Ten Most Beautiful Hikes in the U.S
Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in the US, and there are countless trails to explore. From rugged mountain peaks to lush forests, there is something for everyone. In this blog post, we will take a look at the 10 best hikes in the US that are sure to provide an unforgettable experience. We will cover everything from difficulty levels and scenery to what you need to bring on your hike. So, grab your hiking boots and let’s get ready for an adventure!
1. The Enchantment Mountains, Washington the Enchantment Mountains are located in the North Cascades National Park in Washington, and they have had a long history of being explored and populated by white settlers. From many different trailheads on both sides of the mountains, hikers can choose to tackle shorter or longer loops around the area. With a plethora of peaks throughout this beautiful wilderness (including some “sub-peaks” that you can climb), hikers will find themselves surrounded by stunning vistas. There are also several waterfalls within these mountains that should not be missed during your hike! If you ’re looking for a relatively easy hike with beautiful scenery, try a three-mile loop around the Lakes District.
2. Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Washington This forest is located in the northwestern corner of Washington and includes both Mount Baker and Mt. Snoqualmie — two of the most well-known peaks in Washington State. From the trailhead at Paradise Divide to just below North Bend, there are many different options for hikers with varying levels of difficulty. Most hikes will take between six to 12 hours and feature beautiful alpine views from as high as 7500 feet!
3. Mount Whitney: The Best Hike in the US Mount Whitney is a mountain at an elevation of 14,505 feet and is located in the Sierra Nevada range that stretches across California and Nevada. It is the highest summit in all of North America, with a prominence of 13,511 feet at its summit. You can access this mountain via two main routes: Whitney Portal on California Route 140 East or Lone Pine Canyon on U.S. Route 395northeast from Lee Vining to Bishop Pass Road junction north of Lone Pine Creek; each route has ascending routes accessible by car and then a foot.
4. Highline Trail, New York City In 1976, the Highline was built as an abandoned railway which has transformed into one of the largest urban parks in North America. This hike is perfect for all skill levels and offers breathtaking views of New York City. If you are looking to spend a day out in nature, this is a great option. There are multiple stations along the trail where you can grab water and snack before your hike or take advantage of hammock camping at one of these stations overnight (check out camping options). For those who like to backpack, there are also 10–15-mile loops that you can complete. This trail is a little bit longer than most and will take you around 5-6 hours to complete, but the views are worth it!
5. The Blue Ridge Parkway This hike off of the Blue Ridge Parkway in North America offers stunning views of the Appalachian Mountain range. With clear waterfalls, steep climbing paths, and scenic overlooks, this hike is perfect for exploring nature in one day. For those who prefer to backpack, there is also a 15-mile loop that takes about 8 hours to complete.
This hike is located in the Arizona Sonoran Desert and is rated as difficult-moderate. It takes you to a monolithic sandstone formation known as Watermelon Dome. The hike can last anywhere from one to five hours depending on how long you spend stopping for photos and exploring along the way. The view of Watermelon Dome from the top is absolutely breathtaking. If you are looking for a more strenuous hike, this one will not disappoint! The view of Watermelon Dome from the top is absolutely breathtaking. If you are looking for a more strenuous hike, this one will not disappoint!
6. The Appalachian Trail, North Carolina to Maine Distance: 4,294 miles Difficulty Level: Difficult (requires careful planning) Scenery: Mountain ranges and forests in the Eastern US. There is also a section of the trail that runs through Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. If you are looking for wildlife sightings, this is the hike for you! It is home to white-tailed deer and black bears as well as black bear dens! Your hiking experience will be made more magical with a stop at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia where John Brown led an armed assault in 1859 that became the start of the Civil War.
7. The Pacific Crest Trail, California to Oregon Distance: 3,100 miles Difficulty Level: Moderate – Hard (requires careful planning) Scenery: Vast landscapes of mountains and forests in the Western US. You will also see some amazing views of waterfalls along your journey! There is a section of this hike that runs through Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area which includes some famous waterfalls like Dry Fall and Jump-off Joe. Camping: The Pacific Crest Trail does not have designated campsites as it goes through National Forest land. You will need to make your own camping locations, which can be tricky in the high-elevation areas.
8. The Pinnacles Trail, Red Rock Canyon Recreation Area the Pinnacles Trail is a strenuous out-and-back trail located in the Red Rock Canyon Recreation Area in Las Vegas, Nevada. This hike has it all: stunning rock formations that look like stalagmites and stalactites to towering monoliths that make for an amazing backdrop to the cliffs. Close up views of the beautiful red rock formations are possible as well, depending upon which route you choose. It is a moderate climb that gets progressively harder as you go along, but make sure you pack plenty of water and
9. The Appalachian Trail, Georgia to Maine Distance: 3,040 miles Difficulty Level: Moderate (requires careful planning) Scenery: Mountains and forests in the Eastern US. The trail is well marked with white blazes on trees and rocks to make it easier for hikers to navigate their way along the path without getting lost. You will also see many waterfalls along your journey! There is a section of this hike that runs through Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area which includes some famous waterfalls like Dry Fall and Jump-off Joe’ s, which is the highest waterfall in the park. Fees: Non ePassport Required: Yes (filled out and signed by parent or legal guardian)
10. Iceberg Lake – Glacier National ParkThe Iceberg Lake hike is a moderate 12 mile round-trip trail that begins at the Lake McDonald Lodge in Glacier National Park and ends at the shores of beautiful Iceberg Lake. This hike will give hikers stunning views of Cascade Mountain, Looking Glass Rock, and more while also providing an opportunity to spot wildlife such as moose and marmots. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking and it’s one of the most popular hikes in the park! Hikers should expect to see wildlife along their path as well as on the shoreline near Iceberg Lake which should make for some really cool viewing. This is a great hike for beginners and it’s an easy, flat walk with minimal elevation gain.
Hiking is the perfect way to explore the beauty of nature. There are many breathtaking trails in the United States that offer stunning views and unique experiences. Whether you’re looking for a short-day hike or a longer adventure, these 10 most beautiful hikes in the US will provide you with the perfect opportunity to get outdoors and explore. From the Grand Canyon to the Appalachian Trail, these hiking trails are sure to take your breath away and provide you with an unforgettable experience. So, if you’re looking for a way to reconnect with nature, why not try one of these amazing hiking trails?