There’s something deeply satisfying about hitting the trail, feeling the earth under your boots, and breathing in crisp, wild air. Hiking reconnects us—with nature, with our bodies, and with a slower pace of life. But not all trails are created equal.
Some hikes challenge us. Some wow us with scenery. Others leave an imprint on the soul that lingers long after the dust has settled on our boots.
We’ve gathered 10 of the most unforgettable hiking trails in the U.S.—each one a bucket-list adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or just looking for a walk with a view, these trails have something special waiting for you.
Let’s dive in.
1. The John Muir Trail (California)
Length: 211 miles
Best For: Long-distance wilderness lovers
Highlights: Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks
If you’re craving alpine lakes, granite peaks, and some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in the Sierra Nevada, the John Muir Trail is calling. It’s not just beautiful—it’s iconic.
Named after naturalist John Muir, this trail winds through some of California’s most stunning national parks. Picture walking for days beneath towering cliffs, beside glacial lakes, and among ancient sequoias.
It’s a serious trek, so you’ll need permits, good gear, and time. But for those ready to commit? It’s life-changing.
2. The Appalachian Trail (Georgia to Maine)
Length: 2,190+ miles
Best For: Bucket-list backpackers and dreamers
Highlights: Smoky Mountains, White Mountains, and everything in between
The AT, as hikers lovingly call it, is a legendary east coast adventure. While most won’t attempt the full five- to seven-month thru-hike, many explore sections over weekends or weeks.
You’ll pass through 14 states, see four seasons of weather, and walk through rolling meadows, misty forests, and rugged peaks. Even short sections—like the Roan Highlands in Tennessee—offer a glimpse into the magic.
This trail is more than a hike. It’s a journey into community, endurance, and yourself.
3. Angels Landing (Utah)
Length: 5.4 miles round-trip
Best For: Adrenaline seekers
Highlights: Narrow ridge, steep drop-offs, Zion Canyon views
Few hikes are as heart-pounding—or Instagrammed—as Angels Landing. Nestled in Zion National Park, this trail isn’t long, but it is intense.
The final stretch climbs along a razor-thin ridge with chains bolted into rock to help you stay upright. With thousand-foot drops on either side, it’s not for the faint of heart.
But those who make it to the top? Unmatched views and a major sense of accomplishment await.
Permits are now required due to its popularity and risk—plan ahead.
4. Kalalau Trail (Hawaii)
Length: 22 miles round-trip
Best For: Tropical adventure lovers
Highlights: Nā Pali Coast, waterfalls, cliffside views
Want to hike in paradise? The Kalalau Trail on Kauai’s Nā Pali Coast is your dream come true.
This coastal trail blends lush jungle, dramatic sea cliffs, and ocean breezes into one unforgettable experience. Hike to Hanakapi’ai Falls for a stunning day trip, or go all the way to Kalalau Beach on a multi-day journey.
It’s challenging. It’s muddy. And it’s totally worth it.
5. The Enchantments (Washington)
Length: 18 miles point-to-point
Best For: Mountain goats (the human kind)
Highlights: Alpine lakes, jagged peaks, golden larches
With a name like The Enchantments, this trail has a lot to live up to. Spoiler alert: It absolutely does.
Located in Washington’s Alpine Lakes Wilderness, this hike takes you through granite basins dotted with turquoise lakes and meadows straight out of a fairy tale.
The catch? It’s steep—like 4,500-feet-of-gain steep. You’ll need a permit for overnight trips or can brave the one-day grind.
Tip: Go in fall when the larches turn gold.
6. The Narrows (Utah)
Length: Up to 16 miles
Best For: River hikers and photographers
Highlights: Slot canyons, towering walls, wading through water
The Narrows in Zion National Park flips the script—because here, the trail is the river.
You’ll wade, walk, and sometimes swim through the Virgin River, hemmed in by walls that soar a thousand feet high. It’s surreal. And it’s refreshingly cool during the desert heat.
There’s a short “bottom-up” version for day hikers, or a full “top-down” experience for the ambitious. Just check water levels and weather—flash floods are no joke here.
7. Mount Katahdin (Maine)
Length: 8–10 miles depending on the route
Best For: Summit chasers
Highlights: Knife Edge Trail, 360° views, Appalachian Trail terminus
Maine’s highest peak is rugged, raw, and wildly rewarding.
The Knife Edge Trail lives up to its name—a narrow, rocky ridge that looks like it belongs in the Alps, not the Northeast. One misstep and you’re tumbling.
But the summit of Katahdin is unforgettable. It’s also the northern endpoint of the Appalachian Trail, so you might see emotional thru-hikers completing their epic journey.
8. Harding Icefield Trail (Alaska)
Length: 8.2 miles round-trip
Best For: Glacier lovers
Highlights: Exit Glacier, views of a vast icefield, wildlife sightings
Alaska does everything on a bigger scale. And this trail? It proves it.
Starting near Seward, this trail climbs through forest and tundra until you reach views of the 700-square-mile Harding Icefield—a frozen world that stretches as far as the eye can see.
Along the way, you might spot marmots, mountain goats, and even bears. It’s like hiking through a wildlife documentary.
Bring layers. And a camera.
9. Grinnell Glacier Trail (Montana)
Length: 10.6 miles round-trip
Best For: Glacier lovers with a lighter schedule
Highlights: Turquoise lakes, Glacier National Park scenery
Located in Montana’s Glacier National Park, the Grinnell Glacier Trail packs a big punch for a medium-sized effort.
You’ll pass wildflowers, waterfalls, and glacial lakes that look like they’ve been Photoshopped. The views of Grinnell Glacier itself? Mind-blowing.
Early summer brings wildflowers. Fall brings golden hues. And in between, there’s nothing but raw Rocky Mountain beauty.
10. Lost Coast Trail (California)
Length: 24.6 miles point-to-point
Best For: Solitude seekers and tide chart readers
Highlights: Remote beaches, foggy cliffs, wildlife
California’s coast is famous. But the Lost Coast? That’s something different entirely.
This stretch of Northern California coastline is so rugged that Highway 1 couldn’t conquer it. That left behind a wilderness corridor—home to tidepools, black sand beaches, and a kind of silence you can feel.
It’s remote. It’s wild. You’ll need to time sections with the tides. But if you want to disappear into nature for a few days, this is the trail.
A Few Quick Tips Before You Go
We love wild places, but they come with responsibilities. Before you hit the trail, remember:
- Leave No Trace: Pack it in, pack it out. Stay on trail. Respect wildlife.
- Know Before You Go: Check permits, weather, and trail conditions.
- Bring the Right Gear: A good pair of hiking boots, a map, layers, snacks, and plenty of water go a long way.
- Don’t Push It: Trails vary in difficulty. Choose one that matches your skill and fitness level.
And most of all? Soak it in.
The Trail Is Calling, Will You Answer?
Each of these trails offers something unique—whether it’s dramatic landscapes, peaceful moments, or a sense of awe you just can’t find behind a screen.
So which one will you tackle first?
Maybe you’ll start small. Maybe you’ll dive into a weeklong adventure. Either way, the trail is out there. And it’s ready to change you.
Lace up your boots. Pack that pack.
Let’s go hiking.