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The Best Hiking Trails in Every State

Discover amazing scenery across the country or explore new sights in your own backyard.

Father and daughter hiking through forest on foggy morningThomas Barwick/Getty Images

A summer outdoors

While COVID-19 has changed much our lives and affected how we live—it can’t change what we love. We love getting out into the great outdoors and enjoying nature for its serenity, beauty, and splendor. America has some of the most diverse and beautiful natural offerings that many are exploring and taking advantage of with the current pandemic. While you may make some of these common coronavirus mistakes, a breathe of fresh air will certainly do you good. What better way to stay safe and stay happy than getting outside?

Though many indoor activities are off the table or somewhat up in the air this summer, these hiking trails and national parks have opened, or are soon to be opening up again, for our hiking, biking, and walking pleasure. Take a look at the best hiking trails in every state and make sure to check the park/trail website for any changes before heading out.

Gulf Shores State ParkBJ Ray/Shutterstock

Alabama: Branyon Backcountry Trail

Seven different trails make up the Branyon Backcountry Trail, one of the best hiking trails in the state. It’s a 15+ mile trek along the southern state’s Gulf Coast and is considered a must-do by the Alabama Tourism Board. You’ll travel through cities like Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and the Gulf State Park, passing a butterfly garden, marshes, swamps, and perhaps even a bobcat or white-tailed deer, too.

Winner creek trail under the trees, AlaskaDavid Gonzalez Rebollo/Shutterstock

Alaska: Winner Creek Trail

This northern state has tons of options for adventurous hikes, especially near glaciers and lakes, but the family-friendly Winner Creek Trail pleases everyone who visits. Located 45 minutes south of Anchorage, the most popular part is Lower Winner Creek, a three-mile walk- and bike-friendly path through Alaska’s rainforest setting. You’ll have to cross a wooden bridge and take a tram (which you pull across yourself) to get over Glacier Creek—a unique, breathtaking experience.

South Kaibab Trail approaching Horseshoe Mesa in the Grand Canyon, ArizonaSasha Buzko/Shutterstock

Arizona: South Kaibab Trail

You can’t beat the views and the bucket list experience of the South Kaibab Trail in Grand Canyon National Park, arguably one of the best hiking trails in the country. It starts at Yaki Point on the South Rim, then one mile in, you’ll reach Ooh-Aah Point—perfectly named for how you’ll feel when you check out the canyon around you, according to Matthew Nelson, executive director of the Arizona Trail Association. Go another half-mile and you’ll arrive at a picnic spot called Cedar Ridge. Then, just another 1.5 miles ahead is Skeleton Point, a good turn-around spot for beginners, as the name suggests. If you love to hike, you’ll also want to know these 15 best places to camp in National Parks.

Eden Falls ArkansasTommyBrison/Shutterstock

Arkansas: Lost Valley in the Buffalo River Wilderness District

You’ll see tons of pretty sights on the trek through Lost Valley in the Buffalo River Wilderness District, including Eden Falls, a quadruple-tiered waterfall, Cobb Cave, countless wildflowers, and maybe an elk or two. It’s a journey just over two miles round-trip, which means you can bring the entire family with you, plus, the first half-mile is wheelchair accessible.

North Table MountainMightyPix/Shutterstock

California: Table Mountain

Some of the best hiking trails in the country fill the Golden State (and some of the most famous ones), as its home to Yosemite National Park, Redwood National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, and Lake Tahoe (to name a few stand-out spots). But for a hidden gem, check out Table Mountain in Butte County, where you get a mix of wildflower super blooms—try to plan a trip for spring when these bright flowers paint the hills—and waterfalls, too. Get inspired by taking a gander at these gorgeous photos of our national parks in full bloom.

Stunning Maroon Bells peaks and trail leading to Maroon Lake in summer near Aspen, ColoradoAndy Konieczny/Shutterstock

Colorado: West Maroon Pass

Spanning from Crested Butte to Aspen for 22 miles, most hikers take the West Maroon Pass as a one-way and either stay overnight at one end or take a shuttle back to the start that same day. According to the tourism board, this trail includes the most photographed peaks in all of Colorado, Maroon Bells.

