Google “what state has the best hiking?” and you’ll get a variety of answers. Some will say California because of the giant redwoods in Yosemite National Park. Others might say Colorado because of the Rocky Mountains. While both states have great hikes, other states have equally impressive trails. Here are 12 states for hiking that you should check out!
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Criteria for Selecting the Best States for Hiking
1. Diversity of landscapes and ecosystems – A good hiking experience offers varied terrain, from towering mountains to deep forests, rocky deserts, and coastal beaches. The more diverse the landscapes and ecosystems of a state, the better the experience it offers. Consider states like California, Colorado, and Utah, which offer various terrains and natural wonders to explore.
2. Range of difficulty levels for hikers of all experience levels – Hiking can be an extreme sport or a leisurely walk in the park, depending on one’s skill and experience level. The best hiking states should offer trails catering to novice and advanced hikers. States like Colorado and Utah have trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging climbs, ensuring everyone gets an equal opportunity to partake in this activity.
3. Availability of well-maintained trails and facilities – A good hiking experience goes beyond the trail itself; it extends to the facilities available. The best states for hiking have well-maintained trails, ample parking, clean restrooms, and other essential amenities to make your journey comfortable. States like Oregon have an extensive network of well-maintained trails that offer hikers the option of staying connected with civilization while still experiencing nature.
4. Scenic beauty and natural attractions – Hiking is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. The best states for hiking offer breathtaking views and natural attractions that make the journey worth it. States like Colorado boasts scenic views of the Rockies, while the Grand Canyon in Arizona offers a natural wonder that will take your breath away.
5. Climate considerations for year-round hiking – Hiking requires good weather conditions. The best states for hiking offer year-round hiking opportunities, so you don’t have to restrict yourself to a particular season. States like California offer mild weather conditions, making them ideal for year-round hiking.
12 Best States For Hiking
Alaska
Alaska is the best state for hiking if you’re looking for a challenge. The state is home to the tallest peak in North America, Mount Denali, glaciers, and rugged mountains. There are also plenty of trails that lead through dense forests and along coastal cliffs. Alaska is a great place to go hiking if you’re looking for an adventure!
Best places to hike in Alaska:
The Chilkoot Trail: This 33-mile trail starts in British Columbia and ends in Alaska. It’s a popular hike because it includes coastal scenery and rugged mountain peaks.
The Crow Pass Trail: This 26-mile trail goes from Girdwood to Valdez and offers hikers beautiful views of glaciers and mountains.
The Lost Lake Trail: This 12-mile trail leads hikers through the dense forest past numerous lakes. It’s an easy and scenic hike that is perfect for beginners!
Arizona
Arizona is home to the Grand Canyon, one of the most popular hiking destinations in the country. However, there are plenty of other trails in the state that offer amazing views and challenging terrain. Hiking in Arizona can be hot during the summer months, but it’s worth it to experience the state’s unique landscape.
Best places to hike in Arizona:
The Havasu Falls: This 12-mile trail leads to the base of a waterfall fed by natural springs. The water is cool and refreshing, making it a great destination on hot days!
Devil’s Bridge Trail: This four-mile out-and-back hike offers views of Sedona’s famous red rock formations.
Havasu Falls: This four-mile out-and-back hike leads to a waterfall fed by natural spring water! It’s also possible to camp at the base of this beautiful waterfall if you’re looking for an extended trip into nature.
Colorado
Few states can compare with Colorado when it comes to hiking. Colorado has some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the country. You can hike through fields of wildflowers or spend a day exploring ancient ruins. Hikers can find trails for all abilities and interests, and the views are always stunning.
Best places to hike in Colorado:
The Rocky Mountain National Park: This park is home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the country. The hikes are challenging but offer hikers stunning views at the top of the Rockies!
The San Juan Mountains: This range of mountains is home to some great hiking trails, including the famous Alpine Loop. The hikes are challenging but offer hikers stunning views at the top!
The Colorado Trail: This trail runs through several mountain ranges and leads hikers through forests and meadows before arriving at a beautiful alpine lake. The hike is easy but rewarding!
The Maroon Bells: This 14-mile loop offers hikers amazing views of the Maroon Bells, a pair of often photographed peaks.
The Pikes Peak Ascent: This 12.42-mile hike takes hikers to the summit of Pikes Peak, the highest point in Colorado. The hike is challenging but rewarding!
The Longs Peak Trail: This 16-mile trail leads to the summit of Longs Peak, a 14,259-foot peak in Rocky Mountain National Park. The hike is challenging but rewards hikers with stunning views at the top!
