49 of the best hiking trails in the US to visit in your lifetime

Theresa ChristineJun 2, 2020, 19:58 IST

Hiking is a rewarding physical activity.Westend61/Getty Images

Hiking is a great way to stay active and enjoy the beautiful natural landscapes across the US.
Experienced hikers should visit Sky Rock Hike, Mount Rose Trail, Mount Si, Bar Trail, Hay Rock Overlook Trail, or Precipice Trail for a challenging day or weekend trip.
For those looking for a more leisurely stroll, Swamp Rabbit Trail, Forest Park, Ridges Sanctuary, and Big Bog State Recreation Area are great for beginners.

If you're looking for a change of scenery, it's time to put on some hiking shoes and explore the scenic trails across the US.

Here are some of the most beautiful hiking spots across the country.

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For 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, check out Spy Rock Hike.

There a beautiful mountain views all around. iStock / kellyvandellen

Blodgett Canyon in western Montana is sure to have some vibrant colors.

You can camp overnight in Blodgett Canyon. Nicholas Courtney/Shutterstock

In Vermont, head to the Healdville Trail which ascends Okemo State Forest.

Okemo State Forest is full of panoramic views. Jon Puhalla/Shutterstock

See Tahoe like a local on the Mount Rose Trail.

The hike provides great views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Written In Silver Visuals/Shutterstock

Go underground at Mammoth Cave National Park.

It's the longest-known underground cave system. Shutterstock

Michigan's Porcupine Mountains State Park Escarpment Trail is Instagram-famous.

The trail is a difficult 4.4-mile hike. John McCormick/Shutterstock

Follow the Ice Age National Scenic Trail in Wisconsin to view the site of the last Ice Age.

The trail is over 1,000 miles long. National Park Service

Embark on a naturalist-guided hike at Ridges Sanctuary in Wisconsin.

The sanctuary offers a variety of landscapes. Matt Sampson Photography/Shutterstock

The Vista and Devil's Oven via Orange Trail Loop is a Connecticut gem.

This hike has great fall foliage. Shutterstock

Black Rock Mountain, Georgia's highest state park, has two trails.

Black Rock Mountain is the highest park in Georgia. JayL/Shutterstock

For some serious Pacific Northwest vibes, explore Seattle's Mount Si.

It's a popular hike in the Pacific Northwest. annaleks/Shutterstock

Enjoy hiking on the trail that's home to Georgia's tallest waterfall.

Enjoy the picturesque views of the waterfall. Kelly vanDellen/Shutterstock

Don't miss the Overlook Mountain Trail in the Catskills for amazing views of the Hudson Valley.

The trail is fairly easy to follow. katlynwelbs/Shutterstock

You don't even have to leave the city to experience the wonders of St. Louis' Forest Park.

This is one of America's best public parks. JByard/ iStock

The Monon Trail in Indiana makes for an amazing, all-ages hike.

The path gives hiking an urban twist. Lindasj22/Shutterstock

Experience the same view that inspired the words to "America the Beautiful" in Colorado.

It's best to spend a few days hiking the trail. John Hoffman/Shutterstock

Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park near Memphis, Tennessee, has more than 20 miles of trails winding through it.

There is plenty of wildlife in the park. Bonita R. Cheshier/Shutterstock

Hike around the Lubbock Lake Landmark, a 336-acre archaeological and natural history preserve in West Texas.

There are a few different trails on the property. Courtesy of Lubbock Economic Development Alliance & Visit Lubbock

Just 30 miles outside of Washington DC, you'll find a weekend escape in Prince William Forest Park.

You can camp in cabins in Prince William Forest Park. Sarina P/Shutterstock

Take in the beauty of North Carolina's Beech Mountains with the Emerald Outback Trail System.

You can enjoy the scenic 7-mile hike. KevinClarkArt/Shutterstock

Turkey Mountain Trail rests on the west bank of the Arkansas River.

The trail goes along the Arkansas River. Kenyon Gerbrandt/Shutterstock

For a short and vigorous hike, check out the Waterrock Knob Trail in North Carolina.

There are scenic overlooks throughout the hike. Chansak Joe/Shutterstock

Dubbed "The Niagara of Pennsylvania," Bushkill Falls is a beautiful hike.

