If you’re dreaming of fresh mountain air, panoramic views, and unforgettable adventures, hitting the best hiking trails in the US is the perfect way to connect with nature. From the rugged coastlines of the Pacific Northwest to the towering peaks of the Rockies and the serene forests of the East, the United States is home to some of the world’s most iconic and diverse hiking routes.
In this guide, we’ll highlight the best hiking trails that offer breathtaking scenery, unique wildlife encounters, and experiences worth every step. So lace up your boots, grab your backpack, and let’s dive into the top trails that should be on every outdoor lover’s bucket list with National Park Shops.
Black Elk Peak, South Dakota
- Length: 7–13 Miles
- Duration: One day
If you’re a devoted fan of the National Park Service, chances are you’ve either visited South Dakota’s Black Hills or added it to your travel wishlist. This incredible region is home to six NPS sites, including iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore, Wind Cave, and Jewel Cave. While the first two are often overlooked, their hidden wonders make them true gems. Still, if you bypass Custer State Park simply because it doesn’t hold a national park title, you’re collecting stamps without experiencing one of America’s most remarkable stretches of protected wilderness.
With over 70,000 acres of untouched beauty, sparkling lakes, tranquil streams, herds of bison, elusive mountain lions, towering granite formations, and one unforgettable scenic highway, Custer State Park rivals any national park in grandeur. It also boasts Black Elk Peak, the highest elevation between Colorado’s Rockies and the Pyrenees Mountains across the Atlantic. But this isn’t just a geographical record, it’s also the setting for one of the best hiking trails in the country, offering a summit experience that feels more like an epic fantasy adventure than a simple day hike.
Coyote Buttes North: The Wave
- Length: 6 – 10 Miles
- Duration: One day, given you’ve secured a permit
Although it may sound like something out of a 19th-century fairy tale, the sign in question actually dates back to the 1960s, decades before one of the planet’s most surreal and breathtaking sandstone landscapes became one of the most sought-after wilderness permits in the country.
In the years since, a mix of guidebooks, international documentaries, the 2002 Winter Olympics, and the viral power of social media has propelled this pocket of wind-sculpted buttes into the spotlight. With their flowing lines and vibrant hues, the formations appear almost digitally rendered, yet they’re entirely natural. Today, only 48 people are permitted to visit The Wave each day, a sixfold increase from when the Bureau of Land Management first began issuing permits in the 1980s. It’s no wonder this destination is considered one of the best hiking trails in the US. I know several friends who’ve entered the permit lottery every month for years, still waiting for their chance to witness this dreamscape in person. As for me, I’ve gotten close, but like many others pursuing one of the best hiking trails in the US, I’ve yet to stand in awe before the masterpiece.
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Franconia Ridge Loop, New Hampshire
- Length: 9 Miles
- Duration: A half-day
One of the core truths of outdoor adventure is its ability to make us feel small, in the best possible way. It pulls us out of our own heads, if only for a fleeting moment, and reminds us of the vastness around us. In those instances, we’re struck by the realization that our daily worries are insignificant in the face of nature’s scale and mystery. That humbling perspective is what draws so many of us back to towering peaks and expansive landscapes, chasing that sense of awe.
Few places deliver that experience more beautifully or accessible than Franconia Ridge in New Hampshire. This narrow, elevated stretch of land threads between a cluster of ancient, 100-million-year-old peaks and offers a front-row seat to some of the Northeast’s most breathtaking alpine views. As you hike the two-mile spine between Mount Lafayette and Little Haystack, you’ll feel a world away, despite being only a few hours from Montreal, Boston, or the New Hampshire coast. From this perch in the clouds, the entire horizon transforms into a sea of mountains, draped in seasonal hues of lush green or snow-kissed white.
It’s no wonder the loop hike that leads up to and down from Franconia Ridge ranks among the best hiking trails in America. At just nine miles, it’s challenging yet non-technical, packing an impressive variety of terrain into a single route. You’ll ascend through dense woodlands where maple and birch trees yield to conifers, pass one of the White Mountains’ iconic high huts, and descend alongside cascading waterfalls.
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The Grand Canyon: Rim-to-Rim
- Length: 20 – 30 Miles
- Duration: 1 – 3 Days
Just under ten years ago, during a free getaway to Sedona, I spontaneously decided to drive at dawn to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Crossing the Grand Canyon from rim to rim isn’t just a hike—it’s a mind-altering journey. As you descend and climb through two billion years of geological time, the immensity of Earth’s story unfolds beneath your feet. This is no ordinary trail; it’s a passage through an immense natural archive that feels more like walking inside a living, evolving museum.
Visually, the experience is like trekking through an endless, grand-scale work of art – one that reveals new strokes and colors every mile. It’s no surprise this route is often listed as the best hiking trail, given how it challenges the body, stirs the soul, and ignites the imagination. Physically, it’s a demanding traverse across one of the planet’s most iconic landmarks, a chasm so vast it’s visible from space. Completing it reveals not only what the Earth is made of, but what you are made of. And the best part? The Grand Canyon keeps giving. You could spend a lifetime tracing its contours and still feel like you’ve only just started down the best hiking trail of them all.