Gillette Castle ConnecticutKaren Grigoryan/Shutterstock

Connecticut: Hike to Gillette Castle in Gillette Castle State Park

While it is currently closed due to COVID-19 concerns, plans to reopen are still in the works. When it reopens, just visiting Gillette Castle State Park, without doing tons of walking, you’ll see pretty views of the Connecticut River. But follow the 1.3-mile path to the medieval-looking stone castle (open Memorial Day through Labor Day), and you’ll get to see the former home of actor, William Gillette, built between 1914 and 1919. A steam train and riverboat might also pass by as you hang around the area—riding them is on our bucket list for the Nutmeg State.

Walkway through Delaware Junction and Breakwater Trailkathleen collins/Shutterstock

Delaware: Junction Breakwater and Gordons Pond Trail Loop

Through Cape Henlopen State Park and between Lewes and Rehoboth Beach, the Junction Breakwater and Gordons Pond Trail Loop offers waves, dunes, evergreen forests, and expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean. It has that shoreline feel, with wildlife like osprey, bald eagles, and shorebirds flocking overhead. Consider it the perfect combo of beach time and green space. Check out these other photos that perfectly celebrate our natural world—and what’s at stake.

walk path along the shore of Lake Taylor and under the shade of the forest trees, in Pinellas County, West Florida, USAAbdecoral/Shutterstock

Florida: Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail

The Florida National Scenic Trail system has tons of top-notch options for some of the best hiking trails in the country. But for a multi-purpose path, check out the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail, a nearly 50-mile stretch in Pasco and Pinellas counties. It’s recommended by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy—a non-profit working to creating a country-wide trail from Washington D.C. to Washington State—this rail trail connects parks, coastal towns, and neighborhoods.

Panorama shot taken at Sunset Rock on Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga Tennessee. Misty morning overlooking the river.Robert Ryder/Shutterstock

Georgia: Tennessee Rock Trail

In the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Black Rock Mountain State Park is the highest in the state and packs trails with flowers, streams, small waterfalls, and forests—along with beautiful views. Be advised that the park may be limiting capacity (first-come, first-served) due to COVID-19 concerns. The Tennessee Rock Trail is a 2.2-mile loop and a moderate-level trek that lets you peep more than 80 miles out on a clear day, featuring North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee all in one view.

Trail to Makapu'u Point Lighthouse, Oahu, HawaiiE.J.Johnson Photography/Shutterstock

Hawaii: Makapuu Lighthouse Trail

Of course, this ocean-view state has some of the most epic hikes in the country thanks to the seriously stunning views you’ll find around every corner. So you really can’t go wrong with whatever you choose. But if we had to pick just one, on Hawaii’s most popular island, Oahu, the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail would be it; a moderate two-mile trip, you’ll see incredible sights of the island’s southeastern coastline, including Koko Head, Koko Crater, and, of course, the Makapuu Lighthouse, built in 1909 with an eye-catching red roof. They are currently still limiting some facilities, parking access, and groups of over two people.

Rising mist along the Fishhook Creek Trail, Sawtooth Range, IdahoPaul A Smith/Shutterstock

Idaho: Fishhook Creek Trail

Located near Stanley, Idaho, and Redfish Lake, the Fishhook Creek Trail is a five-mile roundtrip hike with plenty of spots to stop and take in the beauty of your surroundings. You’ll make your way through sagebrush-lined paths, forests, meadows, and flower patches, reaching a combo view of Fishhook Creek Meadow and Mount Heyburn—the ideal place to park it for a few minutes and just relax.

Camel Rock and Monkey Face at Garden of the Gods National Forest, Illinois, USAOleksandr Koretskyi/Shutterstock

Illinois: Garden of the Gods

Head six hours south of Chicago and you’ll hit the Shawnee National Park in southern Illinois. Settled between the Ohio River and Mississippi River, opt for the trail to Garden of the Gods. At the peak, you can view awesome sandstone rock formations that stretch for miles. Along the way, you’ll travel through canyons and under green leaf canopies.

