The Best Hiking Trail in Every State for Nature Lovers

Looking for a trail that captures your state’s wild side? Whether you love sweeping mountain views, dense forests, or peaceful lakesides, every state in the US has a trail that will wow nature lovers. This list spotlights the best hiking trail in each state, offering stunning scenery, local wildlife, and unforgettable outdoor experiences. Gas up the car, lace up your boots, and add these must-visit trails to your adventure list.

Alabama: Walls of Jericho Trail

Mill Creek watershed looking southwest towards Walls of Je… | Flickr

Known as the “Grand Canyon of the South,” this 6-mile round-trip hike sits on the Alabama-Tennessee border. Waterfalls, limestone bluffs, and a lush forest canopy make for a striking hike. This trail is rugged and best tackled with sturdy boots. Check out Alabama State Lands – Walls of Jericho for details

Alaska: Harding Icefield Trail

Starting in Kenai Fjords National Park, this 8.2-mile round-trip hike lets you climb above the clouds for icefield views that seem to stretch forever. Summer brings lush meadows dotted with wildflowers and the chance to spot mountain goats. Check out National Park Service – Harding Icefield Trail for details.

Arizona: Havasu Falls Trail

This remote trek in the Grand Canyon’s western reaches leads to blue-green waterfalls in Havasupai territory. Reservations are required, but the 10-mile hike rewards with breathtaking desert oases and cooling pools. Check out Havasupai Tribe – Havasu Falls Reservations & Information for details.

Arkansas: Whitaker Point (Hawksbill Crag)

Whitaker Point is one of the state’s most photographed spots. This 3-mile out-and-back trail delivers dramatic bluff views, especially spectacular during spring blooms or fall color. Check out Whitaker Point Trail for details.

California: Mist Trail (Yosemite National Park)

This iconic trail climbs past Vernal and Nevada Falls for up-close waterfall encounters and classic Yosemite granite vistas. The 7-mile round trip is challenging but draws hikers worldwide for its scenery. Check out National Park Service – Mist Trail for details.

Colorado: Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail

Set in Rocky Mountain National Park, this 8.1-mile hike climbs past waterfalls, alpine lakes, and wildflower meadows. The last scramble leads to Sky Pond, ringed by dramatic spires and often home to circling hawks. Check out Sky Pond Trail for details.

Connecticut: Bear Mountain Trail

The Bear Mountain Trail winds through hardwood forests and up rocky slopes to the state’s highest peak. The 6.1-mile loop inside the Appalachian Trail system offers sweeping views of the tri-state area, especially welcoming in autumn. Check out Connecticut Forest & Park Association – Appalachian Trail for details.

Delaware: Junction and Breakwater Trail

This flat, family-friendly 6-mile trail links Rehoboth and Lewes. It passes through state parks, coastal forests, and skirts salt marshes teeming with birds. Check out Delaware State Parks – Junction & Breakwater Trail for details.

Florida: Black Bear Wilderness Loop Trail

This 7.1-mile trail northwest of Orlando features swamp boardwalks and abundant wildlife sightings—alligators, wild hogs, and the occasional black bear. The watery ecosystem makes for a unique trek in the Sunshine State. Check out SJRWMD – Black Bear Wilderness Area for details.

Georgia: Blood Mountain via Appalachian Trail

Blood Mountain is the state’s highest summit on the Appalachian Trail. The 4.3-mile hike offers ridge views and rock outcrops—prime territory for spring wildflowers and crisp fall air. Check out Georgia State Parks – Blood Mountain for details.

Hawaii: Kalalau Trail (Kauai)

This legendary 11-mile route hugs the cliffs of the Napali Coast. Lush valleys, ocean views, and hidden beaches await, but rains can make the trail slick—be prepared for muddy challenges. Check out Hawaii Division of State Parks – Kalalau Trail for details.

Idaho: Alice Lake Trail

Located in the Sawtooth Wilderness, this 12-mile loop leads to a chain of crystal-clear lakes framed by rocky peaks. Wildflowers and wildlife abound in summer. Check out US Forest Service – Alice Lake Trail #460 for details.

Illinois: Garden of the Gods Observation Trail

This short but stunning 0.5-mile loop showcases otherworldly sandstone formations and panoramic views of Shawnee National Forest. It’s family-friendly and a highlight during sunrise. Check out US Forest Service – Garden of the Gods for details.

Indiana: Trail 3 at Turkey Run State Park

Voted the park’s most adventurous trail, Trail 3 runs through canyons with ladders, creek crossings, and sandstone cliffs. At just under 2 miles, it’s fun for families and avid hikers. Check out Indiana DNR – Turkey Run State Park Trails for details.

Iowa: Backbone Trail, Backbone State Park

This 5.7-mile out-and-back runs atop the “Devil’s Backbone,” a steep ridge of ancient bedrock cutting through dense woods. Dramatic cliffs and river vistas define Iowa’s oldest state park. Check out Iowa DNR – Backbone State Park for details.

Kansas: Elk River Trail

This 15-mile point-to-point path near Elk City Lake is one of the state’s most scenic. It features rugged hills, limestone bluffs, and hardwood forests—especially beautiful in spring and fall. Check out Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks – Elk River Trail for details.

