20 Best Hikes in the US Everyone Should Experience

Are you looking for the best hikes in the US?

The United States is a vast country with many amazing national parks. It also has plenty of scenic mountain ranges and wilderness areas with world-class hiking trails. 

With that in mind, here are our top picks for the best hiking places in the USA.

The South Rim Trail in Grand Canyon National Park offers one of the most accessible and stunning ways to experience the iconic Grand Canyon. 

This mostly flat, paved trail stretches about 13 miles along the canyon’s edge. The entire way, you get to enjoy breathtaking views of the canyon’s vast, multicoloured landscapes. 

This is one of the best hikes in America for all skill levels.

The trail has several access points connected by the park’s shuttle system, allowing hikers to explore sections at their own pace. 

The best viewpoints along this hike include Mather Point, Yavapai Point, and Hopi Point, each offering different perspectives of the canyon’s depths.

If you’re after the best hikes in the US, you’ll find many fantastic trails in Yellowstone National Park. 

Yellowstone National Park’s biggest attraction is its unique geothermal features, and the Shoshone Geyser Basin hiking trails offer an up-close look at these natural wonders.

Some of the best hikes in Yellowstone take you through this area.

These trails take hikers through a unique landscape with steaming vents, bubbling hot springs, and erupting geysers.

The 9-mile trek from the Lone Star Geyser Trailhead to Shoshone Lake is an excellent adventure into Yellowstone’s less-visited backcountry, where you can experience the park’s geothermal activity without the crowds. 

Along the way, watch for wildlife like elk and bison that frequent the area.

Sound like a hike you’d like to do?

Consider joining our backpacking trip in Yellowstone’s Shoshone Basin, where you can enjoy this hike as part of a 4-day adventure.

The Appalachian Trail (AT) is undoubtedly one of the best hikes in the United States if you’re after an epic long-distance trail.

We rate this as a bucket list hike in the US!

While the entire Appalachian Trail is an intense hiking commitment, you can do shorter sections as day hikes.

The section in Shenandoah National Park in Virginia is one of the best places to explore a beautiful portion of this legendary long-distance trail. 

The AT stretches over 100 miles through the park, passing through lush forests, crossing scenic ridges, and offering stunning viewpoints.

Some of the most popular day hikes here include the climb to Stony Man, one of the park’s highest peaks, and the hike to Mary’s Rock, which offers expansive views of the Shenandoah Valley. 

This section of the AT is relatively easy to manage, making it accessible for hikers of various skill levels.

Grand Teton National Park is a hiker’s paradise, offering a variety of trails that showcase the park’s rugged peaks, alpine lakes, and wildlife.

You’ll find some of the best hikes in the USA here.

Trails like the Cascade Canyon Trail and the hike to Hidden Falls provide stunning views of the Teton Range and the pristine Jenny Lake. 

The more adventurous can tackle the trek to Lake Solitude or the strenuous climb to the summit of the Grand Teton itself. 

Hiking (or even floating) down the scenic Snake River is also a definite highlight of this park.

Whether looking for a short, scenic walk or a challenging backcountry experience, Grand Teton National Park has something for everyone.

Our advice? Hike through the park over a few days, enjoying the best scenery and campsites.

Check out our 6-day Grand Teton and Yellowstone hiking tour for the best way to explore this region.

Mount Rainier National Park is famous for its wildflower meadows, glaciers, and the towering peak of Mount Rainier.

Some of the best hikes in the US can be found here, whether you attempt to summit Mount Rainier or walk the stunning trails around its base.

The Skyline Loop, located in the Paradise area, is one of the park’s most popular trails and one of the best hikes in Washington.

This 5.5-mile loop offers hikers incredible views of Mount Rainier and opportunities to see marmots, mountain goats, and other wildlife. 

If you want to explore more remote areas, the park offers excellent backcountry routes that take you into some of the most pristine wilderness in the Pacific Northwest.

We cover some of the park’s most scenic hiking trails as part of our Washington Olympics and Cascades adventure.

