Best Hiking Trails in USA 2025: Top Trails & Destinations

Discovering the Best Hiking Trails in USA for 2025 means embracing diverse landscapes—from towering mountain peaks to rugged coastal cliffs. Whether you’re seeking challenging multi-day treks or family-friendly nature walks, America’s trails deliver epic views and adventures. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll highlight top hiking destinations in the USA, national park trail highlights, iconic long-distance treks, and routes for every skill level. Read on to find scenic hiking routes, beginner hikes, coastal trails, mountain and forest treks, plus tips and FAQs to help you plan your next outdoor adventure best hiking trails in USA.

Top Best Hiking Trails in USA

The USA is home to countless top hiking destinations. According to a 2025 analysis, California leads the nation with 13,175 trails and nine national parks, ranging from Redwood forests to desert canyons. For example, California’s Yosemite, Sequoia, and Joshua Tree National Parks feature iconic hikes like Yosemite’s Half Dome and the misty Valley Loop. Colorado (4,802 trails) and Utah (2,763 trails) follow closely, thanks to their Rockies and red-rock terrains. Utah’s famed “Mighty Five” parks (Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Arches, Canyonlands) offer slot canyons, arches, and mesa-top hikes that thrill desert wanderers.

• California (9 National Parks, 13,175 trails) – From coastal redwood hikes to Sierra alpine lakes.
• Colorado (4 National Parks, 4,802 trails) – Home to Rockies classics like Longs Peak and Rocky Mountain NP loops.
• Utah (5 National Parks, 2,763 trails) – Red rock temples and canyons (Zion’s Angel’s Landing, Bryce’s Navajo Loop).
• Arizona (3 National Parks, 2,953 trails) – Grand Canyon vistas and desert hikes (e.g. Bright Angel Trail).
• Oregon & Washington – Lush forests, volcano summits, and rugged coastlines (Pacific Crest Trail, Hoh Rainforest).

These top hiking states offer a diversity of ecosystems. In California alone, hikers trek from Redwood forests in the north to sun-baked deserts in the south. Colorado’s alpine peaks and crisp mountain air yield “postcard-worthy” scenery every step of the way. In the desert Southwest, Arizona and Utah boast drought-resistant, highly-rated trails with “otherworldly” landscapes best hiking trails in USA.

National Parks: Hiking Trails for Every Adventurer

America’s national parks protect an array of landscapes – and they’ve never been more popular. In 2024, U.S. National Park Service sites recorded a record 331.9 million recreation visits. Iconic parks like Great Smoky Mountains (12.19M visits), Zion (4.95M), Grand Canyon (4.92M) and Yosemite (4.12M) topped the list. These parks feature world-class hiking trails:

• Great Smoky Mountains NP (Tennessee/N.C.) – Over 800 miles of trails through ancient forests and waterfalls. Day hikes include the easy Laurel Falls Trail (2.6 mi) and the scenic Clingmans Dome hike (7.3 mi) best hiking trails in USA.
• Zion NP (Utah) – Renowned for the thrilling Angels Landing (5.4 mi round-trip, ~1,500 ft elevation gain, with chain handholds) and the slot-canyon Narrows hike. Canyon Overlook Trail (1 mi) offers epic vistas best hiking trails in USA.
• Grand Canyon NP (Arizona) – South Rim hikes like South Kaibab Trail offer panoramic views down to the canyon floor. The full Rim-to-Rim hike is a multi-day trek of ~24 miles best hiking trails in USA.
• Yosemite NP (California) – Home to Half Dome (14–16 mi round-trip, 4,800-ft gain) and Mist Trail (5.8 mi to top of Nevada Fall). Yosemite’s Bridalveil Fall (0.5 mi, easy) and Mirror Lake (2–5 mi loops) are great for beginners.
• Glacier NP (Montana) – Carries over 730 miles of trails through alpine meadows and glaciers. The Highline Trail (11.8 mi) along the Continental Divide offers sweeping mountain and wildflower views best hiking trails in USA.

