Nothing could be better than working up a sweat in the great outdoors. With wind blowing the hair, images of natural landscapes, mountains or the ocean, it really doesn’t get any better. One of the versatile workouts would have to be hiking. Whether a professional backpacker that has traveled the world for the best hiking trails, or purely a beginner hiker who is just looking for some exercise or to clear their head, most hiking trails have numerous options to take for every skill level. From miles of flat land to uphill treks, here are the best hiking trails in the U.S.
- Beach Trail at the Torrey Pines State Reserve, CA – The state park is a favorite among locals for its beach trails that overlook the cliffs of Torrey Pines and the extensive wildlife that can be found around the reserve. Hikers can take in the ocean views, along with sights of paragliders flying in the near distance.
- Ewoldsen Trail in Big Sur, CA – For the best hiking with many scenic samplings, the Ewoldsen Trail offers canyon and ocean views, redwood forests, elevation gain and lush greenery throughout the year. The famous McWay Falls is nearly across the street from the start point of the trail and makes for a beautiful complement to the hike. Visitors can look forward to crossing bridges, steep switchback climbs, redwood groves and maybe even a sighting of a California Condor.
- Breakneck Ridge Trail in the Hudson Highlands State Park, NY – This trail makes a rugged ascent from the river up to a knobby ridge where hikers have a constant view of beautiful vistas. Special attractions include views of the Hudson River, Catskill Mountains, Spring and Summer wildflowers and rocky ridges. The trail is 9.6 total miles and is a strenuous climb.
- Glacier Gorge in the Rocky Mountain National Park, CO – Locals know the area as one of the most beautiful spots in the park with spectacular scenery, wildflowers, cascading waterfalls and natural lakes.
- Appalachian Trail: The Pinnacle in Hamburg, PA – Hikers will get spectacular views of the Blue Rocks, Lehigh Valley, Hawk Mountain and some of the best views of Pennsylvania. Be prepared for rocky paths and forested mountain trails.