Hiking in the USA: A Trekker’s Guide to 15 Most Epic Trails

The United States is a hiker’s paradise, with an incredible diversity of landscapes just waiting to be explored on foot. From the rugged peaks of the Rockies to the lush forests of the Appalachians, hiking in the USA offers something for every type of adventurer.

Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or a casual day hiker, these 15 best hiking trails in the USA will inspire your next outdoor escape. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through some of the most famous hiking spots in the USA, providing essential details like trail difficulty, distance, location, and key tips to help you plan your trek.

15 Best Hiking Places in the USA

The United States is home to an astounding array of the best hiking trails in the USA. From the well-trodden paths of national parks to lesser-known hidden gems, there’s a trail out there for every skill level and interest.

Here are 15 of the top hiking trails in the USA that should be on every outdoor enthusiast’s bucket list.

1. Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail is perhaps the most iconic of all the long-distance hiking trails in the USA. Stretching over 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine, this epic trail traverses 14 states and takes hikers through some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in the eastern United States.

• Difficulty: Strenuous

• Distance: 2,190 miles (3,524 km)

• Location:Runs through Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine

• Cost:Free to hike, but approx. budget Rs. 3-4 lakhs associated with gear, food, and accommodations for thru-hikers

• Great for: Dedicated long-distance hikers

• Coordinates: Varies along the trail

• Key Tips:

  • Plan for 5-7 months for a thru-hike

  • Prepare for varying weather conditions

  • Consider the physical demands of the trail and train accordingly

2. Pacific Crest Trail

The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) runs 2,650 miles (4,265 km) from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon, and Washington. It’s one of the most iconic hiking trails in the USA, traversing deserts, forests, and high mountain passes.

• Difficulty: Strenuous

• Distance: 2,650 miles (4,265 km)

• Location:Runs through California, Oregon, and Washington

• Cost: Free, but budget Rs. 4-5 lakhs for a thru-hike

• Great for: Experienced long-distance hikers

• Coordinates: Varies along the trail

• Key Tips:

  • Requires significant planning, permits, and physical conditioning.

  • Be prepared for snow, desert heat, and remote wilderness.

3. Continental Divide Trail

Running 3,100 miles (4,989 km) from Mexico to Canada along the spine of the Rocky Mountains, the rugged Continental Divide Trail (CDT) is the most remote of America’s Triple Crown hikes.

• Difficulty: Extremely strenuous

• Distance: 3,100 miles (4,989 km)

• Location:Runs through New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana

• Cost: Free, but budget Rs. 4-5 lakhs for a thru-hike

• Great for: Very experienced long-distance hikers

• Coordinates: Varies along the trail

• Key Tips:

  • The trail is only 70% complete, so route-finding skills are essential.

  • Expect high elevations and varied weather conditions.

4. Arizona Trail

The Arizona Trail is a lesser-known but equally impressive addition to the list of best hiking trails in the USA. This 800-mile trail traverses the state of Arizona from Mexico to Utah, showcasing the state’s diverse desert ecosystems and stunning landscapes.

• Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous

• Distance: 800 miles (1,287 km)

• Location:Runs from the U.S.-Mexico border to the Arizona-Utah border

• Cost: Free, but budget Rs. 1-2 lakhs for a thru-hike

• Great for: Hikers who love desert scenery

• Coordinates: Varies along the trail

• Key Tips:

  • Water sources are scarce, so plan accordingly.

  • Be prepared for extreme temperatures and challenging terrain.

  • Watch for rattlesnakes

5. Colorado Trail

The Colorado Trail is a 500-mile trail that winds through the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, offering hikers stunning views of snow-capped peaks, wildflower-filled meadows, and crystal-clear alpine lakes. This trail is a favorite among hiking enthusiasts in the USA.

• Difficulty: Strenuous

• Distance: 486 miles (782 km)

• Location:Runs from Denver to Durango, Colorado

• Cost: Free, but budget Rs. 1-1.5 lakhs for a thru-hike

• Great for: Hikers comfortable at high altitudes

• Coordinates: Varies along the trail

• Key Tips:

  • Acclimatize to the altitude before starting.

  • Be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms and bring appropriate gear.

6. John Muir Trail

Named after the famed naturalist, the 211-mile (340 km) John Muir Trail runs through California’s stunning Sierra Nevada mountains, coinciding with part of the Pacific Crest Trail.

