The Absolute 10 Best Day Hikes in the United States

The U.S. is loaded with amazing hiking trails. Thanks in large part to our extensive

National Park system, there are still plenty of places out there where you can surround

yourself with the beauty and majesty of nature-- and challenge your stamina and

courage.

From daunting rock climbs to more relaxing forest treks, these day hikes will show you

the best of America’s natural splendor.

These should be on every hiker’s bucket list. They will blow you away in beauty and

make you feel like you really accomplished something when you get to the top.

Here’s our list of the 10 best day hikes in the United States in no particular order. We

promise, you won’t be disappointed.

1) Angels Landing - Zion National Park

This hike changed my life and set me on a course that I have never looked back from.

This day hike more them met my expectations and it gave me a hunger to see more of

the United States National Parks.

However, this is not a hike for those afraid of heights.

As you make your way along a narrow strip of rocky trail, the drop on one side is a mere

800 feet, while the other side is a sheer drop of 1200 feet. When explorer Frederick

Fisher first viewed the summit, he is said to have marveled that “only an angel could

land on it.”

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While there are hand cables and

chains along parts of the trail, it is a

true test of nerves. The reward for

those intrepid hikers who brave this

trail are some truly jaw-dropping

views of Zion Canyon.

I have done many day hikes in North America and abroad and this one is still amongst

my top 3. I was freaking out the whole way up the cables portion, but once I got there I

was blown away by the view from all directions.

There really is nothing quite like it with all

the colors and mountains and valleys on

every side of you.

This changed my appreciation for hiking and

after I went on this hike, I rarely wanted to

use my vacation days on city trips, but have opted for beautiful natural destinations like

Utah’s incredible Zion National Park. I simply had to see more!

2) Precipice Trail - Acadia National Park

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Maine is home to the gorgeous Acadia National Park. Maine is quite a cold destination

in the winter (just below Canada), but when the weather starts to warm up in the spring

and summer, the Acadia National Park starts to really get some visitors. For those

passionate hikers out there, this park and hike is worth the trip.

The Precipice Trail is a 1.5 mile out and back route that will take you on an almost

vertical 1,000 foot climb up the face of Champlain Mountain. Iron rungs, ladders and

rock ledges will help you pull yourself along, but be prepared for an upper body workout.

You’ll be surrounded by breathtaking

views of Acadia National Park, and if

you’re lucky, you may even spot one of

the peregrine falcons that nest there.

For those outdoor lovers who want to

see an often unexplored part of the

United States, head to Maine and get yourself a lobster roll and see some breathtaking

views at Arcadia National Park.he Hike Here

3) Half Dome - Yosemite National Park

This is by far the most strenuous and challenging day hike in Yosemite Valley. I know

because I have done it and it was a full day to say the least. I think at the end of the

day, I looked at my Fitbit Alta activity tracker and I had hiked almost 20 miles’ roundtrip

and over 45,000 steps!

It was an exhausting day to say the least.

But it was worth it and I would definitely recommend

you check out this legendary hike and perhaps

America’s favorite and most popular national park.

The trail is a long, steep hike that requires a good 12

hours to complete. It took me around that as we got

there bright and early before 6am and didn’t get back

until dinner!

Along the way, you’ll enjoy the sights of the Vernal and Nevada waterfalls. The

uppermost portion of the trail is essentially a vertical climb up rock face using cables.

This is highly difficult after you have already been on the upward climb all day.

It’s not for the faint of heart for those like

myself that are afraid of heights. You just hold

onto the cables and try not to look down.

It can also be difficult and intimidating as you

can only go as fast as the person in front of

you. Hikers squeeze by you coming down

when you are going up (and vice versa)

making it a little nerve racking for those with

big packs and sometimes the limestone

surface is a bit slippery (even without rain).

Thankfully there are wooden planks that you can rest on until you get to the next step

up. So it was a bit nerve racking going up to say the least.

Going back down using those same cables can be even more challenging. And don’t

even think about going to the peak if the weather is poor. BUT, all this to say it was and

is worth it!

Why put yourself through this

agony? Because at the top you’re at an

elevation of 8,842 feet and you can see

forever. I had a feeling of accomplishment

like never before when I completed this hike

and I can promise you, you will too.