Inviting path in the woods in the spring with fresh leaves on the treesThomas Barrat/Shutterstock

Indiana: Knobstone Trail

Knobston, a combo of worn down shale, sandstone, and siltstone, packs this path in abundance, as do lots of forest-filled lands. Indiana’s longest trail, it spreads 60 miles over state park spaces. Pick any spot on the trail to start and end, but the Knobstone Escarpment is one of the most scenic go-tos, as it sits 300 feet above farmland.

Twisting Bridge Over Rails to Trail on Sunny DayKelly vanDellen/Shutterstock

Iowa: High Trestle Trail

A part of the Great American Rail Trail, this concrete footpath spans 25 miles in an area north of Des Moines. Its stand-out sight will grant any good Instagrammer the perfect picture: a ½-mile, three-story bridge that features an art installation of geometric shapes and lights that bring it to life at night. The entire trail spreads across five towns and four counties, so you also have plenty of opportunities to take a break and grab some grub along your journey. Just think twice before taking any of these photos in a National Park.

Hiking Trail Passing through Exposed Limestone Bedrock in January near Kansas City, MissouriJon Kraft/Shutterstock

Kansas: Elk River Trail in Elk City

A 15-mile, point-to-point, moderate to difficult hike, the Elk River Trail in Elk City offers waterfalls, rock formations, small caves, limestone bluffs, and ancient trees like oak, sycamore, and hickory. It gets its stamp of difficulty because of the switchbacks that lead to steep climbs (Kansas isn’t all flat after all!). On top of the rock formations, you get a pretty view of Elk City Lake.

East Pinnacle LookoutPatrick Jennings/Shutterstock

Kentucky: The Berea Pinnacles

While the most popular hiking destination in Kentucky is the Natural Bridge hike, the Berea Pinnacles is a can’t-miss path that slips under visitors’ radars. What makes it so great? Well, the lush surroundings for starters, as well as a view of Indian Fort Mountain. You can also choose your distance, but crossing off all lookout points (East Pinnacle, West Pinnacle, Buzzards Roost, and Eagles Nest), makes for a five-mile loop. Discover the hidden gem in your state.

Barataria Preserve - Jean Lafitte National Historical ParkKrista Hardin/Shutterstock

Louisiana: Louisiana State Arboretum

A system of short trails in Ville Platte, this entire collection of footpaths in the Louisiana State Arboretum totals six miles. Founded by the southern state’s first female forester, naturalist, artist and author, Caroline Dormon, the area got an official stamp of approval in 1964. Buzzing with plenty of bird watching, cypress trees, rolling hills and creeks, the Arboretum is right near Chicot State Park (currently closed), which also offers a 19-mile loop if you’re looking for a longer hike.

Mount Kineo on Moosehead LakeIsaac Crabtree/Shutterstock

Maine: Mount Kineo State Park

From the very beginning of this hike, you get a pretty cool and unique experience: to get to Mount Kineo State Park you need to take a shuttle boat from the town of Rockwood. When you get there, you have just over six miles of trails to hike. Choose among four different routes (Indian, Bridle, Carriage, or North) to the summit, where a converted fire tower sits. From the top, you’ll see a range of mountains in all directions, plus Moosehead Lake down below. If you’re wondering about a nature phenomena in your state, see if we can explain it.

View from Annapolis Rocks, along the Appalachian Train on South Mountain, Maryland.Jon Bilous/Shutterstock

Maryland: Appalachian Trail

While the full Appalachian Trail spreads more than 2,000 miles, a 40-mile stretch of it runs across Maryland and it provides some of the best hiking trails for a day-long adventure in the state. Popular routes include Annapolis Rock (at 1,700 feet, it has the highest elevation of the three), Washington Monument, and Weverton Cliffs. You have lots of opportunities for lookout points to catch a glimpse of the greenery around you.

The Mohawk Trail through The Berkshire Hills (Massachusetts, USA) in autumn Nigar Alizada/Shutterstock

Massachusetts: Mohawk Trail State Forest

Located in Western Mass, the Mohawk Trail State Forest is a popular spot for lots of outdoor activities, hiking in particular, as you stop and take in the woodlands of New England. You have more than 6,000 acres of mountains, gorges, and trees to explore, so the options for which direction you want to go are nearly endless. You can also camp overnight at 56 spots or choose to spend the night at one of six log cabins for rent. Here are 15 more amazing campsites across America that should be on your bucket list.

