Lace up those boots and prepare for an unforgettable adventure that combines the thrill of hiking with the comfort of cozy accommodations. That's right, gone are the days when hikers had to stuff their sacks silly with provisions and a bulky tent. Now, with inn-to-inn hikes in the US, there can be a warm bed and full-course meal waiting at the end of every day.
From the rugged beauty of the Appalachian Trail to the majestic peaks of the Rocky Mountains, there are plenty of trails perfect for inn-to-inn hikes in the US. Most of them also offer opportunities to discover hidden gems, encounter diverse wildlife, and savor the warmth of charming inns nestled in picturesque landscapes along the way.
Whether the goal is solitude or socializing, these beautiful trails promise an inn-to-inn hike like no other. Lace up, wander on, and let the adventure begin!
10 The Inn-to-Inn Trail, The Poconos
The Poconos is littered with places to stay, with plenty of hotels (some of them are abandoned honeymoon resorts in the Poconos). The best way to enjoy all the luxury lodgings and comfy cabins that the Poconos has to offer is with an inn-to-inn hike like the Inn-to-Inn Trail, which takes hikers through bubbling brooks, gushing waterfalls, and thick hemlock forests.
The Inn-to-Inn hiking trail in the Poconos takes hikers 40 miles down the mountain from Skytop Lodge to Buck Hill Falls. The ancient inn at Buck Hill Falls may no longer be there, but hikers can still enjoy pleasant stays at Skytop Lodge, Pocono Manor, Crescent Lodge, and Country Inn along the way down to the gorgeous resort at Buck Hill Falls.
Travelers can also enjoy staying at the top-rated resorts in the Poconos as well for a bit more luxury.
9 The Devil's Path Trail, The Catskills
The Devil's Path Trail is a challenging trail that comes with opportunities for great inn-to-inn hikes in the Catskill Mountains. Home to some of the most beautiful parks in Upstate New York, the Catskills are renowned for their gorgeous scenic views, regardless of the season. With inn-to-inn hikes in the Catskills, hikers can comfortably experience all this beauty.
Although likened to the hardest hiking trail in the Catskills, the Devil's Path Trail is the most rewarding. Enjoy all that's available by booking nearby accommodation through private hiking services like Explore-Share or by checking out inns at trailheads for the Devil's Path Trail. Tannersville is a particularly popular choice for inn-to-inn hiking in New York.
8 The Grand Canyon
While there are many myths about the Grand Canyon, this astounding natural formation needs no introduction. A popular day hike, the impressive beauty can also be enjoyed over a period of several days with Grand Canyon inn-to-inn hikes.
There are a variety of private services available offering inn-to-inn hikes, like Wildland Trekking and Four Season Guides. These companies additionally provide the relevant hiking supplies, gear, and transport necessary for a comfortable and convenient inn-to-inn hiking experience in the Grand Canyon.
7 The John Muir Trail, Sierra Nevada
Although the John Muir Trail is a backcountry trail with no inns or lodging options directly along the trail, inn-to-inn hikers of this trail in California are in luck. There are many ways to enjoy inn-to-inn hikes in the Sierra Nevada mountains with this trail if hikers choose to stay in nearby towns, lodges near trailheads, or use a guided tour service.
The John Muir Trail passes through several towns along its route, so there are plenty of beautiful mountain towns near the Sierra Nevada mountains to stay in. A few small towns for consideration for this inn-to-inn hikes trail in California are Lone Pine, Independence, Bishop, and Mammoth Lakes.
6 The Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail is a behemoth of a hiking trail and offers some of the best inn-to-inn hikes in the US. Crossing through 14 states, including Maine, Vermont, New York, Virginia, and Georgia, the Appalachian Trail encompasses over 2,000 miles worth of scenic sights, from famous mountain ranges to lush valleys. Inn-to-inn hikes on the Appalachian Trail are the best way to experience all there is to see without having to lug a back-breaking backpack with a tent, stovetop, and all the camping paraphernalia along the way.
Section-hiking the Appalachian Trail is a popular way to conquer (part of the) trail and makes for perfect inn-to-inn hiking. Inns and lodges along the Appalachian Trail are particularly convenient in Virginia, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, while others may be a little further off the route.
For more information, there is a valuable free resource from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy that offers a detailed guide to where to stay for inn-to-inn hiking on the Appalachian Trail.
5 The Green Mountain Trail
Inn-to-inn hiking in Vermont is incredibly popular - it even has a whole lodging association (Inn To Inn) dedicated to it! One of the best ways to experience these interconnected accommodations is by hiking the Long Trail in Vermont. Encompassing over 200 miles of rugged terrain and sparsely populated forests, the Long Trail in Vermont is an adventurous hike for those wanting to climb the ridge of the Green Mountains.
While there are plenty of glamping spots dotted around the Green Mountains, there are better - and easier - ways to enjoy inn-to-inn hikes in Vermont. Follow a self-guided Vermont hiking guide and book a package of different inns to relax in along the way!
4 Grand Lake To Estes Park, Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is always one of the top US National Parks to visit in spring, summer, fall, and winter; it's the ultimate hiking destination in the US year-round, with this route being among the most scenic trails to hike in Colorado. A classic hiking route, Grand Lake to Estes Park takes hikers through the best bits of the park, including the Continental Divide, Longs Peak, and the Mummy Range.
There are plenty of places to stay and hotels near Rocky Mountain National Park that accommodate inn-to-inn hikes in the Rocky Mountains. Some of them are more famous than others, with the famous Stanley Hotel in Estes Park that inspired 'The Shining' being a perfect way to end the hike.
3 Superior Hiking Trail, Lake Superior
Lake Superior is the largest lake in the US, which means that this hiking trail from Minnesota to Canada is a considerable feat. With over 300 miles to its name, the Superior Hiking Trail is indeed superior and offers hikers the best of both worlds, with stunning lake views complimented by rocky cliffs. An added bonus is that there are several quaint and luxurious inns on Lake Superior that are nestled in the dense forests along the trail.
This is the main plus about inn-to-inn hikes on the Superior Hiking Trail, as lodging is super convenient. There are also numerous shuttle and transport services available, such as Boundary Country Trekking, which make physically getting to accommodations and other sections of the trail that much more accessible.
Check out some of the best places to stay on Lake Superior for a remote, peaceful vacation, and book in advance.
2 The Berkshires Mountain Club Trail
The Berkshires are a haven for inn-to-inn hikes in the US. A mountainous region in western Massachusetts known for its awe-inspiring natural beauty, cultural attractions, and historic inns, The Berkshires feature plenty of different hiking trails.
Just one of many, The Berkshire Mountain Club Trail is a 50-mile trail that passes through various scenic areas and towns. In the day, hikers can admire the imposing Mount Greylock (which people can drive to as well) and the Taconic Mountains, and at night have a full-course meal at one of the many inns along the way. From rustic cabins to luxe mountain resorts (such as the Miraval Resort and Spa), there are plenty of places to stay in The Berkshires.
1 The Ozark Highlands Trail
While there are many beautiful trails to hike in Ozark National Forest, the best inn-to-inn hikes trail is The Ozark Highlands Trail. Spanning over 200 miles from Lake Fort Smith State Park to the Buffalo National River, this popular hiking trail in Arkansas shows off the amazing natural beauty of the Ozarks, from soaring peaks to glittering lakes.
The Ozark Highlands Trail also has several opportunities for inn-to-inn hiking, with lodging options in nearby towns like Jasper and Fayetteville. There are also accommodation options near popular trailheads (starting or ending points for the trail).