Porters Creek Trail (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)
- Length: 4 miles round trip
- Duration: Around 2–3 hours
Tucked away in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Porters Creek Trail is a beloved out-and-back route frequented by campers, hikers, and backpackers alike. This scenic path winds through a rich, old-growth forest, offering a tranquil escape into nature’s embrace. Along the way, the peaceful surroundings set the tone for a rewarding journey that culminates at Fern Branch Falls – where breathtaking views of cascading water await. It’s easy to see why many consider Porters Creek to be one of the best hiking trail options in the park, delivering beauty and serenity in equal measure. Whether you’re here for a short trek or a longer adventure, this gem stands out as the best hiking trail for those seeking both natural splendor and peaceful solitude.
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Lost Coast Trail, California
- Length: 25 Miles
- Duration: 2 – 4 Days
Mention hiking the California coast, and most imagine sandy beaches packed with swimmers, not remote wilderness. But northern California’s Lost Coast offers a completely different experience and is home to the best hiking trail you’ve probably never heard of.
Too rugged for highways, the Lost Coast features 25 miles of untouched shoreline where black bears, elephant seals, and crashing tides define the landscape. The best hiking trail here – Lost Coast Trail – winds between wild beaches and steep cliffs, with parts accessible only at low tide, requiring both permits and planning. It’s one of the few truly wild places left on California’s coastline.
Gorham Mountain Loop (Gorham Mountain Loop)
- Length: 3.5 miles (5.6 km)
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
The Gorham Mountain Loop packs some of Acadia’s best coastal scenery into a rewarding 3-mile route that ranks among the best hiking trails in the US. This moderate loop winds through pine-scented forests climbs over sun-warmed granite slabs, and offers sweeping views of the Atlantic and Maine’s rugged coast. In summer, wild blueberries dot the trail, adding to the charm. With highlights like Thunder Hole and Sand Beach along the way, it’s no wonder this New England gem is considered one of the best hiking trails in the US. Plan for at least 90 minutes to fully enjoy the experience.
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Fairy Falls Trail (Yellowstone National Park)
- Length: 5.4 miles (8.6 km)
- Duration: 2.5 to 3.5 hours
Fairy Falls, a 4.8-mile route in Yellowstone National Park, is often ranked as the best hiking trail thanks to its easy terrain and stunning destination. The trail leads you through a peaceful pine forest, culminating at one of the park’s most spectacular waterfalls. With a duration of three to five hours, this best hiking trail offers an unforgettable way to experience Yellowstone’s natural beauty.
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Delicate Arch Trail
- Length: 3 miles (4.8 km)
- Duration: 2 to 3 hours
The Delicate Arch Trail, one of the best hiking trails in the US, offers an unforgettable experience with a direct view of Utah’s most iconic sandstone formation. This 3-mile round trip involves a 480-foot ascent, navigating sun-soaked slick rock slopes. The La Sal Mountains provide a stunning backdrop, making it a prime photo opportunity, especially at sunset, when the trail tends to get busy. Prepare for a two-to-three-hour hike, and don’t forget to bring ample water, particularly during the summer months when temperatures can soar above 100°F. This trail is truly a highlight among the best hiking trails in the US.
List of long-distance trails in US
Allegheny Trail
- Length: 311 miles (500 km)
- Duration: 14 to 21 days
The Allegheny Trail, one of the best hiking trails in the US, spans an impressive 311 miles (500 km) through the Allegheny Highlands of West Virginia. Stretching from the Mason-Dixon Line near Bruceton Mills to the Appalachian Trail at Peters Mountain along the West Virginia-Virginia border, this trail is the longest in the state. It provides hikers with a rugged, scenic journey through remote forests, mountainous ridges, and a variety of ecosystems, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking adventure.
American Discovery Trail
- Length: 6,800 miles (10,944 km)
- Duration: 9 to 12 months
The American Discovery Trail (ADT) is a unique, coast-to-coast non-motorized recreational trail that stretches around 6,800 miles across the United States. It connects the Atlantic Ocean at Cape Henlopen State Park in Delaware to the Pacific Ocean at Point Reyes National Seashore in California. As the first and only trail of its kind, the ADT provides an uninterrupted path for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
Appalachian Trail
- Length: 2,197.4 miles (3,537 km)
- Duration: 5 to 7 months
The Appalachian Trail (AT) is a renowned long-distance hiking path in the United States, stretching approximately 2,190 miles (3,524 km) from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. Traversing 14 states – Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine – the AT offers a diverse range of landscapes, including dense forests, rugged mountains, and serene valleys.
The trail is celebrated for its natural beauty, cultural significance, and the sense of accomplishment it provides to those who complete it. Hikers often encounter varying terrain and weather conditions, making preparation and resilience key to a successful journey. The AT is not only a physical challenge but also a journey through the heart of America’s wilderness, offering solitude, reflection, and a deep connection to nature.