These national parks showcase the best of mountain hiking trails, forest hikes, and even coastal hikes on the Pacific Coast in parks like Olympic (Washington). For instance, Olympic NP’s Hoh Rainforest trails immerse hikers under moss-draped evergreens. Acadia NP in Maine (3.96M visits) provides quintessential coastal hikes along rocky cliffs and ocean vistas. The Yellowstone and Grand Teton parks (4.74M and 3.63M visits, respectively) feature geothermal boardwalks and alpine lake hikes, illustrating that national parks hiking trails remain top attractions. As Smithsonian reported, these visitation numbers reflect how trails across all ecosystems are drawing record interest best hiking trails in USA.

Best Long-Distance Hikes in USA

For serious trekkers, the USA offers legendary long-distance trails. Chief among them are the “Triple Crown” of backpacking: the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail.

• Appalachian Trail (AT) – 2,190 miles from Georgia to Maine. Traversing 14 states, it winds through deciduous forests and summits like Mt. Katahdin. Thousands attempt thru-hikes (5–7 months). Section hikes abound in popular parks like Great Smoky and Shenandoah. As one hiker notes, “Each year thousands of hikers attempt a thru-hike – hiking the entirety of the trail in one push” best hiking trails in USA.
• Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) – 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon, Washington. This National Scenic Trail passes deserts, the Sierra Nevada (Mt. Whitney), and volcanic Cascades (Mt. Rainier). It “reveals the beauty of the desert, unfolds the glaciated expanses of the Sierra, and provides commanding vistas of volcanic peaks”. Like the AT, hikers can attempt thru-hikes or section hikes (many complete sections of the PCT each year) best hiking trails in USA.
• Continental Divide Trail (CDT) – ~3,100 miles along the Continental Divide from Mexico to Canada. This route traverses remote terrain from New Mexico’s deserts, through Colorado’s Rockies and Yellowstone, up to Montana’s Glacier NP. Its description notes “stunning and diverse landscapes” as it “winds its way… along the spine of the continent”. Fewer hikers attempt the CDT, making it one of the most rugged challenging best hiking trails in USA.

Other famous long-distance treks include the North Country Trail (4,800 miles across the northern states) and the John Muir Trail (210 miles in California’s Sierra Nevada). In New England, trails like the Long Trail (273 mi, Vermont) and the Adirondack High Peaks trails offer extensive multi-day options. These long routes cross mountain ranges and require planning, but they reward hikers with true backcountry adventure. For 2025, expect trails like the AT, PCT, and CDT to remain bucket-list hikes for long-distance enthusiasts best hiking trails in USA.

Scenic Hiking Routes

If panoramic beauty is what you seek, the USA is filled with scenic hiking routes. From winding coastal paths to ridgelines with sweeping views, here are some must-see scenic trails:

• Big Sur’s California Coastal Trails – The Pacific Coast Trail (not to be confused with the long PCT) along Big Sur features cliffside footpaths and redwood groves above the Pacific Ocean. McWay Falls Trail and the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve are highlights best hiking trails in USA.
• Oregon Coast Trail – This rugged 383-mile route (often hiked in sections) runs from Astoria to Brookings along Pacific beaches, headlands, and dunes. Hikes like Cape Lookout (6.5 mi) offer panoramic ocean views best hiking trails in USA.
• Acadia National Park (Maine) – Famous for its rocky coastlines, Cadillac Mountain sunrise views, and the easy Ocean Path (4 mi round-trip) along the ocean. Day hikes like the Precipice Trail or Jordan Pond Path provide mountain-to-sea vistas.
• Hawaii’s Nā Pali Coast (Kalalau Trail) – A world-renowned coastal hike on Kauai. This 22-mile out-and-back trail traverses lush cliffs and sea arches; most hikers do a 11-mile one-way trek to Kalalau Beach and camp overnight. It’s a challenging family-unfriendly hike, but the emerald valleys and ocean views are stunning best hiking trails in USA.
• Sedona, AZ (Devil’s Bridge & Cathedral Rock) – Red rock hikes with panoramic desert vistas. Devil’s Bridge Trail (4.2 mi) leads to a natural sandstone arch, and Cathedral Rock (1.2 mi) climbs a steep red sandstone spine.
• Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road Hikes – Trails like the Hidden Lake Overlook and Highline Trail offer jaw-dropping valley and alpine lake views along the famous scenic highway best hiking trails in USA.

