Top Hikes For Breathtaking Views In The US
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The United States is topographically diverse from the East coast to the West coast that offers world-class hikes for everyone, including the average vacationer to the hardcore trekker. So whether you want to conquer peaks, lose yourself in the mountains, or enjoy breathtaking panoramas for your Instagram, there a destination that’s perfect for you. We’ve put together this list of the best places to hike in the US that you must try if you’re looking for adventure and views!
Best Hiking Destinations In The USA
Here are some of the best hiking states in US, along with their famous mountains.
1. Mount Katahdin
Located in Maine on the Appalachian Trail, Mount Katahdin is the highest mountain in the state.
Things to do
The mountain rises out of a sprawling expanse of woods and lakes of the Baxter State Park with several hiking trails, making it an absolute favorite with routine visitors. However, to get to the top, you will have to hike the mile-long knife-edge trail, often covered in fog, making it one of the best mountains to climb in the US.
2. Mount Rainier National Park
Located southeast to Pierce County in Washington, this 142 square miles national park has the 14,000 ft high Mount Rainier.
Things to do
The park is full of valleys, subalpine meadows, waterfalls, and woods. The Burroughs Mountain Trail in the national park is considered one of the best hikes in the country. It can be strenuous for first-timers; however, the spectacular views are worth it.
3. Grayson Highlands
The state park located in Grayson County, Virginia, is a 4,502-acre expanse perfect for outdoor activities.
Things to do
The park is famous for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, mountain biking, backpacking, and horseback riding. The most recommended is the 8.5-mile hike to the summit of Mount Rogers, where you can get the best bite of what the place has to offer.
4. Wheeler Peak
This highest peak in the state of New Mexico lies northeast of Taos.
Things to do
The hike to the mountain’s summit, which is 13,167 ft high, is an 8.2-mile round trip. The gradient is 800 ft per mile, making it great for climbers of all levels. The hike is filled with breathtaking panoramic views of the surroundings.
5. The Appalachian Trail
The 2,200 miles long Appalachian Trail stretches from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine.
Things to do
This vast expanse has hundreds of hiking trails. A 72 mile within the Smokies is one of the most loved sections in the whole route. It offers plenty of biodiversities, stunning mountain vistas, and a large population of black bears everywhere!
6. Glacier National Park
Located in northern Montana, the national park covers over a million acres of pure wilderness.
Things to do
The park hosts over 700 miles of hiking trails with stunning mountains, valleys, lakes, and woods. Keep an eye out for the region’s fauna as they are one of the main attractions over there. The trails are friendly to all people, with some even accessible by wheelchair.
7. Yosemite National Park
Located in Northern California, it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations.
Things to do
Yosemite can get a bit crowded, but if you can bear the rush during the peak season, you will be rewarded with some stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape on some of the best national park hikes in the US. The popular hiking trails include the Swinging Bridge Trail and the Four Mile Trail.
8. Yellowstone
The Yellowstone National park is located in Wyoming, Montana, and stretches to Idaho.
Things to do
The 2.2 million acres of the national park have over a thousand miles of hiking trails. The thermal hot spots are a main attraction on the popular hiking trails. For a more solitary experience, you can always pick a backcountry trail. Watch out for wolves, moose, and grizzly bears!
9. Kings Canyon National Park
The Kings Canyon National Park in the Sierra Nevada, California, is a vast expanse with naturally high peaks.
Things to do
The most popular trail in the national park is the Rae Lakes Loop, a 41.4-mile hike with stunning scenery. Because of the great weather, it is one of the best winter hikes in the US, and the permits get all sold out.
10. Zion National park
The Zion National Park in Utah is one of the most highly rated places in the hiking circles.
Things to do
Because of the limited size, the park limits to groups of people, and the primitive amenities available, one of the best backpacking trips in the US retains the spirit of exploration. The national park has many attractions, from the wilderness to the canyons.
11. Grand Canyon
Carved by the Colorado River in Arizona, the Grand Canyon is one of Earth’s most prominent geographical features.
Things to do
The Grand Canyon has something to offer for everyone, whether they are expert climbers or casual visitors. There are many trails to be explored, such as the Rim Trail and the Bright Angel Trail.
12. Grand Tetons National Park
The Grand Tetons National Park is spread across 480 square miles of mountainous wilderness in Wyoming.
Things to do
The 40 miles long Teton Range has some great trails to explore, with the Cascade Canyon Trail being a popular and fairly challenging one. In addition, you can enjoy some scenic views of the surrounding wilderness and lakes.
13. Florida National Scenic Trail
This is one of the most well-known trails in the state of Florida.
Things to do
This 1,300-mile trail has some incredible wildlife viewing spots and serene marshlands. In addition, you can pick a trail that interests you to explore its wilderness, campgrounds, and scenery in general.
14. Arches National Park
Located in eastern Utah.
Things to do
This national park is famous for its natural wind-eroded rock formations and the vast open hiking trails. If you’re interested in astronomy, a night’s camping is all you need to experience spotless dark skies. However, the weather can fluctuate to the extremes quickly, so it is crucial to stay prepared.
15. Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail
This is a 31-mile trek in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Things to do
This trail in Santa Cruz, California, is a highly rewarding hike across two state parks and ends at the ocean. You will have two overnighters and a chance to experience the coastal wilderness with lakes and waterfalls.
16. Longs Peak
Located in the state of Colorado, the mountain’s 14,255 ft summit beacons thrill-seekers.
Things to do
The hike to the summit is 15 miles long and is often done in a 10-14 hour push starting at 2 am. The sunrise at boulder field is an incredible sight to behold. The path along the way makes for a moderately challenging climb.
17. Peak One
This mountain at 12,933 ft is one of Colorado’s highest peaks.
Things to do
Climbers are treated to a scenic hike with unmatched views of the surroundings. Getting to the summit is relatively easy, and you will travel past an abandoned mining town.
18. Olympic National Park
With 600 miles of hiking trails in Washington, this park draws visitors from all over the world.
Things to do
The hikes are top-notch and offer plenty of scenery and over 70 miles of coastlines. If you are lucky, you’ll catch sight of blue whales off the coast or many of the endangered animals in the forests.
19. Haleakala National Park
This is a must-visit on your vacation to Hawaii!
Things to do
This mountain offers stunning panoramic views on a hike to the top, especially at dawn and dusk. Nothing prepares you for the feeling of floating above the clouds and the clear skies…
20. Lake Tahoe
This place in the Sierra Nevada is nothing short of paradise.
Things to do
The Tahoe Rim Trail, which is 165 miles long, circumnavigates Lake Tahoe. It is marked by incredible views of the pristine lake and the surrounding valleys and mountains. You can find a range of activities from skiing to diving depending on where you are.
These hiking destinations are some of the most highly rated in the United States. It covers a variety of landscapes, from the deserts of Utah to the lush forests in Washington.
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