Arizona Trail
- Length: 800 miles (1,287 km)
- Duration: 6 to 8 weeks
The Arizona Trail (AZT) is a premier long-distance, non-motorized route spanning roughly 800 miles (1,287 km) from the U.S.–Mexico border near Sierra Vista to the Utah border close to Kanab. Officially designated a National Scenic Trail in 2009, the AZT stretches the full north-south length of Arizona, highlighting the state’s incredible range of landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural richness.
Divided into 43 distinct passages, this best hiking trail leads adventurers through a variety of terrains, from the Huachuca Mountains to the deserts, deep canyons, dense forests, and sky-high ranges such as the Santa Rita, Rincon, and Santa Catalina Mountains. The route showcases iconic destinations like Saguaro National Park, the Superstition Mountains, the Mazatzal Wilderness, the Mogollon Rim, and the majestic San Francisco Peaks. A true highlight is the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim crossing – an unforgettable experience along one of the best hiking trail routes in the world.
The AZT welcomes hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders, offering options for both full-thru hikes and shorter-section hikes. With Arizona’s extreme seasonal shifts, the ideal time to explore the trail is in spring (March–April) or fall (October–November), steering clear of the scorching summer heat and snowy winters.
Bigfoot Trail
- Length: 358 to 360 miles (576–579 km)
- Duration: 2 to 4 weeks
The Bigfoot Trail is a remote and demanding long-distance route covering about 360 miles (580 km) through northern California’s Klamath Mountains and briefly dipping into southern Oregon. Designed in 2009 by Michael Kauffmann, this best hiking trail highlights the area’s extraordinary biodiversity, including 32 unique conifer species.
Starting in the Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness and ending near Crescent City at the Pacific, the trail crosses six wilderness areas, a national park, and a state park, offering a striking variety of landscapes from alpine ridges to coastal redwoods.
With nearly 100,000 feet of elevation change and several miles of rugged, unmaintained backcountry paths, this best hiking trail demands strong navigation skills. It occasionally intersects with the Pacific Crest Trail and is recommended for seasoned hikers prepared with maps, GPS, and awareness of wildfire risks. The best time to hike is from summer to early fall.
Top 5 best hiking trails in US for Beginners
Lassen Peak Trail Hike
- Distance: 5 miles round trip
- Best for: Beginners looking to climb to the top of a volcano
Lassen Peak, an active volcano and the southernmost summit in the Cascade Range, offers one of the most beginner-friendly summit hikes in the country. This 5-mile round-trip trail gains 2,200 feet in elevation on the way up, but rewards hikers with a downhill return and sweeping views. Despite the climb, it’s accessible even during the hotter summer months, making it an ideal choice for those looking to summit a true giant. It’s no wonder Lassen Peak is often considered a contender for the best hiking trail in the US for novice adventurers.
Glacier Point Hike
- Distance: 1 mile round trip
- Best for: Hikers looking for an easier alternative to Half Dome
The Glacier Point Trail, just one mile long and mostly flat, offers an unbeatable ratio of effort to reward, arguably more scenic payoff per step than any other hike in the country. From this stunning overlook, you’ll enjoy sweeping 270-degree views of Yosemite’s most iconic landscapes, including Cloud Rest, Mist Trail, and the majestic Sierra peaks. It’s no wonder Glacier Point is often praised as the best hiking trail in the US for beginners and view-seekers alike.
North Vista Trail Hike
- Distance: 3 miles round trip
- Best for: Hikers looking for awesome vertical views
Just a short distance from the visitor center, you’ll find some of the most breathtaking views in the world, gazing down into the depths of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. A quick 1.5-mile hike leads you to a spectacular vantage point overlooking the Painted Wall – a dramatic 2,250-foot cliff carved by the powerful Gunnison River far below.
Canyon Overlook Trail Hike
- Distance: 1 mile round trip
- Best for: A short, fun hike without a ton of climbing
If you’re seeking breathtaking views of Zion Canyon, this scenic hike offers an accessible adventure for hikers of all ages and fitness levels. The trail winds over sandstone and dirt, gradually ascending above the Mt. Carmel Tunnel along Pine Creek Canyon, where you’ll be treated to spectacular cliffside vistas of Zion National Park’s most iconic landmarks.
The Highline Trail Hike
- Distance: 7.6 miles round trip
- Best for: Anyone looking to get away from large crowds
This scenic high-country trail offers a smooth, mostly flat path, a rare feature given the stunning backdrop of rugged peaks, pristine glacial meadows, and the sparkling blue lake below. It also provides one of the best opportunities to follow the iconic Continental Divide and spot a few bighorn sheep along the way. Be sure to check trail conditions before you go, as the Highline Trail often closes due to weather.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a beginner eager to explore, the best hiking trails in the US offer something for everyone. From awe-inspiring landscapes to diverse ecosystems, each trail promises a unique experience that brings you closer to nature. So, start planning your next hike, pick your favorite trail, and immerse yourself in the beauty and serenity that only the great outdoors can offer.
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