Just make sure to get cable permit well in

advance if you want to do the cable portion

to the peak. They only have limited amounts

of people that they allow to go up to the top

do to the amount of people that come to Yosemite each day, so make sure to grab that

permit well ahead of time.

4) Highline Trail - Glacier National Park

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Glacier National Park is almost always listed as one of the most scenic and beautiful

parks in the United States. It’s no wonder so many people love it.

The Highline Trail is among the best day hikes Glacier National Park has to offer. It

takes you along the Continental Divide, which is known in this area as the Garden Wall.

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under a Creative Commons (BY) license

While there are some narrow sections of the

trail that will require complete focus, you’ll be

able to enjoy the scenery along the way for

most of this trail. Alpine meadows dotted with

wildflowers and wildlife await your discovery,

so keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep,

mountain goats and marmots.

Personally, Glacier National Park is still on

my bucket list and I am hoping to visit Glacier

this upcoming summer. I have seen and

heard nothing but good things about the beauty of this park and the wonderful trails to

explore.

I am positive you will find Glacier National Parks top day hike, the Highline Trail, to be

among your favorites!

5) Longs Peak & Chasm Lake - Rocky Mountain National Park

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Rocky Mountain National Park is widely popular park in one of the nation’s most

beautiful states (arguably), Colorado. People flock here in droves to see this beautiful

gem and go on some of the best hikes in America.

The hike begins in dense evergreen forest and ascends to the top of Longs Peak. At

14,259 feet, it’s the highest point in Rocky Mountain National Park!

You’ll make your way along a gorge with views of Columbine Falls and Peacock Pool.

Stunning Chasm Lake is your ultimate goal, and to reach it you’ll make a steep climb up

the headwall, which requires some rock scrambling and route finding.

If you want to get some great fresh air and experience the beauty of Northern Colorado,

check out the Rocky Mountain National Park.More Info On The Hike Here

6) Hoh River Trail - Olympic National Park

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The Northwestern part of the United States is widely known for its beauty and this park

is no exception. The Olympic National Park can be found in the state of Washington’s

northern peninsula and features some dramatic peaks of the incredible Olympic

mountains.

This trail is relatively flat, until you reach Glacier Meadow, so you will have plenty of

opportunity to marvel at the magnificent rainforest around you. Stop for a break at the

huge gravel bar that makes up Five Mile Island to enjoy the views and try to spot elk.

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a Creative Commons (BY) license

Further along, you’ll be able to see the

enormous glaciers that feed the remarkably

blue Hoh River. This is another great hike

for admiring flora and fauna.

You will be amazed at the beauty of this park and in awe the whole way on the Hoh

River Trail.

For those that haven’t been to Washington, I think you will be amazed by the natural

beauty of this state. Simply a day trip to the city, provides more natural beauty than

most of my home state, Texas.

Just make sure to plan your trip when there isn’t a high expectation for rain, if possible,

unless you love getting wet. I, for one, enjoy my hikes without rain, but hey, when you’re

next to the beautiful big green trees on every side maybe it won’t bother you too much.

As expected, the summer time is perhaps the best time to visit the Olympic National

Park as long as you can put up with bigger crowds.nfo On The Hike Here

7) Kalalau Trail – Kauai

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We couldn’t mention one of the United States best hikes without mentioning Hawaii.

Hawaii is not only a great relaxing destination, but an unbelievable beauty to see and

explore.

The Kalalau Trail will take you to a part of Hawaii that most visitors will never see. The

rugged trail provides the only land access to secluded Kalalau Beach on the north shore

of Kauai.

To get there, you will climb mountains, descend valleys, ford streams, and pass

majestic waterfalls. Have I got you excited yet?

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All this, while snaking alongside some of

the most gorgeous coastlines in the United

States.

Don’t miss the amazing views from

Crawlers Ledge.

Hawaii isn’t necessarily the cheapest destination, but if you are looking for a great day

hike, then make sure you check out the Kalalau Trail in Kauai.

It’s worth it to pay the money and purchase the plane ticket to see America’s favorite

island. Out More Info On The Hike Here

8) Mt. Cammerer Loop - Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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Ever been to Tennessee? If you have, I hope you visited the Great Smoky Mountains

National Park.

This famous national gem straddles the border of Tennessee and North Carolina.