A weathered wooden walkway on the Empire Bluffs Trail is the perfect overlook to see Lake Michigan, the Sleeping Bear Dunes, and the Manitou islandCraig Sterken/Shutterstock

Michigan: Empire Bluff Trail

If you haven’t seen a Great Lake in your lifetime, now is your chance to check one out and snap a pic. Offering a quick round-trip, on the Empire Bluff Trail (just 1.5 miles), you get a stunning overlook of Lake Michigan. Most of the path is dirt or wood-laden, which makes for easy hiking.

Superior Hiking TrailPerrielloPhotography/Shutterstock

Minnesota: Superior Hiking Trail

A spot also offering a chance to spend time staring at a Great Lake, but this time it’s Superior. With more than 300 miles of trails from Duluth to the Canadian border, you can pick your favorite spot along the Superior Hiking Trail (trailhead parking lots pop up every few miles for a total of 50 entryways). Trek in for a day hike or pack up and spend a few nights along the path—campsites come along every five to eight miles. With either option, you get river, stream, waterfall, and forest scenery.

Hiker walks along path between cypress trees.Kelly Tippett/Shutterstock

Mississippi: Longleaf Trace

Winding through woods and wetlands, this rail trail connects to the University of Southern Mississippi, extending from Hattiesburg to Prentiss. Lots of pine trees line the more than 40-mile path, providing soothing scenery along the way. Plenty of towns also line the trail, so you can hop off to grab a bite or do some shopping. At every turn, you’ll see a very quintessential southern setting.

Fall view of a former railroad bridge converted into a trail in Missouri State Park in the fall; fall trees in the backgroundLanaG/Shutterstock

Missouri: Katy Trail State Park

One of the longest rails-to-trails routes in the country, this is the most well-known footpath in Missouri and transverses nearly the length of the state. It runs from Machens just outside of St. Louis to Clinton on the outskirts of Kansas, spanning 237 miles. Take your pick on how long you want to travel through. You can step on a trailhead about every ten miles throughout the path, pausing for a rest at eateries, wineries, and breweries whenever you need a pit stop.

View of the Bitterroot Valley from the Blodgett Overlook, MontanaL.A. Nature Graphics/Shutterstock

Montana: Blodgett Overlook Trail

Set in Bitterroot National Forest, locals love this hike for its gorgeous view of Blodgett Canyon when you reach the overlook. While the route has some steep climbs, it’s nothing any age or skill level can’t handle. And it’s well worth it to make it to the top for its 360-degrees of picture-perfect sights.

Needles Highway in the Black Hills of South Dakota, near Mount Rushmore National MonumentDavid S Mohn/Shutterstock

Nebraska: Black Hills Overlook

Both hikers and bikers often hit this trail in Chadron State Park, Nebraska’s oldest state park. At the viewing point, you’ll see grasslands and glimpses of South Dakota, and you also get one of the best panoramas of the north canyon. Head eight miles south of Chadron for a trailhead.

A narrow section of North Loop Trail leads to the summit of Mount Charleston in Spring Mountains National Recreation Area near Las Vegas, NevadaEric M. Williams/Shutterstock

Nevada: South Loop Trail to Charleston Peak

Nevada’s not all about flashy Las Vegas; it has amazing outdoor spaces, too. This path, in particular, located in the Spring Mountains National Recreation area—a place locals call Mount Charleston—is an hour drive northwest of the strip. The hike itself is 8.5 miles to the beautiful sights at the peak, which reaches close to 12,000 feet. To get there, you’ll transverse toward Echo Canyon and over an avalanche chute, as you spot aspen trees, and walk across a meadow. Speaking of nature, check out out how coronavirus is impacting endangered animals.

