Top 24 Must-Do Hiking Trails in the USA for Your Bucket List

Best Places to Hike in the United States

1. Tongass National Forest – Alaska

Let’s start off our best hikes in the USA in the final frontier of adventure travel, Alaska! Making a base in Juneau, Alaska, the Tongass National Forest is filled with hiking trails. With 700 miles of hiking trails, you’ll find wild America with bears, glaciers, and caves along almost every path. Hiring a guide is advisable if you lack backcountry experience.

The Nugget Falls trail, which starts from the Mendenhall Glacier visitors center, is a popular hike leading to one of Alaska’s most iconic glaciers.

2. Yosemite National Park – California

Yosemite National Park is another American gem teeming with incredible hiking trails. Covering 1200 square miles (3,027 km²), the best hikes are situated around the Yosemite Valley. The Half Dome Hike is notably the most popular, offering a 14-mile round trip that takes about 10 to 12 hours to complete and ascends to 5000 feet above the valley floor. Be prepared to use cables during the final 400 feet to summit safely.

3. Mount Whitney – California

Located in California, Mount Whitney is a top destination on every hiker’s bucket list. The 22.5-mile out-and-back trail has a staggering elevation gain from 14,494 feet to 6,656 feet. While some climbers complete this challenging hike in a single day, a multi-day backpacking adventure is recommended to fully appreciate the stunning vistas.

4. John Muir Trail – California

Among America’s iconic hikes, the John Muir Trail stretches 220 miles, traversing famous national parks including Yosemite National Park, Ansel Adams Wilderness Area, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Park. The rich variety of landscapes and challenging terrains can be mystifying to many hikers.

5. Smith Rock – Oregon

Oregon is renowned for its hiking trails showcasing mountainous landscapes, dense forests, and rugged coastlines. Among them, the Misery Ridge trail at Smith Rock stands out as a favorite due to its steep ascent and stunning views of rock formations like The Monkey Face Rock and mirror lakes.

6. Pacific Crest Trail

The Pacific Crest Trail is the ultimate bucket-list hike, spanning 2,650 miles (4,265 km) from the border of Mexico to Canada. While not everyone will hike the entire trail, it offers stunning views and diverse landscapes. This trail is famously featured in the book “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed, which was adapted into a movie.

7. Appalachian Trail

Another iconic hike, the Appalachian Trail stretches over 2,190 miles, traversing 14 states from Georgia to Maine. This monumental journey often takes hikers multiple seasons to complete, with sections accessible to enjoy the rugged beauty.

8. Continental Divide Trail

Rounding out the Triple Crown of Hiking in the United States, the Continental Divide Trail spans 3,028 miles (4,873 km) from Mexico to Canada, following the Rocky Mountains’ great divide. This extensive trail is a testament to the adventurous spirit of hikers.

9. Joshua Tree National Park

For a uniquely surreal hiking experience, head to Joshua Tree National Park, located 140 miles from Los Angeles. Offering various trails that range from a quarter-mile to 10 miles, this park showcases some of the most striking desert landscapes.

10. Badlands National Park

Don’t overlook South Dakota for hiking opportunities. Badlands National Park invites exploration with several easy hikes like the Notch Trail and Fossil Trail, or the longer 22-mile trail at Castle Trail. Whichever you choose, stunning views await.

11. Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is a pivotal destination, drawing travelers eager to hike along its rim. The Rim Trail is particularly popular, with a 13-mile path providing scenic views of the canyon, including major landmarks such as the Grand Canyon Visitor Center and Hermit’s Rest.

12. Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park, located on the Canadian border, is a hiker’s paradise with 700 miles of trails. However, hikers should be cautious of wildlife, as cougars and bears inhabit the area. Always hiking in pairs and making noise can keep you safe while enjoying the breathtaking scenery.

13. Bryce Canyon

Imagine hiking through fairy chimneys and amphitheaters; that’s the beauty of Utah’s Bryce Canyon. With trails for all skill levels, The Rim Trail offers one of the best views, allowing you to appreciate the vivid landscapes of this incredible national park.

14. Zion National Park

In Utah, Zion National Park features hiking opportunities among ancient rock formations. The West Rim Trail is excellent for multi-day hikes, while Angels Landing offers breathtaking views of the park’s unique geography, urging hikers to spend more than one day exploring.

15. Rocky Mountain National Park

Renowned for its iconic status, Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado delivers stunning 360-degree views. The park features the Continental Divide Trail, which is over 3,000 miles long, inviting explorers to join for a portion of an unforgettable hiking experience.

16. Haleakala National Park, Hawaii

On the island of Maui, Haleakala National Park offers a spectacular hiking environment featuring a volcano, bamboo forests, and waterfalls. Notable trails include the Pipiwai Trail, leading to the breathtaking Waimoku Falls and the Seven Sacred Pools.

17. Point Lobos – Big Sur

Though mostly recognized for its breathtaking scenery, Big Sur is also a haven for hiking enthusiasts. Point Lobos State Park features The Bird Island Trail, showcasing incredible coastal cliffs and sea lion habitats.

18. Grand Teton

In Wyoming, Grand Teton offers stunning hiking trails like the Jenny Lake Trail, an 8-mile loop that connects to several other popular trails, enhancing your hiking experience through the breathtaking landscape.

19. Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe boasts scenic hikes like the famed Rubicon Trail, a challenging 22-mile trek featuring stunning views of the lake and valley.

20. Yellowstone

No discussion about the best hiking spots in the USA would be complete without Yellowstone. Spanning Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, this park features renowned paths like the North Rim Trail, showcasing picturesque waterfalls and the famous geothermal features.

21. Pictured Rocks Michigan

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a stunning area of Michigan boasting 100 miles of trails alongside extraordinary sandstone cliffs, perfect for extended outdoor adventures.

22. Great Smokey Mountains

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, encompassing both North Carolina and Tennessee, is home to over 500 miles of trails. The park also includes a segment of the Appalachian Trail, providing an excellent opportunity for hikers seeking a glimpse into the longer trek.

23. Red Rock Canyon Nevada

Located just outside Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon offers a respite from city life, inviting all levels of hikers to navigate its trails while also being known as a premier rock climbing destination.

24. Crater Rim Trail – Big Island

Another exceptional Hawaiian hike, The Crater Rim Trail at Kilauea Volcano allows you to witness the dramatic landscape of a caldera featuring lava tubes and steam vents. The unique terrain reveals the vibrant geological history of the area.

These are some of the best hikes in the USA. While these trails showcase the natural beauty and diverse landscapes of the country, countless more await discovery. Hiking enthusiasts are sure to find new adventures and challenges across the United States!