Tucked away in every corner of the country and nestled around every turn, America is home to countless jaw-dropping landscapes – and while you can experience these breathtaking destinations by car (perhaps on one of these 17 iconic American road trips) – one of our favorite ways to experience them is on foot.
From Washington state to the southern tip of Florida, the United States of America is home to incredible hiking trails that offer unrivaled beauty and adventure for hikers of all experience levels. Our list of these 13 bucket list-worthy hikes ranges from easy to challenging, and some take you completely off the grid. Whether we are hiking to The Wave in Arizona after finally receiving that permit or hiking in a new spot near our hometown, we've always had AllTrails+ in our pocket. And this summer, they've updated their award-winning app with even more features that make getting outside even easier.
Many of these incredible hikes are nestled within National Parks, and AllTrails also has the perfect pairing to make the most of your next excursion: you can purchase AllTrails+ and a National Parks Pass for just $99 – a 14 percent savings. If you're not ready to make the commitment, you can also enjoy a free week of AllTrails+ on us.
1. The Rim Trail, Bryce Canyon National Park – Utah
The Rim Trail at Bryce Canyon National Park takes you to some of the most magical overlooks in the celebrated national park. At more than 10 miles round trip, it's not a short hike; however, there are smaller increments you may choose to complete if you don't want (or are unable) to complete the full hike.
This trail follows the rim of Fairyland Canyon and Bryce Canyon, providing sweeping panoramas of *the* grand canyon and iconic hoodoos of the park. In fact, Bryce Canyon has the largest collection of hoodoos in the world – and you can marvel at these natural wonders whilst hiking the Rim Trail.
2. Nugget Falls Trail, Tongass National Forest – Alaska
For those making the once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Last Frontier, Tongass National Forest is a bucket list must. This area is a nature lover's paradise, teeming with wildlife, mountains, forests, waterfalls, rivers, caves, and even Alaska's very own "swamps," known as muskegs.
Tongass National Forest is also home to more than 700 miles of trails, in fact, making it a must-visit destination for hikers of all abilities. The Nugget Falls Trail is perhaps the best all-around trek in the park, packing incredible waterfall and glacial views in a straightforward, two-mile hike. In fact, with the new
Collections Feature on the AllTrails app, you can search for certain types of hikes, like those with waterfalls, dog-friendly trails, hidden gems, epic views, and more.
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3. Anhinga Trail, Everglades National Park – Florida
Florida might not be known for its epic hiking, but we can’t talk about the best hiking trails in every corner of the United States without discussing Everglades National Park, and in particular, the Anhinga Trail. Perhaps the easiest and most popular trail within the Everglades, the paved Anhinga Trail measures just .8 miles and is wheelchair accessible and stroller-friendly. Meandering over marshlands, this scenic trail is popular for wildlife viewing. The park charges a fee of $30 per private vehicle, $25 per motorcycle, and $15 per person who enters the park on foot, by bike, or by watercraft. Dogs are not allowed on the trail, so leave them at home.
4. Maroon Bells Scenic Loop Trail, Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness – Colorado
While there are countless incredible hiking trails within the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness, today, we’re highlighting one of the easiest trails: the Maroon Bells Scenic Loop Trail is a dream come true. Measuring less than two miles in length and featuring less than 200 feet of elevation gain, this scenic trail features stunning mountain and lake views.
The culmination of more than 300 million years of geologic activity, including sedimentation, weathering, and erosion by wind, water, and ice, Maroon Bells is the ultimate nature postcard, with a startlingly blue lake, abundant meadows, and two 14,000-foot peaks. The peaks reflect perfectly in the pristine waters for a panorama that's absolutely flawless.
This area receives a lot of visitors – about 300,000 a year, all coming with cameras in hand to capture a truly spectacular sight. But while this attraction is touted as the most photographed place in Colorado, pictures simply don’t do it justice; Maroon Bells is something you must experience for yourself.
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5. Cadillac Mountain, Acadia National Park – Maine
There's a place that's quite literally at the edge of the country where you can be the first to experience the birth of a new day. Located in incredible Acadia National Park, Cadillac Mountain is a vision. The rocky features of the summit and the absolutely incredible views from the top are just a few of the reasons it's regarded as the most beautiful attraction in the country.
The summit of the 1,529-foot mountain is accessible year-round and is reached via the eponymous North Ridge Trail.
6. Appalachian Trail, Shenandoah National Park – Virginia
Few places in the country are as breathtakingly beautiful as Shenandoah National Park. With stunning and radiant scenery, Shenandoah offers some of the best outdoor recreation in the U.S., including access to the world-famous Appalachian Trail.
However, due to Skyline Drive's convenience, many visitors treat Shenandoah as a "drive-through" park, which is an absolute travesty.
Of course, Shenandoah's roadside overlooks are sublime -- but the park is so much more. Nearly all the hiking trails in Shenandoah National Park branch off of this road; for instance, the acclaimed Appalachian Trail runs parallel to Skyline Drive, and there are several access points off the road for those wishing to experience this bucket-list-worthy hike.
One of the AllTrails updates - my personal favorite - is Park Pages. Visiting a National Park, like Shenandoah mentioned above, can be overwhelming. Park Pages is the one resource you need when hiking in a National Park. And don't forget to check out the AllTrails+ and National Parks Pass Bundle for more savings.
7. Hall Of Mosses, Olympic National Park – Washington
Located in Washington's wondrous Olympic National Park, Hoh Rain Forest is an enthralling emerald oasis. One of the only temperate rainforests in the world, wandering through Hoh Rain Forest feels like stepping into another world altogether. The rainforest gets a staggering 12-14 feet of rain annually, which gives this thriving ecosystem its verdant canopy of mosses, ferns, and trees. The "Green Giant" is one of Hoh's most extraordinary trees, a towering presence keeping watch over the forest. Regarding hikes, the Hall of Mosses and the Spruce Nature Trail are both beginner-friendly, and while short in distance, they don't skimp on scenic splendor.
