15 U.S. Towns That Offer the Best Hiking Trails
For those who love to hit the trails, there are countless U.S. towns that provide some of the most scenic hiking routes. These towns offer a combination of both challenging and relaxing hikes, all while surrounded by spectacular views. From rugged mountains to tranquil forests, each location has its own unique charm. If you are ready to escape the city and explore the natural beauty, these towns are waiting for you. Lace up your shoes and get ready to enjoy these stunning hiking destinations.
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Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole offers hikers access to some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in the U.S. The nearby Grand Teton National Park provides stunning mountain vistas, alpine lakes, and wildflower-filled meadows. Trails vary from easy, flat paths to challenging climbs for more experienced hikers. The town’s proximity to the park ensures that the beauty of nature is never far from reach.
In addition to the Grand Teton trails, Jackson Hole also features paths in nearby Bridger-Teton National Forest. These areas are less crowded, offering solitude and a sense of discovery. With its stunning wildlife and unique scenery, Jackson Hole is a must-visit for any hiker. Whether you want a short stroll or a multi-day trek, this destination has something for every outdoor lover.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is a hiking paradise known for its striking red rock formations. Trails here offer a variety of challenges, from easy walks to steep climbs that lead to panoramic views of the surrounding desert. The area is also famous for its vortex sites, believed to have spiritual significance. The unique landscape and serene atmosphere make it a popular spot for both relaxation and adventure.
With over 100 miles of trails to explore, Sedona is perfect for those who enjoy diverse hiking experiences. You can hike through shady canyons, along ridgelines with sweeping views, and around tranquil ponds. The trails also offer excellent opportunities for bird watching and wildlife sightings. There is no shortage of natural beauty in this Arizona gem.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is a charming mountain town that offers easy access to the Appalachian Trail and Pisgah National Forest. The trails here are ideal for hikers who enjoy lush forests and waterfall views. Some trails lead to mountaintop overlooks, while others offer gentle walks through valleys. The town itself is also home to a vibrant arts scene and excellent local food, making it a perfect base for your outdoor adventures.
Pisgah National Forest is known for its old-growth forest, waterfalls, and rugged terrain. These trails range in difficulty, ensuring that there is something for everyone. For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, the Blue Ridge Parkway also offers scenic views and more manageable hikes. Asheville combines the best of nature and culture in one package.
Boulder, Colorado
Boulder is surrounded by a wealth of hiking opportunities, thanks to its location at the base of the Rocky Mountains. The town is home to the famous Flatirons, a series of jagged rock formations that offer numerous hiking paths. The trails vary from easy strolls to more strenuous hikes that reward you with expansive views of the city and surrounding mountains. Boulder’s outdoor culture is reflected in its many trails, making it a favorite for hikers.
Boulder’s trails also offer easy access to nearby national parks, like Rocky Mountain National Park. These parks boast high-altitude trails, alpine lakes, and wildlife sightings. Boulder’s combination of urban amenities and wild terrain makes it a unique spot for hikers. Whether you are new to hiking or a seasoned pro, Boulder has something for everyone.
Moab, Utah
Moab is the gateway to some of the most famous national parks in the U.S., including Arches and Canyonlands. The town’s desert landscape is perfect for hikers who enjoy unique rock formations and vast, open spaces. Trails here lead to iconic landmarks like Delicate Arch and the Island in the Sky. Moab’s terrain is rugged, but the stunning vistas and sunsets make every hike worth the effort.
In addition to its national parks, Moab is surrounded by a variety of state parks and public lands, each offering unique trails. The area’s rock formations, canyons, and desert flora make for a truly one-of-a-kind hiking experience. Moab’s location also makes it ideal for other outdoor activities like mountain biking and rafting. It is a great destination for hikers who want to explore the wilderness in all its forms.
Park City, Utah
Park City is not just a ski town – it is also home to a wide range of hiking trails. In the summer months, the area transforms into a hiker’s paradise, with miles of trails for all levels of experience. Some paths offer a relaxing walk through wildflower meadows, while others lead you up into the mountains for breathtaking views. Park City’s close proximity to the Wasatch Mountains makes it a great base for outdoor exploration.
Many of Park City’s trails are located within the Wasatch Mountain State Park, offering everything from lakeside hikes to rocky climbs. The area also has many historic trails that offer a glimpse into the town’s mining past. Whether you are looking for a scenic stroll or a challenging ascent, Park City offers something for every type of hiker. The clean mountain air and picturesque surroundings make it a wonderful place to get outdoors.
Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Lake Tahoe is a year-round destination that draws visitors with its crystal-clear waters and rugged mountain terrain. Hiking around the lake provides a mix of easy shoreline walks and more challenging mountain hikes with panoramic views of the water below. The Tahoe Rim Trail is a popular route, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding forests. Whether you want to hike along the lake or ascend one of the nearby peaks, the area has plenty of trails to choose from.
Lake Tahoe is surrounded by both national and state parks, offering a range of hiking experiences. From wildflower-filled meadows to alpine forests, the landscape is both diverse and beautiful. You can also enjoy the wildlife, including deer and black bears, while hiking. With its crystal-clear waters and incredible scenery, Lake Tahoe is one of the most scenic hiking destinations in the U.S.
Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the U.S., and for good reason. The park features dramatic canyons, towering rock formations, and a variety of wildlife. Zion’s hiking trails range from short, easy walks to strenuous climbs that offer incredible views of the park’s stunning rock formations. Angels Landing is a popular trail for adventurous hikers, offering jaw-dropping views from the top.
Zion is also home to the famous Narrows, where hikers wade through the Virgin River, flanked by towering canyon walls. The park’s diverse trails take you through desert landscapes, along rivers, and up to high viewpoints. Zion’s unique geology and desert climate make it a must-see destination for hikers. The breathtaking landscapes make each hike feel like an adventure.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg is a great base for exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the U.S. The park offers a range of trails, from easy nature walks to challenging mountain hikes. One of the most famous hikes is the Alum Cave Trail, which leads to a massive rock overhang with stunning views. The Great Smoky Mountains are known for their biodiversity, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers.
The park’s diverse ecosystems, including dense forests and high mountain ridges, provide a variety of hiking experiences. The area is also home to a range of wildlife, including deer, wild turkeys, and black bears. Whether you want to explore the park’s rich history or immerse yourself in its natural beauty, Gatlinburg is the perfect starting point. It is a great destination for both novice and experienced hikers.
Flagstaff, Arizona
Flagstaff is a charming town located near the San Francisco Peaks, offering a variety of hiking opportunities. The area is known for its scenic trails that wind through forests, volcanic landscapes, and meadows. One of the most popular trails is the Humphreys Peak Trail, which takes you to the highest point in Arizona for spectacular views. Flagstaff’s cool climate and diverse terrain make it a unique destination for hiking year-round.
Flagstaff is also close to several other hiking hotspots, including Walnut Canyon National Monument and Oak Creek Canyon. The nearby national forests provide a wealth of trails that vary in difficulty. For those interested in hiking through unique geological features, the nearby Lava River Cave offers an exciting adventure. Flagstaff combines outdoor adventure with a relaxed mountain town atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for hikers.
Crested Butte
Crested Butte is a mountain town located in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, known for its wildflower-filled hiking trails. In the summer, the town is surrounded by colorful fields of wildflowers, making for an unforgettable hiking experience. The Snodgrass Mountain Trail offers one of the best views of these wildflower meadows, while the Crested Butte Mountain Trail takes you up to panoramic mountain vistas. Crested Butte’s trails cater to hikers of all abilities, from beginners to advanced adventurers.
Crested Butte is also known for its cool mountain climate, which makes it a great place for summer hiking. The surrounding wilderness areas, like the Gunnison National Forest, provide even more opportunities for exploration. Whether you want to hike up a peak or explore a valley, Crested Butte offers a variety of options. This picturesque town is perfect for those who want to experience the beauty of the Colorado wilderness.
Mammoth Lakes, California
Mammoth Lakes offers some of the most stunning alpine hiking trails in the Sierra Nevada. The area is famous for its high-altitude trails, crystal-clear lakes, and stunning mountain views. The Mammoth Mountain Trail is a popular route for hikers, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. With trails that lead through both meadows and forests, Mammoth Lakes offers a variety of landscapes to explore.
Mammoth Lakes is also home to several beautiful lakes, including Lake Mary and Lake George, which offer peaceful spots for a break after a long hike. The town is known for its mountainous terrain, which makes for both challenging and rewarding hiking experiences. Whether you are seeking a leisurely stroll or an adventurous summit hike, Mammoth Lakes has something to offer. The alpine beauty and diverse trails make it a prime hiking destination.
Columbia Falls, Montana
Columbia Falls is located just outside of Glacier National Park, one of the most beautiful parks in the U.S. The park offers a range of hiking trails that take you through alpine meadows, around sparkling lakes, and to the base of towering mountains. The Avalanche Lake Trail is one of the park’s most famous hikes, offering incredible views of glaciers and wildflowers. The nearby Flathead National Forest also provides additional hiking opportunities for those who want to explore more remote areas.
Glacier National Park is known for its pristine wilderness and dramatic mountain scenery. Hiking here allows you to experience some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the U.S. Columbia Falls provides a quiet base from which to explore the park’s many trails. The variety of terrain, combined with the stunning scenery, makes this area a top destination for hikers.
Bend, Oregon
Bend is known for its variety of outdoor activities, and hiking is no exception. The area offers a mix of trails that range from easy walks to more difficult treks up volcanic peaks. One of the most popular trails is the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, which offers stunning views of the Cascade Mountains and nearby lakes. Bend’s diverse landscape, including forests, deserts, and mountains, provides a range of hiking experiences for every skill level.
Bend is also close to several national forests, including Deschutes National Forest, which offers additional hiking opportunities. Whether you want to explore waterfalls, volcanic rock formations, or scenic lake views, Bend has something for everyone. The area is known for its sunny weather and outdoor lifestyle, making it a great spot for hiking year-round. Bend’s natural beauty and variety of trails make it a top hiking destination in Oregon.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.