The US is a haven for hiking. For some, hiking is an opportunity to challenge themselves physically and mentally. For others, the trails are simply a way to explore some of the most scenic places in the US. With a wide variety of landscapes to explore across the country, finding one of America's most beautiful hiking trails is easier than ever.

Whatever type of hiking experience you seek, the perfect trail is more accessible than ever. The US has some of the most beautiful hikes in the world, ranging from simple one-mile loop to multi-state, month-long backcountry adventures. While there are plenty of beautiful hikes to choose from, these have made it to the top of the list thanks to their truly unique scenery and one-of-a-kind views of America's natural wonders.

UPDATE: 2023/05/10 23:44 EST BY NICOLE HANSEN

14 Most Beautiful Hiking Trails in the US

Looking for even more scenic hikes around the United States? We've got you covered! Given that there are thousands of miles of hiking trails to explore in the US, we've updated this list to include even more of the most beautiful hikes in the country, as well as more current information about each of the hikes.

14 Nugget Falls Trail, Tongass National Forest, Alaska

A man and a young boy on a trail surrounded by trees in Tongass National Forest Alaska
Photo by Chris Riggs on Unsplash
A man and a young boy on a trail surrounded by trees in Tongass National Forest Alaska

While large stretches of Alaska are exceptionally rugged and untouched, enjoying the state's natural beauty doesn't require a major backpacking adventure. The short Nugget Falls Trail in Tongass National Forest is a simple 2 mile out-and-back trail near Auke Bay. The well-maintained gravel trail is perfect for those looking for an easy walk to explore the bay's scenery, culminating in a raging waterfall at its endpoint. Hikers can also enjoy views of the Mendenhall Glacier. Hikers can learn about what they may see at the trailhead's starting point, Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, to help them make the most of the spectacular Alaska scenery.

Nugget Falls Trail:

  • Distance: 2 miles
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Time to Hike: ~1 hour

13 Hidden Lake Overlook, Glacier National Park, Montana

Glacier National Park West Glacier Mt Gould
Mark Ingraham via Pexels
Mountains with turquoise lake at Mt Gould and Grinnel Peak in Glacier National Park, Montana

With an array of lake and mountain views, it's easy to understand why the Hidden Lake Overlook is one of the best hikes in Glacier National Park. As the name suggests, the trail takes hikers up and over Hidden Lake Overpass to Hidden Lake Overlook. The overpass takes visitors through grassy fields that are frequented by hikers and wildlife alike, including bighorn sheep and other large mammals.

Boardwalks and stairs are in place along the trail to ensure that all visitors can enjoy the beauty of the area without damaging the plant life and landscape that makes it so special. The final view offers views not only of Hidden Lake, but the Clements Mountains and Reynolds Mountain as well.

Hidden Lake Overlook

  • Distance: 2.7 miles
  • Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous
  • Time to Hike: ~1.5 hours

Related: 10 Trails In Glacier National Park For Experts Only

12 Ocean Path Trail, Acadia National Park, Maine

a hiker standing on a cliff in acadia national park, maine

Acadia National Park is one of the most beautiful destinations on the East Coast, so it is no surprise that it is also home to one of the most scenic hikes in the US. Of the many hiking trails that run throughout the park, Ocean Path Trail is often considered the prettiest thanks to its views of both the coastline and the colorful mountains.

This trail starts at the scenic Sand Beach and offers access to major attractions like Otter Cliff and Thunder Hole along the way. Fortunately, the trail is relatively flat and easy, making the views accessible for the whole family to enjoy.

  • Distance: 4.5 miles
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Time to Hike: ~2.5 hours

11 Appalachian Trail, Numerous States

Foggy Appalachian Trail at Newfound Gap in Great Smokey Mountains National Park
Shutterstock
Foggy Appalachian Trail at Newfound Gap in Great Smokey Mountains National Park

For a truly grand east coast hike, the massive Appalachian Trail, also known as the Stairway to Heaven, is unbeatable. At 2,193 miles long, New Jersey's most beautiful hike is in a league of its own. Those hoping to enjoy the beauty of the mountains along the trail without committing to a 6-month hike through the wilderness can access the route from numerous day trip points in the various states that the trail crosses.

Those who do commit to the full journey will have the unique opportunity to enjoy scenic views of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina and Georgia along the way.

