As the leaves are beginning to change colors and just before it gets way too cold to be outside, the fall season is one of the most perfect times of the year to go hiking in almost any place in North America. If you, your family, or travel buddies love the outdoors and enjoy spending time embarking on adventures in thrilling new places, a hiking trip to one of North America's most beautiful hiking locations might be the perfect pre-holiday season escape for you.
From Yellowstone National Park to New Hampshire's secret nature pathways, these are the 10 most breathtaking hiking trails in North America.
10 Yosemite National Park, California
In Eastern Central California sits Yosemite, one of the most beloved National Parks in the world. With beautiful landscapes and warm California weather for the better part of a year, so many adventurous travelers from all over the world have Yosemite written down on their bucket list.
Hiking in Yosemite can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Open all year round, hikers can come to Yosemite during the springtime where you'll be able to see some of the prettiest wildflowers blooming in the country. During December and through the rest of the winter season, you can hike snow-shoe trails that are perfect for an outdoor holiday trip with the family.
9 Banff, Canada
Banff is one of Canada's most popular National Parks with a variety of hiking trails that outdoor lovers can experience. Those who have traveled and hiked through Banff have said these hikes are not for the faint of heart. Some require serious strength and cardio, however, the views you get at the end of your hike are always absolutely worth it.
From hiking lakeside to crossing pathways as the leaves are turning from green to orange and hiking at the end of the winter seasons as lakes are melting into spring, there isn't a sight in Banff that could ever disappoint.
8 Yellowstone, Wyoming
Sitting on top of a volcanic hot spot with most of it located in Wyoming (some parts in Montana), Yellowstone National Park is famous for its colorful canyons, rushing rivers, and signature geyser, Old Faithful. It's also the perfect place for families to go camping and hiking together.
Whether you're interested in walking alongside mountain wildlife or hoping to see hot springs erupt in person, there is something at Yellowstone for every adventurer. One of the best hikes that the park offers is called the North Rim Trail which follows the perimeter of the Grand Canyon where you'll see where the Yellowstone River turns into a breath-taking waterfall.
7 Lost Coast Trail, California
There's a hiking trail in California that many locals don't even know about. It's called The Lost Coast Trail, and it's the area of rugged land that lines the coast of Northern California where not even roads have crossed through. If you're someone who loves a good ocean view, this hike might be perfect for you.
Though weather on this hike might be cold and breezy, you'll be able to view sea lions and other ocean animals along the trail. If you're feeling adventurous, and aren't afraid to get wet, consider a hike through the Lost Coast Trail - you won't regret it.
6 Mount Katahdin, Maine
The highest mountain located in the U.S. state of Maine is called Mount Katahdin, which translates to "The Greatest Mountain." East Coast travelers love to travel to Maine to hike this mountain, as it's a dream journey for many people. The hike to Mount Katahdin is one of the more peaceful hikes you might ever come across.
With evergreen trees and a breezy climate to guide you along the way, Mount Katahdin is also home to Darcy Pond, a quiet body of water that's perfect for sitting next to and taking in all the nature around you. If you're looking for a great natural escape, this is definitely the hike to take.
5 Telluride, Colorado
In Colorado's Rocky Mountains is a former mining town called Telluride. It's home to a handful of Colorado locals and is sometimes called a "mountain village," because of how separated it is from main cities. However, its secluded location and foresty mountains make for a great place to go hiking.
Hiking in Telluride is usually a short, fun, and satisfying journey. Trails like the Cornet Creek Falls Hike or the Bear Creek Trail are perfect for families hiking together or people who aren't looking for hard and taxing trails to take. While the weather might be super chilly, a winter hike in Colorado will bring you some of the most beautiful snowy mountain views you'll ever see.
4 Red River Gorge Loop, Kentucky
Located in the Daniel Boone National Forest of the state of Kentucky, the Red River Gorge is a canyon system that hikers love to travel through. The Red River Gorge is known to have more challenging hikes and are for more experienced travelers and hikers, but they do almost always result in beautiful views, including crystal white waterfalls and stunning treescapes.
There are several trails available through the Red River Gorge - it just all depends on what you want to see. If you're hoping to see a waterfall, you can hike the Rock Bridge Loop. For lovers of big trees and gorgeous rock formations, you can take the Rough Trail. It doesn't matter which hike you take though - you'll still be able to see one of the most beautiful views in the country.
3 John Muir Trail, California
The John Muir Trail is a hike that's not for your average hiker. It's a challenge, but it's absolutely rewarding. The long-distance trail that's located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range of California is a task that many hikers set out to complete.
Cutting through Yosemite and California's Sequoia National Park, the John Muir Trail is 211 miles long, but it ends on what many travelers say is the prettiest mountain scenery on the entire U.S. west coast. If you think you've got what it takes, grab your backpack and book your trip to California today.
2 Black Angel Trail, New Hampshire
Some of the natural landscapes that are located in New Hampshire are many times overlooked and forgotten. In the state's White Mountain National Forest, the Black Angel Trail is known for being one of the most challenging hikes in the East Coast but produces some of the most wonderful views of wildflowers in the right season.
The Black Angel Trail will take you across the park which is full of tons of rock formations. It's not an easy hike, but many say it's worth it. For those who love watching the trees turn from green to brown, fall on the East Coast would be the perfect time to go.
1 The Jewels Route, Arizona
The famous pictures of so many beautiful red rock formations come from Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. The Grand Canyon is also home to The Jewels Route, a hiking trail that is said to be the same route that the first European explorers walked when they first discovered the Grand Canyon.
The Grand Canyon is known to be one of the most beautiful spots in the world. The park also offers a variety of trails with different difficulty levels, so whether you're an experienced hiker or just a lover of the outdoors, you'll always have a trail to follow. Be sure you're walking through the Grand Canyon during sunset. It's a view that you'll have to see for yourself.