*UPDATED September 8, 2020: Wondering what you can do to stay active as the cooler weather approaches and the world is still dealing with the Covid-19 Pandemic?
Read ahead and find out some great places to hike within the United States according to my fellow bloggers.
Bloggers Favorite Hikes by State
The United States has countless hiking trails in each of the 50 states. I would love to hike all of them if I could.
Hiking is a great way to spend a day with the family, your significant other, and/or friends. It’s something that you can do solo also as long as you feel safe where you hike.
With cooler temperatures, the fall and spring seasons, in my opinion, are the best times to hike.
I have done a lot of hiking in the summer and enjoyed this time also, but during the spring and fall seasons, it’s much quieter, less crowded, and you will see nature changing in front of your eyes.
I have asked my fellow bloggers to share their favorite United States hiking trails with me for this post.
I hope to add to this post in the coming months so that it will have at least one hiking location from each state.
ALABAMA
Mary – Life Full of Light
Dismals Canyon in Alabama is a perfect place for an easy hike in beautiful scenery. The trail is about a mile and a half long, so it won’t take you too long to complete. However, you’ll definitely want to stop and enjoy the views along the way, and if you’re anything like me, take plenty of pictures!
I enjoy hiking Dismals Canyon in the fall. The weather is perfect, and the changing leaves are just one of the beautiful sights to take in as you walk between giant mossy boulders and through the lush green woods.
A highlight of the hike is at the very beginning of the trail: Rainbow Falls, one of the gorgeous waterfalls in the canyon. While the falls are beautiful, some of the most interesting parts of the canyon are found in the dark. You can walk through mysterious narrow passageways and dark caves, or even go on a night tour to see the famous glow worms called “Dismalites”. Dismals Canyon is definitely a place I would go again!
ALASKA
Summer Koester – The Prose Garden
With more miles of trails than roads, Juneau, Alaska, is a must-do for hiking lovers. Carved by glaciers, the mountains shoot straight up from the ocean, surrounded by old-growth rainforests and wildlife.
My favorite trail, Perseverance, is only five minutes from downtown Juneau. A moderate climb, it travels along what used to be old mining road. Within the first five minutes of the hike, the mountain drops off more than a thousand feet. Down below is Granite Creek, where miners used to pan for gold. Ebner Falls weaves through the lush, green valley like a storybook.
When the sun comes out, it feels like the most beautiful place on earth; but my favorite is when the mist catches in the ridges, and creates a cloud forest. The waterfalls and river turn a piercing turquoise blue.
As the trail meanders along the river, the landscape flattens. Ending at a small wooden landing nestled in the mountains, you might feel like you’ve stepped in to The Lord of the Rings. Be sure to harvest some of salmon berries and blueberries that grow in abundance here — but watch out for the bears that enjoy them, too!
ARIZONA
Clayton & Janelle Lopez – Bonnie Clyde Worldwide
Welcome to the largest natural travertine bridge in the world! Located near Payson, Arizona, this natural arch was formed millions of years ago and measures at 183 feet high.
The hike leading up the Tonto Bridge was fairly easy with man-made wood steps and bridges to keep the trail accessible, even during rainy weather.
After ten minutes of hiking down the trail, we arrived at the arch, and then the real fun begins!
It’s encouraged to climb over and around the massive boulders inside the travertine bridge! In fact, there is a trail behind the travertine bridge which we hiked down for over a mile until we turned back around.
Since Arizona gets extremely hot during the summer, we recommend visiting during September or October to enjoy the cool weather. With an easy hiking trail and massive rocks to climb, this state park is a must-visit when passing through Arizona.
COLORADO
Clayton & Janelle Lopez – Bonnie Clyde Worldwide
Popular for a reason, Garden of the Gods is truly a hikers paradise. With over 15 miles of hiking trails and endless rock climbing, this natural landmark is the perfect weekend getaway with family and friends.
We spent the entire day hiking every area of the park and enjoying a picnic on top of the massive red rocks.