Check it out if you’d like to experience the best of the diverse Pacific Northwest!

Located just outside Seattle, the Rattlesnake Ledge Trail is a favourite among locals and visitors looking to escape the city for a day.

This 4-mile round-trip hike climbs steadily through a forest of towering trees before emerging at the ledge, where you’re rewarded with panoramic views of Rattlesnake Lake and the surrounding mountains. 

The trail is moderately challenging but accessible to most hikers, making it an excellent option for a quick escape into nature.

It’s one of the top hikes in the US for an adventurous day trip.

Rocky Mountain National Park offers some of the country’s best hiking and backpacking experiences, with trails that take you deep into the heart of the Rocky Mountains. 

While the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park are plentiful, we recommend exploring the park’s trails over a multi-day hike. 

The Thunder Lake Trail is a popular choice. It leads hikers through dense forests and past alpine lakes to a secluded campsite near Thunder Lake. 

You can explore the backcountry further, visiting places like Lion Lake or Lake of the Winds. 

This multi-day hike provides a true wilderness experience with stunning mountain views and abundant wildlife.

It also shows a more remote side of this popular park that many visitors don’t know about. 

Consider joining our Rocky Mountain backpacking adventure if you’d like to experience this yourself.

Angels Landing in Zion National Park is one of the best hikes in the USA for a thrilling day trip. 

The 5-mile round-trip trail includes steep switchbacks, narrow ridges, and breathtaking views of Zion Canyon. 

The final stretch to the summit requires hikers to use chains bolted into the rock for support, making it an actual test of nerves. 

Despite its difficulty, the hike is incredibly popular due to the unbeatable views from the top. It’s a must-do for any adventurous hikers visiting Zion.

The Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail in Bryce Canyon National Park are among the best ways to experience the park’s famous hoodoos—tall, thin rock spires. 

This 2.9-mile loop takes you down into the canyon, where you can walk among these unique formations and see iconic sights like Thor’s Hammer and Queen Victoria. 

The trail is moderately challenging but short, making it accessible to most hikers. 

The views from the canyon floor looking up at the towering hoodoos are unforgettable, making it one of the best hiking places in the USA.

The Trail of Ten Falls in Silver Falls State Park, Oregon, is a waterfall lover’s dream. 

As its name suggests, this 7.2-mile loop takes you past ten stunning waterfalls - some of which you can even walk behind. 

The trail winds through a forest, offering plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the scenery between waterfalls. 

The falls range from 27 to 177 feet in height, and the relatively easy trail is accessible to most hikers. It’s a perfect day hike for those looking to experience the beauty of Oregon’s forests and waterfalls.

We recommend bringing your swimming gear if you’d like to dip under some of the waterfalls.

This is a great choice for those who want to experience some of the best hiking in the USA and see unique historic sights.

The Petroglyph Wall Trail in Red Rock Canyon is a top trail for history fans. 

With its ancient rock art, this short, easy hike is just 0.2 miles long, making it perfect for families and anyone looking for a quick but exciting outing. 

The trail leads to a rock wall adorned with petroglyphs created centuries ago by the area’s indigenous people.

While the hike is quick, the chance to see these well-preserved petroglyphs makes it a worthwhile stop.

Scout Lookout is another popular destination in Zion National Park, offering incredible views of Zion Canyon. 

The 4-mile round-trip hike starts at The Grotto and follows the West Rim Trail, climbing steeply through a series of switchbacks known as Walter’s Wiggles. 

The trail is paved but challenging, with a significant elevation gain. Once you reach Scout Lookout, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views that make the climb worthwhile. 

From the top, you can continue the hike to the more difficult Angels Landing if you’re up for it.

Anyone visiting Glacier National Park must hike to Avalanche Lake.

This 4.5-mile round-trip trail takes you through the stunning Avalanche Gorge and up to the lake, surrounded by towering cliffs and waterfalls. 

The trail is relatively easy, making it a good choice for all types of hikers. The views at the lake are simply breathtaking, giving you a great reward without requiring too much effort.

