Take a Hike: 10 of America’s Greatest Treks

Last Updated on February 19, 2023 by Nikki Jain

When it comes to getting close to nature, enjoying the great outdoors, and taking in both fresh air and natural beauty, there is nothing quite like hiking. Despite the various modes of transport we use today, walking is still the most effective if you want to make sure you don’t miss out on the beauty and wonders that surround us.

In America there are some fabulous treks and walking trails to be enjoyed by those with a sense of adventure and plenty of stamina, so take a hike and explore some of the best treks across the United States.

Best Hikes in the USA

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1: John Muir Trail, Yosemite National Park, California

John Muir Trail, Yosemite National Park, California
Flickr/Russell Toris
Running through the Sierra Nevada Range, this is not a trail for the faint hearted. This particular trail runs for over two hundred miles and begins at the national park, ending at the highest point in the continental USA – Mount Whitney. When you brave this trail you will be rewarded with some of the most amazing scenery you could feast your eyes on, from cascading waterfalls to towering granite cliffs.

Address: John Muir Trail, Lakeshore, CA 93634

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Also Read: Top 10 Things to Do in Yosemite National Park


2: Arches National Park, Moab, Utah

Arches National Park, Moab, Utah
If you like the thought of hiking in the desert then the Arches National Park trail could be the perfect choice for you. With its red rock landscape and stunning arches formed from sandstone, you will feel as though you have stepped onto another planet. You can enjoy trails to suit all levels at this national park including the seven mile Devil’s Garden Trail, which is ideal for the more experienced and is the longest one at Arches.

Address: Arches National Park, Moab, UT 84532

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Also Read: Best Things to do and Tips for Visiting Arches National Park


3: Pisgah National Forest, Brevard, North Carolina

Pisgah National Forest, Brevard, North Carolina
Flickr/Jeff Gunn
Known as the Land of Waterfalls, this trek offers a real treat for those who want to enjoy unadulterated national beauty in addition to the chance to explore. With hundreds of miles of walking trails to choose from you will be able to find the perfect option for you with ease. No matter which one you take, you can rest assured that you will be surrounded by stunning natural beauty and some breathtaking views.

Address: 1600 Pisgah Hwy, Nebo, NC 28761

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4: Appalachian Trail, East Coast

Appalachian Trail, East Coast
Flickr/stannate
This unique trail encompasses around 2,200 miles but because new trails are added from time to time the actual length can vary. The trail passes through a number of different states, which means that you are in for a diverse and exciting treat when it comes to your surroundings. Some of the states that it passes through include Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, and Maine amongst others. You can pick up the trail from whichever state it passes through.

Address: Appalachian Trail, Markham, VA 22643

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5: Glacier National Park, Montana

Glacier National Park, Montana
Flickr/Troy Smith
With over seven hundred miles of marked trails, this is the perfect place for those who are serious about hiking. There is plenty to explore and some stunning scenery to take in, making this a very satisfying hiking trek. The park once had one hundred and fifty glaciers but this has been reduced to fewer than thirty due to changes in climate. It is thought that even these may have gone by 2020 so it is well worth heading out there sooner rather than later if you want to enjoy feasting your eyes on the glaciers that the park has become so famous for.

Address: West Glacier, MT

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6: Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee & North Carolina

Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee & North Carolina
Flickr/Phil Horton
A great year-round hiking destination, this is a trek that provides you with breathtaking views and scenery. Waterfalls and wildlife, forests and wildlife, and an abundance of natural beauty are all things that you can look forward to when you opt for this particular trek. There is plenty of choice available with regards to trail selection, with more than eight hundred miles of trails to choose from when you head to the Great Smoky Mountains.

Address: Gatlinburg, TN 37738

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Also Read: Top 10 Things To Do In Great Smoky Mountains National Park


7: Columbia River Gorge, Washington & Oregon

Columbia River Gorge, Washington & Oregon
Flickr/SMcD22
If you are looking for spectacular scenery including cascading waterfalls and the second largest river in America, you will be delighted with this particular trek. You will enjoy stunning surroundings as you take on this trek and there are many different trails that you can choose from including Dog Mountain, Angel’s Rest, and Mount Defiance. This is a canyon that spans eighty miles and those who love to explore by foot will be able to look forward to an unforgettable experience.

Address: Cascade Locks, OR 97014

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8: Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
For those who want to take in some of the most amazing views on Earth, you need to head to the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. This is a spectacular trek that will bring you face to face with the most breathtaking views you can imagine. It is not one for those will little stamina, as it is a round trip trek and you therefore need to be well prepared. Despite this being a hugely challenging trek it is one that should not be missed if you feel you are fit enough to handle it.

Address: Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

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Also Read: Top 10 Things To Do In The Grand Canyon National Park


9: West Maroon Creek Trail, Colorado

West Maroon Creek Trail, Colorado
Flickr/Abhijit Kamerkar
This is a ten mile trek but the altitude and terrain do make it something of a challenge. However, it is well worth the effort, as you will benefit from beautiful scenery including the stunning glacial valley that the route follows. This trail is particularly beautiful during the summer in around July, as you can take in a wonderful array of colors from the wildflowers in Colorado.

Address: Aspen, CO

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10: Harding Icefield Trail, Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska

Harding Icefield Trail, Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
Flickr/Salil Wadhavkar
If you want to feel as though you have stepped through the wardrobe and come out in Narnia, this is a trail you should definitely try. In stark contrast to the lush greenery and woodland of other hikes, this one offers stunning snow and ice surroundings. This is a steep four mile trail that brings you out at a spot where you can take in the breathtaking Harding Icefield, which spans over three hundred square miles and is a real sight to behold.

Address: Seward, AK 99664

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