advance planning is necessary. 

The payoff? Unrivaled views of emerald bluffs and secluded beaches few humans have ever touched.

#6 John Muir Trail (California):

Distance: 211 miles

Where: Sierra Nevada

Amenities: Yosemite, Ansel Adams Wilderness, Sequoia & Kings Canyon

Dedicated to the iconic naturalist John Muir, this trail overlaps with parts of the Pacific Crest Trail and is rated among the country's most beautiful. 

It traverses some of the Sierra Nevada's least developed areas, including Yosemite Valley, the High Sierras, and Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States.

Altitude and solitude wilderness should come as no surprise to hikers. 

2-4 weeks is the typical time to complete, and permits are required due to popularity.

#7 Wonderland Trail (Washington):

Distance: 93 miles

Where: Mount Rainier National Park

Features: Glaciers, wildflower meadows, waterfalls

Circling around Mount Rainier, this trail offers an unbroken, intimate perspective of the massive volcano and its glaciers. 

A combination of alpine ridges and river valleys as well as forest, it offers a full picture of the Pacific Northwest landscape.

The trek is strenuous with many ups and downs, but clearly marked campsites allow multi-day backpacking. 

Attempt in July through September when snows are absent and wildflowers bloom.

#8 Angels Landing (Utah):

Distance: 5.4-mile round-trip

Location: Zion National Park

Features: Steep switchbacks, thin ridge, breathtaking views of the canyon

Not for the timid, Angels Landing is one of the country's most thrilling day hikes. 

The final portion of the trail follows a thin rock spine with 1,000-foot drop-offs on either side, with chains to hold onto.

Despite the adrenaline-fueled elevation, the view from the top is spectacular a bird's eye view of Zion Canyon. 

Permits are now required due to high usage and safety concerns.

#9 Lost Coast Trail (California):

Length: 25 miles

Location: Northern California Coast

Highlights: Remote beaches, sea stacks, tide pools, seclusion

The Lost Coast Trail doesn't disappoint: it's one of the wildest and most remote stretches of coastline in California. 

Strolling along black sand beaches, beside driftwood-strewn shores, and under looming cliffs is a raw, unspoiled discovery of the Pacific Ocean.

Tides need to be carefully monitored because some sections of the trail are completely inaccessible at high tide. 

For those who prefer solitude and enjoy coastal views, this is an absolute must.".

#10 Mount Katahdin via the Knife Edge (Maine):

Distance: 8-10 miles round trip

Location: Baxter State Park

Highlights: Spiny ridges, alpine views, northern terminus of the A.T.

Mount Katahdin is Maine's highest peak as well as the dramatic terminus of the Appalachian Trail. 

The Knife Edge Trail is a challenging and exposed route that follows a narrow ridge between peaks, with precipitous drops on both sides.

The views are spectacular, and the sense of achievement is profound. 

Weather wise, the best time to hike is late summer.

Final Thoughts: Find Your Trail

Whether you're an experienced trekker after peaks or a casual roamer after a nature escape, the United States offers hiking trails for every level and interest. 

From the breathtaking Appalachians and unyielding Sierras to the mystical deserts of Utah and lush jungles of Hawaii, each trail holds a story of nature, grit, and discovery.

Tips Before You Go:

• Plan ahead: Know trail conditions, permits required, and seasonal factors.
• Practice Leave No Trace: Don't bother wildlife, pack out trash, and leave little impact.
• Be safe: Bring plenty of water, food, map/GPS, and first-aid kit.
• Condition yourself if needed: For more difficult trails, prepare your body with hiking and cardio.