Lucas M
Did you know that the hiking trails in the US extend for a distance exceeding 88,600 miles long? With almost more than 4000 trails located in Colorado? Get ready for more interesting facts related to the best hiking trails in each state.
Walls of Jericho Trail – Alabama
This 3.5-mile trail is located near the Tennessee border and descends 900 feet. It’s a beautiful display of Alabama’s nature, with chances to spot local wildlife and plant life. The difficulty level is moderate, suitable for experienced beginners looking for a challenge.
Crow Pass Trail – Alaska
Crow Pass Trail traces the footsteps of gold rush prospectors who once explored these rugged terrains in search of fortune. Today, it provides foot travelers with an unforgettable 21-mile journey through alpine meadows, glacial valleys, and pure lakes.
Havasu Falls Trail – Arizona
Hikers can swim in Havasu Creek or capture the ethereal beauty of the cascading waterfalls while walking. The trail is relatively flat, but the difficult part is navigating the rugged terrain in the desert heat.
Ozark Highlands Trail – Arkansas
Arkansas’ Ozark Mountains provide a stunning backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts. The Ozark Highlands Trail, a 223-mile beast crossing this mountain range’s heart, is an epic multi-day adventure that takes you across diverse regions like hardwood forests, glades bursting with wildflowers and dramatic rock outcroppings.
John Muir Trail – California
Named after the famed naturalist and conservationist, the John Muir Trail is a legendary route that traverses the iconic nature of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It extends 211 miles and is considered one of the country’s most challenging hiking trails.
Colorado Trail – Colorado
This backcountry masterpiece stretches from Denver to Durango, passing through 6 National Forests, 8 mountain ranges, and 5 river systems. It is 567 miles long with an elevation gain of 90,000 feet, offering an immersive journey.
Mattabesett Trail – Connecticut
This trail is perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and nature photography. Its proximity to quaint New England towns and historic sites is a chance for cultural exploration and to try the local cuisine. Travelers will enjoy a moderately tricky hiking experience, with some sections of rocky terrain and steep ascents.
Northern Delaware Greenway Trail – Delaware
From the Brandywine River’s peaceful banks to Rockwood Park’s vibrant gardens, the Northern Delaware Greenway Trail shows the region’s natural and cultural heritage. Travelers can expect captivating waterways, towering trees, and charming bridges.
Florida Trail – Florida
This sprawling network spans the length of the Sunshine State, with a total distance of 1,300 miles. It’s close to state parks, wildlife refuges, and historic sites, offering endless opportunities for outdoor adventure and exploration. Yet, be ready for Florida’s heat, humidity, and unpredictable weather.
Appalachian Trail – Georgia
The iconic 2,190-mile-long trail passes through 14 states. It’s a mix of moderate to strenuous hiking, with steep ascents and unpredictable weather. Hikers should be ready for long days and tough climbs, but the rewards of experiencing the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains are well worth the effort.
Kalalau Trail – Hawaii
This is a legendary coastal hike that winds along the Na Pali cliffs on the island of Kauai. Camping, swimming, and snorkeling are popular activities, in addition to hiking. Its remote location and unmatched beauty make it a bucket-list destination for adventurous travelers.
Sawtooth Lake Trail – Idaho
People usually take over 3 hours to complete this trail, which takes them along high mountain valleys, towering granite spires, and crystal-clear lakes. On a 6-mile walk, they will encounter wildflower meadows, forests, and abundant wildlife, including mountain goats, elk, and golden eagles.
River to River Trail – Illinois
This hike goes across diverse terrains, with backpacking, birdwatching, and camping as the most popular activities. It stretches from the Ohio River to the Mississippi River, extending for 160 miles. Its well-marked paths and accessible trailheads suit all skill levels
Knobstone Trail – Indiana ✓
Indiana’s longest hiking trail travels through southern Indiana’s rolling hills and deep forests. It’s close to Clark State Forest and other recreational areas, offering additional outdoor recreation and exploration opportunities.
Loess Hills Trail – Iowa ✓
Made of six different trails, this trek explores the geological wonders of Iowa’s Loess Hills, a rare landform created by wind-blown silt deposits. Walking on this trail, you’ll watch wildlife refuges and historic sites where you can take amazing pictures to remember this iconic journey.
Flint Hills Nature Trail – Kansas✓
Traveling along this trail allows you to indulge in Kansas’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, from hills and meadows to historic railroad towns and charming countryside. You can try cycling, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing along the Flint Hills Nature Trail.