View from the top of the red dot trail on Monadnock Mountain in southern New Hampshire.M.Bailey/Shutterstock

New Hampshire: White Cross Trail at Mount Monadnock

You’ll likely share this trail with lots of nature lovers leaving from the Monadnock State Park headquarters and trekking to the summit. It’s a 3.8-mile jaunt to the top, requiring a pretty steep climb so feel free to take your time. As you pass wildflowers, you’ll come to the highest point where you can see the state and its rolling hills for miles and miles.

Cranberry Bogs at Double Trouble State Park New JerseyLMcCabe/Shutterstock

New Jersey: Franklin Parker Preserve in Pine Barrens

Pine Barrens, aka Pinelands, is an enormous area of land, covering 1.1 million acres. The Franklin Parker Preserve takes up 9,700-acres of that space and has four hiking trails covering 21 miles. You’ll find loops that weave around cranberry bogs, passed blueberry fields, and around the homes of Bald Eagles.

Dramatic light at dusk on a hiking trail through juniper and high hills under a beautiful sky of with storm clouds - Sangre de Cristo Mountains near Santa Fe, New MexicoJim Ekstrand/Shutterstock

New Mexico: Dale Ball Trail System

Not too far from downtown Sante Fe, you’ll find a 22-mile network of trails as part of the Dale Ball Trail System, situated at the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Whether you’re a beginner hiker or advanced in your treks, there’s a route (and view!) for you.

Bear Mountain NY Sunset during the FallMatt Kremkau/Shutterstock

New York: Bear Mountain Loop Trail

Not too far outside the Big Apple, the Bear Mountain Loop Trail is the perfect escape to the woods when you want to trade the tall city skylines with amazing green, tree-stocked views. You’ll head to the top via the Major Welch Trail and wrap around to join the Appalachian Trail. Along the way, notice the Hudson River and Anthony’s Nose across the water, another popular New York hiking spot. Outdoor lovers should also check out our list of the best picnic spots in every state.

View from the roadside to the summit of Whiteside Mountain near Highlands and Cashiers in North CarolinaSteve Heap/Shutterstock

North Carolina: Whiteside Mountain Trail

A two-mile loop along the Whiteside Mountain Trail brings you around the Eastern Continental Divide, over rocks nearly 500 million years old. Along the ridgeline, you peep pretty epic views of the Appalachian Mountains, from Georgia to North Carolina. Whiteside has one of the steepest vertical cliffs in the eastern United States, so it’s a good thing there’s a fence at the top so you can still look down over the granite rock face. If you’re lucky, you could also see an endangered species: the peregrine falcon, which sometimes flies overhead or nests on the rock.

Caprock Coulee Nature Trail in Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota, United StatesNational Parked/Shutterstock

North Dakota: Caprock Coulee Nature Trail

This is just 0.8 miles of the Caprock Coulee Nature Trail (1.6 miles round trip), but it’s arguably the best part. That’s because you’ll see a vast amount of badlands (eroded land with little vegetation), while also grabbing a look at wooded areas around Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Other cool nature sightings include prickly pear cactus, petrified wood, and sagebrush.

Sedimentary rock outcrop of the Ritchie Ledges along a hiking trail in Cuyahoga Valley National Park near Cleveland, Ohio.Jeff Holcombe/Shutterstock

Ohio: Buckeye Trail

Not every state has a trail that loops around basically the entire region, but Ohio sure does. Spanning 1,444 miles and all four corners, you can start on the Buckeye Trail near Cleveland on a beach on Lake Erie or near Cincinnati overlooking the Ohio River. You can also dip into Cuyahoga Valley National Park. You don’t have to make it all the way around in one fell swoop, rather enjoy a small stretch when you can.

A walking pathway alongside the Arkansas River in Tulsa, OklahomaStephanie A Sellers/Shutterstock

Oklahoma: Oklahoma River Trails

Travel on the Oklahoma River Trails, a lovely paved, tree-lined path through downtown Oklahoma City. Near S. Harvey Avenue, catch a view of the SkyDance Bridge, a unique sight for any hike. Inspired by Oklahoma’s state bird, the scissor-tailed flycatcher, it rises 200 feet and at night, gets adorned in colorful, eye-catching lights. You’ll also want to check out the 20 most beautiful Main Streets across America.

