The Ultimate List: 20 Iconic Hiking Trails in the US to Explore

There's no better way to revel in the resplendence of America the Beautiful than to immerse yourself in it, out on the trails. From coast to coast, there are hikes all across the U.S. that offer unrivaled beauty and adventure.

We're talking about next-level hikes that traverse some of the most splendid scenery in the country: waterfall adventures, journeys through old-growth forests, epic waterfront views, expeditions up majestic mountains, and odysseys through literal grand canyons. These are the iconic places in the U.S. that belong on every outdoor enthusiast's bucket list, and here are the best hiking trails that will put you right in the middle of it all.

1. Burroughs Mountain Hike – Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

• Location: Mount Rainier National Park, Washington.
• Length and Difficulty: 9 miles, challenging.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Accommodations abound in the area, including this cozy A-frame.

Mount Rainier National Park is Washington's most famous national park and home to the state's most iconic active volcano. Hiking opportunities abound in this national park, but we're partial to the Burroughs Mountain Trail.

At over 7,800 feet, Burroughs Mountain sets right up against the northeastern face of Mount Rainier, adjacent to Winthrop Glacier, and offers the most extraordinary view of Washington's largest volcano. Mount Rainier rises 14,410 feet above sea level straight into the clouds – and this hike, a loop trail that's nearly 9 miles long, is the best way to experience this commanding, intimidating, wholly grand natural wonder.

2. Canyon to Rim Loop – Smith Rock State Park, Oregon

• Location: Smith Rock State Park, Oregon.
• Length and Difficulty: 3.3 miles, moderately challenging.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Check out this pet-friendly cabin with sweeping mountain views.

A place of sublime and awe-inspiring splendor, Oregon's Smith Rock State Park is truly remarkable. Competitive climbers come from all over the world to scale its towering buttes, but some of the park's most breathtaking vistas are actually found on the trails.

The Canyon to Rim Loop, for example, is a loop trail that's just over 3 miles long. Due to the elevation gain, this trek is rated as moderate, and your knees and leg muscles will quickly remind you that even though you're not rock climbing, you're definitely still climbing. The payoff, however, is well worth any weary limbs: from your perch, you'll see for miles and miles, enjoying 360-degree panoramas that feature some of the park's most celebrated wildlife, including blue heron and cougars.

3. Half Dome Day Hike – Yosemite National Park, California

• Location: Yosemite National Park, California.
• Length and Difficulty: 14-16 miles, extremely challenging.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Accommodations abound in the area, including this luxury VRBO with spectacular views of Half Dome and El Capitan.

Yosemite National Park is a bucket-list destination for many, with waterfall chasers flocking to this national park to admire the largest waterfall in North America – and perhaps even catch a glimpse of its rare and resplendent firefall.

But the park's unique rock formations are equally splendid; Yosemite Valley is home to the Half Dome, a monolith believed to have once been a massive, unified rock dome. At some point in its geological history, the dome split in half, leaving the iconic shape we see today. Half or whole, it’s impressive, and something you can admire while on the Half Dome Day Hike (permit required). You'll want to set aside more than a half-day for this trek, however, as it's roughly 15 miles long.

4. Charlie's Bunion Hike – Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

• Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee.
• Length and Difficulty: 8 miles, moderately challenging.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Accommodations abound in the area, but nothing quite compares to the views from LeConte Lodge. The highest guest lodge in the eastern United States, this cozy lodge offers stunning views that often book up months in advance.

There’s nothing more wholly extraordinary than a day spent amidst the beauty of the Smokies. The country's most-visited national park, the Great Smoky Mountains, spans half a million acres across eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina, offering a near-endless list of bucket-list-worthy hiking adventures.

The Charlies Bunion Hike is a perennial favorite; this 8-mile round-trip hike leads to a rocky, treeless summit that affords 360-degree panoramas of the celebrated range, and is definitely one of the best vistas in the entire park.

5. Porcupine Mountains Escarpment Trail – Michigan

• Location: Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Michigan.
• Length and Difficulty: 8.4 miles, challenging.
• Where to Stay Nearby: For some of the best views of this breathtakingly beautiful region, check into this luxury Scandinavian-style lake house – swoon!