• Difficulty: Strenuous

• Distance: 211 miles (340 km)

• Location:Runs through Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks in California

• Cost: Permit required; budget Rs. 50-80k for a thru-hike

• Great for: Backpackers seeking High Sierra scenery

• Coordinates: Varies along the trail

• Key Tips:

  • Obtain a permit well in advance, as they are highly competitive.

  • Be prepared for high elevations and challenging terrain.

7. Wonderland Trail

The Wonderland Trail is a 93-mile loop trail that encircles Mount Rainier in Washington state. This trail offers hikers incredible views of the mountain’s glaciers, wildflower meadows, and old-growth forests, making it one of the top hiking spots in the USA.

• Difficulty: Strenuous

• Distance: 93 miles (150 km)

• Location: Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

• Cost: Permit required; budget Rs. 30-50k

• Great for: Hikers who love alpine scenery

• Coordinates: 46.7846° N, 121.7243° W

• Key Tips:

  • Reserve permits in advance.

  • Be prepared for varied weather conditions and elevation changes.

8. Superior Hiking Trail

Tracing Lake Superior’s North Shore for 310 miles (499 km), this Minnesota trail offers a wilderness experience complete with waterfalls, rocky overlooks, and maple forests.

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Distance: 310 miles (499 km)

• Location:Runs along the north shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota

• Cost: Free, but budget Rs. 50-80k for a thru-hike

• Great for: Midwest hikers seeking a long-distance challenge

• Coordinates: Varies along the trail

• Key Tips:

  • Best hiked in late spring, summer, or early fall.

  • Be prepared for mosquitoes and variable weather conditions.

  • Watch for moose and enjoy the trail’s brewpubs.

9. Art Loeb Trail

Named for a local hiking legend, this 30-mile (48 km) trail in North Carolina’s Pisgah National Forest packs a punch with 10,000 feet (3,048 m) of elevation change.

• Difficulty: Strenuous

• Distance: 30 miles (48 km)

• Location:Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina

• Cost: Free, but budget Rs. 10-15k

• Great for:Experienced hikers seeking a challenging and scenic trail in the Blue Ridge Mountains

• Coordinates: Varies along the trail

• Key Tips:

  • Expect steep climbs and rocky terrain.

  • Be prepared for changing weather conditions.

  • Enjoy the rhododendron blooms.

10. Devils Garden Trail

The Devils Garden Trail is a 7.2-mile trail located in Arches National Park in Utah. This trail takes hikers through a stunning landscape of red rock formations, including the famous Landscape Arch, the longest natural arch in North America. It’s a must-do for anyone interested in hiking in the USA.

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Distance: 7.2 miles (11.6 km)

• Location: Arches National Park, Utah

• Cost: Park entrance fee; budget Rs. 2-3k

• Great for:Hikers of all levels seeking to see multiple arches and unique rock formations

• Coordinates: 38.7834° N, 109.5983° W

• Key Tips:

  • Bring plenty of water, especially in summer.

  • Hike early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat

11. Teton Crest Trail

Winding 40 miles (64 km) through Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park, this trail offers the Greatest Hits of Teton scenery, from serrated peaks to wildflower-strewn meadows.

• Difficulty: Strenuous

• Distance: 40 miles (64 km)

• Location: Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

• Cost:Permits required for overnight camping; budget Rs. 20-30k

• Great for:Experienced backpackers seeking stunning alpine scenery and challenging terrain

• Coordinates: Varies along the trail

• Key Tips:

  • Obtain permits in advance due to high demand.

  • Be prepared for high elevation, variable weather, and potential wildlife encounters.

  • Enjoy the pristine alpine lakes.

12. Kalalau Trail

The Kalalau Trail is an 11-mile trail that runs along the Na Pali Coast of Kauai in Hawaii. This trail offers hikers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, as well as the opportunity to explore lush valleys, waterfalls, and secluded beaches.

• Difficulty: Strenuous

• Distance: 22 miles (35 km) round-trip

• Location: Kauai, Hawaii

• Cost: Permit required; budget Rs. 10-15k

• Great for: Adventurous hikers who can handle steep, slippery terrain

• Coordinates: 22.2117° N, 159.6264° W

• Key Tips:

  • Book permits well in advance.