Appalachian Trail:

  • Distance: 2,193 miles
  • Difficulty: Extremely Strenuous
  • Time to Hike: 5-7 months (end-to-end)

10 Upper Yosemite Falls Trail, Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite Falls In Yosemite National Park

Yosemite Falls Trail is an incredibly scenic trail that takes hikers on an exciting hiking adventure through the rugged landscape of Yosemite Valley to the roaring Upper Yosemite Falls. The hike is about 7.6 miles round trip, and it has an elevation of about 3,967 feet. This extreme elevation gain means hikers will spend between 6 and 10 hours on the strenuous hike. Despite the difficulty, however, the views throughout the hike are encouraging, and the views of the waterfall at the end of the hike are extremely rewarding.

Upper Yosemite Falls Trail:

  • Distance: 7.6 miles
  • Difficulty: Strenuous
  • Time to Hike: ~7.5 hours

9 Charlies Bunion Hike, Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

Charlies Bunion

Photo 83397053 © Alex Grichenko | Dreamstime.com
A panoramic view of Charlies Bunion

One of the charms of the most visited park in the United States is the abundance of hiking trails it offers. Out of all the hikes in the park, the Charlies Bunion Hike stands out for the natural beauty and thrills it offers.

Charlies Bunion, the ultimate destination of the hike, is a rock outcropping that presents the best views of the Great Smoky Mountains. The views change all year round, which means one can take this hike at different times of the year and witness how the scenery changes according to different seasons.

The hike to Charlies Bunion is about 8 miles round trip when one is hiking from Newfound Gap, and there are incredible natural views to enjoy throughout the hike, not just at the Charlies Bunion.

Charlies Bunion Trail:

  • Distance: 8.1 miles
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Time to Hike: ~4.5 hours

8 The Wave Trail, Kanab, Utah/Arizona

The Wave Trail, Kanab, Utah
Photo by Christopher Ruel on Unsplash
A hiker takes in the beauty of The Wave Trail in Kanab, Utah. The trail crosses state lines into Arizona as well. 

The Wave Trail is known all over the world as the trail that takes hikers through the Wave - a red sandstone formation with beautiful wave designs. Words are simply not enough to describe the incredible scenery that can be witnessed here. It may look gorgeous in pictures, but in person, it is even more mesmerizing, having an almost other-worldly appearance.

The wave is located in Coyote Buttes North, and the hike is about 6.4 miles round trip. The wave is not such a difficult hike to conquer, but there’s one thing that makes it particularly frustrating to hike, and it’s getting the permit. Those seeking this permit have to win it from the Wave Permit Lottery, and one has to apply up to four months in advance for their desired date.

The Wave Trail:

  • Distance: 6.7 miles
  • Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous
  • Time to Hike: ~3.5 hours

Related: A Guide To Exploring The Wave, Arizona's Lesser-Known Canyon

7 McWay Waterfall Trail, Big Sur, California

a view of mcway falls in big sur on the pacific coast highway, california

McWay Waterfall Trail is not one of those trails where one will only have great views at the end of the trail. All through the walk on this trail, hikers will be entertained with gorgeous views of the Big Sur Coastline, after which they will be met with an incredible view of thin McWay Falls and the stunning rocks that surround it.

This beautiful hike is located in Big Sur’s Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. It is a mere 0.6-mile hike one-way, but the scenery it offers is sure to stick to one’s memory.

Doing this short adventure even allows one enough time to visit more beautiful places in Big Sur.

McWay Waterfall Trail:

  • Distance: 1.2 miles
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Time to Hike: ~0.5 hours

6 Ice Lake Trail, San Juan County, Colorado

Ice Lake in Grand County, Colorado
Photo by Shaylee Swansen on Unsplash
Ice Lake in Grand County, Colorado 

Colorado is the headquarters of hiking in the US, so it's not surprising that it has some of the most beautiful hikes in the country. One such hike is the Ice Lake Trail which takes hikers on a 3.7-mile one-way journey through beautiful trees to the lake, which has a mesmerizing blue color. Due to its beauty, this hike has become extremely popular, which means one should expect it to be crowded during the peak season. To escape the crowds, then it is best to visit during the early hours of the day and also during weekdays.