The Porcupine Mountains are #PureMichigan splendor: Lake of the Clouds is nestled within these marvelous mountains, and the Carp River runs through the landscape, creating a sublime scene that is breathtakingly beautiful. Regarded as one of the Great Lakes State's most wondrous areas, this region offers abundant hiking opportunities. At 8 miles long, the Escarpment Trail provides some of the most breathtaking fall foliage views in the country. For peak foliage, the best time to visit the trail is between September and October.

6. Maryland Heights Trail – Harpers Ferry, Maryland and West Virginia

• Location: Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.
• Length and Difficulty: 6.6 miles, moderately challenging.
• Where to Stay Nearby: For some of the best views of Harpers Ferry, this charming guest house is a total treasure.

Harpers Ferry is located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers in West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland, and it's truly a sight to see. This mountain town is famous around the nation for its immense natural beauty – and historic significance. It's the mid-point of the Appalachian Trail. It's a National Historical Park. It witnessed several key events in the Civil War. It was visited and admired by several of the Founding Fathers – the list goes on (and on).

While you can get an excellent feel for the area by strolling through the cobblestone streets of Lower Town, the best way to experience Harpers Ferry is to venture across the state border (and the Potomac River) into Maryland. From the vantage of the Overlook Cliff (accessible off the Maryland Heights Trail), you can enjoy a bird's-eye view of Harpers Ferry that's absolutely, positively bucket-list worthy. Keep in mind that the steep drop-offs make this overlook stunning, but be extra cautious when near the edge.

7. Cadillac North Ridge Trail – Acadia National Park, Maine

• Location: Acadia National Park, Maine.
• Length and Difficulty: 4.2 miles, moderately challenging.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Accommodations abound in the area, but we're partial to West Street Hotel, a boutique experience in one of the country's most ruggedly resplendent national parks.

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 the incredible Acadia National Park, Cadillac Mountain is a sight to behold. The rocky features of the summit and the absolutely stunning 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. Each season offers a different experience, from fall foliage to spring greenery and everything in between, making the rather steep 4-mile ascent well worth the effort (and tired muscles).

8. Rim Trail – Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

• Location: Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah.
• Length and Difficulty: 10.7 miles, moderately challenging.
• Where to Stay Nearby: You'll find lots of lovely accommodations in the area, including this cabin just outside the national park.

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 whole hike. This trail follows the rim of Fairyland Canyon and Bryce Canyon, offering sweeping panoramas of the Grand Canyon and iconic hoodoos. In fact, Bryce Canyon has the most extensive collection of hoodoos in the world – and you can marvel at these natural wonders whilst hiking the Rim Trail.

9. Horseshoe Bend Trail – Arizona

• Location: Page, Arizona.
• Length and Difficulty: 1.5 miles, easy.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Make this expansive vacation home the "home base" for your Arizona adventures.

Arizona's Horseshoe Bend is quite literally a horse of a different color. Similar to the Grand Canyon (it's referred to as the "east rim" of the Grand Canyon, in fact), Horseshoe Bend is a place that must be admired from above. The good news? A 1.5-mile hike across a barren, unforgiving landscape leads to the cliffside of Horseshoe Bend, which materializes almost as a desert mirage. One of the most photographed sites in Arizona, it is truly as beautiful in person as it is in photos. The cerulean blue and emerald green horseshoe stands out like a dazzling gem against the coppery red desert landscape, making this spot one of the true treasures of the West, and certainly a hike worth seeking out. However, you should be extra cautious while taking photos, as there are no guardrails at the edge of the cliff.

10. South Rim Trail – Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

• Location: Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona.
• Length and Difficulty: 13 miles, challenging.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Nothing beats the views at the acclaimed El Tovar Hotel.

The Grand Canyon is one of the largest and longest canyons on Earth, and one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World. A playground for outdoor enthusiasts, the Grand Canyon can be explored in myriad ways: you can drive up to scenic viewpoints, explore on a helicopter tour, whitewater raft down the Colorado River, or even walk out onto a glass bridge. But in our opinion, the best way to experience this world wonder is the simplest: on foot, along one of the park's numerous trails.

