Some trails are a gentle stroll. Others?
They’ll steal your breath, set your legs on fire, and leave you grinning like a fool at the view from the top. If you’re the kind of hiker who craves towering peaks, wildflower-studded meadows, and paths that wind through ancient forests, you’ve come to the right place.
The U. S. is packed with national parks that will challenge, inspire, and straight-up amaze you. From the rugged backcountry of Glacier to the slot canyons of Zion, these parks aren’t just scenic—they’re made for adventure.
Whether you’re after a quick trek with jaw-dropping views or a multi-day wilderness escape, there’s a trail here with your name on it. Lace up those boots, grab some trail mix, and get ready to explore 22 of the best national parks for hiking.
The wild is calling—are you in?
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is a haven for those seeking dramatic landscapes and challenging hikes. The iconic Half Dome offers a thrilling ascent, rewarding hikers with panoramic views.
Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in North America, is another must-see sight, accessible via a moderately difficult trail.
Throughout the park, trails vary from easy walks to strenuous climbs, catering to all skill levels. Wildflower meadows, towering sequoias, and diverse wildlife enhance the hiking experience.
Whether you’re hiking to Glacier Point or exploring the Mist Trail, Yosemite promises breathtaking views and unforgettable adventures.
Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park offers trails that reveal the vastness and beauty of this natural wonder. Bright Angel Trail provides a challenging trek into the canyon and is popular among seasoned hikers.
Alternatively, the South Kaibab Trail offers striking vistas.
Each path showcases stunning geological formations, telling tales of millions of years. The play of light and shadows across the canyon walls is mesmerizing, especially at sunrise or sunset.
For those seeking a less strenuous option, the Rim Trail offers a leisurely walk with spectacular views without the steep descents.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park, with its geothermal features and diverse ecosystems, is a paradise for hikers. The Upper Geyser Basin is home to Old Faithful, while the Grand Prismatic Spring offers vibrant colors and fascinating natural displays.
Hiking trails wind through forests, meadows, and along rivers, providing opportunities to spot wildlife like bison, elk, and even bears. For those seeking solitude, the backcountry offers peaceful paths away from the crowds.
Whether exploring the Lamar Valley or hiking to Fairy Falls, Yellowstone’s trails offer a unique blend of natural beauty and adventure.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park is renowned for its awe-inspiring vistas and exhilarating hikes. Angels Landing, known for its narrow ridgeline, is a challenging yet rewarding adventure for thrill-seekers.
The views from the top are unparalleled.
For a more moderate experience, the Emerald Pools Trail offers lush landscapes and tranquil waters. Hikers can enjoy varying levels of difficulty and stunning scenery throughout the park.
The Narrows, a hike through the Virgin River, provides a unique perspective on the canyon’s towering walls, making Zion a favorite among adventurers.
Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park, with its rugged peaks and glacial landscapes, offers a truly remote hiking experience. The Highline Trail, skirting the Continental Divide, provides sweeping views of the park’s stunning vistas.
Grinnell Glacier Trail is another favorite, leading hikers through alpine scenery to the park’s iconic glaciers. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and even grizzly bears.
With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier promises solitude and breathtaking beauty, inviting hikers to explore its unspoiled wilderness.
Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park boasts diverse landscapes, from rugged coastlines to lush rainforests and snowy peaks. The Hoh Rainforest, a must-visit, offers enchanting trails amidst ancient trees draped in moss.
Mount Olympus, the park’s highest peak, provides challenging climbs for those seeking adventure. The coastal trails along Rialto Beach and the Ozette Triangle showcase dramatic sea stacks and tide pools.
In Olympic, hiking transcends mere exercise, offering a journey through some of the most varied and beautiful ecosystems in the world.
Rocky Mountain National Park
In Rocky Mountain National Park, high-altitude trails offer breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and alpine lakes. Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved road in the U.
S. , provides easy access to stunning vistas.
The Bear Lake Trailhead offers a variety of routes, from easy loops to more challenging hikes like the climb to Longs Peak, the park’s highest summit. Wildlife is abundant, with elk and bighorn sheep commonly spotted.
Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park promises adventure and natural beauty at every turn.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a tapestry of misty mountains and verdant forests. The Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte provides stunning views and a moderate challenge for hikers.
For a gentler experience, the Cades Cove Loop Road offers both scenic drives and walking paths through picturesque landscapes. Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy spotting deer, black bears, and wild turkeys.
With its rich biodiversity and cultural history, the Great Smokies offer endless exploration and discovery for hikers of all levels.
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park, located on the rugged coast of Maine, combines mountain and ocean views for an unforgettable hiking experience. Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the U.
S. Atlantic coast, offers breathtaking sunrises.
For those seeking variety, the park’s carriage roads provide easy walks, while the Precipice Trail challenges with its iron rungs and steep ascents.
Hiking in Acadia means enjoying the contrast of forested paths and ocean breezes, with the chance to explore tide pools and rocky shores.
Arches National Park
Arches National Park is famous for its striking sandstone formations and over 2,000 natural arches. Delicate Arch, the park’s most iconic feature, offers a moderately challenging hike with rewarding views.
For an easier option, the Windows Section provides a shorter walk among large arch formations, perfect for photography and exploration. The Fiery Furnace, a labyrinth of narrow passages, is ideal for adventurous spirits.
Every trail in Arches offers a unique perspective on these awe-inspiring natural structures, making it a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is renowned for its unusual rock formations called hoodoos, which create a surreal landscape for hiking. The Navajo Loop Trail provides an up-close view of these towering structures.