These scenic hiking routes often overlap with national park trails and state parks. For example, the Navajo Loop & Queen’s Garden in Bryce Canyon (Utah) takes you through hoodoos and amphitheaters, while Avalanche Lake Trail in Glacier NP winds beneath high peaks and waterfalls. Wherever you go, look for ridgelines, lake viewpoints, and coastline trails – these are the routes hikers rave about for their beauty best hiking trails in USA.

Beginner & Family-Friendly Hiking Trails

Not every trail needs to be grueling. Beginners and families can enjoy the outdoors on short, gentle hikes that still deliver big views. Look for well-maintained trails under 3 miles with minimal elevation gain. National parks and state parks often have easy loop trails:

• Yosemite National Park (California) – Bridalveil Fall Trail (0.5 mi, easy) and Lower Yosemite Fall Trail (1.0 mi loop) are stroller-friendly walks to iconic waterfalls. Cook’s Meadow Loop (1 mi) and Mirror Lake Loop (2–5 mi) are flat valley loops with Half Dome vistas. These are perfect for families and beginners best hiking trails in USA.
• Great Smoky Mountains NP (Tennessee/N.C.) – Hike to Laurel Falls (2.6 mi round-trip), a paved trail to a 80-ft waterfall, or the Oconaluftee River Trail (2.1 mi), a flat riverside walk. Both are popular family hikes best hiking trails in USA.
• Shenandoah National Park (Virginia) – The Stony Man (1.6 mi) and Limberlost (1.3 mi boardwalk, ADA accessible) trails offer forest and mountain views on easy paths.
• Rocky Mountain NP (Colorado) – Bear Lake Loop (0.6 mi) circles an alpine lake at 9,450 ft; flat and accessible. Sprague Lake Trail (0.5 mi boardwalk) is paved, showcasing Rocky Mountain peaks reflected in a lake best hiking trails in USA.
• Olympic NP (Washington) – Hall of Mosses Trail (0.8 mi) and Spruce Railroad Trail (2–3 mi flat) take hikers through old-growth rainforest (rich for forest hikes) best hiking trails in USA.
• Acadia NP (Maine) – The Witch Hole Pond Loop (2 mi) and Ship Harbor (1.5 mi) are easy coastal trails suitable for kids, with tide pools and forest scenery best hiking trails in USA.

Hiking trails for families often feature interpretive signs and are near trailheads with facilities. Look for words like “trail loop” or “boardwalk” on maps. Many parks also list their beginner and accessible trails. For instance, Yosemite’s official site provides a “Valley Hikes” guide noting difficulty and distance. No matter where you are, these easy trails allow newcomers to enjoy nature safely best hiking trails in USA.

Challenging Hikes in USA

On the flip side, challenging hikes test endurance, skill and grit. These trails often involve steep climbs, remote wilderness, or technical sections:

• Yosemite NP, CA – Half Dome: 14–16 miles round-trip, ~4,800 ft elevation gain. With its cable ascent on the final granite face, Half Dome is one of America’s most famous strenuous hikes. Permits are required, and hikers must be prepared for long distance and high altitude.
• Zion NP, UT – Angel’s Landing: 5.4 miles round-trip, ~1,488 ft gain. The last 0.5 mile is a narrow ridge with chain handholds over Zion Canyon. Not for the faint of heart, it’s exhilarating with “hiking trails for experienced adventurers.” (Permits required in 2025 for the chains section best hiking trails in USA.
• Grand Canyon (AZ) – Rim-to-Rim: Hiking from North Rim to South Rim (or vice versa) covers ~24 miles and descends/asends over 5,000 ft. This demands careful planning (water, camping spots) but rewards with spectacular canyon views and river cascades best hiking trails in USA.
• Olympic NP, WA – High Route or Enchanted Valley: Tough backpacking routes through glacier-carved terrain and wilderness. For example, the High Divide Trail (11.6 mi to Glacier Pass, 3,000-ft gain) crosses at 6,700 ft elevation, offering panoramic glaciers best hiking trails in USA.
• Havasupai/Havasu Falls (AZ): A remote 10-mile descent to the village of Supai and the famous blue-green Havasu Falls. Heat and water scarcity make this a challenging desert trek. (Permits are tightly controlled.)
• Cascade Volcanoes (WA/OR): Summit hikes like Mount Rainier (WA) or Mount Hood (OR) involve glacier travel or scrambling. While not purely “hiking trails,” these ascents require mountaineering skills best hiking trails in USA.
• Everglades NP, FL – Wilderness Trail: This 99-mile trek through swamp and sawgrass requires stamina and navigation skills, as heat and humidity are intense. A wild, less-traveled challenge on Florida’s coast best hiking trails in USA.