  • Be prepared for steep and slippery sections, stream crossings, and remote conditions.

13. Angels Landing Trail

One of Zion National Park’s most famous hikes, the 5-mile (8 km) round-trip Angels Landing Trail culminates in a dizzying 1,500-foot (457 m) climb up a narrow rock fin.

• Difficulty: Strenuous

• Distance: 5 miles (8 km) round-trip

• Location: Zion National Park, Utah

• Cost: Permit required; budget Rs. 5-8k

• Great for: Thrill-seeking hikers with a head for heights

• Coordinates: 37.2977° N, 112.9473° W

• Key Tips:

  • Apply for the permit lottery well in advance.

  • Be prepared for steep drops, narrow sections, and exposed conditions.

  • Wear sturdy shoes and don’t look down!

14. Great Smoky Mountains

The most visited national park in the US, Great Smoky Mountains National Park boasts over 800 miles (1,287 km) of hiking trails, from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks.

• Difficulty: Easy to strenuous

• Distance: Varies by trail

• Location:Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee

• Cost: Free, but budget varies by activity

• Great for: Hikers looking for diverse trails through forests, waterfalls, and mountain vistas

• Coordinates: Varies by trail

• Key Tips:

  • Check weather conditions and trail closures before heading out, and be aware of wildlife, including bears.

  • Visit in spring for wildflowers and enjoy the fall colors.

15. Foothills Trail

The Foothills Trail is a 76-mile trail that runs along the border of South Carolina and North Carolina. This trail offers hikers the opportunity to explore the scenic Blue Ridge Escarpment, with its diverse hardwood forests, cascading waterfalls, and stunning mountain views.

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Distance: 76 miles (122 km)

• Location:Runs from Table Rock State Park in South Carolina to Oconee State Park in South Carolina

• Cost: Free, but budget Rs. 30-50k for a thru-hike

• Great for: Hikers seeking a less-traveled long-distance trail

• Coordinates: Varies along the trail

• Key Tips:

  • Prepare for elevation changes and varied weather conditions.

  • Carry sufficient water.

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FAQs

What are the different types of hiking trails in the USA?

The USA offers a wide variety of hiking trails, including:

• Long-distance trails like the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail

• Day hikes in national parks and forests

• Loop trails that start and end at the same point

• Out-and-back trails to a particular destination like a waterfall or summit

• Urban trails and greenways in cities

What is the best time for hiking in the USA?

The best time for hiking in the USA varies by region and elevation. Spring and fall offer mild weather and fewer crowds, summer is ideal for high-elevation trails, winter suits desert hikes or snowshoeing, and shoulder seasons balance weather and crowds.

What is the longest trail in the USA?

The longest hiking trail in the USA is the North Country Trail, which runs 4,800 miles (7,725 km) from North Dakota to Vermont. However, only portions of it are complete. The longest completed trail is the Continental Divide Trail at 3,100 miles (4,989 km).

Which trail has the most elevation gain in the USA?

The Appalachian Trail has the most overall elevation gain at around 464,500 feet (141,500 m), but the Continental Divide Trail has a higher average elevation at 10,000+ feet (3,000+ m). The John Muir Trail packs around 47,000 feet (14,000 m) of gain into just 211 miles (340 km).

What is the most popular and difficult trail in the USA?

The Appalachian Trail is the most popular long-distance trail in the USA. The toughest thru-hikes include the Continental Divide Trail for its remote terrain, the Pacific Crest Trail for its length and challenges, and the Kalalau Trail for its steep, slippery sections.

Are there camping trails available in the USA?

Yes, many hiking trails in the USA offer designated campsites or allow backcountry camping. Popular backpacking trails include the John Muir Trail, Teton Crest Trail, Wonderland Trail, and Art Loeb Trail, along with many options in national forests and wilderness areas.

Are there running trails available in the USA?

Yes, trail running is popular in the USA, with many hiking trails also serving as running routes. Favorites include the Superior Hiking Trail, Foothills Trail, parts of the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails, and numerous trails in parks and forests.

Are there biking trails available in the USA?

Yes, the USA offers an extensive network of biking trails, ranging from easy rail trails to challenging mountain routes. Notable trails include the Slickrock Trail, McKenzie River Trail, Kingdom Trails, and Virginia Creeper Trail. These trails complement the outdoor experience of hiking in the USA.