For those who crave extra outdoor activities, there are segway, horseback riding, and mountain biking tours. Pikes Peak can even be seen from the park, so the adventure can continue if you crave a more difficult hike in the mountains. Garden of the Gods is located near Colorado Springs making summer the best time to visit this national landmark! We’re not huge fans of the snow, so you’ll enjoy endless clear skies and temperature-perfect weather.
ILLINOIS
Kallan Virgin – Planned Spontaneity
Ferne Clyffe State Park is nestled on the northern border of the endless Shawnee National Forest. It is a hiker’s paradise since it features two seasonal waterfalls and the largest shelter cave in the State of Illinois!
Ferne Clyffe State Park is only a few miles from the interstate so it is a great place to stretch your legs and take in all Illinois has to offer! This park has trails that range from a quarter mile on up so it is perfect for the casual explorer or avid hiker!
MASSACHUSETTS
Bob Boutin – Your Travel Cap
Mount Wachusett in Central Massachusetts is a popular place in the state to go for a day hike. At barely over 2,000 feet, it’s an easy, family-friendly climb (if you don’t take the stair-like Pine Hill trail as I did!).
While the mountain’s paths are accessible during the spring and summer, my favorite time to go is in the fall. Once you get to the summit, you can enjoy the view of miles of colorful foliage, climb a lookout tower, and watch fish swim in a small pond.
If you’re not up for the climb, you can always drive up the auto-road, but we know that’s considered cheating.
NEVADA
Snuffy (aka Shannon) – Must Hike Must Eat
Just a few hours outside Las Vegas, the Teutonia Peak Trail sits on the edge of the Cima Dome. A 3.4 mile in and out hike off of Cima Road through the world’s densest Joshua tree forest, 700 feet of gain up to a peak that levels out at 5755 feet offers an expansive panorama of Mojave National Preserve.
The start of the hike is flat as you weave between the Joshua trees, barrel cactus, cholla, yucca and bitterbrush on a wide dirt track to the foot of the peak. From here you take several tight switchbacks up to a ridge and then turn and follow it northeast to ledges below the true summit. Take in views of the Cima Dome cinder cone and surrounding mountains like Kessler and Kokoweef Peaks and the aptly named Striped Peak.
To climb the granite blocks to the summit requires class 5 climbing skills but the ledges provide amazing views so there is no need to reach the top. An added bonus is to go in the spring and enjoy the colorful desert flowers in bloom!
NEW YORK
Ann Kelson – While We Were Wandering
When people think of New York, their minds automatically go to the Big Apple. New York City is an international powerhouse and a bucket-list location for many, but it’s not the only thing New York State has to offer!
New York State is home to beautiful waterfalls, stunning lakes, and our personal favorite, gorgeous mountain peaks! The Adirondack Mountains are found in northern New York and are a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and get some fresh air. During our stay in the Adirondacks, our favorite hike was to Indian Head.
This in and out hike was approximately six miles. We say approximately because parking can be an issue if you don’t get a spot in the first lot. Because of this, we highly suggest getting there as soon as possible.
The first mile of the hike is from the parking lot to the trailhead. The surrounding neighborhood does not allow cars to drive to the trailhead.
Note, it’s important to park in the correct spot because if you disregard the signs, your car will be towed.
The main path will take you to many different trails, so make sure to keep an eye out for the sign stating “Indian Head”. Once you spot the sign, the elevation begins. It is about 2,000 feet in gained elevation, but the views are worth 100% worth it!
OREGON
John Paul – Hangry Backpacker
Silver Falls State Park is a great, easy hike in Oregon. Just over an hour from Portland, the Trail of Ten Falls loops around the park, leading to – and behind! – several beautiful waterfalls. Hiking at Silver Falls is relatively easy, with hikers of all levels of experience enjoying the scenery.
Visiting Silver Falls is best in the Spring or Fall. Summertime in Oregon is spectacular, but it is very dry and the falls often reduce to a trickle. During the rainy season, these beautiful falls are roaring with water.
When visiting Silver Falls State Park, pack a rain jacket. Hikers will be up close and personal to the waterfalls. The park can get crowded, so plan for an early morning or late afternoon hike.
This is not the most exclusive or secret hike in Oregon. It is, however, easily accessible from Portland, and there are few places that match this stunning natural display.