It’s a good choice for a half-day hike in one of the most beautiful national parks in the country.

Alaska offers some of the best hiking in the USA if you’re after remote and unspoiled wilderness.

While many of Alaska’s more remote trails can be tricky to access, the Nugget Falls Trail in Tongass National Forest is a short and easy hike that allows you to experience some of the area’s best sights. 

This hike offers incredible views of Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls. The trail is just 0.8 miles each way, making it perfect for families and those looking for a quick but rewarding hike. 

As you walk along the trail, you’ll pass through dense forests and meadows, with the sound of the waterfall growing louder as you approach. 

The trail ends at the base of the falls, where you can feel the mist from the rushing water and enjoy the stunning view of the glacier.

The Kalalau Trail on Kauai Island is one of Hawaii’s most famous and challenging hikes. 

The trail runs 11 miles along the Nā Pali Coast, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged cliffs.

The first two miles to Hanakāpīʻai Beach are relatively straightforward.

Beyond that, the trail becomes much more difficult, with steep climbs and narrow sections.

Those who reach the end of the trail are rewarded with the stunning beauty of Kalalau Valley, a remote and pristine area that can only be reached by foot or boat.

Thanks to this secluded end, it’s one of the best US hikes!

The Canyon to Rim Loop in Smith Rock State Park in Oregon offers hikers the ideal route for exploring the park’s dramatic cliff and canyon landscape. 

This 3-mile loop takes you along the Crooked River, past popular climbing areas, and up to the rim for spectacular views of the surrounding area. 

The trail is relatively easy, making it an excellent choice for a quick hike. 

The scenery is impressive, with towering rock formations and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife like golden eagles and river otters.

If you haven’t realised it yet, Utah and Zion National Park offer some of the best hikes in the US.

While many of these hikes are long and strenuous, this is an excellent choice for a short trail.

The Upper Emerald Pools Trail in Zion National Park is a short and scenic hike that leads to a series of beautiful pools and waterfalls. 

The trail is just 1 mile each way, making it accessible to all hikers, and the views along the way are stunning. 

As you climb, you’ll pass through a lush canyon filled with ferns and hanging gardens, with the red cliffs of Zion rising above you. 

The trail ends at the upper pool, where you can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings before heading back down.

The trail to Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls is one of the most iconic hikes in Yosemite National Park. 

The 7.6-mile round-trip hike takes you to the top of Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America. The trail is strenuous, with a steep climb and switchbacks, but the views along the way are incredible. 

At the top, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the falls and the surrounding valley. 

For a shorter hike, you can visit just the lower falls, a one-mile round-trip hike on a relatively flat trail.

The South Kaibab Trail in Grand Canyon National Park is a steep and rewarding hike into the canyon. 

The trail starts at Yaki Point and descends 7 miles to the Colorado River, with stunning views at every turn. 

Unlike the more gradual Bright Angel Trail, the South Kaibab Trail is steeper and more exposed, offering hikers a more intense experience of the canyon’s scale. 

Along the way, you’ll pass through unique rock formations and have the chance to see the canyon’s layers up close.

 The trail is well-maintained, but it’s a challenging hike, so be prepared for a strenuous climb back out.

Charlie’s Bunion is among the most popular and rewarding hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

This 8-mile round-trip hike starts at the Newfound Gap parking area and follows the Appalachian Trail as it winds through dense spruce and fir forests.

As you ascend, the trail offers glimpses of the surrounding mountains and valleys, with the views becoming more expansive as you approach Charlie’s Bunion.

The final stretch of the hike takes you along a narrow, rocky ridge to Charlie’s Bunion, a dramatic outcropping of rock that sticks out into the valley below. 

From here, you can take in breathtaking panoramic views of the Smokies, including Mount Kephart and Mount LeConte. 

On clear days, the visibility can extend for miles, offering an unforgettable experience.

These are our top picks of the best hikes in the US for hikers who want to experience different things.

Interested in joining an unforgettable group tour, backpacking through America’s best trails? Then check out our United States adventures to help you plan a fantastic trip.