Oregon
Oregon is a great state for hiking if you’re looking for diversity. The trails here range from easy hikes perfect for families to strenuous mountain climbs. Oregon’s climate allows for hiking all year long, but the best months are April and May. The state is also great for camping, offering a variety of campgrounds where you can pitch your tent and enjoy nature at its best!
Best places to hike in Oregon:
Crater Lake National Park: This park is home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the country. The hikes are easy to moderate and offer hikers stunning views of Crater Lake!
Mount Hood National Forest: This forest is home to several great hiking trails, including the famous Timberline Trail. The hikes range from easy to difficult and offer hikers stunning views of Mount Hood!
The Oregon Coast: This coast is home to several hiking trails that lead through forests and along the banks of the ocean. The hikes are easy but offer hikers amazing views!
North Carolina
There’s something about hiking in North Carolina that just feels right. Maybe it’s the combination of the beautiful, rugged landscape and the warm Southern hospitality. Whatever it is, there’s no denying that North Carolina is a hiker’s paradise. With miles and miles of trails to explore, you’re sure to find the perfect hike for you. So pack your bag, lace up your shoes, and get ready to explore some of the most beautiful scenery in the country.
Best places to hike in North Carolina:
The Appalachian Trail: This trail runs through several mountain ranges and leads hikers through forests, meadows before arriving at a beautiful alpine lake. The hike is moderate but rewarding!
Mount Mitchell State Park: Mount Mitchell is home to some of the best hiking trails in North Carolina, including the famous Blue Ridge Parkway. These hikes range from easy to difficult and offer hikers stunning views of the surrounding mountains!
The Outer Banks: This chain of barrier islands is home to several hiking trails that lead through forests, sand dunes, and marshes. The hikes are easy but offer hikers amazing views!
California
California is known for its sunshine and beautiful beaches, but it also has great hiking trails. With its towering mountains and majestic valleys, this southwestern state offers countless opportunities for hikers of all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner looking for an easy hike or an experienced adventurer seeking a challenging trek, California has something to offer you.
Best places to hike in California:
Angeles National Forest: This massive forest in the San Gabriel Mountains has something for everyone, from easy nature to strenuous backcountry trails.
Big Sur: This dramatic stretch of California coastline is home to some of the most beautiful hikes in the state, including a section of the world-famous Pacific Crest Trail.
Kings Canyon National Park: Kings Canyon is a hiker’s paradise with towering peaks and rushing rivers.
Yosemite National Park: With its soaring mountains and rushing waterfalls, Yosemite is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the country.
Joshua Tree National Park: This desert park is home to some of California’s most unique and challenging hiking trails.
Virginia
If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, Virginia is the perfect place to explore. With miles of hiking trails and scenic views, you can find a hike that’s perfect for your level of experience and interests. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, there’s something for everyone in Virginia. So grab your hiking boots and get ready to explore some of the most beautiful scenery in the country!
Best places to hike in Virginia:
Shenandoah National Park: This park is home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the country. The hikes are easy to moderate and offer hikers stunning views at the top of the Shenandoah Mountains!
The Appalachian Trail: This trail runs through several mountain ranges and leads hikers through forests and meadows before arriving at a beautiful alpine lake. The hike is challenging but rewarding!
The Blue Ridge Parkway: This parkway is home to several great hiking trails, including the famous Appalachian Trail. The hikes are easy to moderate and offer hikers stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains!
Georgia
Georgia may not be the first state that comes to mind when you think of hiking, but trust us, it’s worth a visit. As the leaves change color and the weather cools down, Georgia’s many forests provide the perfect opportunity for a hike. With miles of trails to explore and some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, Georgia is a hiker’s paradise. So grab your hiking gear and get ready to explore some of the most impressive landscapes in the South!
Best places to hike in Georgia:
The Appalachian Trail: This trail runs through several mountain ranges and leads hikers through forests and meadows before arriving at a beautiful alpine lake.
Stone Mountain Park: If you’re looking for a great hiking spot that’s not too far from Atlanta, Stone Mountain Park is definitely worth checking out. There’s something for everyone at this park with trails that range from easy to difficult. The views of the Atlanta skyline from the mountaintop are definitely worth the visit!
The Chattahoochee National Forest: The Chattahoochee National Forest is one of the most popular areas for hikers, with trails that wind through the mountains and along the river.
Utah
Utah is well known for its stunning landscapes, and its hiking trails are no exception. The rugged terrain of the Moab Desert will leave you breathless with awe at its beauty and majesty.
