Scenic Trails in the USA: 10 Best Hikes for Adventurers
Take a Walk Around the Most Beautiful Landscapes in the USA
Singling out the best hikes in the USA is never an easy task because this vast country is packed with rugged natural beauty for hikers to explore. The wealth of national parks leaves us spoilt for options, with offerings that range from scenic alpine landscapes with snow-capped mountains to coastal jungles with verdant valleys and waterfalls.
We have handpicked a selection of the best hikes below. Strap on your pack and go on a date with the US wilderness. Don’t forget to bring along your camera, take only pictures, and leave nothing but footprints behind.
1. Half Dome day hike
A breathtaking journey to Yosemite’s iconic granite peak
Good for: Adventure, Couples, Photo
Having conquered the Half Dome day hike at Yosemite National Park, you’ll have one of the most challenging and yet most memorable hikes under your belt. Half Dome itself is one of the most striking features on Yosemite’s landscape, towering about 5,000 ft (1,524 meters) above the valley.
The day hike is a 15-mile (24-km) roundtrip, best started out at sunrise. Your journey to the granite giant will be complemented by soothing nature sights, such as the Vernal and Nevada Falls, along with Liberty Cap. Reaching Half Dome, the real thrill begins with the climb up the cables. All your effort is paid off at the top, with the panorama of the valley and the High Sierra to enjoy.
Location: Happy Isle Loop Rd, Tuolumne Meadows, CA 95389, USA
Phone: +1 209-372-0200
Half Dome day hike
2. Mist Trail
Climbing the steps by thundering falls
Good for: Families, Photo, Adventure
The Mist Trail is one of Yosemite’s most popular hikes, just south of the famous Half Dome Trail. This hike can be as short or as long as you please, depending on your call to adventure. It’s preferred by many who’d rather take a shorter trek, while others can follow on further as it leads to the iconic Half Dome rock.
Follow the rushing Merced River with its giant boulders rising from the water. The trail is roughly a 3-mile (5-km) roundtrip to Vernal Falls, where mist blankets the path. Pause the steps below the 317-ft-high (97-meter-high) Vernal Falls, then climb to the top and find the small and shallow yet tranquil Emerald Pool as a reward.
Location: Mist Trail, CA 95389, USA
Mist Trail
3. Charlies Bunion
Stunning geological features along the Appalachian Trail
Good for: Photo, Adventure
The highlight of the Charlies Bunion hiking trail is the boulder on its namesake peak that treats you to panoramas of the Great Smoky Mountains’ most intriguing geological formations. The trail winds through the hills near Gatlinburg for just over 8 miles (13 km), though those preferring a short trek will be hit with gorgeous vistas less than a mile (1.6 km) into the hike.
Sections of the trail are rocky, and others can be a bit muddy, snowy, or even icy. Past the Icewater Spring shelter, it’s mostly a downhill trek. It’s best to hike the Charlies Bunion in spring or early summer, when you’ll be greeted by vivid blooming wildflowers along the way.
Location: Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
Charlies Bunion
4. Angel’s Landing
A strenuous hike with rewarding canyon views
Good for: Photo, Adventure
The rocky hiking trail of Angel’s Landing may be tough, but it’s one of the most spectacularly rewarding hikes in Zion National Park. Steep, with plenty of risky climbs, the 5.4-mile (8.7-km) roundtrip trail takes roughly 4 hours and is one to conquer for stunning pictures, bragging rights, and sheer adventure.
Set out early and bring enough water with you as most of the trail is sunny. You’ll need to overcome Walter’s Wiggles, which are a set of over 20 steep zigzags, before reaching the prize known as Scout’s Lookout. The climb up to the viewpoint itself involves pulling yourself up by a chain rope. Even if you don’t complete it, there’s plenty of beautiful canyon views along the way.
Location: UT 84737, USA
Angel’s Landing
5. South Rim Trail
A moderate day hike that’s big on canyon views
Good for: Adventure, Families, Photo
The South Rim Trail is great for most hikers, including families with kids in tow, since it’s mostly level with many paved sections. It offers turn after turn of stunning views over the Grand Canyon and Colorado River, with shaded areas and free shuttles for convenience.
