National parks are some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring places on Earth. If you’re looking for a great hiking experience, here are 12 of the best national parks to explore. From Yosemite to the Grand Canyon, there’s something for everyone within these stunning lands. So lace up your hiking boots and get ready for an adventure!
Here Are Our Best National Parks for Hiking
Zion National Park
Right near the top of our best national parks for hiking is Zion National Park. This national park is renowned for its dramatic landscapes and towering red cliffs. The park has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for an easy hike or a multi-day backpacking trip. Located in Utah, Zion National Park is one of the most popular national parks. It can get crowded in the summer, but you can still find great hiking in the over 200 square miles of the park any time of year.
There are many different trails to explore in Zion, but some of the most popular include Angels Landing, Observation Point, and The Narrows. Angels Landing is a strenuous hike that rewards you with stunning views of the park from the top.
Observation Point is another popular trail with incredible views, but it is a longer and more difficult hike.
The Narrows is a truly unique hike that takes you through a slot canyon with walls that tower hundreds of feet overhead.
One of the easier hikes in Zion National Park is the Emerald Pools Trail. This trail leads to a series of waterfalls and pools that are fed by a spring-fed stream. The lower pool is the most popular and has a small waterfall that flows over a cliff into the pool below.
Rocky Mountain National Park
With over 350 miles of trails to choose from, Rocky Mountain National Park is a hiker’s paradise. From easy strolls through wildflower meadows to challenging summit hikes, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss the chance to catch a glimpse of some of the park’s resident wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, and deer.
The park, located in Colorado, also has a wide variety of ecosystems, from meadows to alpine forests to tundra.
For one of the most scenic hikes in the park, try the Emerald Lake Trail. The three-mile out-and-back trail takes you to the lake, with stunning views of Hallet Peak and Flattop Mountain along the way. At the end, you’ll see the stunning Emerald Lake, while along the way you’ll also pass the beautiful and diverse Nymph, Dream, and Bear Lakes.
For a more challenging hike, try the Glacier Gorge trail to Sky Pond. The 9.4-mile hike takes you to one of the most beautiful places in the park – Sky Pond, surrounded by jagged peaks and alpine forests. Along the way, you’ll cross several creeks and waterfalls, so be sure to bring your hiking boots.
Finally, for those looking for a more challenging adventure, you can scale Long’s Peak, the highest point in the park. At over 14,000 feet, the peak is accessible by Long’s Peak Trail, a trip of almost 15 miles out and back. Count on spending all day if you plan on scaling Long’s Peak.
Arches National Park
Another great national park in Utah for hiking is Arches National Park. The park has over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, in addition to incredible hiking trails.
Some of the best trails in Arches National Park include:
-The Windows Loop Trail, which is a 1.6 mile loop that takes you past some of the most popular arches in the park, including North and South Window Arches. The windows loop trail is an easy hike, and it’s a great option for families with kids. The trailhead is located near the parking lot for the windows section of the park. From the trailhead, the trail winds its way through a canyon before reaching the windows themselves.
-The Fiery Furnace, which is a 2.4 mile trail that takes you through narrow canyons and sandstone fins. The fiery furnace is a unique geological formation, and the trail provides up-close and personal access to this amazing natural wonder. The trail is also relatively easy, making it accessible for a wide range of hikers. But the best part of the fiery furnace trail is the views. From the top of the trail, hikers are treated to panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
-The Devils Garden Loop Trail is for those who want a longer, more challenging hike. It’s a 7.2 mile trail that takes you past some of the most iconic arches in the park, including Landscape Arch, Double O Arch, and Partition Arch.
Bryce Canyon National Park
One of the best things about Bryce Canyon National Park is that there are so many great hiking trails to explore. The park has both easy strolls and more challenging hikes. And although the park itself is not one of the larger national parks, you’ll still find amazing, scenic trails for all skill and ability levels.
Here are some of our favorite hiking trails in Bryce Canyon National Park:
– Sunset Point Trail: This trail is perfect for those who want to enjoy stunning views without having to hike too much. The trail is only 0.6 miles long and leads you to some of the best views in the park.
– Bristlecone Loop Trail: This 1.1 mile loop trail is a great option if you’re looking for a moderate hike. The trail takes you through a forest of ancient bristlecone pines – some of which are over 1,000 years old!
– Fairyland Loop Trail: This 8-mile loop trail is one of the most popular in the park. The trail takes you through a variety of different landscapes, including hoodoos, forests, and meadows.
No matter which trail you choose to hike, you’re sure to have an amazing experience in Bryce Canyon National Park.
Yosemite National Park
If you’re looking for some of the best hiking trails in an iconic national park, you’ll definitely want to check out Yosemite National Park. Located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, Yosemite is home to towering peaks, rushing waterfalls and pristine forests.
