There are 50 states in the US, and while many of them are grouped in the same regions, each of them comes with its unique landscape, culture, food, and experiences. When it comes to hiking, each state has trails to offer, but only a few qualify to be listed as the best. For travelers hungry to hit the trails, look no further than these thirteen states as they feature some of the best trails in not just the United States but the entire world.

UPDATE: 2023/02/27 09:55 EST BY AARON SPRAY

More Of The States With The Best Hiking Trails

Most states have a plethora of hiking trails just waiting to be explored. This list was updated ad expanded with even more of the states with some of the best hiking trails to consider hitting. Not all the best hiking trails need to be through the mountains; there are other landscapes worth exploring as well.

13 Wyoming

Wyoming features a landscape characterized by mountains, forests, dunes, and all the elements that qualify a landscape to be called otherworldly. It is also home to Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park. Basically, what this means is that the state is synonymous with hiking as there is an abundance of trails in and outside the national parks. The hikes range in difficulty and are suitable for all types of adventurers. Lost Twin Lake - one of the most rewarding hikes in the state challenges adventurers to a 13.4 miles round trip through lush forest areas, streams, waterfalls, and lakes before finally presenting spectacular views of Bighorn Mountain.

12 Maine

Known for its rugged rock formations, dense forests, and pristine beaches, Maine features some of the best hikes in the country. Hiking in Maine is always an opportunity to spend time in nature, as many of the trails in the state guarantee amazing views of mountains, beautiful forests, and coastlines. Lots of summit hikes abound in this state, as well as coastal and forest hikes. For views, summit hikes are the best, while forest hikes are great for adventurers who want to be surrounded by nature. There are also lots of hikes that stretch through the long rocky Atlantic Coast of the state and offer hikers opportunities to enjoy some beach relaxation on the hike.

11 Alaska

Alaska is so large and sparsely populated that a vast amount of the land has been turned into stages for hiking and other outdoor adventures like skiing, cruising, biking, and fishing, among others. Hiking in Alaska is one of the best in the country, and most hikes in this state are characterized by dense forests, crystal clear water bodies, as well as views of snow-covered mountains, interesting wildlife, and picturesque glaciers.

Related: 10 Adventurous Ways To Explore Alaska

10 Montana

Montana invites adventurers from all over the world to come to experience its hiking trails which are some of the best in the world. From short trails with breathtaking views to flower-covered trails that stretch past alpine lakes and picturesque waterfalls, there are so many hikes to enjoy in Montana. Not just for experienced hikers but also for beginners. In Montana, Glacier National Park is usually the go-to destination for all hiking as the park is made up of towering mountains, forests, and streams, which all have trails stretching through them. Grinnell Glacier Trail - a 10.3-mile hike that even promises sights of mountain goats, grizzly bears, and other wildlife that inhabits the park.

9 Arizona

The combination of canyons, volcanoes, historic rivers, and desert landscapes is one reason why Arizona is one of the best places for hiking in the country. In Arizona, a wide variety of trails are available to offer different types of adventures. While some trails take adventurers into lush forests, others pass through otherworldly landscapes where there are picturesque canyons and scenic rivers. In Sedona, some hikes even lead to energy vortexes, where people come to draw some of the earth’s energy. With magnificent geological formations like the Grand Canyon located in this state, hikers will experience an adventure like no other.

8 Hawaii

Hiking in Hawaii is a great way to see the lush landscape and the unique natural attractions nestled over the forests. The scary Kalalau trail is located on this trail, and its features are a perfect example of the kind of hiking adventure one can enjoy in Hawaii. Kalalau trail stretches for 11 miles along the Na Pali Coast through lush forest, beautiful beaches, scenic streams waterfalls. Like the Kalalau trail, the scenery of the trails in Hawaii may be beautiful, but only adventurers who complete the challenge will enjoy the scenery.

Related: Why Kalalau Trail Is Considered Difficult Even For The Pros

7 California

California features a wide variety of hiking trails that range in difficulty and length. While some pass through forests with gigantic trees, others go through picturesque mountains and towering waterfalls. California is home to Giant Redwoods and Sequoias, Big Sur, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, and Joshua Tree National Parks. Each of these popular attractions is best seen on foot which is why they all offer an abundance of trails suitable for all types of adventurers.

6 Oregon

Oregon is a mecca for all things adventures, and thanks to its unique landscape, it is also one of the best places for hiking in the country. Oregon is made up of mountains, dense forests, picturesque beaches, and so many other natural attractions that make hiking worth it. The state has trails for everybody, from travelers seeking peaceful walks through dense forests to adventure-hungry individuals looking to conquer some difficult terrain and gain some elevation along the way.

5 Utah

The rugged desert landscape of Utah has made it one of the best places in the world for hiking. Most hikes in Utah are opportunities to walk several miles of trails through unique rock formations, towering mountains, lush forests, and scenic rivers. Angel’s Landing - one of the signature hikes of the state features an elevation gain of 1,500 feet and takes adventurers through a narrow rocky trail with chains fastened on one side to keep adventurers from falling to their demise. Although most of the hikes around the state are not as difficult, they generally come with the kind of landscape that Angel's Landing comes with.

4 Colorado

Colorado has long been a haven for all things adventure. When it comes to hiking, this state has it in abundance. From short and easy trails to long and excruciating treks through the wilderness, this state has it all. Some of the most dangerous hikes in the United States are also located in this state, and most are located within parks. Longs Peak - Keyhole Route, which is one of the hardest hikes in Colorado, stretches for nearly 15 miles and forces adventurers to scramble as they make their way to the 14,259-feet peak. With many other hikes like this in the state, it is indeed a world-class hiking destination.

Related: Hiking Mount Rainier Doesn’t Need To Be A Challenge, Here Are The Easiest Hikes

3 Florida

Florida may strike many people as an odd state to include as it is denuded of mountains. But not all hiking needs to be through mountains and dramatic landscapes with breathtaking overlooks. Florida offers a change of pace where visitors can see the wetlands and the biodiversity of sub-tropical America. Florida's hiking trails offer the chance to see alligators, turtles, and some of the best bird life in the country as lies on the migration route.

2 Washington

The Pacific Northwest is renowned around the world for its excellent hiking opportunities. Washington also makes the list and it is home to a diverse landscape that extends from the arid interior to some of the wettest climes in the country. One of the best national parks to hike is arguably Mount Rainier National Park. See the lush rainforests of Washington and the dramatic Cascade Mountains - only don't forget to pack a raincoat first!

1 Nevada

Nevada is not a state many people think about visiting outside of Las Vegas. But whereas Las Vegas is located in the Mojave low and hot desert (making it difficult to hike), most of Nevada is in the high Great Basin Desert. Here the weather is much cooler. There are plenty of gems hidden throughout the state and one of the key advantages is that visitors get to have much of the state to themselves. There are few people living in Nevada outside of Vegas and Reno-Sparks and the Great Basin is full of many excellent mountain ranges just waiting to be hiked.