The South Rim Trail stretches 13 miles along the rim of the Grand Canyon and offers some of the park's most epic panoramas. If you're looking for spectacular, jaw-dropping views, this is the way to go. If 13 miles feels like too much, don't worry: the trail offers several shuttle stops, making this bucket-list-worthy adventure accessible for all explorers. Mather Point is one of the most popular viewpoints as it provides the easiest access.

11. Santa Elena Canyon Trail – Big Bend National Park, Texas

• Location: Big Bend National Park, Texas.
• Length and Difficulty: 1.7 miles, easy.
• Where to Stay Nearby: At the threshold of Big Bend National Park, Lajitas Golf Resort offers pure rustic luxury amid the wilds of West Texas.

Everything's 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 country's most splendid wonders. Traversing through the heart of the eponymous canyon, this trail offers hikers of all abilities the opportunity to immerse themselves in its splendor – and it's an opportunity you shouldn't pass up. However, as of 2025, the trail remains closed due to recent flooding damage.

12. Hall of Mosses Trail – Hoh Rain Forest

• Location: Olympic National Park, Washington.
• Length and Difficulty: 1.1 miles, easy.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Accommodations abound in the area, though nothing compares to the lovely Lake Quinault Lodge, a perfect getaway for nature lovers.

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 the Hoh Rain Forest feels like stepping into another world altogether. The rainforest receives 12 to 14 feet of rain annually, which supports a thriving ecosystem with a verdant canopy of mosses, ferns, and trees. In terms of 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.

The Hall of Mosses Trail is a 0.8-mile loop on a well-maintained natural path suitable for most hikers. This scenic trail winds through lush, old-growth forest and showcases the Hoh Rain Forest's most beautiful features: towering maple trees draped with hanging moss, dazzling green canopies, and abundant wildlife. This trail, along with the 1.2-mile Spruce Nature Trail, is one of two accessible paths that let hikers of all ages and abilities experience the splendor of Hoh Rain Forest.

13. Grinnell Glacier Trail – Glacier National Park, Montana

• Location: Glacier National Park, Montana.
• Length and Difficulty: 11.2 miles, challenging.
• Where to Stay Nearby: The largest hotel in Glacier National Park, Many Glacier Hotel, is located in the northeastern corner of the park, colloquially referred to as the "Switzerland of North America."

Montana is known as the "Treasure State," and anyone who has visited Glacier National Park knows how fitting this nickname is. Within Glacier, there are some truly bucket-list-level hikes; more than a dozen trail options ranging in length and difficulty. But ask any outdoor enthusiast or explorer, and they'll tell you that the Grinnell Glacier Trail is the trail to tackle. At 11 miles long, it's certainly challenging, with elevation gain, rocky terrain, and other elements adding to its difficulty. But for those willing to train and plan for such a challenge, the rewards are abundant. The Grinnell Glacier is a real-life wonder, and this trail offers the most sweeping, superlative vistas of this breathtaking treasure. Even though some parts of the trail are open in late June, you can consider visiting the Grinnell Glacier Trail in July.

14. Oberg Mountain Loop Via Superior Hiking Trail – Superior National Forest, Minnesota

• Location: Superior National Forest, Minnesota.
• Length and Difficulty: 2.3 miles, easy to moderate.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Stay in a real-life cabin in the woods at this luxury lakefront home in 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; it's 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 in Minnesota is an ancient forest that looks like something out of a fairy tale.

Superior National Forest spans 3.9 million acres in the northernmost region of the state; this boreal forest is teeming with towering pines, birches, oaks, maples, and aspens. You'll get a first-hand look at all this lush, lovely landscape along the Oberg Mountain Loop, a short-and-sweet, accessible trail that's beautiful all year-round, especially rapturous in the height of fall foliage.

