Top 10 Hiking Trails in the USA

Last Updated on May 18, 2023 by Nikki Jain

Hiking is the most popular activity in the United States as it offers the best way to enjoy the surroundings and exploring new terrains. If keen on getting the first-hand experience of this secret cult, you must stick to the best hiking trails in the US for your next adventure trip.

Let's explore the top 10 hiking trails in the USA, which is a gateway to exploring canyons, awe-inspiring waterfalls, and breathtaking natural landscapes.

Best Hiking Trails in the USA

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1: Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Flickr/grand_canyon_nps

Bright Angel Trail is the most popular hiking trails on the South Rim. Although nicely maintained, this Arizonian trail within the laps of the Grand Canyon is not meant for amateurs. Hiking across the dirt and grime generally means experiencing temperatures of more than 110 degrees Fahrenheit. From river to rim, hikers are subjected to some tremendous grind during the trail. Based on the rich experiences of past hikers, things don't get any more intense on a hiking trail than here.

Address: Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023

Also Read: Top 20 Attractions to Visit in Arizona


2: Climb Longs Peak Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Climb Longs Peak Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Flickr/dionhinchcliffe

The Keyhole Route on the Longs Peak is one of the most popular Rocky Mountain routes. The trail measures 15 miles with a 5000-feet elevation gain. This is an arduous, long ascent that is usually very difficult and even hazardous under inclement conditions. Summer storms could make the trail quite slippery, and several people have had fatal encounters en route. Also when the conditions are not too bad, the hiking population makes descending rocks a genuine threat.

Address: Estes Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO 80517

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3: Mount Healy Overlook Trail, Denali National Park, Alaska

Mount Healy Overlook Trail, Denali National Park, Alaska
Flickr/nicmcphee

This trail offers a round trip of 4.5 miles with low difficulty levels, making the path suitable for various hiking classes. This is a wonderful hiking route for individuals who like a bit of self-exploration during their Denali National Park visit. If you rest in one of its local lodges, the spectacular Mt. Healy views make the place the perfect spot for a day excursion.

Address: George Parks Hwy, Denali National Park and Preserve, AK


4: Angels Landing Trail, Zion National Park, Utah

Angels Landing Trail, Zion National Park, Utah
Flickr/chaselindberg

Angels Landing could have been christened for its remote path, but the tough trail is worth a hiker's efforts. Fans of red rocks and hikers with a daredevil attitude would not be able to give this trail a pass.

Address: Angels landing, Hurricane, UT 84737

Also Read: Utah Top 20 Attractions


5: Appalachian Trail, Maine

Appalachian Trail, Maine
Flickr/allagashbrewing

The well-renowned, 100-mile wilderness of Maine is Appalachian Trail's longest part, which does not cross a paved path. Luckily for northeastern hikers, the first 30 miles of the road exhibits some of the best features of the trail. A mildly rugged terrain, explorers could expect to lock horns with lush maple forests, Lower Wilson Falls, the rustic backwoods of Maine and their panoramic views, and rocky rushing rivers.

Address: Rangeley, ME 04970

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6: Kalalau Trail, Hawaii

Kalalau Trail, Hawaii
Flickr/acrider

The Kalalau Trail generally triggers terror in the minds of most hikers, thanks to the dramatic coastline. The trail is crumbly and narrow, and quite a few have either plummeted off the trail or seen others in unfortunate incidents. With abundant rainfall, the trail becomes even more treacherous. Despite these dangers, several visitors and locals continue to hike this 11-mile trip to Kalalau.

Address: Kapaa, HI 96746

Also Read: Top Tourist Attractions in Hawaii


7: Highline Trail, Glacier National Park, Montana

Highline Trail, Glacier National Park, Montana
Flickr/mpwillis

With trails of 700 miles and above, the Glacier National Park presents its visitors some breath-taking scenery - the Highline Trail being one among them. The trail starts at Logan Pass and continues north for close to 7.5 miles along the cliffs' partially exposed ledges.

The trail later opens to hillsides above the path close to the Garden Wall. This trail section provides hikers with great views and the right spot for observing wildlife, which includes mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and some occasional grizzly bears.

Address: Along Garden Wall, Glacier National Park, MT


8: John Muir Trail, Yosemite Valley, California

John Muir Trail, Yosemite Valley, California

On the John Muir Trail, hikers can hike for two or three weeks without having to cross a road. The 211-mile trail stretches from Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney, the highest point in the lower 48 states. Being the best Pacific Crest Trail section, the trail crosses some of the best attractions, including Ansel Adams Gallery, Sequoia National Park, and Kings Canyon. In short, the trail is most often considered a hiker's heaven.

Address: John Muir Trail, Lakeshore, CA 93634


9: Andrews Bald Trail, Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina and Tennessee

Andrews Bald Trail, Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina and Tennessee
Flickr/Stephenie Schukraft

The Andrews Bald trailhead is located at the Clingmans Dome parking spot, which is the park's highest point. Due to the elevation, the temperatures could be 15-25 degrees cooler than lower terrains. The trail is the best hiking destination for the hikers seeking great panoramic views of the Smoky Mountain Highlands.

Address: Gatlinburg, TN 37738


10: Snake Bight Trail, Everglades National Park, Florida

Snake Bight Trail, Everglades National Park, Florida
Flickr/eyeliam

Extending into Florida Bay, this trail is a straightforward 1.6-mile path, which brings hikers close to exotic birds, tropical trees, and big alligators. With the trail gazing out into Florida Bay, hikers ride along with continental America's southernmost point. Pitching a hammock or tent while the alligators slip in the underneath water remains an unforgettable experience for most hikers.

Address: Flamingo, Everglades National Park, FL

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Also Read: Florida Top 20 Attractions


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