One of the most popular trails in Yosemite is the Mist Trail, which leads hikers to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall. The trail gets its name from the mist that rises from the falls on hot days – definitely bring a rain jacket!
Another great option is the John Muir Trail, which runs for over 200 miles through the park. This trail is more challenging, but rewards hikers with incredible views of Half Dome and other iconic landmarks.
The Sentinel Dome Trail is also one of the most popular hikes in Yosemite National Park. The trailhead is located near Glacier Point, and the hike to the summit of Sentinel Dome takes about two hours. Along the way, hikers are treated to sweeping views of the Sierra Nevada, as well as some of Yosemite’s most iconic landmarks, including Half Dome and El Capitan. The summit of Sentinel Dome offers 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape, making it one of the best places in the park to enjoy a sunrise or sunset. In addition to its stunning views, the sentinel dome trail is also notable for its diverse ecosystem. The trail passes through a variety of habitats, including meadows, forests, and granite outcroppings. This variety of terrain makes the sentinel dome trail a great place to see a variety of wildlife, including deer, squirrels, and birds.
Mount Rainier National Park
With over a million visitors each year, there are plenty of people who come to enjoy the trails and scenery that Mount Rainier National Park has to offer.
Located near both Seattle and Tacoma, Washington, there are many different trails to choose from, depending on your level of experience and fitness.
For those who want an easy hike, try the Nisqually Vista Trail. This 1.1 mile loop trail is great for families or those looking for an easy walk with beautiful views.
Another great trail in the park is the Spray Falls Trail, which is a 4.7 mile out-and-back trail that takes you to the stunning Spray Falls.
Finally, for a more challenging hike, try the Comet Falls Trail. The trailhead is located just off the Stevens Canyon Road, and the hike to the falls is about 3.4 miles round-trip. The first mile of the trail follows an old roadbed through a forested area, and then the trail enters a subalpine meadow. After crossing a bridge over Van Trump Creek, the trail begins to climb more steeply. In about another mile, you’ll reach Comet Falls, which cascade over a series of rocks and drop more than 400 feet. The falls are especially impressive after a heavy rain or during the spring melt. From the falls, you can continue another half-mile to an overlook with views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding valleys. Whether you’re looking for a short day hike or a longer backpacking trip, the Comet Falls trail is sure to please.
Glacier National Park
If you’re looking for an unforgettable hiking experience, look no further than Montana’s Glacier National Park. This stunning park is home to some of the best trails in the country, offering hikers breathtaking views of glaciers, mountains, and valleys.
There are plenty of different trails to choose from depending on your level of experience and fitness, but some of our favorites include the Highline Trail, Grinnell Glacier Trail, and Iceberg Lake Trail. Whichever trail you decide to tackle, you’re sure to be blown away by the natural beauty of this place.
The Grinnell Glacier Trail is one of the most popular trails in Glacier National Park, and for good reason. This 11.2-mile out-and-back hike takes you to the base of the Grinnell Glacier, offering up close and personal views of this massive ice formation.
For another longer hike, the Iceberg Lake Trail is a great option. This 9.3-mile trail takes you through meadows and forests before opening up to stunning views of Iceberg Lake and the surrounding mountains.
The Highline Trail in Glacier National Park is one of the most breathtaking hikes in the world. The trail stretches for 7.6 miles along the Continental Divide, offering stunning views of some of the park’s most iconic landmarks, including Mount Cleveland and Grinnell Glacier. The hike can be challenging at times, but it’s well worth the effort, especially when you reach the end and are rewarded with an unforgettable sunset over the mountains. If you’re looking for an adventure that will take your breath away, the Highline Trail is a must-do.
Great Smoky National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the best places to hike in the United States. The park has over 850 miles of trails, and there is something for everyone.
If you are looking for a short and easy hike, then consider the Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail. This trail is only 1 mile long and takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the park.
For a longer and more challenging hike, try the Alum Cave Bluffs Trail. This trail is 5 miles long and takes you to an old mining site.
If you are looking for an adventure, then consider the Chimney Tops Trail. This trail is 4 miles long and takes you to the top of a mountain.
There’s also the option of walking the road through the popular Cade’s Cove. There is a one-way road that travels for eleven miles through the popular area. The road is closed to vehicles on Wednesdays, so it’s safer for hikers and bikers who don’t have to deal with cars.
The key to getting the most out of the park is deciding when to go. The park receives, by far, the most visitors of any national park. Look out for crowds and hot temperatures in the summer. The shoulder seasons will still give you mild temperatures and fewer visitors.
Shenandoah National Park
Located in the Appalachian Mountains in Virginia, Shenandoah National Park is home to some of the best hiking trails in the country.
