Which is the longest hiking-only trail in the US?
Do you enjoy walking?
A trekker's paradise: Explore 10 amazing American trails
German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche once said: "All truly great thoughts are conceived by walking." And, while this might be a bit of a metaphorical statement, there is some practical truth to it, as any hiker can testify. With an almost infinite array of trails, America is filled with opportunities to wander through its natural parks and ponder about life or simply enjoy it. The following ten are but a small sample of these trails and we encourage you to look for one near your area and, if possible, maybe even go for a hike yourself!
Image: Holly Mandarich
Appalachian Trail, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Yes, the entire Appalachian Trail is extremely long. Actually, it is over 2,190 miles long. But, the Shenandoah National Park, 75 miles from Washington, D.C., has over 500 miles of hiking trails, including more than 100 miles of the Appalachian Trail; You can tackle a small section in a day’s hike.
The park is the perfect place to explore the great outdoors in Virginia and it consists of 200,000 acres of protected land that are home to animals like deer and songbirds.
Image: Wes Hicks
Burroughs Mountain Trail, Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
More than 260 miles of maintained trails lead visitors through peaceful old-growth forests, river valleys, and subalpine meadows on the Mount Rainier National Park in Washington state.
The park is home to one of the most iconic mountains in the world: Mount Rainier rises 14,410 feet above sea level straight into the clouds. Check out the Burroughs Mountain Trail for stunning views of mountain peaks and the alpine landscape.
Image: Scott Longerbeam
Rim Trail, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah is home to the largest collection of odd-shaped pillars of rock left standing from the forces of erosion, known as hoodoos. Many of them can be viewed from the 5.5-mile Rim Trail.
The park also offers hikes for all levels, including backcountry options for those looking for a little added adventure and guided Full Moon Hikes for night-owl explorers.
Image: Tim Golder
Upper Emerald Pools Trail, Zion National Park, Utah
A park filled with hiking trails for all experience levels, Zion National Park, Utah's first national park, is famous for its massive cream, pink, and red sandstone cliffs, and freestanding arches.
Hikers should attempt to visit at sunrise and sunset to enjoy the breathtaking views of sunlight splashing off the cliffs and into the rivers below. And if it is an approachable trail they’re looking for, the Upper Emerald Pools Trail is an easy hike leading to sparkling waterfalls.
Image: Jamie Hagan
Grinnell Glacier Trail, Glacier National Park, Montana
Over 700 miles of hiking trails, including more than a dozen options around the Many Glacier area, like the popular Grinnell Glacier Trail, can be found at the Glacier National Park.
Lucky visitors can spot some of the park's varied wildlife, including 71 species of mammals, from the tiny pygmy shrew to one of the largest remaining grizzly bear populations in the country.
Image: Aaron Clinard
Charlies Bunion Hike, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina
The Great Smoky Mountains are world-renowned for its animal and plant life diversity, as well as for its miles of official and backcountry trails with views of waterfalls and old-growth forests.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park spreads across two states and offers plenty of activities for hikers. For a particularly breathtaking vista, hike to Charlies Bunion, a popular outcropping along the Appalachian Trail.
Image: Leslie Cross
Billy Goat Trail, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Maryland
Considered a moderate-difficulty trail, Maryland's Billy Goat Trail has three sections totaling eight miles, though portions are strenuous and challenging. Outdoor enthusiasts can experience the raging Potomac River and the rocky crags of Great Falls. The hike is very popular, so early hours are advisable to beat the crowds.
Image: Eduardo Gutierrez
Chautauqua Trail, Chautauqua Park, Colorado
An old park, Chautauqua Park in Boulder, Colorado, has been around since 1898. The 80-acre park has miles of hiking, much of which are uphill. But there are less strenuous hikes, too, like the Chautauqua Trail, which offers views of the Flatiron mountains and Boulder.
Image: Leslie Cross
Canyon to Rim Loop, Smith Rock State Park, Oregon
Hikers of every level can find an appropriate trail at Smith Rock State Park, in Oregon. These vary in length and difficulty, but they all offer beautiful views of the Central Oregon landscape**.**
The park offers hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails, and visitors may spot golden eagles, prairie falcons, river otters, and beavers throughout the day.
Image: Alex Diaz
Petroglyph Wall Trail, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada
As visitors to the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area can testify, not all short-distance hikes are the same. Many are labeled difficult, and it can take four to five hours to complete a five-mile hike.
Along the different routes, desert wildlife can be spotted, including lizards, toads, and hawks. One of the park's most beginner-friendly hikes is the 0.2-mile Petroglyph Wall Trail, where centuries-old rock art can be appreciated.
Image: Kristin Melville
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