The 15 Most Amazing Hiking Trails in the USA

The United States is a treasure trove of natural beauty, boasting some of the most diverse and breathtaking landscapes on the planet. From towering mountains and cascading waterfalls to dense forests and arid deserts, the USA offers countless opportunities for hiking enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a casual hiker, there’s a trail for you. Here, we explore some of the most amazing hiking trails across the USA that promise adventure, stunning scenery, and unforgettable experiences.

1. Appalachian Trail (Georgia to Maine)

Length: 2,193 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Best Time to Hike: March to October

The Appalachian Trail (AT) is one of the longest continuously marked footpaths in the world, stretching over 2,193 miles from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. This iconic trail passes through 14 states, offering hikers a diverse range of landscapes, from lush forests and rolling hills to rugged mountains and tranquil meadows.

Highlights:

The Smoky Mountains: Renowned for their misty blue haze and diverse flora and fauna.
Shenandoah National Park: Features stunning vistas, abundant wildlife, and picturesque waterfalls.
The White Mountains: Known for their challenging terrain and breathtaking views.

2. Pacific Crest Trail (California to Washington)

Length: 2,650 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous
Best Time to Hike: April to September

The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) spans 2,650 miles from the Mexican border in California to the Canadian border in Washington. This trail traverses some of the most beautiful and varied landscapes in the western United States, including arid deserts, lush forests, and majestic mountain ranges.

Highlights:

The Sierra Nevada: Home to stunning alpine scenery, including the John Muir Trail section.
Crater Lake National Park: Features the deepest lake in the United States with its striking blue waters.
The Cascade Range: Offers dramatic volcanic landscapes and dense, green forests.

3. John Muir Trail (California)

Length: 211 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous
Best Time to Hike: July to September

The John Muir Trail (JMT) is often considered one of the most beautiful hikes in the world. Stretching 211 miles from Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States, this trail showcases the stunning beauty of California’s Sierra Nevada mountains.

Highlights:

Yosemite National Park: Famous for its granite cliffs, waterfalls, and giant sequoias.
Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks: Known for their deep valleys, tall mountains, and ancient trees.
Mount Whitney: The highest peak in the lower 48 states, offering breathtaking summit views.

4. Zion Narrows (Utah)

Length: 16 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Best Time to Hike: Late Spring to Early Fall

The Zion Narrows in Zion National Park is one of the most unique and thrilling hikes in the United States. This trail follows the Virgin River through a deep and narrow slot canyon, where hikers often wade or swim through the water as they navigate the stunning rock formations.

Highlights:

Wall Street: The narrowest section of the canyon with towering walls reaching up to 1,000 feet.
Orderville Canyon: A beautiful side canyon with waterfalls and boulders to scramble over.
Big Springs: A lush oasis with cascading springs flowing from the canyon walls.

5. Half Dome (California)

Length: 14-16 miles round trip
Difficulty: Strenuous
Best Time to Hike: May to October

Half Dome in Yosemite National Park is one of the most famous and challenging day hikes in the USA. The trail to the summit involves a steep ascent, including the use of cables to navigate the final, exposed section. The reward is a panoramic view of Yosemite Valley and the surrounding wilderness.

Highlights:

Vernal and Nevada Falls: Spectacular waterfalls encountered along the trail.
Sub Dome: The steep granite steps leading to the final ascent.
The Cables: The thrilling and nerve-wracking climb to the summit.

6. Angels Landing (Utah)

Length: 5.4 miles round trip
Difficulty: Strenuous
Best Time to Hike: March to October

Angels Landing in Zion National Park is renowned for its exhilarating and exposed trail, which includes steep switchbacks and a narrow ridge with chains to assist hikers. The view from the summit offers a stunning panorama of Zion Canyon.

Highlights:

Walter’s Wiggles: A series of 21 tight switchbacks.
Scout Lookout: A viewpoint with sweeping vistas of the canyon.
The Final Ascent: The narrow and thrilling ridge leading to the summit.

7. Kalalau Trail (Hawaii)

Length: 11 miles one way
Difficulty: Strenuous
Best Time to Hike: May to September

The Kalalau Trail on the island of Kauai is considered one of the most beautiful coastal hikes in the world. This trail follows the rugged Na Pali Coast, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, lush valleys, and towering cliffs.

Highlights:

Hanakapi’ai Falls: A stunning waterfall accessible via a side trail.
Kalalau Beach: A pristine and secluded beach at the end of the trail.
The Cliffs: Dramatic and sheer drops along the coastline.

8. Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim (Arizona)

Length: 24 miles one way
Difficulty: Strenuous
Best Time to Hike: May to October

Hiking from the North Rim to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is a challenging and rewarding adventure that showcases the grandeur of one of the world’s most famous natural wonders. This trail descends into the canyon, crosses the Colorado River, and ascends to the opposite rim.

Highlights:

Bright Angel Trail: A well-maintained trail with rest houses and water stations.
Phantom Ranch: A historic lodge and campground at the bottom of the canyon.
North Kaibab Trail: A less crowded and more rugged route.

9. Mount Rainier Wonderland Trail (Washington)

Length: 93 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous
Best Time to Hike: July to September

The Wonderland Trail encircles Mount Rainier, offering a complete loop around this iconic peak. This trail provides hikers with diverse landscapes, from lush forests and alpine meadows to glacial valleys and snowfields.

Highlights:

Panhandle Gap: The highest point on the trail with stunning views.
Summerland: A beautiful alpine meadow filled with wildflowers.
Carbon Glacier: One of the largest glaciers in the contiguous United States.

10. Maroon Bells Four Pass Loop (Colorado)

Length: 26 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous
Best Time to Hike: July to September

The Maroon Bells Four Pass Loop is a challenging and scenic hike in the Elk Mountains of Colorado. This trail takes hikers over four high mountain passes, offering spectacular views of the Maroon Bells, alpine lakes, and wildflower-filled meadows.

Highlights:

West Maroon Pass: Offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
Snowmass Lake: A stunning turquoise lake nestled in the mountains.
Frigid Air Pass: Provides breathtaking vistas and a sense of accomplishment.

11. Bryce Canyon Rim Trail (Utah)

Length: 11 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Hike: April to October

The Rim Trail in Bryce Canyon National Park offers hikers stunning views of the park’s famous hoodoos—tall, thin spires of rock formed by erosion. This relatively moderate trail follows the edge of the canyon, providing numerous viewpoints.

Highlights:

Sunrise Point: A popular spot to watch the sunrise over the hoodoos.
Sunset Point: Offers beautiful views during the golden hour.
Inspiration Point: Provides a sweeping vista of the Bryce Amphitheater.

12. Glacier National Park Highline Trail (Montana)

Length: 11.8 miles one way
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Best Time to Hike: July to September

The Highline Trail in Glacier National Park is renowned for its stunning scenery and wildlife sightings. This trail follows the Continental Divide, offering breathtaking views of the park’s rugged mountains and lush valleys.

Highlights:

Garden Wall: A section of the trail with sheer cliffs and panoramic views.
Grinnell Glacier Overlook: A side trail that offers a glimpse of the retreating glacier.
Logan Pass: The trailhead, accessible via the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

13. Mount Whitney Trail (California)

Length: 22 miles round trip
Difficulty: Strenuous
Best Time to Hike: July to September

Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States, offers a challenging but rewarding hike. The trail to the summit features steep switchbacks, high altitude, and stunning alpine scenery.

Highlights:

Trail Crest: A high point offering views of the eastern Sierra and the Owens Valley.
Consultation Lake: A serene alpine lake along the trail.
The Summit: Panoramic views from the highest point in the lower 48 states.

14. The Narrows (Utah)

Length: 16 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Best Time to Hike: Late Spring to Early Fall

The Narrows in Zion National Park is one of the most unique and thrilling hikes in the United States. This trail follows the Virgin River through a deep and narrow slot canyon, where hikers often wade or swim through the water as they navigate the stunning rock formations.

Highlights:

Wall Street: The narrowest section of the canyon with towering walls reaching up to 1,000 feet.
Orderville Canyon: A beautiful side canyon with waterfalls and boulders to scramble over.
Big Springs: A lush oasis with cascading springs flowing from the canyon walls.

15. Smoky Mountains Alum Cave Trail (Tennessee)

Length: 11 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Hike: Year-round

The Alum Cave Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a variety of landscapes, from dense forests to exposed ridges. This trail is known for its unique geological features and stunning vistas.

Highlights:

Arch Rock: A natural rock arch that hikers pass through.
Alum Cave Bluffs: A large overhanging bluff with expansive views.
Mount LeConte: One of the highest peaks in the Smokies, offering panoramic vistas.

Conclusion

The United States is home to some of the most spectacular hiking trails in the world. From the towering peaks of the Sierra Nevada to the rugged coastline of the Na Pali Coast, these trails offer something for every type of hiker. Whether you’re seeking a challenging adventure or a peaceful retreat into nature, the trails highlighted in this article promise unforgettable experiences and breathtaking scenery. So lace up your hiking boots, pack your backpack, and hit the trail—adventure awaits!