Suspension bridge at Drift creek falls Rex Leininger/Shutterstock

Oregon: Drift Creek Falls

Transverse a suspension bridge 100 feet above a canyon floor, walk through a coastal forest, and view a 75-foot waterfall all on this hike along Drift Creek Falls. Greens like vine maples, huckleberry, and salmonberry bushes graze the trail, winding through the wet Siuslaw National Forest. Speaking of waterfalls, discover the most gorgeous waterfall in your state.

The view of hiking trail under the pine trees in the summer near Beltzville State Park, Lehighton, Pennsylvania, U.S.AKhairil Azhar Junos/Shutterstock

Pennsylvania: Mid State Trail

Named Pennsylvania’s trail of the year in 2019, the Mid State Trail is the state’s longest, covering 327 miles and stretching from the border of New York to the border of Maryland. Mainly on public land, it includes state parks, forests, and plenty of picnic areas.

Cyclist on the East Bay Bike Path in Bristol, RIDan Logan/Shutterstock

Rhode Island: East Bay Bike Path

It might say bike in the name, but you can certainly choose to hike this beautiful New England rail trail. Through Bristol and Providence counties, it has a nautical feel, courtesy of the waterfront views and overpasses. The entire path stretches 14 miles.

table rock mountain fall scenic with mountain meadow and distant peakL Barnwell/Shutterstock

South Carolina: Table Rock Mountain

At Table Rock Mountain at Table Rock State Park in Pickens, you’ll find streams, waterfalls, views of Table Rock and Pinnacle Mountains and wildlife galore. Animals in the area include black bears, white-tailed deer, raccoons, gray fox, bobcat, and wild turkey, among others. Choose from six different trails, ranging from 0.6 miles to 3.6 miles from easy to strenuous.

Harney Peak Fire Lookout Tower in Custer State Park in the Black Hills of South Dakota USAHTurner/Shutterstock

South Dakota: Black Elk Peak in Black Hills National Forest

At the highest point in South Dakota—previously named Harney Peak—you have several trails to test out nearby. The most popular is trail 9, which, according to the Department of Tourism, is an easy to moderate hike that goes for 3.5 miles to the top. There, you’ll see views that span most of the region, with granite formations and forestry in the foreground.

Summertime View from Roan Mountain Balds HorizontalMary Terriberry/Shutterstock

Tennessee: Roan Mountain State Park

Visit the rhododendron gardens here in June, a prime time to stop and stare at the beautiful blooms, and also when the park hosts a fun festival. In the area, you have 12 miles of hiking trails with one of the highest rated being Cloudland Trail, a 2.4-mile trek. It will likely have some foot traffic when you go.

Palo Duro Canyon system of Caprock Escarpment located in Texas Panhandle near Amarillo, Texas, United StatesBrian S/Shutterstock

Texas: Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Located in Canyon, Palo Duro is the second largest canyon in the United States, yet somehow not many people visit this gem each year—just 300,000 people check it out, compared to the Grand Canyon’s five million. You have 15 trails to choose from, where you can see the canyon from several different angles. The tourism board suggests the seven-mile stretch of Upper Comanche to cross a river or a three-mile hike on Kiowa Trail for a close-up of the red-hued Permian formation.

Nature: Landscape of Green Mountain and Orange Rocks with Cityscape and Snow Mountain in Background. Cloudy Blue Sky Daytime.PimmyTan/Shutterstock

Utah: The Living Room Hike

You could visit Zion, Bryce Canyon, or Arches National Parks for some pretty epic hiking in Utah. Or you could get quite the stellar view from this hidden gem, located near Salt Lake City. Ask most locals if they’ve done the Living Room Hike trek, and they’ll likely say yes. It’s short, but steep and offers an expansive view of Salt Lake Valley when you reach the lookout, a spot on the foothills above the Natural History Museum of Utah. The inviting name comes from the rocks on the trail set up as a welcoming seating arrangement—you have our permission to park it and just enjoy the view from your seat.

