The U.S. offers some of the world’s most incredible hiking trails — from long thru-hikes that cross states to day hikes with unforgettable views.
In this roundup, every trail links to its official resource, so you can check permits, maps, and regulations before heading out.
Quick List of Top Hiking Trails in the U.S. 🥾
- Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) — Very Difficult, 2,650 miles Mexico to Canada
- Appalachian Trail (AT) — Very Difficult, 2,190 miles Georgia to Maine
- John Muir Trail (JMT) — Difficult, 211 miles in California’s High Sierra
- Teton Crest Trail — Strenuous, 40 miles in Grand Teton NP
- Zion Narrows — Moderate, slot canyon river hike in Utah
- Kalalau Trail — Difficult, 22 miles along Kaua‘i’s Nā Pali Coast
- Bright Angel Trail — Strenuous, classic Grand Canyon route
- Franconia Ridge Loop — Strenuous , 9 miles in New Hampshire
- Grinnell Glacier Trail — Moderate, 11 miles in Glacier NP, Montana
- Half Dome Trail — Very Strenuous, Yosemite’s cable route (permit required)
- Ice Age Trail — Moderate, 1,200 miles across Wisconsin
- Lost Coast Trail — Strenuous, 24.6 miles of remote California coastline
- Superior Hiking Trail — Moderate, 300 miles along Lake Superior, Minnesota
- Wonderland Trail — Strenuous, 93 miles around Mount Rainier, Washington
- Angels Landing — Strenuous, 5.4 miles with exposed ridge
Trail Highlights & Details
Pacific Crest Trail (California to Washington)
- Length: ~2,650 miles
- Official Source: USDA Forest Service
- Permits: Required if hiking 500+ continuous miles; section permits vary.
- Why Hike: Epic thru-hike from desert to alpine wilderness.
Appalachian Trail (Georgia to Maine)
- Length: ~2,190 miles
- Official Source: NPS Appalachian Trail
- Why Hike: Crosses 14 states, rich hiking community, iconic views.
John Muir Trail (California)
- Length: 211 miles
- Official Source: NPS Yosemite JMT Info
- Permits: Required; strict quotas (esp. Donohue Pass).
- Why Hike: Legendary High Sierra scenery.
Teton Crest Trail (Wyoming)
- Length: ~40 miles
- Official Source: Grand Teton NPS
- Why Hike: Alpine passes, wildflowers, Tetons towering overhead.
Zion Narrows (Utah)
- Length: Up to 16 miles
- Official Source: Zion Narrows NPS
- Why Hike: Slot canyon river trek; immersive and unforgettable.
Kalalau Trail (Hawai‘i)
- Length: 22 miles round trip
- Official Source: Hawai‘i DLNR
- Permits: Overnight camping permit required; day-use reservations for Hā‘ena SP.
- Why Hike: Nā Pali cliffs, waterfalls, remote beaches.
Bright Angel Trail (Arizona)
- Length: 15 miles
- Official Source: Grand Canyon NPS
- Why Hike: Iconic descent into the Grand Canyon; resthouses, water.
Franconia Ridge Loop (New Hampshire)
- Length: 9 miles
- Official Source: White Mountain NF
- Why Hike: Dramatic ridgeline views, best in fall foliage season.
Grinnell Glacier Trail (Montana)
- Length: 11 miles
- Official Source: Glacier NP NPS
- Why Hike: Alpine lakes, glacier views, frequent wildlife.
Half Dome Trail (California)
- Length: 14–16 miles
- Official Source: Yosemite NPS Half Dome
- Permits: Mandatory; secured via lottery.
- Why Hike: Iconic cable climb to Yosemite’s summit.
Ice Age Trail (Wisconsin)
- Length: 1,200 miles
- Official Source: Ice Age Trail Alliance
- Why Hike: Traces glacial history across prairies, forests, towns.
Lost Coast Trail (California)
- Length: 24.6 miles
- Official Source: BLM Lost Coast
- Permits: Wilderness permits required; tide planning essential.
- Why Hike: Remote coast, solitude, black sand beaches.
Superior Hiking Trail (Minnesota)
- Length: 300 miles
- Official Source: Superior Hiking Trail Association
- Why Hike: Follows Lake Superior, cliffs, waterfalls, dense forest.
Wonderland Trail (Washington)
- Length: 93 miles
- Official Source: NPS Mount Rainier Wonderland Trail
- Permits: Overnight backcountry permit required.
- Why Hike: Circles Mount Rainier with glaciers and wildflower meadows.
Angels Landing (Utah)
- Length: 5.4 miles
- Official Source: Zion NPS Angels Landing
- Permits: Day-use permit required via lottery.
- Why Hike: Narrow ridge with chains and jaw-dropping views.
Hiking Tips and Tricks for Every Adventurer
- Start Small: Test your endurance on moderate trails before tackling strenuous routes.
- Check Weather & Permits Early: Conditions change fast; permits like Half Dome or Angels Landing sell out quickly.
- Pack the 10 Essentials: Navigation tools, headlamp, sun protection, first aid, knife/multi-tool, fire starter, shelter, extra food, extra water, and layers.
- Hydration is Key: Carry a water filter for long hikes; don’t rely on streams without treatment.
- Footwear Matters: Invest in quality boots or trail runners; break them in before big hikes.
- Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash, respect wildlife, and stick to designated trails.
Conclusion
These best hiking trails in the U.S. cover alpine ridges, canyons, coasts, and wilderness. Whether you want a day hike or a months-long challenge, the official resources linked here ensure you’re prepared with the latest info.
So grab your boots, plan ahead, and step into a journey that will inspire you long after the trail ends. 🌄
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How do I get a permit for Half Dome?
A. Permits are required when the cables are up (late May–October). They’re awarded via lottery. Backpackers need wilderness permits with a Half Dome add-on. Details here.
Q. Do I need a permit for Angels Landing?
A. Yes. The NPS manages a lottery system for day-use permits. Apply here.
Q. What is the best long-distance trail in the U.S.?
A. The Pacific Crest Trail and Appalachian Trail are legendary thru-hikes. The John Muir Trail is shorter but equally stunning.
Q. Which hike has the most scenic views?
A. Kalalau Trail, Zion Narrows, and Half Dome are globally ranked for jaw-dropping scenery.
Q. When’s the best season to hike?
A. Summer is ideal for alpine hikes like PCT, JMT, and Wonderland. Spring/fall for desert hikes. Coastal hikes like Lost Coast depend on tides.
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