There are several trails throughout the park. Songquan Deng/Shutterstock

City slickers can escape to Lehigh Valley for the hike in Hawk Mountain Sanctuary.

The park offers a moderate, 8-mile hike. Zack Frank/Shutterstock

Enjoy views of Mount Hood while trekking the Pittock Mansion Hike.

The moderate hike passes by a beautiful mansion. ARTYOORAN/Shutterstock

Hike some of the famed Colorado Trail in Durango.

The area is also popular for skiing in the winter. iStock / KaraGrubis

The Lincoln Woods Trail in New Hampshire is a great hike for those who want to explore the forest.

You can take a weekend trip to the park. Catharine Britt/Shutterstock

Crystal Lake Trail in Mono County, California, combines views and brews.

The 3-mile hike is dog-friendly. Michael Schober/Shutterstock

Experience some of the Appalachian Trail at Hay Rock Overlook Trail in Virginia.

There are several scenic hikes on the Appalachian Trail. Jaminnbenji/Shutterstock

If you're exploring the wine country of Finger Lakes, New York, don't miss Watkins Glen State Park.

The 19 waterfalls make this park incredible. Ultima_Gaina/ iStock

Immerse yourself for a few days on the Laurel Highlands hiking trail.

The trail is suitable for beginners. Kathy D. Reasor/Shutterstock

Hike the tree-lined river banks on the Swamp Rabbit Trail in Greenville, South Carolina.

The trail has both nature and charming city feels. Cvandyke/ Shutterstock

Climb to the top of Mount Beacon in Hudson Valley, NY.

The path is full of stairs and switchbacks. DeLeon VOT/Shutterstock

Get the adrenaline pumping on the Precipice Trail at Acadia National Park in Maine.

The trail is for advanced hikers. Jon Bilous/Shutterstock

Hike up to Conundrum Hot Springs and relax in the naturally warm waters.

Permits are required hiking the trail and entering the pool. Kris Wiktor/ Shutterstock

The Coal Mines Trail brings you through some charming Washington towns.

Roslyn, Washington, is on one end of the trail. Jaminnbenji/Shutterstock

Experience all the beauty of nature with the backdrop of NYC's skyline on the Silver Mine Lake Trail.

The trail has a view of fall foliage and Manhattan. Shutterstock

The Savage Alpine Trail in Denali National Park is an unexpected fall adventure.

The park is full of trails and wildlife. Galyna Andrushko / Shutterstock

Get a killer workout on the Inner Basin Trail near Flagstaff, Arizona.

This trail has noticeable elevation gain. Oralleff/ iStock

Journey on the diverse Flint Hills Trail in Kansas.

It's the longest trail in the state. TommyBrison/Shutterstock

Explore the Stanford Trail in Ohio's Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

The trail is found in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Beth J. Harpaz/AP

Witness the fall monarch butterfly migration on the Eastern Lake Trail in South Walton, Florida.

The trail is near Miramar beach. Ruth Peterkin/Shutterstock

Check out the boardwalk at Big Bog State Recreation Area in Minnesota.

The trail is wheelchair accessible. Jacob Boomsma/Shutterstock

Hike California's hidden gem, the Mount Eddy Trail in Shasta-Trinity National Forest.

This hike will make you sweat. bfwhsm3/ Shutterstock

Take in the scenic views on Texas' East Trail in Lost Maples State Natural Area.

This trail has beautiful fall colors. Becky Sheridan/ Shutterstock

Hike New Mexico's highest peak on the Bull of the Woods trail.

The mountaintops are snowy in the winter months. Roschetzky Photography/Shutterstock

Stroll along the river on the Chocolate Gulch Trail in Sun Valley, Idaho.

The Sawtooth Mountains offer plenty of hiking opportunities. Steve Lagreca/Shutterstock

Bird-lovers will want to check out Waggoner's Gap Hawk Watch in Landisburg, Pennsylvania.

Hikers will get a great view of the eagles that fly through the park. Photo courtesy of the Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau

Take in the astounding views on the Whitaker Point Trail in Arkansas.

This spot in the Ozarks has lots of fall foliage. Hopeless Wanderer/ Shutterstock

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