Exploring the great outdoors is one of the most rejuvenating ways to escape modern life’s constant buzz. Whether you’re chasing mountain views, coastal cliffs, desert canyons, or forest solitude, the United States offers some of the best hiking trails in the world. From the rugged peaks of the Rockies to the moss-covered forests of the Pacific Northwest, there’s a trail for every skill level and adventure style.
This long-form, SEO-optimized guide breaks down the best hiking trails in the U.S., provides helpful tips, includes scientifically backed insights about hiking’s benefits, and answers frequently asked questions from hikers like you.
The Health and Science Behind Hiking
Before diving into the trails, it’s worth understanding why hiking is good for you—both physically and mentally.
According to a study by Stanford University, spending time in nature reduces activity in the brain’s subgenual prefrontal cortex, an area linked to rumination and depression. Participants who walked for 90 minutes in a natural environment reported lower stress and improved mood compared to those who walked in urban settings.
Further research from the University of Michigan and Harvard Medical School shows that hiking:
- Boosts creativity and cognitive function by as much as 50%.
- Reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and improves muscular endurance.
- Enhances focus, mindfulness, and emotional balance through exposure to green spaces.
So when you lace up your boots, you’re not just exploring — you’re actively improving your health and well-being.
🌄 The 15 Best Hiking Trails in the United States (2025 Edition)
Here’s a list of the most breathtaking hiking trails in America, carefully selected for their scenery, accessibility, and unforgettable experience.
1. Appalachian Trail – Eastern United States
Location: Georgia to Maine
Length: ~2,190 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
The legendary Appalachian Trail (AT) stretches across 14 states and is one of the most famous long-distance trails in the world. You’ll encounter misty ridgelines, old-growth forests, and charming small towns.
Highlights: Great Smoky Mountains, Shenandoah National Park, and the White Mountains.
Best Time to Visit: April to October.
Who It’s For: Long-distance trekkers and those looking for an iconic American hiking challenge.
2. Pacific Crest Trail – West Coast
Location: California, Oregon, Washington
Length: ~2,650 miles
Difficulty: Hard
Made famous by Cheryl Strayed’s Wild, the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) runs from the Mexican border to Canada, traversing deserts, forests, and volcanic peaks.
Highlights: Sierra Nevada, Mount Hood, and Crater Lake.
Best Time to Visit: May to September.
Fun Fact: The trail covers six ecozones, making it a biodiversity hotspot.
3. John Muir Trail – California
Location: Sierra Nevada Mountains
Length: ~211 miles
Difficulty: Challenging
Named after naturalist John Muir, this trail takes you through the heart of California’s wilderness—including Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks.
Highlights: Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the continental U.S.
Best Time to Visit: July to September.
Tip: Permits are limited—apply early.
4. Angels Landing – Zion National Park, Utah
Location: Zion National Park
Length: 5.4 miles (round trip)
Difficulty: Strenuous
A short but intense climb, Angels Landing is famous for its narrow ridge and 360° panoramic views of Zion Canyon.
Highlights: Red sandstone cliffs and heart-stopping drops.
Best Time to Visit: March to October.
Safety Note: Requires a permit since 2022 to manage crowding.
5. Half Dome – Yosemite National Park, California
Location: Yosemite Valley
Length: 14–16 miles
Difficulty: Extremely challenging
One of America’s most iconic hikes, Half Dome rewards climbers with awe-inspiring views of Yosemite Valley. The final ascent uses steel cables for safety.
Best Time to Visit: May to October.
Permit Required: Yes — limited daily quota.
6. Kalalau Trail – Kauai, Hawaii
Location: Nā Pali Coast, Kauai
Length: 22 miles (round trip)
Difficulty: Difficult
This tropical trail hugs Hawaii’s Nā Pali Coast, combining waterfalls, sea cliffs, and jungle landscapes.
Highlights: Hanakapiai Beach and Kalalau Valley.
Best Time to Visit: April to October.
Tip: Watch weather conditions—flash floods can make the trail hazardous.
7. Bright Angel Trail – Grand Canyon, Arizona
Location: South Rim, Grand Canyon
Length: 9.5 miles one way
Difficulty: Strenuous
Descending into the Grand Canyon, this trail offers dramatic geology, steep switchbacks, and views that defy description.
Highlights: Plateau Point and Phantom Ranch.
Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to November.
Tip: Be prepared for intense temperature changes between rim and canyon floor.
8. Mount Rainier’s Wonderland Trail – Washington
Location: Mount Rainier National Park
Length: 93 miles
Difficulty: Challenging
Encircling Mount Rainier, this trail provides 360° views of glaciers, alpine meadows, and rivers.
Highlights: Spray Park, Indian Bar, and Reflection Lakes.
Best Time to Visit: July to September.
Permit Required: For overnight stays.