PENNSYLVANIA
Jennifer Ent – @nej_hiking
One of my favorite places to hike is Linn Run State Park located in Rector, Pennsylvania. It is very close to my hometown and it’s my go-to hike when I need a breath of fresh air.
The state park itself is very small, so I usually hike both Adams Falls Trail and Flat Rock Trail when I visit.
Flat Rock Trail features some remote cabins across Linn Run and remains of a stone house that was once there. This trail follows Linn Run until it ends at a large smooth rock in the stream.
This trail is very easy but it is a place I’ve always connected with and loved for its scenery and unique attributes. The photo attached is looking upstream from the smooth rock.
RHODE ISLAND
Bob Boutin – Your Travel Cap
While it’s easy to find a seashore walk in the Ocean State, Colt State Park in Bristol really raises the bar. A short jaunt around the park will lead you on a path that’s right on Narragansett Bay, through a wooded section, and then past the smaller Bass River. The best time to visit is, hands down, the summer, where you can enjoy a cooler ocean breeze while strolling, picnicking, or even flying a kite. The park is a great place to go to escape the hot, humid air of a typical New England summer. If you’re lucky, the Del’s truck will be waiting for you to order a Rhode Island delicacy: frozen lemonade. Walking near the bay with this cold drink in hand, even locals feel like they’re on vacation here.
TEXAS
Clayton & Janelle Lopez – Bonnie Clyde Worldwide
Texas is home to TWO National Parks, and the lesser-known one is Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Guadalupe Peak holds the highest summit in Texas measuring at 8,750 feet.
Located in West Texas, the National Park covers 86,367 acres of land and shares the same mountain range with Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
There are over 80 miles worth of hiking trails, so we chose to hike to the campsite “Pine Top” which was about 5 miles of upward mountain hiking through thick rocks and over twenty switchbacks.
Texas is famous for its intense summers, so we always go on hikes in Texas during the Spring or Fall season. Never go during the Summer unless you’re up for a real challenge. The outlook from the top of the mountains was breathtaking with plenty of green vegetation and wildflowers covering the flat plains below us. Camping for one night inside the Guadalupe Mountains is definitely worth the trip!
UTAH
Alicia – Girl On a Hike
Halls Creek Narrows is located within Capitol Reef National Park, Utah only a few miles North from Lake Powell. This area of the park sits between the high cliffs of Hall Mesa on the East, and the Waterpocket Fold on the West.
As you backpack towards Halls Creek Drainage (aka Grand Gulch), you’ll be surrounded by red, white, and orange slick rock, all while hiking through a mostly sandy trail. There are plenty of side slot canyons to explore, and the tall canyon walls will keep you amazed the entire trip.
After backpacking in roughly 9 miles, you will enter Halls Creek which is a tight, winding canyon that towers above you by 200 feet or more at times. Certain sections are only 2 feet wide across with deep water!
The exhilaration encountered on this hike is sure to get your heart racing and your eyes glowing. Plan on spending at least 2 nights backpacking in this beautiful, remote location.
WASHINGTON
Kylee Nelson – Passports and Preemies
Located nearly three hours outside Seattle in Olympic National Park is where you’ll find one of the best hikes in Washington – Lena Lake. Suited for both beginners and advanced hikers the Lena Lake trail is split into both a lower and upper trail.
With the lower trail suited for novice hikers; this path will take you on a roundtrip, 7-mile journey with an elevation gain of 1,600 feet. For more advanced hikers, continue on to upper Lena Lake; a hike that takes you close to 13-miles roundtrip, and allows you to gain nearly 4,600 feet. In order to continue on to the upper trail, you must purchase a backcountry permit.
Regardless of what trail you choose you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the alpine lakes and Olympic mountain range. While the trail is narrow at points it’s well-groomed and well-marked making it enjoyable to spend the day in the mountains.
Because Washington is rainy in the winter, make sure to visit Lena Lake during the summer months for optimal weather when hiking.
Helpful Articles
Do you have a favorite hike that you would like to share? Comment below and let me know. I may add your hike to this post!
| | |