4 of the Best Places to Hike in the United States

There’s no greater feeling than conquering a hike at a picturesque location. If you’re searching for your next adventure, take a look at what we consider to be four of the best places to hike in the United States.

The Big Island

Hawaii

Aptly named, The Big Island is the largest of all the Hawaiian Islands, and the best part is that it offers trails for hikers of all skill levels. If you find yourself in this unforgettable paradise, Pololu Valley is a tropical hike to remember. It’s a short trip to Instagram-worthy seaside cliffs and a beautiful black sand beach.

Want to try a more daring hike? If you choose to hike through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, you can hike over 150 miles of trails and even witness two volcanoes along the way. If you decide to embark on the Crater Rim Trail, you’ll even pass through an active volcano! These unique hikes are worth the trip out to The Aloha State.

Big Sur

California

Thanks to its incomparable scenery, Big Sur is a dream to avid hikers. It’s home to gorgeous stretches of coastline, fascinating animals, and much more. If you’re up for an eventful hike, Garrapata State Park is a hidden gem that you simply have to visit. There are hiking trails aplenty—once you make your way up the hills, you’re sure to enjoy some breathtaking ocean views.

If you find yourself in Big Sur, you’ll also need to make a visit to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve a priority. Point Lobos heavily values natural preservation, so its hiking trails are one-of-a-kind. You’re bound to see seabirds, sea lions, and other fascinating wildlife and plant life during your hike. There really is so much to explore in Big Sur!

The Grand Canyon

Arizona

If you fancy a desert climate, take your next hike to the Grand Canyon. The trails span for hundreds of miles and have a wide variety of animals, birds, and plants living among them.

While Mooney Falls is in a side canyon on the southern rim of the Grand Canyon, you must pay them a visit. The turquoise waterfalls and pools are unlike anything you’ve ever seen before—it’s truly a hidden sanctuary. Tonto Trail, also located on the South Rim, is 70 miles long and is the longest stretch of trail in the Canyon. Throughout your journey, you’ll have remarkable views of both canyon and cacti.

Many people find that hiking the Grand Canyon is difficult because they’ll only hike the rim and tire themselves out. Keep in mind that the terrain continually fluctuates between rugged rocks and smooth trails. However, if you’re up for the challenge, we recommend you try tackling the Red Rock Canyons.

The Great Smoky Mountains

Tennessee

What’s more exciting than witnessing the oldest mountains in the world? When you visit the Smokies, you’ll gaze in awe at the blooming wildflowers, dense forests, cascading rivers, and unbelievable mountainous landscape. If you’re a highly experienced hiker, you’ll have to try the Smokies portion of the Appalachian Trail. It runs through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and it’s the longest hiking-only trail in the world.

 

We hope our list of some of the best places to hike in the United States inspires you to head out on your next adventure.