As fun as it is to make a huge trip overseas to hike the beautiful landscape of Europe or other countries, there are so many breathtaking views and hikes you can make right here in the United States. Depending on where you live, you can still make a big trip out of these hikes, but you don’t have to cross the ocean to enjoy a good day on the trails. Here are some of the best places to hike during the daytime in the United States.
Hoh River Trail
- Where: Olympic National Park in Washington
- When: This trail is perfect for hiking any time of the year.
- Distance: 6.2 miles
The original hiking trail is 6.2 miles, but if you are feeling extra adventurous the trail does continue to Blue Glacier for a total of 18 miles. The trees are huge and beautiful, but one of the most memorable parts of this trip for hikers is the number of slugs that are all over the forest. You have to watch your step to make sure you don’t squish one of these interesting creatures! The majority of this hike is covered in moss, but there is a visible trail through the middle of it that many people find exciting to hike on.
Lakes Trail
- Where: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park in California
- When: The months of June-November are prime hiking months.
- Distance: 7 miles
Along with this breathtaking trail, you will find the tallest trees you have ever seen in your whole life because it has the largest trees in the world, the General Sherman oak. Standing next to one of these monstrous trees will make you feel tiny as you hike through the Giant Forest. There are several sites and things to see in the National Park, but taking this 7-mile hike will help you to see some amazing views and enjoy the different aspects of nature in this area. You can find more trails here!
Franconia Ridge Loop
- Where: Franconia Notch State Park in New Hampshire
- When: The months of September – November are prime hiking months.
- Distance: 9 miles
Perhaps you are taking a trip to Boston to visit Fenway Park this summer and are needing a quick dose of nature while you are in New England. Visit the Franconia Ridge Loop for amazing views and scenery, as it is only a few hours from the ballpark. The prime time to visit and take a hike is during the fall months, so be sure to bring proper clothing to stay warm as you climb elevations upwards of 3,400 feet.
Angel’s Landing
- Where: Zion National Park in Utah
- When: The months of March – October are prime hiking months.
- Distance: 5 miles
While 5 miles doesn’t seem too daunting of a hike, check out images from this area and you will see how challenging the hike actually is as you wind in, out and around huge rock formations and cross over high elevations with drop-offs on both sides. If you are scared of heights, have no fear, there are chain ropes available for you to help balance on, but be prepared for a challenging hike if you plan to visit Zion National Park.
Half Dome
- Where: Yosemite National Park in California
- When: The months of April to October are prime hiking months.
- Distance: 16 miles
This hiking trail is another challenging one and requires you to have a permit in order to complete the trail. You will hike to the top of the iconic dome and enjoy the scenery around you. If you are unable to obtain a permit, there are other hiking trails through the park that aren’t as dangerous for you. On the other trails, you can experience the falls from all angles and view the entire Yosemite valley from the top of the cliff.
Root Glacier Trail
- Where: Wrangell St. Elias National Park in Alaska
- When: The months of June – August are prime hiking months
- Distance: 4 miles
If you are going to Alaska, you must make time for nature trails, but especially if you are anywhere close to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park – the country’s largest national park – you need to hike the Root Glacier Trail. Even though the prime hiking months are in the middle of summertime, you need to remember it is still Alaska and you are going on a glacier trail, so be sure to pack a coat to stay warm at the high elevations. The trail brings you to a huge glacier and you can enjoy the breathtaking views of Alaska while standing on an actual glacier!
Halemau’u Trail
- Where: Haleakala National Park in Hawaii
- When: This trail is perfect for hiking any time of the year.
- Distance: 11.2 miles
Visiting Hawaii will help you to get your fill of breathtaking views, but for an unforgettable experience, you are able to hike through forests in the middle of the island. You will feel like you are in outer-space walking on the surface of Mars as you hike along this trail!
About the Author:
Ella, Content Manager for trekbible, is a writer and content specialist with a predilection for learning and exploring new places and cultures around the world. With family scattered throughout the U.S. and South Korea, she loves to see cross-cultural influences around the world. Her favorite thing to do on her travels is to taste the local cuisine of each destination.
Bethel is a believer of everything nice and sweet. She travels with the idea the world must have its sweets. All the sweets she finds are noted in her travel blog, www.travelberries.com.
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