Easy on the knees and big on the views, the 13-mile (21-km) trail stretches from South Kaibab Trailhead to Hermits Rest, with the vast canyon facing you the entire way. The Trail of Time has informational posts for you to catch up on the Grand Canyon’s history. For a bit of adventure, take the unmarked forest trail to Shoshone Point, which is excellent for a scenic picnic.
Location: Rim Trail, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, USA
South Rim Trail
6. Cadillac North Ridge Trail
Reaching the top of the tallest mountain in Acadia
Good for: Families, Photo, Adventure
Hiking the Cadillac North Ridge Trail at Acadia National Park rewards you with seascapes of Bar Harbor and the Porcupine Islands bobbing in the waters of Frenchman Bay. Facing east through the lush white pine and birch forests, you have the beautiful blue of Eagle Lake in view.
The North Ridge is mostly covered in bare rock slabs, and the 4-mile (6.5-km) trail has sections with a series of narrow stone steps and leafy pathways. The views gradually get better as you reach the summit. An even easier trek nearby is the Cadillac Summit Loop, where you take a quick stroll from the parking lot and take in the impressive views, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Location: Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
Cadillac North Ridge Trail
7. Grinnell Glacier Trail
Alpine views with the namesake lake and falls
Good for: Photo, Adventure
Hike the Grinnell Glacier Trail for one of the most beautiful views of the Glacier National Park in Montana. This challenging 7.6-mile (12.2-km) roundtrip is suited for serious hikers, offering stunning alpine vistas over Swiftcurrent and Josephine lakes, along with the majestic Grinnell Falls.
There are shuttle boats that can take you across both lakes to begin the journey. Along the trail, you’ll hike through alpine meadows often dotted with blooming wildflowers and grazing bighorn sheep. After about 3.6 miles (5.8 km) out, you’ll reach Grinnell Glacier Overlook, a spectacular highlight with Mount Gould providing a dramatic backdrop.
Location: Browning, MT 59417, USA
Grinnell Glacier Trail
8. Cascade Canyon Trail
Discovering Hidden Falls on a picturesque uphill trail
Good for: Adventure, Photo
Hike the diverse Cascade Canyon Trail to take in the picture-postcard beauty of the Grand Teton National Park with its alpine vistas of shimmering lakes against snow-capped peaks. This spectacular hike takes you up Cascade Canyon and through Hidden Falls, while those looking for more adventure can continue further to the Inspiration Point viewpoint.
Either way, you’re in for magnificent views and with plenty of sightings of wildflowers and wildlife along the way. Note that hikers journeying through Grand Teton National Park should be “bear aware” as this is indeed black bear and grizzly country.
Location: Grand Teton National Park, Alta, WY 83414, USA
Cascade Canyon Trail
9. Kalalau Trail
The main scenic hike of Kauai
Good for: Photo, Adventure
Kalalau Trail offers stunning Hawaiian coastal views on Kauai Island’s northwest edge. This 11-mile (18-km) hike features rugged coastlines and lush valleys with waterfalls. The trail winds through the vast Ha’ena State Park, and many won’t be able to experience it all in a single day’s hike.
Enjoy a 4-mile (6.5-km) roundtrip by taking a portion of the trail that sets out at Kee Beach, traversing through steep jungle pathways towards Hanakapiai Beach. In between, you’re treated to the breathtaking seascapes of the NaPali Coast with its rows of sea cliffs. Looking for more adventure? Continue on by following the rough Hanakapiai Falls Trail for another 2 miles (3.2 km), where the Hanakapiai Falls serves as a soothing reward.
Location: HI 96746, USA
Kalalau Trail
10. Anhinga Trail
A walk through lush alligator land
Good for: Families, Photo, Adventure
The Anhinga Trail with its well-designed boardwalk is the best way to experience the Everglades safely and conveniently. It’s a great option for families with kids wanting to experience the wilderness of the famous wetland in Florida.
The River of Grass is home to alligators. Chances are you’ll see a few on your walk along the easy 0.8-mile (1.3-km) trail. From the long, raised platform, you’ll also come across various other marsh wildlife like turtles, herons, and the namesake anhinga, a strikingly dark-plumaged waterbird with a long and curved neck that’s known for its spearfishing technique. You might get lucky and see one in action.
Location: Homestead, FL 33030, USA
Anhinga Trail
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