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7 of the Best Hiking Destinations Around the US

Written by: Megan Watts

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Time to read 4 min

The United States is full of uniquely diverse landscapes that call to adventurers of every kind. Whether you seek jaw-dropping views, fascinating glimpses of wildlife, or quiet spaces where you can just sit and enjoy the world for a while, these natural wonders have it all. From soaring mountains to exhilarating coastlines, there’s always something new to discover when you hike through the country.

Best of all, the most glorious natural areas have hiking trails for every experience level. Beginners and experts alike can enjoy the thrill and beauty of exploring the best landscapes in the country. Are you ready for your next unforgettable trip? Here are seven of the best hiking destinations around the US to add to your bucket list.

Yosemite

There’s a reason why Yosemite National Park is on many hikers’ bucket lists. Yosemite Valley is bursting with awe-inspiring granite rock formations. The 750,000-acre glacial valley offers hundreds of miles of diverse hiking trails through bright meadows, steep cliffs, and gorgeous forests.

Take a leisurely stroll on a paved trail or test your mettle with one of the multiday trails that take you through thousands of feet of elevation gain. Challenge yourself with the iconic Half Dome day hike. Or, if you’re truly adventurous, you can see the entire park through the multiday John Muir Trail. That said, even beginner hikers can enjoy all that the park has to offer.

Yosemite has attained international recognition, which means you might run into crowds along the way. However, that’s a perfect excuse to visit the park in the winter off-season. Lower trails are still open, and the area looks downright magical covered in fresh snow.

Olympic National Park

The Olympic Peninsula is home to some of the most fascinating landscapes in the country, and you can find them all when you hike the trails at Olympic National Park. Spot blue whales along the Pacific coastline or trek deep into old growth temperate rainforests. The park’s trails take you through the lush greenery, rugged coastline, and glacier-capped mountains of Washington’s iconic wilderness.

Find panoramic views along Hurricane Ridge. Here, you can take the short and paved Hurricane Hill trail. Alternatively, use this as a jumping-off point and branch out along one of the many dirt trails to explore the rest of the park. You can also take one of the many coastal routes to explore the over 70 miles of stunning Pacific coastline that borders the park.

Shenandoah National Park

Venture 75 miles southwest of Washington, D.C. to find over 200,000 acres of sweeping, wooded beauty. Shenandoah National Park rests within Virginia’s gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains. Here, you’ll find a wide range of wildlife—including deer, black bears, coyotes, beavers, songbirds, falcons, and much, much more. The land boasts deep forests, ancient mountain ridges, and dozens of clear, cool waterfalls. When you visit, make sure you also get a glimpse of the park's famous vast and glittering night sky.

There are plenty of trails to enjoy in Shenandoah National Park, but we have to mention the area’s section of the Appalachian Trail. The Appalachian Trail winds for over 2,000 miles, connecting Georgia to Maine. There are endless adventures and incredible sights to find along the way, but you’ll be particularly fond of the 101 miles of the trail that take you through beautiful Shenandoah.

The Grand Canyon

As one of the Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon brings in millions of visitors each year. While world-famous views are enough for some people, others dive into the trails around the canyon’s rims for even bigger thrills.

The Bright Angel Trail down the South Rim is the most popular path for hikers. Keep in mind that this and other routes along the Grand Canyon are more advanced. Steep cliffs, sharp switchbacks, and massive elevation changes make this a more technical trail that’s certainly not for the faint of heart. However, the bragging rights of making it to the bottom of the canyon and back up again are more than worth the journey.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

From officially marked trails to backcountry adventures, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers diverse landscapes, remarkable wildlife, and the trip of a lifetime. This is another gorgeous area that you’ll see if you brave the Appalachian Trail. However, you can also take your time exploring the Smoky Mountains, where you’ll find dense, foggy vegetation of the sprawling old growth forests. Plenty of waterfalls, ridges, and more litter the park as well, making it a worthy adventure for visitors of all experience levels.

Take the popular Alum Cave Trail to the summit of Mount Le Conte. You’ll also make your way around other iconic sights in the park, including Arch Rock and Alum Cave Bluffs. For shorter, paved paths, take Laurel Falls or Clingmans Dome, both named after the stunning attractions they lead to.

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

It’s not every day your hike takes you close to an active volcano. That’s why the brave of heart head to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park on The Big Island. This stunning park is full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, including the chance to explore two active volcanoes: Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. The park is overflowing with magnificent trails that will take you through all of its unforgettable scenery.

Travel through the dense rainforest to a hardened lava lake on the Kīlauea Iki Trail. For a longer adventure, take the 11-mile Kalalau Trail, which winds through lush valleys and breathtaking waterfalls. The end destination is Kalalau Beach, which sits nestled between two volcanic ridges.

Zion National Park

Breathtaking canyons and magnificent sandstone formations await you at Zion National Park. Freestanding arches, sheer red spires, and dipping valleys will make you stop and stare in wonder. There are plenty of trails for casual visitors and adrenaline seekers alike, easily making Zion one of the best hiking destinations around the US.

Start with an easy hike along the Upper Emerald Pool Trail, which will take you along an easy trek to misty waterfalls and other magical sights of the Emerald Pools. For something more challenging, tackle the dramatic, eight-mile round trip to Observation Point. Climb steep switchbacks up the canyon wall to the top. It’s a hard 2,000-foot elevation gain, but the view at the end gives you an unforgettable look at the park and all its glory.

No matter where you go in the US, adventure is sure to find you. Make sure you’re ready before you hit the trail by stocking up on all the best gear at Mountain High Outfitters. As your favorite choice for outdoor outfitters in the Southeast, we have the apparel, footwear, and other gear you need to make every trip the experience of a lifetime.

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