Hiking in America is a great pastime, and we at Competitours are proud to bring you the 20 best hiking trails in America. Be sure to check out the best hikes of Nicaragua, as well as our our recommended surprise road trip ideas for the USA.

Our 20 Favorite Hiking Trails in the USA, Updated for 2025:

1. Half Dome (California)

• Location: Yosemite National Park
• Distance: 14-16 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 4,800 feet
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Trailhead: Happy Isles Trailhead, accessed via Yosemite Valley Shuttle

One of Yosemite’s most famous hikes, Half Dome offers stunning views and an exhilarating final ascent up steel cables bolted into the rock. The hike starts on the Mist Trail, passing Vernal and Nevada Falls, before reaching Sub Dome. From there, hikers use cables to ascend the final 400 feet to the summit. Permits are required, and conditions can be dangerous in wet weather.

2. The Narrows (Utah)

• Location: Zion National Park
• Distance: 9.4-16 miles round trip (depending on route)
• Elevation Gain: Minimal
• Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
• Trailhead: Temple of Sinawava, accessible via Zion Shuttle

ZION National Park | The NARROWS Hike

The Narrows is a slot canyon hike through the Virgin River, with towering 1,000-foot sandstone walls. Hikers can walk upstream from the Riverside Walk Trail for a shorter trip or complete the 16-mile top-down route from Chamberlain’s Ranch (permit required). Water levels fluctuate, and neoprene socks or dry suits are recommended.

3. Bright Angel Trail (Arizona)

• Location: Grand Canyon National Park
• Distance: Up to 19 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 4,380 feet
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Trailhead: Bright Angel Trailhead, near Grand Canyon Village

Descending into the Grand Canyon, this rim-to-river trail offers incredible switchbacks and scenic overlooks. Water is available seasonally at 1.5-Mile Resthouse, 3-Mile Resthouse, and Indian Garden. Most hikers turn around at Plateau Point (12 miles round trip), but the full trail reaches the Colorado River at Phantom Ranch.

4. The Appalachian Trail (Multiple States)

• Location: Eastern United States
• Distance: 2,194 miles point-to-point
• Elevation Gain: Varies
• Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
• Trailhead: Springer Mountain, Georgia (Southern Terminus) / Mount Katahdin, Maine (Northern Terminus)

One of the most famous long-distance trails, the Appalachian Trail (AT) spans 14 states, from Georgia to Maine. Popular sections include McAfee Knob in Virginia, the White Mountains in New Hampshire, and Clingmans Dome in the Smoky Mountains. Thru-hikers complete the entire trail in 5-7 months, while section hikers tackle parts of it.

5. The Pacific Crest Trail (Multiple States)

• Location: Western United States
• Distance: 2,650 miles point-to-point
• Elevation Gain: Varies
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Trailhead: Southern Terminus (Campo, California) / Northern Terminus (Manning Park, Canada)

Stretching from Mexico to Canada, the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) passes through California, Oregon, and Washington, offering incredible landscapes like the Sierra Nevada, Crater Lake, and the Cascades. While thru-hikers complete the trail in 4-6 months, popular section hikes include John Muir Trail (211 miles) and Goat Rocks Wilderness (Oregon-Washington border).

6. The Continental Divide Trail (Multiple States)

• Location: Rocky Mountains, USA
• Distance: 3,100 miles point-to-point
• Elevation Gain: Varies
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Trailhead: Southern Terminus (Crazy Cook Monument, New Mexico) / Northern Terminus (Waterton Park, Canada)

Experience the Continental Divide Trail in 10 minutes!

The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) follows the Rocky Mountains, passing through New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. Iconic sections include Rocky Mountain National Park, Yellowstone, and Glacier National Park. The CDT is less developed than the PCT or AT, requiring expert navigation and wilderness survival skills.

7. The John Muir Trail (California)

• Location: Sierra Nevada, California
• Distance: 211 miles point-to-point
• Elevation Gain: 47,000 feet
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Trailhead: Happy Isles in Yosemite / Mount Whitney

A subset of the PCT, the John Muir Trail (JMT) runs through Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks, offering some of the most scenic high-alpine landscapes in the U.S. The final ascent to Mount Whitney (14,505 feet) is a highlight. Permits are required, and resupply planning is essential.

8. Ice Age Trail (Wisconsin)

• Location: Wisconsin
• Distance: 1,200 miles point-to-point
• Elevation Gain: Varies
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trailhead: St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin (Western Terminus) / Potawatomi State Park (Eastern Terminus)

This unique long-distance trail follows the path of ancient glaciers, passing kettle lakes, moraines, and rolling forests across Wisconsin. Popular sections include Devil’s Lake, Kettle Moraine, and the Chippewa Moraine Reserve. It is a designated National Scenic Trail and is well-marked.

9. Mount Whitney (California)

• Location: Inyo National Forest, California
• Distance: 22 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 6,100 feet
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Trailhead: Whitney Portal, accessed via Whitney Portal Road

At 14,505 feet, Mount Whitney is the highest peak in the continental U.S. The standard Whitney Trail begins at Whitney Portal, climbing through Mirror Lake, Trail Camp, and the infamous 97 Switchbacks before reaching the summit. A lottery permit is required, and altitude sickness is a common challenge.

10. Wonderland Trail (Washington)

• Location: Mount Rainier National Park
• Distance: 93 miles loop
• Elevation Gain: 22,000 feet
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Trailhead: Longmire, White River, Sunrise, or Mowich Lake

Encircling Mount Rainier, the Wonderland Trail is one of the most scenic loop hikes in the U.S. It features glacial rivers, alpine meadows, and old-growth forests. The trail has 18 wilderness campsites, and permits are required. The best time to hike is July-September when snow has melted.