Kentucky: Auxier Ridge and Courthouse Rock Loop

Located in the Red River Gorge, this 4.4-mile loop delivers cliff-top views, natural arches, and a true wilderness feel. Rock climbers flock to the area, but the views alone steal the show. Check out US Forest Service – Red River Gorge Trails for details.

Louisiana: Wild Azalea Trail

Louisiana’s longest hiking route, this 24-mile trail meanders through Kisatchie National Forest. Hike a segment or tackle the whole thing in spring when wild azaleas light up the woods. Check out US Forest Service – Wild Azalea Trail for details.

Maine: Mount Katahdin via Hunt Trail

The northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, this route is Maine’s toughest and most rewarding. The 10.4-mile round trip ascends rugged granite to jaw-dropping views from Baxter Peak. Check out Baxter State Park – Hiking Trails for details.

Maryland: Maryland Heights Trail

This 4.5-mile hike near Harper’s Ferry climbs to Civil War-era fortifications and delivers panoramic vistas of the Potomac River as it winds through historic landscapes. Check out National Park Service – Harpers Ferry Trails for details.

Massachusetts – Mount Greylock via Appalachian Trail

Towering above the Berkshires, Mount Greylock is the highest point in Massachusetts. The Appalachian Trail passes right over its 3,491-foot summit. This 6.2-mile round trip to the top climbs through hardwood forests and open meadows, with wildflowers brightening the trail in spring and brilliant foliage in fall. From the summit’s stone tower, hikers are treated to views over five states. On clear days, the scene stretches for miles. Plan your hike here: Mount Greylock State Reservation.

Michigan: Chapel Loop, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

A 10.0-mile loop with cliff-top lake views, cascading waterfalls, and the multicolored cliffs of Pictured Rocks. A good mix of wild beauty and lakeshore serenity. Check out National Park Service – Chapel Basin/Mosquito Trails for details.

Minnesota: Superior Hiking Trail

The most famous section of this 300-mile trail runs from Gooseberry Falls to Bean and Bear Lakes. Steep ridges, waterfalls, and broad lake vistas make this a hiker’s paradise. Check out Superior Hiking Trail for details.

Mississippi: Black Creek Trail

Winding 41 miles through De Soto National Forest, this trail is a designated National Scenic Trail. Cypress swamps, pine forests, and wildflowers define the landscape. Check out US Forest Service for details.

Missouri: Ozark Trail – Taum Sauk Section

This 12.8-mile section includes Missouri’s highest point and the state’s tallest waterfall, Mina Sauk Falls. Rocky outcrops and wild glades give hikers a taste of the Ozarks. Check out Ozark Trail Association – Taum Sauk Section for details.

Montana: Highline Trail, Glacier National Park

A classic 11.8-mile trek features wildflower meadows, glacier views, and the sound of marmots whistling across rocky ledges. Encounter bears and mountain goats in their natural setting. Check out National Park Service – Highline Trail for details.

Nebraska: Saddle Rock Trail, Scotts Bluff National Monument

A gentle 1.6-mile climb leads to the summit of Scotts Bluff for panoramic views of the Platte River valley and the rugged badlands. Check out National Park Service – Scotts Bluff Trails for details.

Nevada: Mount Charleston via South Loop Trail

This 16.6-mile round trip rises almost 4,000 feet to the top of Mount Charleston, the state’s highest peak outside the Sierra. Aspen groves and wildflowers create a beautiful contrast to the desert below. Check out US Forest Service – Mount Charleston Trails for details.

New Hampshire: Mount Lafayette and Franconia Ridge Trail Loop

A 9-mile route along the White Mountains’ most dramatic ridge. Stunning views, exposed terrain, and the feeling of being on top of New England. Check out New Hampshire State Parks – Franconia Notch for details.

New Jersey: Stairway to Heaven Trail

This 2.6-mile hike passes boardwalks, wildflower fields, and rocky climbs to one of the best viewpoints in the state—pinelands and farmlands stretching to the horizon. Check out NJ Hiking – Stairway to Heaven for details.

New Mexico: La Luz Trail

This 8-mile climb outside Albuquerque scales the Sandia Mountains. Sweeping desert and city views greet you at the top, and the tram ride down is a treat. Check out US Forest Service – La Luz Trail #137 for details.

New York: Breakneck Ridge Trail

Considered one of the East’s toughest short hikes, Breakneck Ridge delivers rocky scrambles and outstanding Hudson River views in a 4-mile loop. Check out Hike the Hudson Valley – Breakneck Ridge for details.

North Carolina: Art Loeb Trail

A 30-mile backpacker favorite, the Art Loeb crosses balds, ridges, and forests in Pisgah National Forest. The Black Balsam Knob section is especially scenic for day hikers. Check out US Forest Service – Art Loeb Trail for details.

North Dakota: Maah Daah Hey Trail

A 144-mile trail through the rugged Badlands, the most popular 10-mile segment near Medora offers painted canyons and sweeping prairie views. Check out US Forest Service – Maah Daah Hey Trail for details.