Ice Lake Trail:

  • Distance: 7.4 miles
  • Difficulty: Strenuous
  • Time to Hike: ~5.5 hours
A view of the hoodoos and rock formations in Bryce Canyon

Navajo Loop Trail is one of many awe-inspiring trails to be found in Utah's Mighty 5, each coming with more incredible scenery and an exciting adventure than the last. The trail runs for about 1.4 miles, and the views to expect here are those of the unique hoodoo formation that overwhelms Bryce Canyon National Park.

Every step, turn, descent, and ascent on this trail will have hikers witnessing stunning views of towering rock formations. It feels like an otherworldly landscape here.

  • Distance: 1.4 miles
  • Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous
  • Time to Hike: ~1 hour

4 The Long Trail, Vermont

a hiker on the long trail in vermont

The 272 miles length of The Long Trail and the difficulty it offers may be scary at first, but the beauty this hike offers just makes it so appealing. This trail winds through the Green Mountains of Vermont and presents hikers with incredible sights of beautiful forests, crystal clear streams, and endless views of forest-carpeted mountain ranges.

All year round, the Long Trail features different kinds of scenery, but fall is unarguably the most beautiful time to be here. Hiking on this trail during fall is like a dream come true as one will be graced at all times with mesmerizing sights of red, yellow, and orange colors.

The Long Trail:

  • Distance: 272 miles
  • Difficulty: Extremely Strenuous
  • Time to Hike: 10–28 days

The Long Trail is considered the first long-distance trail in the US, and takes between 10 and 28 days to complete. Hikers are required to come prepared.

3 Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon, South Rim
Shutterstock
Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon, South Rim

There is no denying the fact that the Grand Canyon is incredibly beautiful. But the different parts of this great formation are not made the same. Some parts are more beautiful than others, and the Bright Angel Trail offers an opportunity to see the most beautiful part of the canyon. This 9.9 miles trail takes hikers on a walk through uniquely carved rocky paths, and it is considered strenuous because some parts of the trail require uphill hiking. While facing the challenges on the trail, however, hikers will be met with incredibly expansive views of the beautiful canyon.

While hiking on the Bright Angel Trail and gazing at the canyon, think of the fact that you’re witnessing billions of years of nature’s handwork and also walking in the footsteps of Native Americans who once inhabited these lands. That thought alone makes the experience memorable.

Bright Angel Trail:

  • Distance: 9.9 miles
  • Difficulty: Strenuous
  • Time to Hike: ~4.5 hours

Related: A Guide To Hiking Bright Angel Trail In The Grand Canyon

2 Spruce Nature Trail, Olympic National Park, Washington

The Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park
Shutterstock
The Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park, Forks, Washington

Two random words with which to describe Spruce Nature Trail are “enchanting” and “fantasy”. This trail just looks it. It looks like a magical fantasy land where a talking rabbit can just jump out of a tree root and cast a spell on a curious wanderer. The trail is located in the Hoh Rainforest - one of the largest temperate rainforests in the US. The rainforest itself is located in Olympic National Park.

Nature photographers particularly love this place because of the raw beauty it offers and the creativity it can trigger. Spruce Nature Trail is a mere 1.2 miles round trip hike, and the elevation gain is less than 100 feet. Being such an easy hike means hikers can focus less on the difficulty and more on the beauty of the forest and the river that flows within it.

Bright Angel Trail:

  • Distance: 1.2 miles
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Time to Hike: ~0.5 hours

1 Whiteface Mountain Summit Trail, Wilmington, New York

Whiteface Mountain in Wilmington, New York
Photo by Vladimir Kudinov on Unsplash
White Cloud Covering Forested Mountains in Wilmington, New York

The image that often pops up in the minds of many people when New York is mentioned is that of a vibrant city overwhelmed with obstructing skyscrapers. But this state is not all about the city. In fact, New York State has some of the most beautiful hikes in the country, and one of them is the Whiteface Mountain Summit trail hike.

This trail which begins from the reservoir, is a 10.1-mile round trip, and it takes between 6 and 7 hours to complete due to the elevation gain. The goal of this hike is to make it to the 4,867 feet summit of the White mountain, from where one will be blessed with unobstructed views of the Green Mountains of Vermont, the White Mountains of New Hampshire, and some views of Montreal, Canada also.

Whiteface Mountain Summit Trail:

  • Distance: 10.1 miles
  • Difficulty: Strenuous
  • Time to Hike: ~6.5 hour