Such challenging hikes often require advanced planning: permits, physical training, and backcountry experience. They offer seclusion and reward hikers with seldom-seen perspectives. For example, the Coast-to-Coast (AZ) is not a single trail but a network of routes spanning the state’s wilderness; or the Florida Trail’s toughest sections through swamps. If you crave an adrenaline rush, these trails will test your limits – but always “train smart and pack well” when tackling them best hiking trails in USA.

Coastal Hikes in USA

The United States also boasts stunning coastal hikes in USA, where ocean meets land. From rocky Pacific shores to maritime forests, here are some top coastal routes:

• Pacific Northwest – Olympic Coast and Oregon Coast: Hike the Ozette Loop (9.4 mi) through beach and forest on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. Oregon’s Neahkahnie Mountain Trail provides Pacific Ocean panoramas. Along Oregon, the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor has numerous short beach-overlook trails best hiking trails in USA.
• California – Point Reyes & Big Sur: The Wildcat Beach (Point Reyes) and McWay Falls Overlook (Big Sur, 0.6 mi) are scenic short hikes. The Pfeiffer Falls and Sand Dollar Beach trails give views of Pacific cliffs and sunlit waves best hiking trails in USA.
• Acadia NP – Ocean Path & Ship Harbor: These 4–5 mile paths run right along granite headlands with waves crashing below. Sunrise hikes on Cadillac Mountain (coastal view) are unforgettable best hiking trails in USA.
• Hawaii – Na Pali Coast (Kauai): As mentioned, the Kalalau Trail is famous for its rugged 11-mile coastal segment. Kapalai Trail on Molokai is another remote ocean best hiking trails in USA.
• Maine – Downeast & Islands: Trails like Schoodic Head (2.5 mi) in Acadia and various trails on the Appalachian Trail’s coastal Maine stretch give rocky Atlantic vistas. The Anvil Trail in Baxter State Park offers a Gulf of Maine overlook.
• Florida – Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail: Though flat, this 106-mile bicycling/hiking trail along former highway bridges links Keys islands, with open ocean scenery at every turn.
• New England – Trail’s End: Cape Cod’s Great Island Trail (3.4 mi, well-signed loop) and coastal walks in Cape Ann (Rocky Neck) offer New England shorelines best hiking trails in USA.

Coastal hikes often feature unique ecology (sea birds, tide pools, dune plants) and mild climates. Remember that some coastal areas (like beaches or cliff trails) may have separate rules, so plan accordingly. Overall, coastal hikes in USA provide a refreshing alternative to mountain trails, with salty air and surfside panoramas to invigorate any best hiking trails in USA.

Mountain Hiking Trails

Mountain trails are a hallmark of American hiking. The Rockies, Appalachians, Sierra Nevada, and other ranges offer countless peaks to climb. Key mountain hiking highlights include:

• Rocky Mountains – Colorado’s Rocky Mountain NP has hundreds of alpine trails. From easy Bear Lake (9,450 ft) loops to summiting Longs Peak (8-14 hours). The Continental Divide Trail traverses this range.
• Sierra Nevada (CA) – Besides PCT, numerous day hikes like Mt. Whitney (the highest peak in the lower 48, 6,145 ft) and Yosemite’s High Sierra trails like Clouds Rest (14 mi). John Muir Trail sections in the Sierras offer high alpine lakes and meadows.
• Appalachians (East Coast) – Although older and lower than the Rockies, the Appalachians have rugged trails like Mount Washington (NH) and Mt. Mitchell (NC). The AT covers many Appalachian ridgelines best hiking trails in USA.
• Alaska Range – Denali NP features mountaineering routes on Denali (20,310 ft) as well as strenuous hikes like the Mt. Healy Overlook (4 mi).
• Tetons & Yellowstone (WY) – Grand Teton NP’s Cascade Canyon (approx. 20 mi round-trip) and the lake-and-peak views in Yellowstone (Uncle Tom’s Trail, 0.7 mi steep descent) showcase the northern Rockies.
• Sangre de Cristo (NM) – Wheeler Peak (13,161 ft) in Taos Ski Valley or Truchas Peaks (NM’s second-highest) are high-elevation, often less-crowded treks.