Filled with untamed mosses and hanging ferns, old-growth trees, and abundant wildlife, Hoh Rain Forest is a lush wonderland within the Washington wilds, and hiking in this park truly belongs on every adventurer's bucket list.
8. Papakolea Green Sand Beach, Hawaii
Hawaii beaches come in a variety of stunning colors – from white and black to red and green. One of my personal favorites is Papakolea Green Sand Beach, nestled on the southernmost tip of Hawaii Island. The green hue comes from olivine, a mineral and common component of Hawaiian lava. Because olivine is denser than other minerals, it accumulates on the shoreline naturally – creating a green-hued beach unlike any other in Hawaii.
It is one of only four green sand beaches worldwide and is accessible only via a 5.6-mile out-and-back trail (2.8 miles each way) that gains approximately 300 feet in elevation and provides little respite from the Hawaiian heat. This is one of my favorite hikes I’ve ever completed, if not for the trail itself, but for the otherworldly destination.
9. Clingmans Dome, Great Smoky Mountains National Park – North Carolina
The Clingmans Dome Observation Tower Trail, located within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is renowned for its popularity. Ascend to Tennessee's highest point and immerse yourself in breathtaking 360-degree views of the Smokies and the magnificent forest from Clingmans Dome.
This captivating 1.3-mile out-and-back trail is near Bryson City, North Carolina. It's a moderately challenging route that typically takes around 43 minutes to complete and is a favorite among runners and walkers alike. For an optimal experience, plan your visit between April and November.
10. Half Dome via the John Muir Trail, Yosemite National Park – California
Hiking Half Dome via the John Muir Trail in Yosemite National Park is an exhilarating adventure. Starting from Happy Isles, you'll trek approximately 16 miles round trip, gaining over 5,300 feet in elevation. The John Muir Trail portion boasts steep granite staircases, often drenched in spray from Vernal and Nevada Falls, lending a refreshing mist in warmer months.
The highlight of the journey is undoubtedly the final ascent up the cables section, a thrilling but strenuous climb to the summit. Once atop Half Dome's iconic granite crest, at 8,842 feet, breathtaking views of Yosemite Valley unfold, rewarding you with a sense of awe and accomplishment. The hike to Half Dome in Yosemite National Park is an experience that offers both a challenging journey and a stunning reward.
11. The Wave, Vermillion Cliffs National Monument – Arizona
Natural beauty abounds in Arizona – and not just at its grandest attraction. The state is home to some of the most extraordinary places in the country, with Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness topping the list.
While there are numerous formations within this park, The Wave is an elusive beauty that shouldn't be passed up. The Wave is a 190-million-year-old rock formation that hails from the Jurassic Age, and as you hike, you'll undoubtedly picture ancient beasts stomping through its curves and undulations; though wrapping your mind around how, exactly, such an incredible sculptural artwork was formed, is nearly impossible. Don't let the hike's six miles deter you, either; this otherworldly wonder is worth each and every step in the sands. It is important to note that a permit is required to take this hike and some wait years to achieve this. If you want a similar experience, check out Coyote Buttes South. It still requires a permit, but they are much easier to get!
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12. Oberg Mountain Loop Via Superior Hiking Trail, Superior National Forest – Minnesota
Minnesota gets a lot of attention for its myriad lakes, and rightfully so. But Minnesota is so much more than just 10,000 lakes; the state is home to over 17 million acres of forested land, including 54 state forests. These lush landscapes are full of many different kinds of trees, flowers, and abundant foliage – not to mention some of the most diverse and wondrous wildlife in the country.
One of the most notable forests, Superior National Forest is an ancient forest in Minnesota that looks like something out of a fairy tale. The Superior National Forest is made up of 3.9 million acres of woods in the northernmost region of the state; this boreal forest is teeming with towering pine, birch, oak, maple, and aspen trees.
You'll get a first-hand look at all of this lush and lovely landscape along the Oberg Mountain Loop Via Superior Hiking Trail, an accessible, short-and-sweet trail that's beautiful all year, but especially rapturous in the height of fall foliage.
13. Santa Elena Canyon Trail, Big Bend National Park – Texas
Everything is bigger in Texas, including the Lone Star State's national parks. Big Bend National Park, for example, is over 800,000 acres, making it one of the 20 largest national parks in the Lower 48. However, you don't need to be a *big* hiker to experience the best of this picturesque place. Clocking in at 1.5 miles, the Santa Elena Canyon Trail is short in length but big in beauty. Santa Elena Canyon, a majestic limestone grotto nestled in the park, is one of the most splendid wonders in the country.
Traversing through the heart of the canyon, this trail offers hikers of all abilities the opportunity to immerse themselves in the outdoor beauty of Texas... and it's an opportunity you shouldn't pass up.
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How many of these hikes have you experienced for yourself? What is your favorite hike in the United States? When packing for your next big hiking adventure, don't forget to sign up for AllTrails+ and all of its extremely helpful features. Whether you’re new to hiking or are an experienced outdoors enthusiast looking to tackle one of America’s most iconic hiking trails – like the Appalachian Trail or the Pacific Crest Trail – AllTrails+ features more than 400,000 hiking trails and will help you along the way with user reviews, and trail photographs, plus 3D and downloadable maps. And now with Collections, Park Pages, and the redesigned Trail Pages, AllTrails+ is even more essential when getting outside.
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