There's nothing quite like getting your boots out and stretching your legs to take in the beauty of our wonderful natural world. From easy strolls in and around national monuments to more challenging treks in some of the country's most famous parks, there are plenty of trails to tackle.
Read on as we bring you the best hike to enjoy in every US state this summer...
A well-trodden trail, at least by Alaska's standards, the Harding Icefield Trail near Seward is a spectacular day hike that takes in one of the four major icecaps in the United States. Starting on the valley floor, the trail passes cottonwood and alder forests, heather meadows and offers countless viewpoints to take in the magnificence of the ice field. The full round-trip hike is just over eight miles (12.8km) and can be rather challenging at times, but even a short walk up the trail offers impressive views.
One of Sedona's most famous sights, Devil's Bridge is the largest natural sandstone arch in the area so it's no surprise hiking here means sharing the path with many others. It's all worth it though once you reach your destination. A moderate 1.8-mile (2.9km) hike, it's relatively easy to do and visitors will either need to purchase a Red Rock Pass to do the hike or have the America the Beautiful Pass. Dogs can join on the hike, but must be kept on a leash.
The Lost Valley Trail gets incredibly busy over the weekend, but come here on any weekday and you'll have these magical natural surroundings all to yourself. The easy 2.1-mile (3.4km) trek sneaks its way through the forest and over several natural bridges until it finally reaches its end point at the enchanting Eden Falls and Cobb Cave. To get to the most scenic spot on the trail, be prepared for it to be slightly more demanding and you might also have to walk in water to cross the creek.
With such an abundance of national parks and natural wonders, from forests to the sea, it's hard to pick out just one trail in California, but for a fun hike suitable to all skill levels, Eaton Canyon Trail is perfect. Located outside Pasadena, the trail is just under three miles (5.6km) and offers views of a 40-foot (12m) waterfall and both the San Gabriel and Santa Monica Mountains. Note that the trail gets busy on the weekends and take plenty of water as it gets quite hot here.
Nearly two miles (3km) long, this loop trail is easy to do but offers some of the most stunning views of the Maroon Lake, the peaks and the wildflower meadows around. Best visited between May to October, the trail is the most popular of the Maroon Bells trails so if you'd rather have a bit more solitude or prefer to take on a more challenging hike, give the Maroon Creek Trail a go. A less crowded alternative, the seven-mile (11km) round-trip trail offers a good day hike plus great views of Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak.
The 4.6-mile (7.4km) Bear Mountain Trail leads hikers to a breathtaking view from Bear Mountain, the state's tallest peak. There are steep and tricky sections along the way, so it's not an easy stroll, but the views from the top are certainly worth it. There are also several other trails starting off from the same trailhead, offering less taxing walks – one of the most well-known options, albeit still quite a challenging one, is the Undermountain Trail.
Bright blue water and yellow sand dunes provide an idyllic scenery not typical in this northeastern region. The Walking Dunes Trail is a 2.6-mile (4.2km) long loop that everyone can enjoy, going through wetlands and forests. The trail ends with a wonderful sight of the ocean, a massive 80-foot (24m) sand hill called the Great Dune and the remnants of Fort Miles Gun Turrets. You're also allowed to camp at this stunning beachfront location.
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Winding its way through the lush greenery of towering bald cypress trees, the Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk leads visitors into the heart of Fakahatchee Strand. Just 1.2-miles (2km) long, the trail is good for all skill levels and offers excellent opportunities to spot alligators, green herons, barred owls or red rat snakes.
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It's impossible not to mention the stretches of the Appalachian Trail when it comes to Georgia. However, most people, who are not experienced hikers, will be looking for something a lot less challenging. Enter Raven Cliffs Falls Trail, a moderate five-mile (8km) round-trip trail that offers much needed shade during the hot Georgian summers. Sneaking through a water-filled valley, the trail leads to one of the state's most beautiful waterfalls. The trail is dog-friendly and there's a $5 fee to park at the trailhead.
