Top 11 Most Beautiful Scenic Hikes In America

Breathtaking Hikes

The United States Of America has some of the most beautiful natural scenery known to man. And without a doubt, hiking would be the perfect combination of nature, outdoor recreation, and that pesky exercise we all need. It can be as solo or social as you like, and you don’t need much to hit the trails. Our country is a hiker’s dream for many reasons.

It’s very diverse and practically contains every type of landscape you can imagine within its borders. From deserts and mountains, rainforests, and thousands of miles of coastline, it’s no wonder that millions of people hit the trails each year. Whether you’re new to hiking, do it all the time, want a short day trip, or are gearing for an epic adventure, here are some of the best scenic hikes to inspire you in the United States.

There is a trek for every type of hiker on this list, from challenging day hikes and multi-day missions to long-distance hikes. So pack your backpack and check out our top 11 most beautiful scenic hikes in America!

…Click “Next” below to see all of the incredible locations!

Cascade Canyon Trail, Grand Tetons National Park, WY

You can start your scenic hike to this fantastic canyon from the Jenny Lake Trailhead through a 10-mile elevation gain, meaning about 1,110ft on this trek.

This is a rugged hike in the Grand Tetons, so it’s not for the faint of heart, but you can also cut it short by taking a boat ride across the lake and shaving off about two and a half miles.

As a whole, it’s a popular hiking spot that includes views of the mesmerizing 200ft Hidden Falls. If a bigger challenge is what you’re looking for, you can connect this trail with the Teton Crest Trail and bring your gear along to make it an overnight trip.

Lost Coast Trail, CA

Many people haven’t even heard of the Lost Coast, but what makes this hike incredibly unique is that it’s in a remote location while at the same time in a state of about 40 million people. The almost 25-mile hike can be walked in either direction, starting near Shelter Cove.

There’s a parking lot for you to leave your car and start your trek, and if you don’t have anyone to pick you up at the end of the trail, shuttle busses can get you from one end to another. For those looking for a longer hike, the southern section of the Lost Coast Trail runs to Usal Beach, which includes 30 plus miles south of Black Sands Beach.

The Lost Coast trail makes its way along empty, misty stretches of beach and forest. Just bear in mind the tide schedule when beginning your hike. A few miles of the trail are impassable at high tide, so make sure to do your research before heading out. It’s also recommended that hikers carry bear-proof canisters.

Fun fact: This section of coast running from Northern Mendocino into Humboldt county is the most extensive undeveloped coastline in the USA outside of Alaska!

Ice Age Trail, WI And MN

A long, long time ago, glaciers flattened much of the Midwestern part of the US and resculpted a landscape with some unique features, especially in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

At the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, you’ll find a footpath that stretches over a thousand miles and is excellent for hiking, backpacking, snowshoeing, and some sections are perfect for cross-country skiing as well.

There are actually sections of the trail that aren’t finished yet, but in total, it extends to around 1,200 miles long. Volunteers have primarily maintained this trail, and it is a lovely place just to decompress and rejuvenate yourself, both physically AND mentally.

Tonto Trail, Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

This is where you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Colorado River and the endless sea of enormous red rock canyons! The Tonto Trail is on the South Rim and runs from Garnet all the way to Red Canyon. It’s seen as one of the best hikes in Arizona and is especially known for its picturesque views.

You’ll start 3000ft below the rim, so you may only access the trailhead on foot and leave your car at the Grandview or Bright Angle trailhead. The campsites found along this path must be reserved with the Backcountry Rangers Office.

But you’ll find plenty of other convenient places to stay around the Grand Canyon if camping isn’t your thing. Water can be a problem during this hike, especially in the summer, so you may want to bring a water bottle with you.

Emerald Lake Trail, The Rocky Mountain National Park, CO

Start off your hike at the Bear Lake Trailhead to get to Emerald Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park and become a part of nature while experiencing some incredible views.

