The United States offers incredible diversity from coast to coast, featuring world-class cities, stunning national parks, vibrant cultural scenes, and iconic landmarks. Experience everything from New York's skyline to California's beaches, from the Grand Canyon to tropical Hawaii.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
-
1
Bright Angel Trail
The Grand Canyon's most popular trail descends into the canyon past ancient rock layers and Native American ruins. Water stations make it safer than other canyon trails.
-
2
Half Dome
One of America's most iconic hikes climbs to the summit of Yosemite's signature granite dome. The final 120-meter section uses steel cables and is permit-required May-October.
-
3
Appalachian Trail Section: Great Smoky Mountains
The most visited national park in America offers spectacular AT hiking through ancient Appalachian forests to Clingmans Dome, the highest point on the entire 3,500km trail.
-
4
Angels Landing
Zion's most dramatic hike follows chains bolted into sheer sandstone to a narrow fin with 450-meter drop-offs on both sides. Permit required to hike the final chains section.
-
5
Skyline Trail
The most popular trail in Mount Rainier National Park traverses alpine meadows carpeted with wildflowers in summer with constant views of the 4,392m glacier-clad volcano.
-
6
Narrows
Wade through the Virgin River through Zion's famous narrow canyon slot where walls tower 300 meters above the water. No trail — the river IS the trail. Rental canyoneering gear available at park entrance.
-
7
Acadia's Precipice Trail
Acadia's most exciting trail uses iron rungs and handholds bolted into the granite cliffs of Champlain Mountain. The vertical face trail rewards with spectacular Atlantic Ocean views.
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.
Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.
Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.
Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.
When to hike
Seasonal conditions in United States.
- Spring
- March-May: Best for desert hiking (Grand Canyon, Zion, Sedona) before summer heat. Wildflowers bloom in California. Snowmelt creates impressive waterfalls in Sierra Nevada and Rockies.
- Summer
- June-August: Peak season for Rockies, Sierra Nevada, and Pacific Northwest. Alpine meadows in full bloom. Popular trails very crowded — start before 7AM. High altitude requires sun protection.
- Fall
- September-November: Best hiking season for New England fall foliage. Comfortable temperatures nationwide. Lower crowds. Rockies and Sierra Nevada close high routes by October.
- Winter
- December-February: Desert trails in the Southwest are ideal. Florida everglades and Gulf Coast accessible. Most high mountain trails closed or require snowshoes/crampons. Yosemite Valley stunning in snow.
Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Hazard: Dehydration and heat exhaustion — carry 1 liter of water per hour of strenuous desert hiking
Hazard: Flash floods — canyon trails like the Narrows can flood with zero warning from upstream rain; check weather
Hazard: Wildlife encounters — bear spray required in many parks; store food in bear canisters; keep distance from moose and bison
Hazard: Altitude sickness — elevations above 3,000m in Rockies and Sierra Nevada can cause headaches and nausea; acclimatize slowly
Hazard: Lightning — afternoon thunderstorms common in Rockies and Southwest from July-September; descend from exposed ridges before noon
Hazard: Sun and UV exposure — high altitude UV is intense; sunscreen, hat, and UV-blocking shirt essential
Hazard: Getting lost — download offline maps to phone via AllTrails app; trails may not be marked outside national parks