Hawaii is hikers' paradise and there's no better trail showcasing the natural beauty of the state than the Kalalau Trail. A rugged 11-mile (18km) trail along Kauai's wild Na Pali Coast, it's a seriously challenging trek for experienced hikers, but there is a section of it that's much easier and will still reward with stunning views – the Hanakapiai Falls Trail. The trail is four miles (6km) each way and connects Ke'e Beach with Hanakapiai Falls.
Many are surprised to discover the nation's deepest canyon (Hells Canyon) is found in Idaho rather than Arizona and hiking parts of the Snake River National Recreation Trail is a great way of taking in this magnificent mile-deep (1.6km) natural wonder. While the 40-mile (58km) long trail might not be for everyone, there are countless opportunities for moderate day hikes. If you do fancy taking on the full trail, it's well-traveled with several campsites interspersed throughout.
Shawnee National Forest is a hiker's paradise with trails ranging from easy half-day strolls to challenging treks for the more experienced. For something that's hardly back-breaking but offers stunning views, take on the Garden of the Gods Observation Trail. The national forest's most popular trail, it's a short loop that takes no longer than half an hour to walk, but you'll definitely want to stay longer to soak up the breathtaking views. Check Little Grand Canyon Trail if you'd rather do something more challenging.
A short, but wonderful hike that really immerses visitors into nature, Maquoketa Caves Loop is a manageable 1.6-mile (2.7km) walk that offers plenty of adventure. There's an array of spectacular vantage points along the trail and opportunities to peek into caves and take in the lush greenery surrounding them. Note that although the trail is short, there are quite a few steps to take on, going both up and down.
It's a little hard to believe this rock formation really exists in Kansas and what better way to explore it than up close from a stunning hiking trail. Good for all skill levels, the 1.5-mile-long (2.4km) trail takes in the Castle Rock Badlands rising out of the prairie near Quinter. The otherworldly limestone formations rise as tall as 70 feet (21m) from what was once an ancient seabed. Dogs are also welcome on this trail, but take care and stick to the path when visiting as it's located on private land.
A group of several trails leading to five different lookout points – East Pinnacle, West Pinnacle, Buzzards Roost, Indian Fort and Eagles Nest – the area is ideal for customizing a hike tailored to suit you. Take on just one trail for a shorter stroll, combine two or, if you're up for a challenge, tick off all five lookout points in one day. To do the latter you'll need to hike around five miles (8km), while the shortest trail to Indian Fort Lookout is just over a mile (1.9km).
Just outside New Orleans, a maze of boardwalks is the best way to take in the beauty of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park. In total, there are five gravel and boardwalk trails, which are stroller- and wheelchair-accessible, and are all under a mile (1.6km). Don't miss the 600-year-old bald cypress tree along the Bayou Coquille Trail or head to Ring Levee Trail at high water to spot alligators. Make sure you don't take any food with you on the trails due to the active wildlife.
The highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard, Cadillac Mountain rises 1,530 feet (466m) above sea level. The pink granite mountain slopes are clad with pine and spruce forests with the scenic Cadillac North Ridge Trail stretching for two beautiful miles (3.2km) uphill. The hike isn't too strenuous even though it is uphill, but expect some tricky granite stairs. On the way back, hikers can also enjoy views of the ocean and Bar Harbor.
The longest hiking-only trail in the world, the 2,200-mile-long (3,540km) Appalachian Trail might not be very doable for most, but there's a stretch of it in Maryland hikers can complete and take in stunning scenery along the way. A five-mile (8km) there-and-back trek, Annapolis Rock on the Appalachian Trail leads to Annapolis Rock for sweeping views of northwest Maryland and then to the second scenic outlook at Black Rock Cliff. Annapolis Rock is also a popular camping area.
Hiking along the Atlantic Coast in Cape Cod is as good as it gets in this part of the country. The Great Island Trail, stretching for four stunning miles (6.4km), follows the sandy beaches of Cape Cod National Seashore and Herring River to Wellfleet Harbor, before ascending to the Pitch Pine Forest and the cliffs overlooking Cape Cod Bay. Leashed pets are allowed on the trail, apart from seabird nesting season – check the National Park Service website for details.