Ohio: Old Man’s Cave, Hocking Hills State Park

This 1.5-mile loop is packed with waterfalls, deep gorges, and moss-lined caves. It’s the best short day hike in Ohio—family-friendly and full of photo ops. Check out Ohio State Parks – Hocking Hills Trails for details.

Oklahoma: Elk Mountain Trail, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

This 5.5-mile round-trip hike in southwestern Oklahoma moves through granite boulders, wide meadows, and quiet lakes. Wild bison and elk often graze nearby, adding a wild feel you don’t expect in the plains. Check out US Fish & Wildlife Service – Elk Mountain Trail for details.

Oregon: Trail of Ten Falls, Silver Falls State Park

A 7.2-mile loop takes you behind, over, and beside ten cascading waterfalls. With lush forest, canyon walls, and dramatic water drops, it’s Oregon’s showcase of Pacific Northwest beauty. Check out Oregon State Parks – Silver Falls State Park for details.

Pennsylvania: Glen Onoko Falls Trail

Despite being a challenging, steep 3.7-mile route, this Lehigh Gorge trail is packed with waterfalls, dense woods, and rock formations. Climb carefully—the views and tumbling cascades reward the effort. Check out AllTrails – Glen Onoko Falls Trail for details. (Note: Check current status, as the trail has faced closures)

Rhode Island: Cliff Walk, Newport

The 3.5-mile Newport Cliff Walk blends coastal beauty with Gilded Age mansions. Waves crash below while seabirds glide above, making for an easy, breezy hike. Check out City of Newport – Cliff Walk for details.

South Carolina: Raven Cliff Falls Trail

This 4-mile out-and-back hike in Caesars Head State Park leads through forest to a quiet overlook: Raven Cliff’s 400-foot drop, the tallest in South Carolina. Spring wildflowers and autumn color enhance the experience. Check out South Carolina State Parks – Caesars Head Trails for details.

South Dakota: Black Elk Peak via Harney Peak Trail

This 7-mile loop in Custer State Park climbs to the state’s highest point. Granite spires, vast pine forests, and crystal-clear lakes are signatures of the Black Hills region. Check out South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks – Black Elk Peak for details.

Tennessee: Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte

A steady climb leads past Arch Rock and Alum Cave Bluffs before reaching sweeping Smoky Mountain views. At 11 miles round trip, it’s a challenging but unforgettable outing. Check out National Park Service – Alum Cave Trail for details.

Texas: South Rim Trail, Big Bend National Park

A 12- to 14.5-mile round-trip adventure, the South Rim Trail offers huge vistas of the Chisos Mountains and desert below. Watch for cacti, blooming yucca, and views that go on for miles. Check out National Park Service – South Rim Trail for details.

Utah: Angels Landing, Zion National Park

One of the most famous—and thrilling—hikes in the US, Angels Landing includes steep drop-offs and dramatic chains to grip. The 5.4-mile trek ends at a jaw-dropping overlook above Zion Canyon. Check out National Park Service – Angels Landing for details.

Vermont: Mount Mansfield via Sunset Ridge Trail

Climb Vermont’s highest peak on this 6.6-mile round-trip route. Open ridgelines, alpine flowers, and classic Green Mountain scenery make it a local favorite. Check out Green Mountain Club – Sunset Ridge Trail for details.

Virginia: Old Rag Mountain Loop

A bucket-list 9-mile scramble across rock ridges, boulders, and open viewpoints. The climb is tough, but the 360-degree views of Shenandoah National Park are the best around. Check out National Park Service – Old Rag Mountain for details.

Washington: The Enchantments Trail

Perhaps the most coveted permit hike in the Northwest, this 18-mile point-to-point trail weaves past sapphire lakes, larch forests, and granite peaks—pure magic for backcountry explorers. Check out US Forest Service – Enchantments for details.

West Virginia: Seneca Rocks Trail

This 3.4-mile climb delivers gorgeous Monongahela National Forest views with a final approach up to a jagged outcrop. Fall brings dazzling color, and you might spot climbers scaling the rocks. Check out US Forest Service – Seneca Rocks Trail for details.

Wisconsin: Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Devil’s Lake Segment

A 13.5-mile stretch at Devil’s Lake winds through quartzite bluffs, open forest, and around a sparkling blue lake. It’s famous for glacial formations and panoramic overlooks. Check out Ice Age Trail Alliance – Devil’s Lake Segment for details.

Wyoming: Cascade Canyon Trail, Grand Teton National Park

At 9 miles round trip, this classic Teton hike passes waterfalls and wildflower meadows on its way to the base of the towering peaks. Grand Teton’s hiking trails are legendary, but this one delivers the full alpine package.

Conclusion

Every state has its hidden gem or legendary trail, each offering something unique for nature lovers. Whether you’re seeking peaceful woods, epic mountain views, or waterfalls around every bend, these trails represent the best outdoor experiences across the USA. Ready to tackle another adventure? Explore more top picks and ideas at the Best Hike in Every State List or check out curated rankings at Outside Online’s Best Hikes. Lace up and start making new memories—one trail at a time.