7 of the Best Hiking Trails in the US

Written By Anna Eyler

1 minute read

  • National Take a Hike Day is the perfect opportunity to get outside!

  • AllTrails is a great resource for finding great hikes near you

  • Remember to follow the Leave No Trace principle and respect Mother Nature

In honor of National Take a Hike Day, we have put together a list of 7 of the best hikes in the US. There are so many other amazing hikes, including ones probably near you. You can use AllTrails to find hikes near you, and you can filter by difficulty level, length, elevation gain, route type, star rating, and more! There are reviews and photos so you can know what to expect.

7 Great Hikes In the US

Skyline Trail Loop in Mount Rainier National Park - Washington

A 6.2 mile loop trail rated as difficult features a waterfall. 

Valencia Peak Trail in Montana de Oro State Park - Los Osos, California

This moderate 4.4 mile out and back trail features beautiful wildflowers and ocean views. 

Angels Landing Trail in Zion National Park - Utah

A 4.4 mile out and back trail rated as difficult with incredible views of Zion Canyon.

Laurel Falls Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Gatlinburg, Tennessee

This easy 2.4 mile out and back trail is good for all skill levels and features a waterfall.

Artist Bluff Trail in Franconia Notch State Park - Franconia, New Hampshire

A moderate 1.5 mile loop trail that allows on-leash dogs, features a lake, and is great for bird watching.

Chapel Beach Loop in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore - Shingleton, Michigan

This moderate 6.4 mile loop trail features a river and a beach on Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula. 

Hawksbill Summit Trail in Shenandoah National Park - Syria, Virginia

Another moderate out and back trail, this hike is 1.5 miles total and reaches the highest peak in Shenandoah National Park.

Leave No Trace (LNT) Principles

While you’re enjoying your hike, it’s important to follow the LNT principles to keep the trails clean for other hikers and the wildlife. 

Remember to stay hydrated, bring snacks to fuel your body, and wear sunscreen, protective clothes and sturdy shoes. If you want a sustainable bottled water option try Proud Source water, an Ecodrive partner that uses recyclable aluminum cans instead of plastic and offsets their carbon footprint!

Stay safe and enjoy your time in nature!

Anna Eyler

Anna works with Ecodrive’s partnered brands to incorporate sustainability efforts into their business. She graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science and Policy with a minor in Sustainability Studies from the University of Maryland in 2020. In college, her passion for environmental protection led her to intern at the Sierra Club and advocate for her university to reduce plastic waste in order to protect our oceans and waterways.

Previous

Celebrate Thanksgiving Sustainably
Next

Celebrate America Recycles Day!