Red River Gorge Trail – Kentucky
Kentucky might not be the first state that comes to mind for hiking, but the Red River Gorge Geological Area near the Appalachian Mountains offers a surprising network of trails. Over 40 named pathways, ranging from short jaunts to challenging multi-day adventures, make this system suitable for all levels.
Avery Island Trail – Louisiana✓
Located on Avery Island in southwest Louisiana, this 2-mile loop winds through a semi-tropical jungle with diverse wildlife. Spot vibrantly colored birds and towering cypress trees draped with Spanish moss. But be prepared for the humid climate and wear proper footwear for the sometimes muddy terrain.
Great Head Trail – Maine
This is a moderately challenging and short path for beginners, with a total distance of 1.4 miles and 200 feet of elevation gain. Beginners can walk on the compressed sand closer to the beach, while experienced packers may climb the 520-foot rocky formation.
Billy Goat Trail – Maryland
For those seeking a thrilling adventure, the Billy Goat Trail in Great Falls Park is a must-do. This 1.7-mile trek features rocky scrambles, precarious ledges, and a waterfall crossing. Proper footwear, a sense of adventure, and a good dose of courage are essential.
Blue Hills Trail – Massachusetts
This is considered a tough hike that usually takes most people more than 8 hours to complete. The Skyline Trail is one of the most popular spots for hiking and running and offers views of the downtown Boston skyline and Eliot Tower.
Empire Bluff Trail – Michigan
Although the pathway is suitable for short hikes and takes less than an hour to complete, you’ll need poles and sticks if you explore it in winter. While walking, you can enjoy Lake Michigan’s views surrounded by a beech-maple forest.
Superior Hiking Trail – Minnesota
Minnesota’s vast wilderness is a haven for hikers. This 310-mile footpath is a true gem for backpackers and thru-hikers, and the difficulty varies depending on the chosen section. But expect some rough climbs and remote stretches, making proper backpacking gear and navigation skills essential.
Tanglefoot Trail – Mississippi
The Ozark Trail is an authentic wilderness experience, with opportunities to spot deer, wild turkey, and maybe even a glimpse of a bobcat. Its difficulty level ranges from moderate to strenuous, with potential encounters with wildlife and changing weather conditions.
Grinnell Glacier Trail – Montana
The Ozark Trail is an authentic wilderness experience, with opportunities to spot deer, wild turkey, and maybe even a glimpse of a bobcat. Its difficulty level ranges from moderate to strenuous, with potential encounters with wildlife and changing weather conditions.
Grinnell Glacier Trail – Montana
Montana’s Glacier National Park is a hiker’s paradise, and the Grinnell Glacier Trail offers a front-row seat to the park’s breathtaking glacial region. The trail’s highlight is witnessing Grinnell Glacier firsthand, a remnant of the park’s once-vast glacial coverage.
Monument Valley Pathway – Nebraska
Foot travelers can spot a variety of plants and flowers, but more importantly, deer and coyotes while walking. This 12.8-mile trail is lightly trafficked, so travel with a group. It’s best used from April to November and is suitable for all skills.
Mount Rose Trail – Nevada
This 10.7-mile hike is quite popular but considered difficult. Your dog will enjoy the 1.3-mile Mount Rose Meadows Interpretive Trail section, but bikes and horses aren’t allowed because it’s steep in multiple sections.
Mount Lafayette Loop – New Hampshire
Mount Lafayette Loop ascends three peaks, Mount Lafayette, Mount Lincoln, and Little Haystack, and provides unparalleled views of the Presidential Range. Challenge yourself with rocky scrambles, explore sections above the tree line exposed to the elements, and be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of New Hampshire’s stunning wilderness.
Stairway to Heaven Trail – New Jersey
New Jersey might surprise you with its magical hiking options. Stairway to Heaven Trail, located near Vernon, offers a unique and challenging trek through hardwood forests and atop rocky slabs. This 2-mile track features boardwalks, a suspension bridge, and a series of rock steps leading up to Wawayanda Mountain.
La Luz Trail – New Mexico
Offering panoramic views of the Rio Grande Valley, this 8-mile trail is a unique opportunity to experience diverse ecosystems. From arid desert terrain to alpine forests, hikers may encounter various wildlife, including mule deer, elk, and even the occasional black bear.
Adirondack High Peaks Trail – New York
The Adirondack High Peaks Trail system comprises dozens of peaks over 4,000 feet in elevation. With more than 2,000 miles to explore, this network provides endless outdoor adventure and exploration opportunities. The 6.2-mile Cascade and Porter Mountains trail is easy and suitable for beginners.
