The United States is home to some of the world’s most beautiful hiking trails, including mountain paths and coastal walkways. Ten must-see hiking trails for adventure seekers include the challenging Angels Landing Trail in Utah, the South Kaibab Trail in Arizona, the 210-mile long John Muir Trail in California, the breathtaking Kalalau Trail in Hawaii, the strenuous Grandfather Mountain Trail in North Carolina, the famous Appalachian Trail that spans Maine to Georgia and the Half Dome Hike in California’s Yosemite National Park. The Plain of Six Glaciers Trail in Canada, the unique Wave Trail in Arizona and Utah and the moderate Bright Angel Trail in Arizona are also recommended.
Heading: 10 Must-See Hiking Trails in the US for Adventure Seekers!
If you’re a fan of hiking, then you’re in luck because the United States has some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the world. From rugged mountains to coastal walkways, the US has it all. Here are 10 must-see hiking trails in the US for adventure seekers.
1. Angels Landing Trail – Zion National Park, Utah
The Angels Landing Trail is one of the most popular trails in Zion National Park, Utah. It is a steep 5.4-mile round trip hike that provides hikers with breathtaking views of the Zion Canyon. With 1,500 feet of elevation gain, the trail requires hikers to navigate a narrow rock fin that gets gradually steeper and narrower. The final ascent of the trail involves chains that hikers grip to as a safety precaution.
2. South Kaibab Trail – Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
The South Kaibab Trail in Grand Canyon National Park is challenging but rewarding. It is a steep descent that takes hikers down to the canyon floor with sweeping views of the rock formations that make up the Grand Canyon. The trail is 7.1 miles round trip and one that will test your hiking skills.
3. John Muir Trail – Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, California
The John Muir Trail is a 210-mile long-distance trail that runs along the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range in California. It is a popular trail that starts from Yosemite Valley and ends at Mount Whitney. It is a challenging hike that passes through several breath-taking landscapes, including the Ansel Adams Wilderness, Kings Canyon National Park, and Inyo National Forest.
4. The Kalalau Trail – Kauai, Hawaii
The Kalalau Trail in Kauai, Hawaii, is one of the best hiking trails in the world. It is an 11-mile round-trip but requires hikers to be in good physical shape due to the steep terrain. The trail follows the breathtaking cliffs of Kauai’s Napali coast and offers some of the most scenic views you’ll ever see.
5. Grandfather Mountain Trail – North Carolina
Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina offers hikers 12 different trails to choose from, ranging from easy to strenuous. The Grandfather Mountain Trail is one of the most challenging, requiring hikers to navigate through boulder-filled terrain and reaching an elevation of 5,946 feet. The trail offers magnificent views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
6. Appalachian Trail – Maine to Georgia
The Appalachian Trail is probably the most well-known hiking trail in the US. It spans 2,200 miles, starting from Maine and ending in Georgia. It is a popular trail that crosses several state lines and takes hikers through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country.
7. Half Dome Hike – Yosemite National Park, California
The Half Dome Hike in Yosemite National Park, California, is one of the most popular hikes in the park. The trail is an 8.5-mile round-trip that takes hikers to the top of Half Dome, requiring hikers to navigate steep stairs with steel cables bolted into the rock walls. Once at the top, hikers are rewarded with stunning views of Yosemite Valley.
8. Plain of Six Glaciers – Banff National Park, Canada
The Plain of Six Glaciers Trail in Banff National Park, Canada, is a 8-mile round-trip hike that takes hikers to an altitude of 7,000 feet through rugged terrain. The trail offers breathtaking views of mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, and alpine lakes.
9. The Wave – Arizona and Utah
The Wave Trail in Arizona and Utah is a 6.4-mile round trip hike that offers hikers an otherworldly experience. The trail has stunning rock formations that have been shaped by wind and water over time. It is a unique trail that requires a permit to hike.
10. Bright Angel Trail – Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
The Bright Angel Trail in Grand Canyon National Park is a moderate hike that offers hikers stunning views of the canyon. The trail is 9.6 miles round-trip and takes hikers down to the Colorado River, where they can enjoy a dip in the cool water.
FAQs:
Q. Which is the most challenging hiking trail?
A. The John Muir Trail is the most challenging hiking trail on this list as it covers 210 miles.
Q. Which trail offers the best views?
A. The Kalalau Trail in Kauai, Hawaii, offers some of the most scenic views you’ll ever see.
Q. How long does it take to complete the Half Dome Hike?
A. The Half Dome Hike in Yosemite National Park is an 8.5-mile round-trip and takes hikers around 8-12 hours to complete.
Q. Which trail requires a permit to hike?
A. The Wave Trail in Arizona and Utah requires a permit to hike.
Q. Which is the most popular hiking trail in the US?
A. The Appalachian Trail is the most well-known hiking trail in the US.