Sunrise Point and Sunset Point offer stunning viewpoints for those who prefer less strenuous walks. The Fairyland Loop Trail is more challenging, winding through some of the most scenic areas of the park.
Whether traversing the rim or descending into the amphitheater, Bryce Canyon captivates with its unique geological wonders.
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park, where two distinct desert ecosystems meet, offers unique trails for exploration. Hidden Valley, with its rock formations and desert flora, is a popular and accessible hike.
For a more adventurous trek, the Lost Palms Oasis Trail leads hikers through rugged terrain to a secluded oasis. The park is also famous for its stargazing opportunities, thanks to its clear desert skies.
Whether hiking, climbing, or camping under the stars, Joshua Tree provides a distinctive and memorable outdoor experience.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are home to some of the largest trees on Earth. The Giant Forest, featuring the General Sherman Tree, offers easy trails with awe-inspiring views of these ancient giants.
For a more challenging hike, the Rae Lakes Loop in Kings Canyon provides stunning vistas of alpine lakes and rugged peaks. The parks’ diverse ecosystems offer opportunities for wildlife spotting and nature photography.
From towering sequoias to tranquil meadows, these parks provide a majestic backdrop for unforgettable hikes.
Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, offers a serene escape with its scenic trails and abundant wildlife. The Appalachian Trail runs through the park, providing opportunities for both day hikes and longer treks.
Old Rag Mountain is a popular destination for its challenging rock scrambles and panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley. During the fall, the park’s foliage creates a vibrant tapestry of colors.
With its tranquil streams and cascading waterfalls, Shenandoah is a perfect destination for those seeking relaxation and adventure.
Banff National Park
Banff National Park, Canada’s oldest national park, is a treasure trove of stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. Lake Louise, with its turquoise waters and surrounding peaks, is a popular spot for hiking or kayaking.
The Plain of Six Glaciers Trail offers dramatic views of glaciers and alpine scenery. Wildlife enthusiasts may encounter bears, elk, and mountain goats along the trails.
Banff’s breathtaking beauty and well-maintained paths make it a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure in the Canadian Rockies.
Denali National Park
Denali National Park, home to North America’s tallest peak, offers unparalleled wilderness adventures. The park’s trails range from easy strolls to challenging backcountry routes, all with breathtaking views.
Mount Denali, the crown jewel, attracts climbers and photographers eager to capture its majesty. The park is a haven for wildlife, with grizzly bears, caribou, and wolves roaming freely.
Denali offers a sense of solitude and connection with nature, making it a perfect destination for those seeking an authentic Alaskan adventure.
Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park, known for its unique wetland ecosystem, offers a different kind of hiking experience. Boardwalks and trails wind through sawgrass marshes, providing close encounters with alligators and wading birds.
The Anhinga Trail is a favorite for wildlife viewing, while the Gumbo Limbo Trail offers a shaded walk through a tropical hardwood hammock. Canoeing or kayaking provides another perspective.
With its rich biodiversity and distinct landscapes, the Everglades offer an immersive and educational adventure for nature lovers.
Haleakalā National Park
Haleakalā National Park, located on the island of Maui, is famous for its otherworldly landscapes. The park’s summit provides breathtaking sunrise views over the Haleakalā Crater, a vast volcanic expanse.
Hiking trails descend into the crater, offering a surreal experience among cinder cones and unique flora. The Pipiwai Trail, on the coastal side, showcases bamboo forests and stunning waterfalls.
From the summit to the sea, Haleakalā offers diverse ecosystems and spectacular views, making it a must-visit for those traveling to Hawaii.
Torres del Paine National Park
Torres del Paine National Park, located in Chilean Patagonia, is known for its dramatic peaks and pristine wilderness. The W Trek is a renowned multi-day hike featuring glaciers, turquoise lakes, and expansive grasslands.
The iconic towers, for which the park is named, offer a challenging climb rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Wildlife such as guanacos and Andean condors add to the park’s allure.
With its rugged beauty and diverse terrain, Torres del Paine is a dream destination for avid hikers and nature lovers.
Fiordland National Park
Fiordland National Park, located in New Zealand, is famous for its dramatic fjords and rainforests. Milford Track, often called “the finest walk in the world,” offers breathtaking views of waterfalls and lush valleys.
Doubtful Sound provides a more remote hiking experience, with opportunities to see seals, dolphins, and rare birds. The park’s diverse ecosystems support unique flora and fauna.
Whether trekking through ancient forests or cruising on pristine waters, Fiordland offers a unique and unforgettable adventure.
Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s largest game reserves, offers a unique hiking experience amid abundant wildlife. Guided walking safaris provide close encounters with elephants, lions, and rhinos.
The park’s diverse habitats range from savannas to dense forests, each supporting a wide array of species. Birdwatchers will enjoy spotting over 500 bird species.
With its rich biodiversity and opportunity for wildlife viewing, Kruger National Park offers an exciting and educational adventure for visitors.
Gates of the Arctic National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park, located in the remote heart of Alaska, is a pristine wilderness untouched by roads or trails. This park invites adventurers to truly immerse themselves in nature.
The expansive tundra, jagged mountains, and winding rivers offer a raw and rugged beauty.
Visitors can witness the majestic play of light and shadow across endless landscapes. Wildlife such as caribou and grizzly bears roam freely here.
Be prepared to be self-sufficient, as this park is for seasoned hikers who relish challenges and solitude.
A trek in this park promises a profound sense of freedom and connection with the natural world.