Linville Falls Trail – North Carolina
The 1.6-mile round walk offers 4 overlooks of Linville Falls and can be tricky at some point. The trails are temporarily closed from fall to winter, so plan your trip accordingly. In spring, you’ll be amazed by the colorful wildflowers that decorate all the pathways.
Maah Daah Hey Trail – North Dakota
Named for the Mandan Indian phrase for “grandfather” or “long-lasting,” this hike is a chance to explore the untamed beauty of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. With its remote location and stunning scenery, the trail provides a peaceful escape into the heart of the North Dakota badlands.
Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail – Ohio
Enjoy a walk across the white pine and deciduous forests on this less-traveled route. The 17.2-mile scenic loop takes an average of 6 hours to complete, and it’s perfect for backpacking. However, beginners usually choose the shorter 5-mile loop for day hikes.
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge Trail System – Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s Wichita Mountains offer a unique hiking experience, with over 50 miles of trails. They’re best known for the roaming herds of longhorn, bison, and Rocky Mountain elk, which you’ll most likely encounter.
Multnomah Falls Trail – Oregon
Oregon is a hiker’s paradise, and the Multnomah Falls Trail provides a taste of the state’s dramatic scenery. This short, paved, 1.2-mile trail leads you directly to the base of Multnomah Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the United States.
Pine Creek Rail Trail – Pennsylvania
Going down this route offers views of the scenic Pine Creek Gorge, where you can chill at various small towns, comfort stations, and lodges for extended stays. It’s a suitable choice for beginners and perfect for birdwatching and horseback riding.
North South Trail – Rhode Island
This trail spans the state’s length from north to south, passing through coastal marshes and dense woodlands. Expect to encounter scenic vistas, tranquil ponds, and historic sites dating back to colonial times on this 78-mile trail.
Foothills Trail – South Carolina
This pathway is located at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and allows hikers to explore the cultural heritage of South Carolina’s Upstate region. From the rugged cliffs of Sassafras Mountain to the serene shores of Lake Jocassee, hikers might encounter black bears, deer, and songbirds.
Black Hills Centennial Trail – South Dakota
Hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing are popular activities along the Black Hills Centennial Trail. It extends for 111 miles and passes through towering granite peaks, dense pine forests, and abundant wildlife.
Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte – Tennessee
The Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte is a classic hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s a chance to explore one of the highest peaks in the Eastern United States. Hikers should be prepared for changing weather and crowds, especially during peak hiking.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park Trails – Texas
Texas isn’t all flat plains and deserts, and the Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a surprising network of challenging hikes offering stunning desert views. With more than 80 miles of trails, the park caters to experienced hikers seeking adventure with more than 3000-foot elevation gain.
Canyonlands National Park Mesa Arch Trail – Utah
If you’re a beginner, this 0.75-mile walk will lead you to a breathtaking arch overlooking dramatic canyons and mounds. It’s perfect for capturing iconic photos of Canyonlands’ unique formations. More experienced hikers tackle the park’s more challenging routes that go into the heart of this otherworldly area.
Long Trail – Vermont
The Long Trail, a 272-mile footpath stretching the length of the state, is a legendary thru-hike for experienced backpackers. It’s an authentic wilderness experience, with opportunities to spot diverse wildlife and experience the changing seasons of Vermont.
Saddle Trail – Virginia
Part of a network of trails, this 2-mile hike has stone steps to the summit of Old Rag, where it intersects with the famous Ridge Trail. Several shelters are along the way, so it’s a good choice for first-timers.
Skyline Trail to Mount Rainier – Washington
The Skyline Trail to Mount Rainier offers seasoned backpackers a rewarding experience. This 33-mile loop surrounds Mountain Rainier, the tallest in the Cascade Range, offering unparalleled views of glaciers, meadows, and alpine lakes with opportunities to spot mountain goats, marmots, and even a glimpse of a bear.
Dolly Sods Wilderness Trail System – West Virginia
This system includes over 40 miles of trails, with meadows that offer breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains, especially during the vibrant fall foliage season. The Dolly Sods Wilderness Trail System provides various difficulty levels, making it perfect for casual hikers and those seeking a challenge.
Ice Age National Scenic Trail – Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s unique geological history left behind a network of formations formed by glaciers during the Ice Age. This 1,200-mile footpath is a glimpse into this fascinating period. It’s a multi-day adventure perfect for experienced backpackers, with sections catering to casual hikers.
Teton Crest Trail – Wyoming
Grand Teton National Park is a jewel of the American West, and the Teton Crest Trail offers a front-row seat to its dramatic scenery. Due to its length, elevation gain, and potential for unpredictable weather conditions, the 39-mile long-distance route is a demanding adventure best suited for experienced backpackers.
Comments
Loading…