From misty Appalachian ridgelines to the red-rock canyons of the Southwest, the United States is one of the greatest hiking destinations on Earth. With more than 63 national parks and thousands of miles of maintained trails, there is a path for every fitness level, schedule, and sense of adventure. Whether you are lacing up your boots for the first time or chasing your fiftieth summit, this guide to the best hiking trails in the USA will help you find your next unforgettable trek.
In this guide, we cover legendary routes in the West and East, easy hikes for beginners, epic multi-day thru-hikes, essential gear, and safety tips so you can hit the trail with confidence.
BEST HIKING TRAILS IN THE AMERICAN WEST
The Western USA is home to the country’s most dramatic hiking terrain. Towering granite walls, desert slot canyons, and alpine lakes make this region a bucket-list destination for hikers around the world.
1. Angels Landing, Zion National Park, Utah
This 5.4-mile round-trip hike is one of the most famous trails in America. The final half-mile follows a narrow sandstone fin with chains bolted into the rock and sheer drops on both sides. A permit is now required for the chained section, so plan ahead. The panoramic view from the summit over Zion Canyon is worth every nerve-wracking step. For more Utah desert adventures, see our guide on where to stay when visiting Capitol Reef National Park.
2. Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon, Arizona
Descending from the South Rim, the Bright Angel Trail offers the classic Grand Canyon experience. Day hikers can turn around at the 1.5-Mile Resthouse or 3-Mile Resthouse, while fit hikers can push to Indian Garden. Remember: hiking down is optional, hiking up is mandatory, so start early and carry more water than you think you need. Discover more desert hikes in our guide to the best places to visit in Arizona in winter.
3. The Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Fall, Yosemite, California
Climbing 2,000 feet past two thundering waterfalls, the Mist Trail is Yosemite’s signature day hike. In spring, snowmelt turns Vernal Fall into a roaring curtain of water that drenches the stone staircase. Combine it with the John Muir Trail for a spectacular loop. For more Golden State adventures, check our best places to visit in California during fall.
4. The Narrows, Zion National Park, Utah
Part hike, part wade, the Narrows takes you through a slot canyon where the Virgin River is the trail. Walk as far upstream as you like through towering 1,000-foot walls. Rent canyoneering boots and a walking stick in Springdale for the best experience.
5. Skyline Trail, Mount Rainier, Washington
Starting at Paradise, this 5.5-mile loop climbs through wildflower meadows with jaw-dropping views of Mount Rainier’s glaciers. Keep an eye out for marmots and black bears foraging in the meadows during summer.
6. Delicate Arch Trail, Arches National Park, Utah
A 3-mile round-trip across slickrock leads to Utah’s most iconic landmark. Time your hike for sunset, when the arch glows fiery orange against the La Sal Mountains.
BEST HIKING TRAILS IN THE EASTERN USA
Don’t overlook the East. Ancient mountains, hardwood forests, and rugged coastlines offer world-class hiking with far fewer crowds than the famous Western parks.
7. Franconia Ridge Loop, White Mountains, New Hampshire
Often called the best day hike in New England, this 8.9-mile loop crosses three 5,000-foot peaks along an exposed alpine ridge. The views are extraordinary, but weather can turn fast, so pack layers year-round.
8. Old Rag Mountain, Shenandoah, Virginia
This 9.4-mile circuit features a thrilling rock scramble near the summit that feels more like the Rockies than Virginia. Book your day-use ticket in advance during peak fall foliage season.
9. The Precipice Trail, Acadia National Park, Maine
Iron rungs and ladders bolted into a seaside cliff make the Precipice one of the most exhilarating short hikes in America. It is closed in summer while peregrine falcons nest, so check conditions before you go.
10. Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte, Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
Climbing 2,763 feet over 5.5 miles, this trail passes Arch Rock and Alum Cave Bluffs before reaching the summit lodge, the highest guest lodge in the Eastern USA.
11. Breakneck Ridge, Hudson Highlands, New York
Just 90 minutes from New York City, this steep 5.5-mile loop scrambles up rocky faces with sweeping views of the Hudson River. Go on a weekday to beat the crowds.
EASY HIKES FOR BEGINNERS
New to hiking? These rewarding trails deliver big scenery with modest effort.
12. Lower Yosemite Fall Trail, California
A flat, one-mile loop to the base of North America’s tallest waterfall. Paved and wheelchair accessible.