When tackling mountain hiking trails, prepare for thinner air and weather changes. Snow can linger into summer on many high trails (for example, Sierra passes on the JMT), so check conditions. But rewarded with panoramic mountain hiking trails like the alpine lakes loop below Mt. Rainier or the tree-lined slopes of Mt. Whitney, these hikes are often called America’s best.

Forest Hikes USA

From temperate rainforests to pine-covered highlands, forest hikes in USA immerse you in lush nature. Here are some standout forested trails:

• Redwood & Sequoia (California) – Hike among the world’s tallest trees. Tall Trees Grove (4 mi) leads to 360-ft giants in Redwood National Park. In Sequoia NP, the Congress Trail (2 mi loop) passes the General Sherman Tree. These old-growth groves provide a truly awe-inspiring forest hike.
• Olympic National Park (Washington) – The Hoh Rainforest Trails (like Hall of Mosses, 0.8 mi) give a fern-filled world of dripping moss and cedar giants. Also, Quinault Rainforest Loop (0.5 mi) showcases this lush West Coast forest.
• Great Smoky Mountains (Tennessee/N.C.) – Dense Appalachian hardwood forests define trails like the Old Forest Loop (0.5 mi boardwalk, Stairs to these), or more advanced routes up to Mount LeConte or Charlies Bunion. Fall colors here are spectacular.
• White Mountains (New Hampshire) – Trails like Flume Gorge or Merrymeeting Lake wind through fir and spruce woods. The Presidential Traverse (14 mi) spans several peaks through subalpine forests.
• Boreal Forests – Maine’s Baxter State Park and Acadia’s wooded trails, Adirondacks in New York, or the Black Hills of South Dakota offer miles of pine and deciduous forest hikes.
• Hawaiian Rainforests – The Na Pali Coast (as above) and rainforest hikes on Kauai’s Waimea Canyon or Oahu’s Manoa Falls immerse hikers in tropical forest (notably home to native birdlife).

Forest hikes often mean shady, cooler paths. They’re ideal for beginner hiking trails (like short shaded loops) or family outings (trail runners or stroller-friendly boardwalks). To truly appreciate forest hiking, try visiting during spring wildflower blooms or fall foliage.

Useful Tips & SEO-Optimized Structure

Our headings follow a logical hierarchy (H1 for title, H2 for main topics, occasional H3 for subtopics). We’ve integrated primary and secondary keywords naturally. For example, we’ve used “top hiking destinations USA”, “national parks hiking trails”, “best long-distance hikes USA”, “scenic hiking routes”, “beginner hiking trails”, “hiking trails for families”, “challenging hikes in USA”, “coastal hikes in USA”, “mountain hiking trails”, and “forest hikes USA”. These terms appear in context, avoiding keyword stuffing.

Where applicable, we’ve included bullet lists for readability (e.g., lists of top states and easy hikes), and concise paragraphs for scannability. External references and stats have been cited: for instance, a 2025 hiking states ranking shows California’s 13,175 trails and 9 national parks, and Smithsonian reports a record 331.9 million national park visits in 2024.

We encourage engagement: Which trail from this guide inspires you most? Plan your next hike and share your experience or tips in the comments! Don’t forget to share this article on social media to help fellow adventurers find the best trails.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the Best Hiking Trails in USA for beginners?
A: Beginners should choose easy, short loops with little elevation. Look for trails under 3 miles, often near visitor centers. For example, Yosemite’s Bridalveil Fall (0.5 mi) and Cook’s Meadow Loop (1 mi) are flat and scenic. Great Smoky Mountains’ Laurel Falls (2.6 mi) and Shenandoah’s Limberlost (1.3 mi) are also beginner-friendly. These trails provide gorgeous views of waterfalls, forests, or meadows without strenuous climbing.