One of the most popular trails in Shenandoah National Park is Old Rag Mountain. This trail is about 9 miles long and climbs about 2,300 feet. It features stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. There is also a rock scramble that should only be attempted by those fit enough and when the rocks are dry. If you’re up for a challenge, this is definitely the trail for you.
For something a bit shorter, try out Bearfence Mountain Trail. This 1-mile hike takes you to an overlook with 360-degree views of the landscape. You can also see some of the park’s wildlife, including black bears, on this trail.
If you’re looking for an easy hike with a beautiful payoff, look no further than Dark Hollow Falls. This 1.4-mile roundtrip hike takes you to a 70-foot waterfall. It’s one of the more popular hikes in the park, although you should be prepared for an elevation gain of over 500 feet.
Shenandoah National Park is a great place to get away from it all and enjoy the beauty of nature. With so many different trails to choose from, there’s something for everyone.
Olympic National Park
If you’re looking for an incredible hiking experience, look no further than Olympic National Park. This park offers some of the best trails in the country, with stunning views and plenty of challenges along the way. Here are some of the best trails to explore in Olympic National Park.
Hurricane Ridge Trail is one of the most popular trails in the park, and for good reason. The trailhead is easily accessible from the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center, and the trail itself offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trail is mostly downhill, making it a great option for hikers of all levels.
Another great option for hikers looking for a challenge is Mount Ellinor Trail. This trail starts at Lower Big Quilcene River Trailhead and climbs to the summit of Mount Ellinor, the highest peak in the Olympic Mountains. The trail is strenuous, with an elevation gain of over 4,000 feet, but the views from the top are more than worth it.
For a shorter hike that’s still packed with stunning views, try Sol Duc Falls Trail. This trail is just under three miles long and leads to a series of waterfalls on Sol Duc River. Along the way, you’ll also get to see old-growth forests and meadows full of wildflowers.
No matter what kind of hike you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it in Olympic National Park.
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is one of the most beautiful places in the United States to go hiking. The park is located on Mount Desert Island in Maine and is known for its stunning scenery, including mountains, forests, and coastline.
There are many different trails to explore in Acadia National Park, so it can be hard to decide which ones to hike. However, some of the best trails in the park include the Jordan Pond Path, Cadillac Mountain Summit Trail, and Beech Mountain Trail.
The Jordan Pond Path is a 3-mile loop that takes hikers around Jordan Pond, which is a beautiful body of water surrounded by mountains. This trail is perfect for those who want to enjoy scenic views without doing a lot of climbing.
The Cadillac Mountain Summit Trail is the highest point in Acadia National Park and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. This trail is 2.4 miles long and is considered to be moderate in difficulty.
The Beech Mountain Trail is a 1.6-mile loop that takes hikers through a forest and offers views of mountains, forests, and lakes. This trail is perfect for those who want to get away from the crowds and enjoy some peace and quiet.
No matter which trails you choose to hike, Acadia National Park is sure to offer an unforgettable experience.
Grand Teton National Park
Summer is the perfect time to explore Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park. With over 200 miles of trails, there is something for everyone. The park is located near Yellowstone National Park, so you’ll find much of the same geology and features with somewhat smaller crowds.
Cascade Canyon Trail: For a longer hike, try the Cascade Canyon Trail. This 9-mile out-and-back trail takes you through alpine meadows and past waterfalls. The Cascade Canyon trail is one of the most popular hikes in Grand Teton national park.
The trailhead is located near the Johnson Creek Junction, and the trail winds its way up Cascade Canyon. Along the way, hikers are treated to stunning views of the Tetons and some of the park’s wildlife, including bighorn sheep and elk.
Cascade Canyon is also home to a variety of plant life, and in spring and summer, the trail is lined with wildflowers. The Cascade Canyon Trail is a moderate hike, and it typically takes about four hours to complete round-trip. However, the effort is well worth it, and hikers are rewarded with an unforgettable experience.
Jenny Lake Trail: The Jenny Lake trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in Grand Teton National Park. The trailhead is located just south of Jenny Lake, and the trail encircles the lake before climbing up to Cascade Canyon. The journey around the lake is relatively easy, and it’s a great introduction to the park for first-time visitors. If you’re looking for an adventure in Grand Teton National Park, the Jenny Lake trail is a great place to start.
Taggart Lake Trail: This trail is popular with both hikers and fishermen. The 3.8-mile out-and-back trail takes you to a beautiful lake at the base of the Tetons.
Cost of Admission
For some of these parks, don’t forget about the cost of admission. You can go to our pages for each park to find out the cost. Also, you can buy an America the Beautiful Pass for $80 per year that will cover the cost of admission to all the parks. Some discounts are also available for seniors, veterans and disabled visitors.
