From Sea to shining sea (and all the mountains, rivers, forests and lakes in-between). The United States of America has long been crowned one of the best countries in the world for hiking. The spectacular geography of such a large country, plus its growing population and ability to market itself better than most, all play a part in achieving the gold standard it holds in the world of Hiking.
Hiker walking through colourful and mountainous landscape of Mount Rainer National park
In this blog we’ll feature some of the regions and trails which are most popular among users of HiiKER. There is (of course) so much more to the country, in terms of hiking. So if you don’t find the inspiration here, you’ll be sure to find what you seek on HiiKER.
1. Yosemite National Park, California
Recently Yosemite has gathered much attention on the international stage for its support role in climbing documentaries such as Free Solo and The Dawn Wall. But the Valley has been one of the most popular destinations for hikers for decades. From its giant sequoias, stunning waterfalls, and towering granite cliffs, Yosemite National Park offers over 800 miles of trails. With trails like the challenging Half Dome hike to the more accessible Yosemite Falls Trail, this park caters to hikers of all levels.
2. White Mountains, New Hampshire
The White Mountains of New Hampshire offer a wealth of hiking opportunities that span across alpine summits, dense forests, and glistening waterfalls. Home to a portion of the Appalachian Trail, the region is renowned for its 4,000-foot peaks known collectively as the 4000-footers, presenting an exciting challenge for ambitious hikers.
A must-hike is Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeastern United States. Its summit can be reached via the strenuous Jewell Trail, which provides breathtaking views across the Presidential Range.
The Franconia Ridge Loop Trail is another highly recommended hike. This 8.6-mile trail offers a rewarding challenge with its steep climbs and descents, along with sweeping views of the White Mountains’ rugged landscape. The trail traverses over the summits of Mount Lafayette, Mount Lincoln, and Little Haystack, making it a favorite among experienced hikers.
3. Glacier National Park, Montana
Known as the “Crown of the Continent,” Glacier National Park boasts over 700 miles of trails winding through alpine meadows, past pristine lakes, and along the edges of massive glaciers. The Grinnell Glacier trail and Highline Trail are must-hikes.
Glacier National park also hosts a section of the Continental Divide trail which runs from the Montana/Canada border, right down to the border with Mexico.
4. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Hiking the Grand Canyon is a surreal experience. The Bright Angel and South Kaibab Trails provide dramatic vistas and challenging ascents. Remember, what goes down must come up – prepare for the steep climbs! And nothing sums this up better than the Rim to Rim trail (or for the more ambitious, the Rim to Rim to Rim trail – I guess there is no end to how many versions of this there could be!).
5. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Last light of the day setting on Longs Peak, Rocky mountain National parkWith over 350 miles of hiking trails through alpine and subalpine terrains, Rocky Mountain National Park is a hiker’s paradise. The Emerald Lake and Sky Pond Trails offer stunning lake views framed by towering peaks.
Rocky mountains National Park is also home to one of the Colorado 14ers. These are mountains which reach an altitude of over 14,000 ft. There are 54 14ers in Colorado and the only one in Rocky mountain national park is Longs Peak.
6. Zion National Park, Utah
Famous for its red cliffs and unique rock formations, Zion National Park offers trails that range from easy strolls to strenuous adventures. The iconic Angel’s Landing is usually at the top of every hiker’s list. For a more unique experience, check out The Narrows. It’s not often that you hike through a natural tunnel with water up to your waste!
7. Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park provides a unique blend of mountain and sea with its granite peaks and rugged coastline. The Precipice Trail and Jordan Pond Path offer amazing views over this unique atlantic landscape.
8. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina/Tennessee
Hikers reach the summit of the Gatlinburg trailAs the most visited national park in the US, the Great Smoky Mountains offer a plethora of trails showcasing the area’s rich biodiversity. Hike to The Gatlinburg trail or traverse the Alum Cave Trail for spectacular mountain views.
9. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
The star attraction here is the towering Mount Rainier, but the park also features waterfalls, wildflower meadows, and old-growth forest. Don’t miss the Old Skyline Trail and Summerland Trail.
Another favorite here is the Wonderland Trail. A complete circumnavigation of Mount Rainier. Check out our complete guide to this trail here.
10. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Best known for its portion of the Appalachian Trail, Shenandoah National Park features cascading waterfalls, vistas overlooking the Shenandoah Valley, and quiet woodland hikes. The Whiteoak Canyon and Old Rag Mountain trails are must-do hikes.
We hope that you find some inspiration in this list for your next hike. Remember that all trails mentioned in this article, plus over 40,000 more can be downloaded for offline access for free on HiiKER.
If you think we have missed somewhere in this list, let us know in the comments!