Waterfalls and woodland characterize the wilderness at this park on the shores of Lake Superior, which protects species such as wolves, bears and the peregrine falcon. Hikers will witness this natural wonder and incredible wildlife when walking the Big Carp River Trail. A challenging eight-mile (13km) trek, its reward is unbelievable views of Lake of the Clouds at the end. It's also possible to do shorter sections of the trail and there are multiple campsites along the way.
While the 300-mile (483km) Superior Hiking Trail, stretching along the coast of Lake Superior all the way to the Canadian border, sounds like an exciting adventure, it's not a very doable one. Thankfully, there are plenty of much shorter day hikes that still allow visitors to take in the gorgeous natural surroundings. One such trail is the three-mile (4.8km) loop to Fifth Falls. It's easy to do, has great views of the lake and beautiful waterfalls, including Gooseberry Falls. Stop here for a mid-hike picnic.
A moderate 1.8-mile (3km) loop in the scenic Tishomingo State Park, this trail takes hikers through the Bear Creek Canyon, the only rock canyon in the state. The impressive ferns, found only in this part of Mississippi, and foliage-clad rocks create an impression you've suddenly traveled to another era, and once it's time to cross the rope bridge over Bear Creek, you'll really feel your inner adventurer come to life.
This park gets its name from the mammoth granite boulders that exist within its limits. Thought to have been formed billions of years ago, the massive hunks of rock dwarf human visitors and this short trail is perfect for seeing the park's most attractive bits. In less than a mile (1.6km), the trail passes by a quarry pond, into the maze of the elephant rocks and to a scenic overlook where Missouri red granite was once quarried.
Hikers are seriously spoiled for choice in Montana, but the Grinnell Glacier Trail is truly special. An out-and-back trail, it offers an 11-mile (18km) round-trip journey of wildflowers, mountains and lakes galore that leads hikers to a stunning view of the glacier. Not keen on such a long-distance hike? You can shave off three miles (4.8km) by taking a boat across Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine. From there, you'll pass the Continental Divide, Grinnell Lake and a striking glacier called The Salamander. There's a fee to enter the national park.
Although this trail from the visitor center up to the top of Scotts Bluff, an 800-foot (244m) sandstone bluff and a Native peoples landmark, is just 1.6 miles (2.6km), it's anything but easy. You'll need some determination to make the 435-foot (132m) ascent, but it'll be all worth it once you're looking at the flat prairie floor from above. The trail can occasionally be closed due to debris following rock falls, so check before you travel.
Many who come to Vegas and want to explore the area beyond casinos tend to head straight for Red Rock Canyon, but make a beeline for Valley of Fire State Park and you'll be in for a kaleidoscopic treat. The Fire Wave Trail is arguably the park's best – short but sweet at just 1.4 miles (2.4km), the trail gets its name from the striped orange rocks, resembling an ocean wave, that it passes. If hiking here, be mindful of the hot temperatures as it is a desert after all.
Not one for the faint-hearted Franconia Ridge Loop is a multi-peak hike with plenty of difficult terrain to tackle. Taking hikers up and down for around eight miles (13.5km) along the crest of the Franconia Ridge, at times the trail is only a narrow sliver with the mountain falling away on either side. Those who do complete it though are rewarded with the most spectacular views. You can also hike this trail up to the summit of Little Haystack Mountain and take the Falling Waters Trail down so you pass amazing waterfalls along the way.
Soak in seven miles (11km) of New Jersey's portion of the Appalachian Trail and head out for a walk from Pochuck Valley Trail to Pinwheel Vista. The hike starts pleasantly with a boardwalk leading through fields and forest. Then, once you've reached the Stairway to Heaven section, it gets pretty steep as the trail climbs to the spectacular viewpoint. Arguably the most exciting section though is the mile-long (1.6km) suspension bridge on the way to Pinwheel Vista. Go early so you have plenty of time to hike and take in the natural beauty.