11. Kalalau Trail (Hawaii)

• Location: Nā Pali Coast, Kauai, Hawaii
• Distance: 22 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 6,177 feet
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Trailhead: Ke’e Beach, accessed via Highway 560

The Kalalau Trail is a breathtaking coastal trek along Kauai’s Nā Pali Coast, featuring lush valleys, towering sea cliffs, and pristine beaches. The hike begins at Ke’e Beach and crosses several river streams, including Hanakāpī‘ai Stream, before reaching Hanakāpī‘ai Beach at mile 2. The full trail continues through steep switchbacks and jungle terrain, leading to the remote Kalalau Beach. Permits are required beyond Hanakāpī‘ai Valley.

12. The Wave (Arizona)

• Location: Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
• Distance: 6.4 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 400 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trailhead: Wire Pass Trailhead, accessed via House Rock Valley Road

A surreal sandstone formation, The Wave is an iconic destination featuring undulating rock patterns in vibrant red, orange, and yellow hues. The hike starts at Wire Pass Trailhead, crossing through rocky desert terrain. Navigation skills are essential as the trail is unmarked. Access is highly restricted, with only 64 daily permits issued through a lottery system.

13. Angels Landing (Utah)

• Location: Zion National Park
• Distance: 5.4 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 1,488 feet
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Trailhead: Grotto Trailhead, accessible via Zion Canyon Shuttle

Famous for its sheer cliffs and narrow ridgeline, Angels Landing offers one of the most thrilling hikes in America. The trail begins at Grotto Trailhead, following West Rim Trail through steep switchbacks called Walter’s Wiggles. The final half-mile ascends a narrow rock spine with 1,000-foot drop-offs on both sides, assisted by chains. Permits are required due to safety concerns.

14. Harding Icefield Trail (Alaska)

• Location: Kenai Fjords National Park
• Distance: 8.2 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 3,812 feet
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Trailhead: Exit Glacier Area, accessed via Herman Leirer Road

This stunning alpine hike leads to a panoramic view of the Harding Icefield, a massive 700-square-mile sheet of ice. The trail begins at Exit Glacier, climbing through forests and meadows before reaching the icy expanse. Weather can change rapidly, and snow is common at higher elevations.

15. Franconia Ridge Loop (New Hampshire)

• Location: White Mountain National Forest
• Distance: 8.6 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 3,900 feet
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Trailhead: Lafayette Place Parking, accessed via I-93

A classic East Coast hike, Franconia Ridge Loop traverses Mount Lafayette, Mount Lincoln, and Little Haystack Mountain along a stunning alpine ridgeline. The hike combines the Falling Waters Trail, Franconia Ridge Trail, and Old Bridle Path, offering 360-degree views of the Presidential Range.

16. Mount Katahdin & Knife Edge (Maine)

• Location: Baxter State Park
• Distance: 8-10 miles round trip (depending on route)
• Elevation Gain: 4,000 feet
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Trailhead: Roaring Brook or Katahdin Stream Campground

Mount Katahdin, Maine’s highest peak at 5,267 feet, is the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. The Knife Edge Trail is a harrowing, narrow ridge hike with steep drop-offs, connecting Pamola Peak to Baxter Peak. Weather conditions change quickly, so hikers should prepare for wind and exposure.

17. The Highline Trail (Montana)

• Location: Glacier National Park
• Distance: 11.8 miles point-to-point
• Elevation Gain: 1,950 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trailhead: Logan Pass Visitor Center, accessible via Going-to-the-Sun Road

One of Glacier National Park’s most scenic trails, the Highline Trail hugs the Garden Wall, a towering ridge with breathtaking valley views. The first section features a narrow cliffside path, but a hand cable provides support. Wildlife encounters, including mountain goats and bighorn sheep, are common.

18. Skyline Trail to Panorama Point (Washington)

• Location: Mount Rainier National Park
• Distance: 5.5 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 1,700 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trailhead: Paradise Visitor Center, accessed via Paradise Road

This Mount Rainier hike offers incredible views of glaciers, wildflower meadows, and cascading waterfalls. The Skyline Trail begins at Paradise, climbing past Myrtle Falls to Panorama Point, where hikers can see Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Hood. Snow lingers on the trail year-round.

19. Hoh River Trail to Blue Glacier (Washington)

• Location: Olympic National Park
• Distance: 34 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 3,900 feet
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Trailhead: Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center, accessed via Upper Hoh Road

One of the most stunning rainforest hikes in America, the Hoh River Trail winds through mossy old-growth forests before climbing toward the Blue Glacier at the base of Mount Olympus. The trail offers multiple turnaround points, with Five Mile Island (10 miles round trip) as a popular shorter option.

20. Lost Coast Trail (California)

• Location: King Range National Conservation Area
• Distance: 25 miles point-to-point
• Elevation Gain: 4,000 feet
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Trailhead: Mattole Beach or Black Sands Beach

The Lost Coast Trail is one of the last truly wild coastal hikes in America, following an undeveloped stretch of California’s rugged shoreline. Hikers must time their trek carefully, as some sections become impassable during high tide. Wildlife sightings include elephant seals and migrating whales. Shuttle service is needed for point-to-point hikers.

TLDR for the Best Hikes in the USA:

Whether you're seeking alpine summits, coastal walks, or jungle treks, these 20 hikes showcase the best of America's natural landscapes. Always check trail conditions, permits, and safety requirements before setting out. Happy hiking! 🚶‍♂️🌿🏔️