If you go at the right time of year, the colors and foliage will blow you away (fall time/

spring time). You might even be surprised to find some classic hiking trails along the

way.

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Among them, we highly recommend you do the

Mt. Cammerer Loop. This trail will take you

along part of the famed Appalachian Trail.

Once you reach the summit of Mt. Cammerer,

you can go even higher by climbing the stone

fire tower. From there, you can enjoy 360

degree breathtaking views of the Pigeon River Gorge and surrounding mountains.

Quite frankly, we know you will love the Mount Cammerer Loop on you next day hike to

the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Out More Info On The Hike Here

9) Root Glacier Trail & Stairway Icefall - Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

flickr photo by AlaskaNPS https://flickr.com/photos/alaskanps/6808652231 shared under a Creative Commons (BY) license

You didn’t think we could make a top ten list of the best day hikes in America and leave

out Alaska did you?

The Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is a favorite for those that make the

journey out to North America’s farthest north state.

Just like most of Alaska, the views are fantastic and of course the hiking is excellent.

You just have to get yourself there!

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This relatively moderate trail begins as a

paved road winding through an old

mining town. As you progress, you come

to the Root Glacier. For those looking for

a cold challenge, get your crampons on

and prepare to hike a glacier.

You can head toward the Stairway Icefall

to explore glacial pools and a waterfall. Keep an eye out for bears along the way. No I

am not kidding.

Regardless of your level of adventurousness, seeing Alaska should be on every

American hikers’ bucket list. The mountains and natural beauty of Alaska is simply

spectacular.k Out More Info On The Hike Here

10) Miners’ Ridge & James Irvine Loop - Redwood National Park

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Redwood National Park is home to some of the best hiking trails in California.

When you think of places to hike in California, you probably wouldn’t think of

magnificent forest, am I right? California is so large and industrial that I think the

magnificent redwood trees and forest often gets overlooked.

Of course you have to drive your way well north of San Francisco, nearing Oregon, to

get there.

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But I would say it is more than worth the

trip.

And if you really have the time, there is

nothing quite like driving the coastline

from southern California all the way up to

Oregon. It’s a long drive, but you won’t be able to keep your eyes off the beautiful

coastline.

The Miners’ Ridge and James Irvine Loop is a fantastic trail to hike. Not only will you get

to hike through spectacular redwood forests, you’ll pass through sandy Gold Bluff

Beach and Fern Canyon.

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Creative Commons (BY) license

True to its name, the canyon’s steep, vertical

walls are lined with ferns. Take the stairs out of

the canyon and continue on to the James Irvine

Trail to enjoy more of the forest from a different

vantage point.

So be prepared to be amazed as the Redwood National Park will show you the amazing

beauty of yet another great California national park.t More Info On The Hike Here

Summing It All Up – Which Hike Should You Do First? So whether you live on the east coast, the west coast, or somewhere in between, there

is a spectacular hike out there calling your name.

These hikes may not be easy, but the scenic rewards make them well worth the effort.

If you have the time and stamina to do a couple hikes why not fly into northern

California (San Francisco) and drive out to see the Redwood National Park and

Yosemite National Park. You can knock off two excellent day hikes from our list.

Personally, in all my travels, I have found Colorado, Utah, and the northwestern United

States to be among the most beautiful so it is no surprise that some of our favorite hikes

are listed in these areas.

That being said, the Appalachian Mountains to the east are mind blowingly beautiful and

the history of the eastern part of the United States is enthralling.

But go where you are most excited to go.

I myself, have a great desire to see Alaska

and hike the lush trails of Hawaii. There is

so much to explore in the U.S. and we

would be remiss to not visit at least a few of

these excellent trails.

If you really consider yourself an outdoor

enthusiast, maybe you can hike all ten.

Ready to accept the challenge? The important thing is to go. One at a time and you will

slowly get to your goal.

I’m planning on visiting one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World each year until I

complete all 7 (2 down so far). If I had said I had to do it all at once, I probably would not

have been very successful. But once a year I can do.

What hikes have you enjoyed the most? Let me know below what your favorite

American hikes are.

Written by: Nate Alger Nate loves toppling outrageous hiking adventures. Some of his most recent excursions

include the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and the Half Dome hike in Yosemite

National Park.