13. Jordan Pond Path, Acadia, Maine
An easy 3.3-mile loop around a crystal-clear pond with postcard views of the Bubble Mountains.
14. Rim Trail, Grand Canyon, Arizona
Stroll as far as you like along the South Rim’s paved path, with shuttle buses to carry you back when your legs tire.
15. Emerald Lake Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
A 3.2-mile round-trip past three alpine lakes beneath towering 14,000-foot peaks. Snowshoes may be needed into June. Pair your trip with our best places to visit in Colorado Springs in the summer.
EPIC MULTI-DAY THRU-HIKES
For the ultimate adventure, these long-distance trails test body and spirit over weeks or months.
16. Appalachian Trail (Georgia to Maine)
Spanning 2,200 miles across 14 states, the AT is the most famous long trail in the world. Most thru-hikers take 5 to 7 months; section hikers can tackle it piece by piece over years.
17. Pacific Crest Trail (California, Oregon, Washington)
From the Mexican border to Canada, the 2,650-mile PCT crosses 25 national forests and 7 national parks. Permits are competitive, so apply the day applications open.
18. John Muir Trail, California
This 211-mile route through the High Sierra, ending at the summit of Mount Whitney, is arguably the most beautiful long trail in America. Most hikers complete it in about three weeks.
19. The Wonderland Trail, Mount Rainier, Washington
A 93-mile loop around an active volcano, crossing glaciers-fed rivers and wildflower valleys. Permits are awarded by lottery.
MORE INCREDIBLE TRAILS WORTH YOUR BUCKET LIST
20. Kalalau Trail, Kauai, Hawaii
Eleven miles of Na Pali Coast cliffs, waterfalls, and secluded beaches. Permits required and often booked out months ahead.
21. The Wave via Coyote Buttes, Arizona
A 6.4-mile round-trip to swirling sandstone formations that look like a frozen ocean. Day-use permits are lottery-only.
22. Grinnell Glacier Trail, Glacier National Park, Montana
Watch climate change in real time on this 10.6-mile round-trip to a shrinking glacier beneath the Garden Wall.
23. Half Dome via the Cables, Yosemite, California
The 14-to-16-mile ascent up Yosemite’s most famous monolith is a rite of passage. A permit is required for the cables.
24. Guadalupe Peak Trail, Texas
Climb to the highest point in Texas (8,751 feet) on this 8.4-mile round-trip through Chihuahuan Desert scenery.
25. Highline Trail, Glacier National Park, Montana
An 11.8-mile point-to-point traverse along the Continental Divide with nonstop mountain panoramas and frequent mountain goat sightings.
ESSENTIAL HIKING GEAR CHECKLIST
Before you hit any of the best hiking trails in the USA, pack the ten essentials: navigation (map, compass, GPS), headlamp, sun protection, first aid, knife, fire starter, shelter, extra food, extra water, and extra clothes. Broken-in hiking boots, trekking poles, and a well-fitted daypack make every mile more enjoyable.
HIKING SAFETY TIPS FOR US TRAILS
- Check the weather and trail conditions before every hike, especially in the mountains.
- Tell someone your route and expected return time.
- Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms and heat.
- Carry more water than you expect to need; desert trails can require a gallon per person per day.
- Know the signs of altitude sickness, dehydration, and hypothermia.
- Follow Leave No Trace principles: pack out everything you pack in.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the best hiking trail in the USA for beginners?
The Rim Trail at the Grand Canyon and the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail are ideal beginner hikes: they are short, well-maintained, and deliver world-class scenery without strenuous climbing. The Smoky Mountains also offer excellent beginner-friendly trails.
When is the best time of year to hike in the USA?
Spring and fall offer the best conditions for most trails. Summer is ideal for high alpine routes in the Rockies and Cascades, while desert hikes in the Southwest are best from October through April.
Do I need permits for popular US hiking trails?
Many iconic trails now require permits or timed-entry reservations, including Angels Landing, Half Dome, the Wave, and the Narrows top-down route. Always check the National Park Service website before your trip.
How much water should I carry while hiking?
A general rule is half a liter per hour of moderate hiking, more in heat or at altitude. On desert trails, carry at least one gallon per person per day.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The best hiking trails in the USA offer something no other country can match: an entire continent of wildly varied landscapes connected by footpaths. Start with a trail that matches your fitness level, respect the wilderness, and let each hike inspire the next. Your boots were made for this. Happy trails!
