Here Are The Best Short And Scenic Hikes In All 50 States

America is filled with incredible natural landscapes and beautiful, rugged terrain that draws experienced hikers from all over the world. But what about those of us who aren’t necessarily looking for a three-day excursion into the wild? There are plenty of gorgeous trails all across the country that can be conquered in just a few hours, and these are some of the best hikes in America that will take you to some truly spectacular places without too much effort.

Check out these awesome short and scenic hikes that offer the greatest amount of beauty-per-step.

Have you hiked any of these amazing trails? Have any more suggestions for easy and scenic hikes in your home state? Let us know!

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best hikes in America

July 26, 2022

What are the best family-friendly hikes in America?

No matter where your travels take you, the entire family can enjoy plenty of family-friendly hikes in America. In Idaho, the Snake River Canyon Rim Trail is a 10-mile long paved trail that’ll lead you to across majestic bridges, vast canyons, and the strikingly beautiful Shoshone Falls. For those looking for a shorter trek without compromising on scenery, try the Ponytail Falls Trail in Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge. The trail is less than three miles long and will lead to the spectacular Ponytail Falls, a majestic 75-foot waterfall in an incredibly magical setting.

What are the most popular national parks in America?

You might be surprised to learn that the most visited national park in the country is actually the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Nestled on the Tennessee-North Carolina Border, this stunning park attracts more recreational visitors than any other national park in the United States. The Grand Canyon National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park come in close with silver and bronze.

What are the best hikes with a view in America?

While every state has a claim to a hiking trail with a beautiful view, you’ll have a hard time competing with the views along the Crawford Path in New Hampshire. This stunning hike will take you along the Presidential Range, ascending to the tallest summits in New Hampshire including the mighty Mount Washington. This scenic trail also happens to be the oldest continuously used mountain trail in America! The trail was first cleared in 1819 and continues to be one of the most incredible hikes with a view in the country.