The United States is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world, offering an incredible variety of hiking trails that cater to all types of outdoor enthusiasts. From mountain peaks to desert canyons, lush forests to coastal views, the country’s hiking trails offer unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a casual hiker, exploring these trails can leave you awestruck by the natural beauty of the U.S.
In this guide, we’ll explore The 15 Most Scenic Hikes in America, detailing what makes each one special and worth the journey.
1. The Appalachian Trail, Eastern U.S.
Length: 2,190 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Highlights: Panoramic mountain views, dense forests, and rich wildlife
Stretching over 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine, the Appalachian Trail is one of the most iconic hiking routes in the United States. It’s the longest continuous footpath in the world, offering hikers a chance to experience the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. This trail is characterized by thick forests, stunning mountain vistas, and a sense of solitude that’s hard to find elsewhere.
The trail passes through 14 states and provides hikers with diverse scenery. From the rolling hills of Virginia to the rugged terrain of New Hampshire and Maine, the Appalachian Trail is a true test of endurance and beauty.
2. The Narrows, Zion National Park, Utah
Length: 16 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Highlights: Stunning canyon walls, the Virgin River, unique rock formations
The Narrows hike in Zion National Park is unlike any other in the U.S. This trail takes you through the Virgin River, with towering canyon walls rising above you on both sides. As you wade through the river, you’ll encounter incredible rock formations and narrow passages that feel otherworldly.
The full Narrows hike is 16 miles, but many visitors opt for a shorter out-and-back version. Regardless of how far you go, the experience of walking through water while surrounded by towering red rock cliffs is unforgettable.
3. Half Dome, Yosemite National Park, California
Length: 14-16 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous
Highlights: Panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, granite cliffs, challenging ascent
Yosemite National Park is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, and the Half Dome hike is the pinnacle of this beauty. The 16-mile round trip takes you from the valley floor to the top of the iconic Half Dome rock formation, offering sweeping views of the entire park.
The final section of the hike requires the use of steel cables to ascend the steep granite face of Half Dome. It’s a challenging hike, but the reward at the summit is a panoramic view of Yosemite’s waterfalls, valleys, and forests.
4. Kalalau Trail, Na Pali Coast, Kauai, Hawaii
Length: 22 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous
Highlights: Lush tropical scenery, dramatic sea cliffs, secluded beaches
Hawaii’s Kalalau Trail on the Na Pali Coast is often regarded as one of the most beautiful coastal hikes in the world. This trail takes you along towering sea cliffs, through lush rainforests, and to pristine beaches only accessible by foot.
The entire hike is 22 miles round trip, with stunning ocean views and vibrant green landscapes along the way. The remote nature of the Kalalau Trail, coupled with the rugged terrain, makes it a challenging hike, but the secluded beaches and natural beauty are well worth the effort.
5. Angels Landing, Zion National Park, Utah
Length: 5.4 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous
Highlights: Panoramic views of Zion Canyon, steep drop-offs, thrilling ridgeline
Angels Landing is another iconic hike in Zion National Park, famous for its narrow ridgeline and heart-pounding drop-offs. The trail begins with a steady climb up the West Rim Trail before reaching the final section—a narrow spine of rock with steep drop-offs on both sides.
While not for the faint of heart, Angels Landing offers unbeatable views of Zion Canyon. The combination of the adrenaline-inducing ascent and the breathtaking scenery make this one of the most memorable hikes in the U.S.
6. Mount Katahdin, Baxter State Park, Maine
Length: 10.4 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous
Highlights: Panoramic mountain views, alpine terrain, the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail
Mount Katahdin is the highest peak in Maine and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. The 10.4-mile hike to the summit is challenging, with rugged terrain and steep sections, but the 360-degree views from the top are extraordinary.
Hikers are treated to a mix of alpine meadows, rocky ridges, and panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. For those looking for a true mountain adventure, Mount Katahdin is a must-hike.
7. Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Length: 12 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Highlights: Grand Canyon views, ancient rock formations, steep switchbacks
Bright Angel Trail is the most popular route into the Grand Canyon, offering hikers a descent into one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world. The trail winds down steep switchbacks, providing ever-changing views of the canyon’s colorful rock layers and vast expanse.
The full hike to the Colorado River and back is 12 miles, but many hikers choose to go partway, as even a shorter version offers incredible views. The sense of scale in the Grand Canyon is unparalleled, and hiking down into its depths is an unforgettable experience.