There’s a free park shuttle you can take during peak tourist season to avoid any parking hassles you may encounter. Your route will be about three and a half miles long round trip and is an easy-moderate hike.

This hike should take you about two or three hours both ways, with lots to see along your trek in an unrestricted way.

Pro Tip: This trail is also perfect for snowshoeing in the winter.

Petrified Forest Loop, Cripple Creek, ND

The Petrified Forest in North Dakota is probably unlike any place you’ve ever been. In these lands, you’ll find unbelievable landscapes, American buffalo, antelope, elk, and petrified wood specimens that have apparently turned to stone over time… And the good news is that The Petrified Forest Loop isn’t strenuous, so it can be enjoyed in one day if your not an expert hiker.

Most of your hike will be through lots of relaxing rolling grassland, so you’ll be singing “where the buffalo roam” in no time. However, one thing to bear in mind is that there isn’t a reliable water source on this hike, so you should plan accordingly.

If you choose the north trail, it has a more significant concentration of petrified wood, so be ready to have your mind blown by all the picture-worthy things you see along the way. To access the Petrified Forest Loop, head west on I-94 and follow the signs leading to the Petrified Forest.

Pyramid Point Trail, Sleeping Bear Dunes, MI

This one is another excellent option for beginners. It’s a 3-mile loop at Pyramid Point Trail that is a beautiful hike to take for some incredible views of Lake Michigan. We recommend you bring your camera along for the trek.

This hilly stroll has a fantastic lookout point which you’ll find about half a mile from the trailhead. Along the way, you’ll get to see high meadows, bluffs, and rich green forests.

You’ll end your scenic trek at the top of Pyramid Point, but it’s recommended that you try to stay on the trail to prevent any erosion and, of course, for your own safety.

Starved Rock State Park, Oglesby, IL

You should bring a great pair of hiking shoes for this one, but don’t get discouraged. There are options here for everyone, no matter their skill level!

You’ll discover that hiking in Starved Rock State Park has some of the most eye-catching views in the state, with more than 13 miles of scenic trails that connect stunning canyons and rock formations scattered all around the park.

One of the most beautiful areas of the Midwest, Starved Rock is home to many canyons, rock formations, waterfalls, and trails. LaSalle, St. Louis, and French Canyon have some of the most recognizable waterfalls of the Midwest.

The Lake and Cascade Falls at Matthiessen are also captivating. With names like Council Overhang, Eagle Cliff, Sandstone Point, and Giant’s Bathtub, it’s no wonder why so many are eager to hit the trails and get to all the awe-inspiring locations.

Mt. Mitchell Summit, Asheville, NC

If you hike up Mt. Mitchell, you’ll have bragging rights to say that you walked up the highest point in the United States, east of the Mississippi River. But don’t worry, it’s not a grueling one. If you get an early start, the trek can be accomplished daily. Throughout the year, people flock to this region to enjoy the epic vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Like most of the eastern US, the autumn colors on and around Mt. Mitchell are nothing short of breathtaking. There is quite a lot of elevation gain to go up against from the starting point at the Black Mountain Campground on the Toe River, so this is where adventurers shine. And be sure to bring along lots of food and water to fuel your summit hike!

Delicate Arch Trail, Arches National Park, UT

It doesn’t get much more captivating and otherworldly than the red stone arches of Utah! There are more than 2,000 of them in Arches National Park near Moab, but the most famous is probably the Delicate Arch. The opening beneath this arch is 46ft high and 32ft wide.

Your hike will take about two to three hours and is around three miles round trip.

It’s not one of those overly challenging hiking experiences, but just be mindful of the hot summer days and snowy winter days that happen here before you set out because you won’t find any shade, and there’s also a steep slick rock slope involved.

There are Ute petroglyphs to see along the trail to get here and plenty of photo opportunities once you arrive.

What did you think about all these picturesque hiking spots? Have YOU been to any of them? Did we miss any other great locations? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

…And Also Check Out:

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