The United States is made for hiking. With the country’s vast array of diverse landscapes — mountains, forests, deserts, coastal areas, and everything in between — and its extensive network of public lands, few places are better for lacing up your hiking boots, grabbing a trail bag and some snacks, and going exploring.
And with more than 21,000 combined miles of hiking trails in just the National Park Service alone, we all have a nearly unlimited wealth of locations to check out and traverse.
Planning your hike
Jonesing for a bit of crisp mountain air, crystal blue skies, and incredible mountain vistas? Looking for something affordable, accessible, and fun that you can do with your kids, your parents, some friends, or that special someone? Want to get into better shape, test your existing strength and stamina, or just cleanse your mind and spirit with a meditative journey?
Hiking can fulfill all these desires and more. But the key to any successful trek lies in careful planning. Start by choosing your trail. Decide whether you’re up for a challenging experience or something more leisurely. Research trail difficulty, length, and elevation using online guides, and double check trail conditions on official park websites regularly — both well in advance and as your trip grows closer. Early planning can help ensure you avoid surprises and will allow you to more fully enjoy your outing.
Packing for your hike
As the saying goes, ounces equal pounds and pounds equal pain. So, less is always more, but don’t skimp on the essentials.
Bring plenty of water and a healthy stash of high-energy snacks, such as trail mix, mixed nuts, and dried jerky. (Salmon jerky is ideal if you’re looking for something that’s tasty, convenient, and packed with herbaceous, smoky flavor.) You’ll also need a compass or GPS and a trail map.
Depending on the length of your hike, packing sun protection, rain gear, a headlamp, and even trekking poles for added stability — especially if you’re going over rough or jagged terrain — is also wise. And remember, the right gear starts with your shoes, so make sure they’re broken in and comfortable. Wearing them for the first time on the trail can result in blisters and sore feet.
Finally, for the most memorable hike possible, make the journey about more than just reaching your destination. Plan fun stops along the way for photo ops, wildlife watching (be sure to follow the Leave No Trace principles), a quick cook-out with a portable grill, or even just a few moments of quiet, peaceful reflection. No matter which trail you pick, who you’re traveling with, or whatever else is going on in life, give yourself permission to slow down and fully appreciate the sounds, sights, and serenity that hiking brings.
Now, let the adventure begin!
5 iconic American hiking trails everyone should experience
Horseshoe Lake Trail
Located in the natural wonderland of Denali National Park, about a five-hour drive north of Anchorage, this infinitely scenic trail will take you around the full exterior of one of Alaska’s most popular and beloved lakes. Test your knowledge of hundreds of different varieties of flora and fauna, including countless birds and even a busy “at work” lake beaver (if you’re lucky). Then, refuel after the approximately two-hour hike with some local crab — caught from the same waters as those available from Vital Choice.
Trail of Ten Falls
For a slightly more advanced climb that requires moderate skill but is just as beautiful, try exploring this seven-mile, loop-style trail in Silver Falls State Park (near Mehama, Oregon, and about an hour south of Portland). A crown jewel of the state’s park system, the trail’s name is not a lie: It will really take you past 10 different roaring waterfalls (and you can walk behind four of them!) in just a few hours’ time. And, no, it’s not your imagination: Each really is more stunning than the last!
Jordan Pond Path
Maine is the original home of the mayo-based lobster roll, as well as some of the most incredible lobster on the planet. It’s also where you’ll find Acadia National Park, a 47,000-acre Atlantic coast recreation hotspot you’ve got to visit at least once in your life. Known for its iconic, rugged geography — the result of many years of glaciers carving through the landscape — this three-mile trail will take you completely around Jordan Pond. Snap plenty of pics of the two rounded peaks nearby (which are known as the Bubbles) and keep an eye out for nesting peregrine falcons swooping through the granite cliffs above.
Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail
While the previous trails on our list offer extraordinary views of mountains, lakes, and water, the Navajo Loop trail in Utah’s Bryce Canyon National Park is all about natural rock formations — the kind of stuff you think only exists in sci-fi movies but can really be seen right here on Earth.
Definitely check out Thor’s Hammer, a massive and imposing chunk of stone delicately perched atop a much smaller piece of weathered sandstone below. Even if you’ve seen other incredible rock formations, few are this fantastic and unique. And this three-mile trail will take you closer than any other. By Odin’s beard, do it for the photos alone — you won’t be sorry!
Lower Yosemite Falls Trail
For a family-friendly trek that people of almost any age or fitness level can handle, this gorgeous journey through the most magical part of California’s Yosemite National Park is as good as it gets. A 1.2-mile loop trail, this hike will take you to the misty bottom of Yosemite Falls, a 2,425-foot behemoth that is the tallest waterfall in North America (and nearly twice as tall as the Empire State Building).
Visit in the spring, if you can, when water levels are at their highest. Spoiler alert: If you plan a trip later in the season, you can also drop by the trail’s live webcam for a teaser of what your upcoming visit could look like. Talk about impressive.
AUTHOR
Brian Good is a writer, editor, and project manager with more than 20 years of experience in publishing. He's written for some of the country’s biggest magazine brands including Men’s Journal, Men’s Fitness, Shape, Men's Health, Muscle & Fitness, US Weekly, AARP: The Magazine, and websites including Mashed, Health Digest, DiversityInc and others. Good specializes on topics including lifestyle, travel, pop culture, health, food and nutrition, spirits, products, politics, and activism.