A fun and relatively effortless hike, this four-mile (6.4km) walk leads to the picturesque Williams Lake. An out-and-back trail, it gradually ascends through lush green forest towards the lake that's hugged by scenic Sangre de Cristo mountains. Once at the lake, hikers have two options – either hike back or continue on a longer hike up to the summit of Wheeler Peak. The latter will make for a seven-mile (11km) round-trip hike.
As if carved by hand, this intricate gorge in the Watkins Glen State Park looks totally out of this world. In total, some 19 waterfalls exist in the Finger Lakes region, with a stream beating its way through the narrow, moss-covered glen, but it's the Cavern Cascade you'll want to see. Following the water's path, trails hem either side of the gorge, but follow the Gorge Trail, a 2.5-mile (4km) loop, and it'll take you inside the 50-foot (15m) waterfall.
It's not hard to see how Hanging Rock State Park got its name. The park's namesake, Hanging Rock, is a precarious-looking precipice that can be reached via the 1.3-mile (2km) Hanging Rock Trail. Beyond the dramatic rock formations and epic views, the trail is also challenging enough to offer a sense of accomplishment, but doable for inexperienced hikers. Be prepared to share the trail with many others as it's very popular.
Hikers of all skill levels will enjoy this gorgeous one-mile loop (1.6km) that drops down into the aptly named Painted Canyon. Winding through juniper and wildflowers, the trail is also great for spotting wildlife, as bison usually roam not far from the trail, and seeing how erosion has shaped the landscape for thousands of years. There's an entrance fee to pay at the park.
Waterfalls and wildflowers are the main draw of Hocking Hills State Park in southeastern Ohio. The park is a hiker's paradise with a six-mile (9.6km) trail ticking off three of its most scenic and spectacular points. The trail, connecting Old Man's Cave to Cedar Falls and Ash Cave, is also part of Ohio's Buckeye Trail and two national systems – the North Country Scenic Trail and America's Discovery Trail. If you're after a much shorter trek, there's a direct half-a-mile (800m) trail leading straight to Old Man's Cave.
Lucky Oklahomans are blessed with not one but three spectacular trails all starting at French Lake. Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in the southern part of the state has a total of 15 miles (24km) of walking trails, but a trek from French Lake along Bison, Elk or Longhorn trails showcases some of the most diverse scenery within the refuge and has opportunities for wildlife spotting aplenty. The trails range from half a mile (800m) to nearly six miles (9.6km) so there's something for all abilities.
This landscape, streaked with yellow, amber and rust red, is part of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument where the ethereal hills got their color more than 30 million years ago, primarily from red ash left over by volcanic activity. The 1.6-mile (2.6km) round-trip Carroll Rim Trail is one of the best ways to take in the unique scenery – the trail climbs over 400 feet (120m) to offer sweeping panoramas of the Painted Hills.
This park in northeastern Pennsylvania is home to one of the most scenic hiking trails in the state, and, although the Falls Trail is one for more experienced hikers, it passes a whopping 21 waterfalls. They range from 11 feet (3m) to the 94-foot (29m) tall Ganoga Falls. The trail also meanders through a centuries-old forest and wildlife-rich wetlands so hikers should wear proper footwear and only stay on the trail.
One of the best ways to experience Rhode Island's coast is with Newport's Atlantic-hugging Cliff Walk. The route hugs the ocean for 3.5 miles (5.6km), offering uninterrupted views out to sea, and the chance to marvel at grand waterfront mansions. Some portions of the trail are paved and pristine, while others venture into rocky territory: if you're planning on completing the entire route, make sure you're prepared and dressed appropriately.
The heavy traffic on this trail might give off the wrong impression, but the Pinnacle Mountain Trail is not a walk in the park. Those looking for a challenge though should not shy away. It lasts for some three miles (4.8km) with plenty of steep uphill stretches thrown in along the way, but the reward is picturesque waterfalls and mountain streams, and stunning scenery from the top of the mountain at the end.
