The United States is home to some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in the world, with national parks offering an array of incredible hiking opportunities. From soaring mountains to lush forests, and from desert landscapes to cascading waterfalls, each park offers a unique experience for hikers of all levels. Whether you’re an avid hiker seeking challenging trails or just looking for a peaceful walk in nature, here are some of the best national parks for hiking in the U.S.
1. Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite National Park is a hiker’s paradise, known for its towering granite cliffs, giant sequoias, and stunning waterfalls. Its diverse terrain offers both easy walks and strenuous hikes, making it a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts.
Top Hiking Trails:
- Half Dome: One of the most iconic hikes in the U.S., the Half Dome trail is a strenuous 16-18 mile trek that rewards hikers with panoramic views of Yosemite Valley. The final ascent involves climbing cables to the summit, making it a thrilling and challenging experience.
- Mist Trail: This popular trail takes you past two of Yosemite’s most famous waterfalls, Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall. The 7-mile round trip hike is moderately challenging, with mist from the waterfalls often drenching hikers, adding to the adventure.
- Yosemite Falls Trail: For a more moderate hike, the Yosemite Falls Trail offers a 7.2-mile hike to the top of North America’s tallest waterfall, Yosemite Falls. The trail provides stunning views of the valley and the falls from several vantage points.
Best Time to Visit:
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit Yosemite for hiking, as the waterfalls are at their peak flow, and the park is lush with greenery.
2. Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park’s stunning red cliffs, narrow canyons, and unique rock formations make it one of the best parks for hiking in the U.S. The park’s dramatic scenery offers trails for all skill levels, from easy strolls to more technical scrambles.
Top Hiking Trails:
- Angels Landing: This 5.4-mile round trip trail is one of the most famous hikes in the world, known for its steep, narrow path that leads to a breathtaking view of Zion Canyon. The final stretch includes chains to assist hikers as they navigate the ridgeline.
- The Narrows: For a unique hiking experience, the Narrows takes you through the Virgin River, where towering canyon walls rise above you. The hike can be as short or as long as you want, with some sections requiring wading or even swimming through the river.
- Observation Point: For those looking for a quieter alternative to Angels Landing, the 8-mile Observation Point trail offers equally stunning views of Zion Canyon from above, without the crowds.
Best Time to Visit:
Spring and fall offer the best hiking conditions in Zion, with mild temperatures and less crowded trails. Summer can be very hot, while winter brings cooler temperatures and potential snow.
3. Glacier National Park, Montana
Known as the “Crown of the Continent,” Glacier National Park is famous for its rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and diverse wildlife. With over 700 miles of hiking trails, it’s a top destination for those seeking both challenging backcountry treks and leisurely day hikes.
Top Hiking Trails:
- Highline Trail: This iconic 11.8-mile trail offers stunning views of the park’s alpine meadows, glaciers, and wildlife. The trail runs along the Continental Divide, providing breathtaking panoramic views the entire way.
- Grinnell Glacier Trail: This 10.6-mile round trip hike is one of the park’s most popular, leading hikers to the base of Grinnell Glacier. The trail passes through lush forests, meadows, and offers incredible views of the surrounding glaciers and lakes.
- Avalanche Lake: For a shorter, easier hike, the 4.5-mile round trip to Avalanche Lake is perfect. The trail winds through forests and along waterfalls before opening up to the serene, turquoise waters of Avalanche Lake, surrounded by towering cliffs.
Best Time to Visit:
Summer is the best time to visit Glacier National Park for hiking, as most of the trails are free of snow. July and August are peak months, but September offers fewer crowds and beautiful fall foliage.
4. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, mist-covered mountains, and scenic forest trails. With over 800 miles of hiking trails, the park offers something for everyone, from gentle nature walks to challenging backcountry routes.
Top Hiking Trails:
- Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte: This 11-mile round trip hike takes you through forests, across streams, and up to Mount LeConte, one of the highest peaks in the Smokies. The Alum Cave portion of the trail features unique geological formations and sweeping views.
- Charlies Bunion: This 8-mile round trip hike along the Appalachian Trail offers spectacular views of the mountains. The trail is moderately challenging and takes hikers through forested terrain before opening up to the rocky outcrop of Charlies Bunion.
- Clingmans Dome: For those looking for a shorter, less strenuous hike, the half-mile walk to Clingmans Dome offers panoramic views from the highest point in the park. On clear days, you can see up to 100 miles.
Best Time to Visit:
Fall is one of the best times to visit the Smoky Mountains, as the autumn foliage transforms the park into a vibrant sea of reds, oranges, and yellows. Spring and summer are also great times to visit for wildflowers and pleasant temperatures.
5. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park is known for its dramatic peaks, alpine lakes, and diverse ecosystems. With over 350 miles of trails, it’s a haven for hikers of all skill levels, from leisurely strolls to high-altitude challenges.
Top Hiking Trails:
- Emerald Lake Trail: This 3.6-mile round trip hike is one of the park’s most popular, taking you to three beautiful alpine lakes: Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, and finally Emerald Lake, all surrounded by towering mountains.
- Sky Pond: For a more challenging adventure, the 9.5-mile round trip to Sky Pond offers dramatic views of alpine lakes, waterfalls, and jagged peaks. The final ascent requires some scrambling, but the views of Sky Pond are well worth the effort.
- Chasm Lake: This 8.4-mile trail offers one of the most stunning alpine lake views in the park, with Chasm Lake sitting directly below the towering Longs Peak. The trail is moderately challenging, with some steep sections.
Best Time to Visit:
Summer and early fall are the best times for hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. July and August offer the most accessible trails, while September brings beautiful fall colors.
6. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
The Grand Canyon is one of the most iconic landscapes in the U.S., and hiking here offers a unique experience of descending into the massive canyon. The park’s trails provide stunning views of the canyon’s layers of rock and the Colorado River below.
Top Hiking Trails:
- Bright Angel Trail: This well-maintained trail is one of the most popular in the park, offering a challenging descent into the canyon. The trail can be done as a day hike or an overnight trek, with the option to reach Indian Garden (4.5 miles) or descend all the way to the Colorado River (9.5 miles).
- South Kaibab Trail: For a shorter but steeper hike, the South Kaibab Trail offers incredible views of the canyon with fewer crowds. Hike to Cedar Ridge (3 miles round trip) or continue to Skeleton Point (6 miles round trip) for stunning views of the Colorado River.
- Rim Trail: For those who want a more leisurely hike, the Rim Trail offers easy, flat walking with continuous views of the canyon. You can hike as much or as little of the trail as you want, with shuttle stops along the way.
Best Time to Visit:
Spring and fall are the best times to hike the Grand Canyon, with milder temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer can be extremely hot, especially at lower elevations, while winter may bring snow to the rim.
7. Acadia National Park, Maine
Located on the rugged coast of Maine, Acadia National Park offers a unique blend of mountain, forest, and ocean views. With over 120 miles of hiking trails, the park provides a wide range of options, from easy coastal walks to steep mountain scrambles.
Top Hiking Trails:
- Precipice Trail: This challenging trail is not for the faint of heart, featuring iron rungs and ladders that take you up the steep cliffs of Champlain Mountain. The 2.5-mile round trip rewards you with breathtaking views of the coastline and the Atlantic Ocean.
- Jordan Pond Path: For a more relaxed hike, the 3.5-mile loop around Jordan Pond offers scenic views of the pond, Bubble Mountains, and surrounding forests. It’s a great option for families or those looking for an easy walk.
- Cadillac Mountain: The highest peak on the U.S. Atlantic coast, Cadillac Mountain offers several trails to the summit. The South Ridge Trail is a popular 7.1-mile round trip hike that provides expansive views of the ocean and surrounding islands.
Best Time to Visit:
Fall is a beautiful time to visit Acadia, as the autumn foliage adds vibrant colors to the landscape. Summer is also a popular time, though it can be more crowded.
FAQ: Best National Parks for Hiking
What is the best time of year to hike in U.S. national parks?
The best time to hike in national parks varies by region. In general, spring and fall offer mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer is ideal for parks in higher elevations like Glacier and Rocky Mountain, while winter is best for desert parks like Zion and the Grand Canyon.
Do I need a permit to hike in national parks?
Some national parks require permits for certain hikes, especially for overnight backcountry trips. For example, Yosemite requires permits for the Half Dome hike, and the Grand Canyon requires permits for camping below the rim. Always check the park’s website for permit requirements before your trip.
What should I bring on a day hike in a national park?
For a day hike, pack essentials such as plenty of water, snacks, a map, sunscreen, a hat, and layers of clothing. Always wear sturdy, comfortable hiking shoes. It’s also a good idea to bring a first aid kit and a flashlight, especially for longer hikes.
Can I hike year-round in national parks?
While some parks are accessible year-round, certain trails may be closed during the winter due to snow or hazardous conditions. Parks like Zion and the Grand Canyon offer year-round hiking opportunities, but others, like Glacier and Yellowstone, are best visited during the warmer months when the snow has melted.
By exploring these national parks, you’ll be treated to some of the most breathtaking and diverse landscapes the U.S. has to offer, making for unforgettable hiking adventures.