Add to lightbox Image ID: 37406473 Download comp What is a comp Media License This item may be available to license for exclusive use. Please contact your Account Manager for pricing. Digital use $3.00 3072 X 2304 px (300dpi), 5.8 MB Add to cart License now Stock image: Hiker along ridge in Vermontdrewthehobbit/Shutterstock

Vermont: The Long Trail

Running the length of the state, some people hike the entire 272-mile footpath of The Long Trail, while others pick out day hikes, aiming to complete the full length in parts. There are also 166 miles of side trails to choose from if you want even more variety. Following the Green Mountain ridgeline, you will never run out of fresh air and lush green views to capture.

View of the Tye River and a footbridge at Crabtree Falls Recreation Area near Montebello, VirginiaSean Board/Shutterstock

Virginia: Crabtree Falls Trail

Featuring a steep waterfall in Nelson County, not many people know about this stand-out hiking spot, but you should. The falls really are the main attraction, with five big cascades and more smaller ones, and the steepest dropping 1,200 feet. You get a stop-and-spectate point just a hundred feet from the parking lot, but for those who want to travel another three miles to more stunning views of Tye River Valley, that’s always an option. Traveling by RV? Then you won’t want to miss our round-up of the best RV park in every state.

Walking along a narrow stretch of the Hurricane Hill Trail, Olympic National Park, Washington, USA2checkingout/Shutterstock

Washington: Hurricane Hill

Off of Hurricane Ridge, a gorgeous mountainous region, Hurricane Hill in Olympic National Park is the perfect starting trail. Though currently closed, some paths are beginning to reopen soon. An easy out and back if you want it, you’ll walk 1.6 total miles, or you can use it as a connection to longer trails. Either way, you get a breathtaking view of the surrounding area, especially if you go for a sunset (highly recommended!). Get inspired by taking a look at these photos of the most spectacular sunset in every state.

New River Gorge Endless Wall hiking trail view from Diamond Point.Jordan Kercheff/Shutterstock

West Virginia: Endless Wall Trail

A true stand-out in the Mountain State, the Endless Wall Trail is just over two miles and offers awesome views of a gorge—the name actually comes from the rock cliffs that line it. Hike to Diamond Point for the perfect viewing spot of the cliff along the rim of the gorge. Here, you’ll also have access to rock climbing if you want to add another activity to your day.

Amnicon Falls State Park is an 825 acre state park in Wisconsin, featuring several waterfallsDavid S Mohn/Shutterstock

Wisconsin: Amnicon Falls State Park

Get a dose of midwest history on the two miles of trails that wind around the Amnicon Falls State Park. The area features natural landscapes, formed from earthquakes that happened half a billion years ago. The River Trail specifically offers mini-pools and waterfalls for watching, too. Definitely make a stop at the Horton Bridge, a covered overpass located at Lower Falls. There’s a selfie stick set up for you downstream from the bridge so you can snap all the photos you want. This isn’t the only place in the United States where you’ll find a natural swimming pool. Here are more of our favorites.

Firehole River viewed from Biscuit Basin Loop Trail (Continental Divide Trail) in Biscuit Basin at Yellowstone Nationa Park, WyomingNikki Yancey/Shutterstock

Wyoming: The Continental Divide Trail

In a state that’s home to both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, The Continental Divide Trail in Medicine Bow National Forest stands out for a few reasons. The entire Continental Divide Trail covers more than 3,000 miles and five states, but in Wyoming, you get 550 miles of it from Yellowstone down to Medicine Bow. Along the route, you’ll come across iconic sights like the Wind River Range, Great Divide Basin, and South Pass City. Keep reading to discover the most historic landmark in every state.

Mallory Creveling
Mallory Creveling, a New York City-based writer, has been covering health, fitness, and nutrition for more than a decade. In addition to Reader's Digest, her work has appeared in publications such as Health, Men's Journal, Self, Runner's World, and Shape, where she previously held a staff role. She also worked as an editor at Daily Burn and Family Circle magazine. Mallory, a certified personal trainer, also works with private fitness clients in Manhattan and at a strength studio in Brooklyn. Originally from Allentown, PA, she graduated from Syracuse University's S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. Follow her @MalCrev on Instagram and Twitter.