Stretching over 244,000 acres, Badlands National Park is a world of peaks and prairie, where bighorn sheep and bison roam free and hiking trails show off a curious rocky landscape. Door Trail is great for taking in some of the best views, but isn't too demanding. The quarter-mile-long (400m) boardwalk leads through a break in the Badlands Wall known as 'The Door' and to a view of the Badlands. Note that the park charges an entrance fee.
There's a lot to see on this five-mile (8km) round-trip walk. From meadows, rock formations and streams to waterfalls, caves and incredible lookouts over the Great Smoky Mountains, this trail has it all. It ends at the impressive Alum Cave Bluffs, but those after a bit of a challenge can continue onwards to scale Mount LeConte, which offers sweeping vistas from the top. The latter will make for an 11-mile (17.5km) round-trip hike.
In fall this gorgeous Texan maple forest gives the North East a run for its money, but it's great to visit in any season. The site rambles for more than 2,000 acres, crisscrossed by around 10 miles (16km) of hiking trails. The West Trail covers the most ground and includes a breathtaking overlook, but the shorter 2.4-mile (3.8km) West Loop Trail whips through a tranquil ash juniper grove and is perfect for people of all abilities.
Utah's rock formations are the stuff of legends, from intricate hoodoos and pinnacles to mighty bluffs and graceful rock arches that have been formed over millennia. There are more than 2,000 stone arches in the aptly named Arches National Park and a three-mile (5km) trail leads to the jaw-dropping, free-standing Delicate Arch, the largest of its kind in the park. Note that although the trail isn't too long, it has an incline of 480 feet (146m). It can also get extremely hot and there's no shade.
Following the ridge of the Green Mountains all the way to Canada, the famous Long Trail traverses Vermont’s highest peaks and is America's oldest long-distance hiking trail. If you don't have a full month to hike, don't despair. Tackling the 272 miles (438km) of it might not be practical, but there are plenty of opportunities for weekend hikers and day-trippers to get a taste of this special trail. Spruce Mountain is a family-friendly, 2.2-mile (3.5km) trail with amazing views of the area.
It’s not the height that gives the Great Falls its dramatic beauty. Each of the cascades drops no more than a mere 20 feet (5m) or so, but it’s the speed and volume at which the Potomac River water crashes down, tumbling over jagged rocks and rushing into rapids, that makes it such a spectacular sight. Combine River, Ridge and Swamp Trails in a moderate 4.6-mile (2.8km) loop for the best way to see the park. The park charges an entrance fee.
There's no arguing Mount Rainier is of epic proportions and not everyone has the ability to scale its peak. Luckily, it's pretty when viewed from a distance too. Paradise, on the mountain's south slope, is one of the most picturesque areas in the national park of the same name to take in the scenery. Covered in wildflower meadows in summer, it can easily be explored on a 1.7-mile (2.7km) hike along the Alta Vista Trail.
West Virginia's tagline is 'Almost Heaven', a nod to the 1970s John Denver track – and in the midst of the Coopers Rock State Forest it's easy to see why. The eponymous Coopers Rock is a knot of mighty sandstone bluffs that is home to a scenic overlook. While most stop here as it's near the main parking area, those up for a short hike will find the Ravens Rock Trail much quieter and with arguably better views. The out-and-back trail forms a 2.5-mile (km) round-trip walk that leads to a quieter viewpoint looking over the Cheat River Canyon.
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore boasts all manner of natural wonders, from craggy rock formations and wind-battered cliffs to sandy strands, and all this can be explored on a moderate hike that can be adapted to your ability. There are six miles (9.6km) return to hike in total, but the trail is split into three sections so you can cut your hike shorter if necessary. There's also a campsite along the way if you wish to spend the night.
Devils Tower is impossible to miss – the 1,267-feet-tall (386m) rock soars high above the surrounding countryside and is a sacred site to many groups of Native peoples. The Tower Trail is one of the best ways to see this magnificent natural wonder up close. The 1.3-mile (2km) trail loops around the base of the tower and also takes in the boulder field, formed by pieces that have split off the rock, and the stunning scenery beyond.
Now discover the most beautiful state park in every US state