15. Appalachian Trail – Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

• Location: Shenandoah National Park, Virginia.
• Length and Difficulty: The entire Appalachian Trail stretches nearly 2,200 miles across 14 states, including over 100 miles in Virginia; however, most hikers tackle smaller segments of the trail with varying distances and challenge ratings.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Accommodations abound in the area, including this darling cabin in the woods.

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 the convenience of Skyline Drive, 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.

16. Point Lobos Loop Trail – Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, California

• Location: Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, California.
• Length and Difficulty: 7.5 miles, moderately challenging.
• Where to Stay Nearby: If you dream of staying on the water, you'll be delighted by the sheer number of waterfront accommodations in the area, including this oceanview suite in a restored barn.

Point Lobos is pure NorCal vibes; a coastal stretch where land and sea meet in the most marvelous and mesmerizing marriage. The Point Lobos State Natural Reserve in California's picturesque Carmel-by-the-Sea has more than a dozen trails for visitors to explore, and the eponymous 7.5-mile Point Lobos Loop Trail is the most delightful way to experience this picture-perfect place. This scenic, well-marked loop boasts breathtaking views of the lush forest preserve and the picturesque Pacific Ocean. Dedicated to protecting and preserving the wondrous wilds of the Northern California coast, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a place of pristine and untouched natural beauty. Due to its popularity, Point Lobos often reaches capacity early.

17. Cumberland Falls via Eagle Falls Trail – Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Kentucky

• Location: Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Kentucky.
• Length and Difficulty: 1.8 miles, moderately challenging.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Accommodations abound in the area, though we're partial to the cabins available through Red River Gorgeous – they even have treehouses.

With 17 miles of hiking trails, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is a hiker's paradise. The trails explore some of the park's most scenic spots, including, of course, the eponymous Cumberland Falls. The Cumberland Falls via Eagle Falls Trail is a 1.8-mile loop rated moderate; the most challenging part of the trail is its many staircases. It's well worth the effort, however, as the trail leads to two of the state's most stunning waterfalls: Eagle Falls and Cumberland Falls, the latter known as "The Niagara of the South."

18. Billy Goat Trail – Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Maryland

• Location: Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Maryland.
• Length and Difficulty: 4.7 miles, moderately challenging.
• Where to Stay Nearby: There are lots of fantastic attractions in this scenic and historic area, including this renovated C&O Canal House.

Billy Goat Trail is an accessible 4-mile hike located mere minutes from Washington, D.C., but it feels a world away from our nation's bustling hub. Along the Billy Goat Trail, hikers can revel in the resplendence of the raging Potomac River and marvel at the gorgeous grandeur of Great Falls. The hike is incredibly popular, so plan to visit early in the day to beat the crowds. Section A is the most challenging, with rock scrambles.

19. Nugget Falls Trail – Tongass National Forest, Alaska

• Location: Tongass National Forest, Alaska.
• Length and Difficulty: 2 miles, easy.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Live like a local in this cozy cabin that's pure rustic luxury.

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, 2-mile hike. Due to frequent drizzle, rain gear is recommended year-round.

20. Kalalau Trail – Nāpali Coast State Park, Hawaii

• Location: Ha'ena State Park, Hawaii.
• Length and Difficulty: 20 miles, extremely challenging.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Hawaii is not lacking in amazing accommodations, including this stunning luxury home on Kauai's North Shore.

In a place as immensely stunning as Hawaii, the list of superlative scenic hikes is staggering – and frankly, overwhelming. So allow us to direct you to a breathtaking trek in Nāpali Coast State Park. The Kalalau Trail is one of the state's most celebrated trails, but at nearly 20 miles round-trip, it's admittedly quite a trek – and a dangerous one, at that. Its lure is irresistible to many people, even though it's dangerous. But with significant risk comes great reward, and with the right kind of training, preparation, gear, and mindset, the Kalalau Trail is a once-in-a-lifetime accomplishment for your bucket list. Please note that one must obtain a Kalalau permit, and portions of the trail may close during high surf or heavy rain.

Lace up your boots and get ready for a soul-filling, scenic adventure when you tackle these iconic hiking trails in the U.S. Awe and wonder await – plan your trip today. We value your feedback. Please share your thoughts via this nomination page.