8. The Wonderland Trail, Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Length: 93 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous
Highlights: Glaciers, wildflower meadows, forested valleys
Circling the base of Mount Rainier, the Wonderland Trail is a challenging and incredibly scenic loop that showcases the diverse ecosystems of this iconic national park. The 93-mile trail offers a mix of alpine meadows, old-growth forests, and glacier-fed rivers, with constant views of Mount Rainier towering above.
This hike is best done over several days, with backcountry camping along the way. The Wonderland Trail provides a comprehensive experience of Mount Rainier’s natural beauty, from its rugged glaciers to its lush valleys.
9. The Highline Trail, Glacier National Park, Montana
Length: 11.8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Alpine meadows, wildlife, panoramic mountain views
The Highline Trail in Glacier National Park is a favorite among hikers for its stunning views and relatively moderate difficulty. The trail takes you along a high ridge, with expansive views of the park’s jagged peaks and lush valleys below.
Hikers often spot wildlife such as mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and even bears along the trail. The Highline Trail offers a quintessential Glacier National Park experience, with breathtaking scenery at every turn.
10. The Enchantments, Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Washington
Length: 18 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous
Highlights: Alpine lakes, jagged peaks, vibrant fall colors
The Enchantments is a stunning hike in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness of Washington, known for its crystal-clear lakes, jagged granite peaks, and vibrant autumn foliage. The full hike is 18 miles and includes a challenging climb over Aasgard Pass.
What makes the Enchantments so special is the otherworldly beauty of its alpine lakes and meadows. In the fall, the larch trees turn a brilliant golden color, creating a landscape that feels almost magical.
11. Rim Trail, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Length: 11 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Hoodoos, panoramic canyon views, colorful rock formations
Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its unique hoodoo rock formations, and the Rim Trail offers some of the best views of these natural wonders. The trail follows the edge of Bryce Canyon, providing panoramic views of the hoodoo-filled amphitheaters below.
The ever-changing colors of the rock formations, from red to orange to pink, make this hike visually stunning. The Rim Trail is a moderate hike, making it accessible to a wide range of hikers.
12. Mist Trail, Yosemite National Park, California
Length: 7 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Waterfalls, granite cliffs, lush forests
The Mist Trail in Yosemite National Park is a favorite among visitors for its close-up views of two of the park’s most famous waterfalls—Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall. The trail ascends alongside the Merced River, with mist from the waterfalls creating a refreshing and immersive hiking experience.
The combination of the powerful waterfalls, towering granite cliffs, and lush forests makes the Mist Trail a must-do hike for anyone visiting Yosemite.
13. Harding Icefield Trail, Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
Length: 8.2 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous
Highlights: Glaciers, alpine tundra, expansive icefield views
The Harding Icefield Trail in Kenai Fjords National Park offers a rare opportunity to hike alongside a massive glacier and gaze out over an icefield that stretches for miles. The trail is strenuous, with a steep climb through forests and alpine tundra, but the views of the icefield are truly awe-inspiring.
As you ascend, you’ll be rewarded with stunning vistas of glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and the vast expanse of the Harding Icefield. This hike provides a unique and unforgettable Alaskan wilderness experience.
14. Grand Teton Loop, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Length: 37 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous
Highlights: Jagged peaks, alpine lakes, wildlife
The Grand Teton Loop in Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park is a challenging multi-day hike that takes you through some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the U.S. The 37-mile loop offers a mix of alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, and towering granite peaks.
Hikers often spot wildlife such as moose, elk, and bears along the trail. The rugged beauty of the Teton Range and the pristine wilderness make this hike a must for any serious adventurer.
15. Ice Age Trail, Wisconsin
Length: 1,200 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Highlights: Rolling hills, glacial landscapes, diverse ecosystems
The Ice Age Trail is a long-distance hiking trail that winds its way through the glacially carved landscapes of Wisconsin. Spanning 1,200 miles, this trail offers hikers a chance to explore the remnants of the last Ice Age, including rolling hills, glacial erratics, and kettle lakes.
The Ice Age Trail is accessible to hikers of all skill levels, with many sections offering easy day hikes. The diverse ecosystems and peaceful scenery make this trail a hidden gem in the Midwest.
Conclusion
The U.S. is home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the world, offering a wide variety of landscapes to explore. Whether you’re drawn to the dramatic cliffs of Zion, the vast wilderness of Alaska, or the rolling hills of Wisconsin, there’s a trail for every outdoor enthusiast. These 15 hikes showcase the incredible diversity of the country’s natural beauty, providing unforgettable experiences for those who venture out on foot. Whether you’re seeking adventure, solitude, or simply a chance to connect with nature, these trails offer the perfect opportunity to experience the best of what the U.S. has to offer.