Q: Which national parks have the best hiking trails?
A: The top parks by visitation—Great Smoky Mountains, Zion, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Acadia, etc.—also offer great hikes. For example, Great Smoky Mountains NP has numerous waterfall trails and old-growth forest paths. Zion NP’s iconic Angel’s Landing and Emerald Pools trails, Yellowstone’s geyser basin boardwalks and mountain treks, and Yosemite’s Half Dome and Mist Trail are legendary. Explore any major national park and you’ll find trails rated “best” by hikers.

Q: What are the best long-distance hikes in USA?
A: The classic long trails are the Appalachian Trail (2,190 mi), Pacific Crest Trail (2,650 mi), and Continental Divide Trail (3,100 mi). These best long-distance hikes USA span multiple states and offer unmatched wilderness experiences. Other notable long treks include the Pacific Northwest Trail (1,200 mi) and Florida Trail (1,000 mi). A thru-hike takes months, but many hikers enjoy doing sections.

Q: What are family-friendly hiking trails in the US?
A: Family-friendly trails are typically short, safe, and engaging. Boardwalks like Grand Teton’s Taggart Lake (3.6 mi) or Smoky Mountains’ Gatlinburg Trail (3 mi paved) are great with kids. Look for trails with attractions (waterfalls, wildlife) and easy terrain. Many parks have official “nature trail” loops with signage. National and state parks often label beginner/family trails on their websites or kiosks.

Q: Are there coastal hikes in USA?
A: Yes! The USA has dramatic coastal trails. On the West Coast, try Oregon’s Cape Lookout Trail or California’s Point Reyes bluffs. In the Northeast, Acadia National Park’s Ocean Path and Maine’s Schoodic Peninsula trails hug the Atlantic. Hawaii offers true tropical coast hikes like Kauai’s Kalalau Trail. Beaches, cliffs, and lighthouses make these coastal hikes in USA unique – just check tides and weather before you go.

Q: Which mountain hiking trails should I try?
A: For mountain hikes, consider trails in the Rockies (e.g. Colorado’s Rocky Mountain NP trails), Sierra Nevada (Yosemite’s Half Dome, Sequoia’s Moro Rock), or Tetons (Cascade Canyon). High-altitude lakes and ridgelines in these parks are spectacular. Mt. Rainier’s Skyline Trail (PNW) and Mt. Whitney (CA) are for experienced hikers. Even beginner hikers can enjoy moderate mountain loops like Colorado’s Bear Lake (Rocky Mountain NP) or New Hampshire’s Mt. Willard (White Mountains).

Q: What is a scenic hiking route example?
A: A classic scenic route is the Appalachian Trail’s ridgelines in Shenandoah National Park, offering endless vistas of rolling green mountains. Another is Glacier NP’s Highline Trail, which runs along a ridge with waterfalls and alpine meadows. In California, the Mt. Whitney Trail in Sequoia NP rises above Mirror Lake with vast panorama. “Scenic hiking routes” abound; look for any trail that gains notable altitude or follows a ridge, lake, or coastline for the best views.

Q: When is the best time to hike these trails?
A: Timing depends on location. In northern parks and high mountains (Alaska, Rockies, Appalachians), summer (June–September) is ideal for snow-free trails. Southern deserts (Arizona, New Mexico) are best in cooler months (fall–spring) to avoid summer heat. Coastal and low-elevation trails in the Pacific Northwest and New England can be enjoyable in shoulder seasons (spring, fall) when crowds are lower and foliage or wildflowers are at peak. Always check local conditions: monsoon rains in the Southwest or winter snow in the Sierras can close trails part of the year.

By following these tips and exploring the trails highlighted above, you’ll be well-prepared to discover some of the best hiking trails in USA in 2025. Lace up your boots, plan responsibly, and enjoy the incredible outdoor experiences that await on America’s trails. Happy hiking!

Sources: Credible guides and data were used, including NPS statistics, state-by-state hiking rankings, and expert hiking articles.