Best places to hike in Utah:
Zion National Park: This park is home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the country. The hikes are easy to moderate and offer hikers stunning views of Zion Canyon!
Bryce Canyon National Park: This park is home to some of the unique landscapes in the country. The trails are mostly easy to moderate, but they offer hikers amazing views of Bryce Canyon!
The Escalante River: This river is home to several hiking trails that lead through forests and along the banks of the river. The hikes are easy but offer hikers amazing views!
Idaho
Idaho is a great state for hiking if you’re looking for solitude. The state has plenty of trails that lead through forests and meadows, and there aren’t many people around to disturb your peace. Idaho also has some impressive mountains, including the Sawtooth Range.
Best places to hike in Idaho:
The Sawtooth Range: This range of mountains is home to some great hiking trails, including the popular Alpine Way. The hikes are challenging but offer hikers stunning views at the top!
Stargaze Lake Trail: This trail leads hikers through forests and meadows before arriving at Stargazing Lake, a serene alpine lake. The hike is easy but rewarding!
The Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness: This wilderness area is home to over 1000 miles of hiking trails. It’s the perfect place for hikers looking for a challenge and some solitude in nature!
Maine
Maine may not be known for its hiking trails, but it’s one of the best states to go on an outdoor adventure. Maine has many different types of terrain, including mountains and coastline. There are also plenty of trails for hikers to choose from!
Best places to hike in Maine:
The Appalachian Trail: This iconic trail runs through 14 states, from Georgia to Maine. It’s a popular destination for backpackers looking for an extended trip into nature!
Baxter State Park: This park is home to Mount Katahdin, the tallest peak in Maine. There are also plenty of other trails in the park that offer hikers beautiful views and a challenging hike.
The Fundy Footpath: This 41-mile trail leads hikers through dense forests and along the coast of New Brunswick. It’s a challenging hike but one that rewards hikers with stunning views!
New Hampshire
New Hampshire is a small state, but it has plenty of hiking trails to explore. The White Mountains are some of the most beautiful in the country and offer hikers challenging hikes with superb views at the top. New Hampshire also has a coastline along its border with Maine, allowing hikers to experience both types of terrain.
Best places to hike in New Hampshire:
The White Mountains: This range of mountains is home to some of the most beautiful trails in the country. The hikes are challenging but offer hikers stunning views at the top!
The Franconia Ridge Trail: This trail is a popular destination for hikers looking to get away from it all. It’s a challenging hike, but one that rewards hikers with stunning views at the top of Mount Lafayette!
The Presidential Range: This range of mountains is home to some of the most beautiful trails in New England and offers hikers challenging hikes along its ridgeline. Hikers can also camp on these peaks if they want to extend their trip into nature!
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Hiking Adventure in Different States
1. Researching Trail Conditions And Permits
Before starting your hiking adventure, it’s crucial to research the trail conditions and obtain any necessary permits. Trails in different states vary in difficulty, distance, terrain, and elevation. Some trails may require permits for camping or accessing certain areas of the park. Do thorough research on the trail you plan to hike, ensure it’s within your ability, and prepare accordingly. Additionally, consult trail maps and reviews that give information on trail condition changes and weather alerts.
2. Understanding Local Wildlife And Safety Considerations
Wildlife varies significantly from state to state, and it’s essential to understand the local wildlife to ensure your safety. Familiarize yourself with the different species in the area, their behavior, and how to handle encounters. Additionally, check for potential hazards such as snakes, bears, poison ivy, or ticks that may be present on the trail. Also, be prepared for sudden weather changes that may affect your hike.
3. Packing Appropriately For The Region’s Climate
Packing the right gear and clothes is essential for a comfortable and safe hiking adventure. The region’s climate determines the type of gear necessary for your hike. For example, a hike in a tropical area requires lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying clothing. On the other hand, a hike in a colder region requires warm, waterproof, and windproof clothing. Some essential items to pack include water, snacks, a first aid kit, proper footwear, and a map.
4. Respecting Leave No Trace principles and preserving natural beauty
Hiking responsibly ensures that future generations enjoy the beauty of the trails and parks. Adhere to Leave No Trace principles, such as packing your trash and minimizing your environmental impact. Avoid disturbing wildlife or altering the natural landscape by following designated trails or campsites. Additionally, leave rocks, flowers, or objects in their natural place, and do not remove them as souvenirs.
What better way to spend a summer weekend hiking? What’s your favorite state for hiking? Let us know in the comments!