9. The Narrows – Zion National Park, Utah
Location: Zion Canyon
Length: Up to 16 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
The Narrows is a unique slot canyon hike where most of your journey is spent wading through the Virgin River.
Highlights: Towering canyon walls over 1,000 feet high.
Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall.
Tip: Rent dry suits or canyoneering gear locally.
10. Teton Crest Trail – Wyoming
Location: Grand Teton National Park
Length: 40 miles
Difficulty: Challenging
This trail showcases some of the most stunning alpine scenery in the U.S.
Highlights: Cascade Canyon and Alaska Basin.
Best Time to Visit: July to September.
Tip: Expect afternoon thunderstorms—pack accordingly.
11. Acadia National Park’s Precipice Trail – Maine
Location: Bar Harbor, Maine
Length: 2.5 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous
A thrilling iron-rung climb on the Atlantic coast. The reward: sweeping ocean views over Mount Desert Island.
Best Time to Visit: May to October.
Note: Closed during peregrine falcon nesting season.
12. Lost Coast Trail – California
Location: Northern California Coast
Length: 24.6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Unlike most California beaches, the Lost Coast is undeveloped, wild, and serene.
Highlights: Black sand beaches, tide pools, and solitude.
Best Time to Visit: May to September.
Tip: Watch tide charts carefully — sections can flood.
13. Ice Age National Scenic Trail – Wisconsin
Location: Throughout Wisconsin
Length: 1,200 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
This underrated gem traces the edge of the last Ice Age glacier, passing forests, lakes, and rolling farmland.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for mild weather.
Fun Fact: The trail tells a geologic story dating back 15,000 years.
14. Maroon Bells Scenic Loop – Colorado
Location: Aspen, Colorado
Length: 3.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
The Maroon Bells are often called the most photographed peaks in North America — and this trail proves why.
Highlights: Reflection in Maroon Lake, wildflowers in summer.
Best Time to Visit: June to September.
15. Denali National Park Triple Lakes Trail – Alaska
Location: Denali National Park
Length: 9.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
For those seeking remote wilderness, this trail delivers glacier-carved lakes, spruce forests, and wildlife encounters.
Highlights: Views of Denali (North America’s tallest peak).
Best Time to Visit: June to August.
🧭 Comparison Table: Best Trails by Type
| Trail Type | Best Choice | State | Length (mi) | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long-Distance | Appalachian Trail | Multi-state | 2,190 | Hard |
| Desert Canyon | Bright Angel Trail | Arizona | 9.5 | Hard |
| Mountain Adventure | Teton Crest Trail | Wyoming | 40 | Hard |
| Tropical Paradise | Kalalau Trail | Hawaii | 22 | Hard |
| Coastal Walk | Lost Coast Trail | California | 24.6 | Moderate |
| Forest & Lakes | Ice Age Trail | Wisconsin | 1,200 | Easy–Moderate |
| Day Hike | Maroon Bells Loop | Colorado | 3.5 | Moderate |
🌿 Hiking Benefits Backed by Science
A study from the University of Utah found that hikers who spend time at high altitudes experience measurable increases in serotonin and dopamine—brain chemicals linked to happiness. Another research from Harvard University showed that walking outdoors in natural light regulates circadian rhythms, improving sleep quality and reducing anxiety.
These findings affirm that hiking isn’t just an adventure; it’s a scientifically validated way to enhance mental clarity and long-term health.
🥾 Essential Hiking Tips for Beginners
- Plan ahead. Always check weather forecasts and trail maps.
- Pack smart. Bring water, snacks, a first-aid kit, and extra layers.
- Leave no trace. Protect wildlife and natural habitats.
- Know your limits. Choose trails that match your fitness level.
- Start early. Many popular trails get crowded by mid-morning.
- Stay hydrated. Bring electrolyte tablets for long hikes.
- Inform someone. Let a friend know your route and expected return.
💬 FAQs About Hiking in the United States
Q: What is the most famous hiking trail in the U.S.?
A: The Appalachian Trail is the most famous, running from Georgia to Maine and attracting thousands of thru-hikers annually.
Q: What is the best time of year to hike in America?
A: Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) offer ideal conditions across most regions, avoiding extreme heat or snow.
Q: Which U.S. state has the best hiking?
A: California and Utah are often top contenders thanks to their diversity—mountains, deserts, and coastlines all within a few hours’ drive.
Q: How can beginners start hiking safely?
A: Start with short, marked trails in local parks. Gradually build stamina before attempting national park hikes.
Q: Are there hiking apps that can help?
A: Yes. Popular apps like AllTrails, Gaia GPS, and REI Hiking Project provide maps, reviews, and offline navigation.
Q: Do I need permits for all national park hikes?
A: Not all, but many high-traffic or backcountry hikes (like Half Dome or Angels Landing) require permits for safety and conservation.
