Six of America’s Top Hiking Destinations

Hiking to a survey site (Citizen Science)

There’s nothing quite like getting out and stretching the legs. If you don’t have enough time in your busy daily schedule to find time for a walk, you can always plan a hiking trip.

Even if you aren’t a seasoned hiker, you will enjoy exploring nature. You don’t have to start off with a huge walk if you aren’t experienced. Take it easy and start off with a short walk on day one. As the days go on, you can build up. Don’t feel like you are only on vacation just to go hiking, though. You can also spend your time sightseeing or taking part in other active pursuits such as mountain biking or kayaking.

So, if you fancy going on a walking vacation, here are some of The State’s best destinations.

Wind River Range, Wyoming

You’ll find many trailheads along the Wind River Range, all of which lead off to routes through beautiful scenery. Choose whether you hike up mountains or along the banks of clear blue lakes. The area is also popular with anglers. You’ll find many great fishing spots along the Burnt Lake Trailhead and in Elkhart Park.

Morning at the Cirque, Cirque of the Towers, Wind River Range
Wind River Range by Andy Porter

Cascade Mountains

The Cascade Range is a massive range extending from British Columbia, Canada though Washington, Oregon and Northern California. The highest peak in the range is Mount Rainier in Washington, and it also contains many active and dormant volcanoes including Mount St. Helens. The beauty found in this range is extensive and breathtaking. You can also choose to explore during the colder months when there is snow or warmer when the wildflowers bloom.

Wahclella Falls Group Photo by Michael Matti
Wahclella Falls in Oregon by Michael Matti

The Appalachian Trail

One for very experienced hikers, the Appalachian Trail stretches through fourteen states in the north east. The length of the route means it is suitable for RV drivers to follow. The trail is broken up into sections so, if you are pushed for time, you can always just tackle a single section. If you do walk the trail all in one go, some of the sights you will pass include the Blood Mountain battleground.

Fall Leaves On The Appalachian Trail
Fall Leaves On The Appalachian Trail by Amy Nelson

Yosemite National Park, California

Pitch up your tent for a week of hiking in the spectacular Yosemite National Park. Here you’ll find the picturesque Tuolomne Meadows. They offer plenty of hikes offering various terrain suited for different abilities. The Hetch Hetchy Valley is another great hiking spot and offers stunning views out across its vast reservoir.

Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park by Moritz Kellermann

Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

This expansive area of natural beauty crosses over the Tennessee-Kentucky border into both states. You’ll find miles and miles of scenic gorges. Many of the area’s natural features have been developed to give tourists a larger choice of outdoor activities. Hiking is top of that list, and you’ll have a difficult choice choosing a trail to follow.

Honey Creek
Honey Creek Loop – Big South Fork National Recreation Area by Michael Hicks

Oahu, Hawaii

Want to hike across a tropical island? Then head to Hawaii’s Oahu. The island is home to the state capital, Honolulu. You’ll also find plenty of trails leading you through the picture-perfect landscape. Highlights include the Lanikai Pillboxes Trail.

Ridge Hiking
Ridge Hiking by Marvin Chandra

It’s time to lace up your walking boots and head out to the country. Who know’s where your feet will take you!

Have you ever hiked in these areas?

5 thoughts on “Six of America’s Top Hiking Destinations

  1. My dream to make it to Hawaii one day…..wonderful suggestions….

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  2. I live an hour from the Appalachian Trail. It is a dream of mine to thru-hike it in its entirety. And Yosemite is gorgeous.

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  3. We have hiked a (very, very small) portion of the AT in the Smoky Mountains. It gets your imagination going to think about hiking the entire trail! Another area we have enjoyed the past couple of years is Dolly Sods Wilderness Area in West Virginia. I think the point is there is beauty in our “backyards” and around the world! Go explore! 🙂

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    1. It’s amazing how many beautiful nature places are in the US. I think people are started to feel the need to get back to nature lately, with how industrious and technological the world has gotten.

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