Site Overlay

The Best Day Hikes In The United States

This is a great option for novice and intermediate hikers, as it offers a lot of scenery for not too much effort, while in the winter it is a great spot for those looking to learn more about hiking on snow. Near the trailhead are two beautiful lakes, while further up you will find a beautiful set of waterfalls that offer stunning views. Don’t just scratch the suface; explore state and national parks on foot, including multi-day hikes in the Grand Canyon and Rocky Mountains. Sky Pond is a popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. This hike has a little bit of everything…waterfalls, alpine lakes, high mountain views, and fun river and stream crossings. To get to Sky Pond, you will rock scramble up a waterfall, which can be refreshing when the weather is warm and downright cold in chilly conditions.

Unlike most hikes, however, you’ll get the best views beyond the summit. Passing into Connecticut, hikers come across the highest point in Connecticut at 2,380 feet on the south slopes of Mount Frissell–keep going! Return the way you came for excellent views of neighboring mountain domes to the north. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a thru-hiker, the Appalachian Trail in the Smokies is an unforgettable hike.

What national park has the most miles of trails?

This hike through Yosemite Valley is one of the most beautiful in America during spring when snow melt sends Nevada & Vernal Falls roaring above the park’s granite hills. This seven-mile journey takes hikers over, under and–at times–through two of the Sierra’s most monstrous waterfalls. The Mist Trail combines with the John Muir Trail for a 210-mile loop, giving day hikers a glimpse of what backpackers have to offer every day on its rocky steps. Its lower sections serve as a staging area to make the strenuous hike to Half Dome.

You can start your hike to Cascade Canyon from the Jenny Lake Trailhead and enjoy a 10-mile trek with about 1,110 feet of elevation gain. This is a strenuous hike in the Grand Tetons that you can also cut short by taking a boat ride across the lake and shaving off about 2.4 miles. This popular hiking spot offers views of Hidden Falls, which is 200 feet high.

With Windows 7, almost every outdoor photographer and traveler can now check the Wave off their list. But despite the destination’s relatively newfound popularity, the hike to reach it isn’t manicured or easy. Covering 6.5 miles round-trip with about 1,500 feet of elevation gain and loss, most hikers can expect to dedicate at least half a day to trekking to the Wave and back. The majority of visitors to the area visit Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park, which offer completely different experiences and landscapes. There are a few hikes that you can do outside of the national parks. These hikes offer a different kind of beauty and will not attract as many people.

hiking in the united states