Top 7 States with the Best Hiking for Spring and Summer
You don’t have to travel to a different country to experience beautiful hikes—America has so many incredible spots for you to take in nature’s beauty. Check out our list of the states with the best hiking and explore their endlessly gorgeous trails.
Incredible Hiking Destinations in the U.S.
1. Colorado
Colorado is known as one of the best places in America for skiing, which means it’s perfect for hiking as well. The state boasts many fourteeners (mountains exceeding 14,000 feet in elevation) that make for some strenuous hikes. Hike up to some of the beautiful mountain restaurants in Telluride, or explore the Garden of the Gods’ impressive red rock formations. The difficult hikes will be well worth it in the end as you look out and admire nature’s beauty.
Unforgettable Hikes:
- Grays Peak Trail
- Perkins Central Garden Trail at Garden of the Gods
2. Maine
People don’t often think of Maine when they think of hiking, but the state is home to plenty of natural resources that make for gorgeous hikes. Mount Katahdin is a legendary peak that marks the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Maine also offers hikes through its rocky coastlines and spruce islands.
Unforgettable Hikes:
- Penobscot Mountain Trail at Acadia National Park
- Caribou Trail at White Mountain National Forest
3. California
California is home to a wide variety of incredible hikes. Aficionados can hike through the Mojave Desert, through the stunning redwood forests, or to Yosemite Falls, North America’s tallest waterfall. California is full of national and state parks in which people can explore and become one with nature. Our favorites are Kings Canyon National Park, Mount Tamalpais State Park, and Yosemite National Park.
Unforgettable Hikes:
- Upper Yosemite Falls Trail at Yosemite National Park
- Fern Canyon Trail at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
4. Washington
Washington has an incredibly diverse variety of hiking trails. Stroll through the lush forests, or climb up to one of the state’s many peaks. Many hikes in Washington showcase greenery as well as sweeping ocean vistas.
Unforgettable Hikes:
5. Montana
Montana is home to many beautiful hikes. In this lovely state you’ll find Glacier National Park, which contains pristine forests, alpine meadows, rugged mountains, and crystal lakes. This park alone has over 700 miles of trails for you to enjoy. Montana has so much to offer to any nature lover.
Unforgettable Hikes:
- Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge
- Lake McDonald West Shore Trail at Glacier National Park
6. Vermont
Hikers will get both mountains and lush waterfalls in the glorious Northeastern state of Vermont. Take it easy with some strolls over historic covered bridges, or amp it up with a long hike through Green Mountain National Forest. Either choice provides gorgeous views of mountains and forests.
Unforgettable Hikes:
- The Long Trail at Mount Mainsfield
- Owl’s Head Trail at Groton State Forest
7. Utah
You’ll find many different hikes and sights in Utah. Salt Lake City is just twenty minutes away from popular 10,000-foot peaks. Run through high-altitude flower meadows, relax next to stunning alpine lakes, hike up rugged peaks, or stroll through slot canyons. No matter what you choose to do, Utah has a variety of hiking options for you.
Unforgettable Hikes:
- Riverside Walk at Zion National Park
- Lower Calf Creek Falls Trail at Escalante National Monument
