Last updated on November 23rd, 2024 at 08:32 am
Hiking and trekking are some of the most sought outdoor adventures. The USA offers multiple opportunities to explore some of the most breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders. These Top 10 Underrated hiking trails in USA, showcase the diverse beauty of this big country.
Appalachian Trail
Location: Spanning approximately 2,190 miles from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. The Appalachian Trail passes through 14 states, including North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, and New Hampshire.
Safety Gear: Sturdy Hiking boots, trekking poles, layers for changing weather, a first aid kit, and bear-proof containers.
Camping Sites: Numerous shelters and campsites are available along the trail. Some require reservations or permits.
Nearest Cities: Major access points include Atlanta, Georgia, and Portland, Maine. Trail towns such as Damascus, Virginia, and Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, offer additional services and access.
Safety Hazards: Wildlife encounters (bears and snakes), extreme weather changes, and rugged terrain are primary concerns. Thru-hikers should also be prepared for stream crossings and ticks.
Pacific Crest Trail
Location: Extending approximately 2,650 miles from the Mexican border near Campo (California) to Manning Park in British Columbia, Canada. The Pacific Crest Trail traverses California, Oregon, and Washington.
Safety Gear: Essential gear includes waterproof gear, sturdy boots, sun protection, bear canisters for food storage, and navigation tools.
Camping Sites: Designated campsites and dispersed camping areas are available along the route. Permits are required for certain sections managed by the Pacific Crest Trail Association.
Nearest Cities: Major cities include San Diego, California, and Seattle, Washington. Trail towns like South Lake Tahoe, California, and Ashland, Oregon, provide resupply points and support services.
Safety Hazards: Thru-hikers should be aware of snow hazards in high passes, dehydration risks in desert sections, and river crossings during peak snowmelt periods.
John Muir Trail
Location: Stretching approximately 211 miles through California’s Sierra Nevada range. The John Muir Trail begins in Yosemite Valley of Yosemite National Park and ends at the summit of Mount Whitney.
Safety Gear: Hikers should carry lightweight, high-altitude gear suitable for variable conditions. Insect repellent, bear-proof food storage, and navigational aids.
Camping Sites: Designated campsites with permits required for overnight stays. Particularly in national parks like Yosemite and Kings Canyon.
Nearest Cities: Fresno and Mammoth Lakes, California, are major access points. San Francisco serves as a gateway city for international visitors.
Safety Hazards: High-altitude sickness, river crossings during snowmelt, and wildlife encounters. Including bears and mountain lions, are potential risks.
Continental Divide Trail
Location: Spanning over 3,100 miles from the Mexican border in New Mexico to the Canadian border in Montana. The Continental Divide Trail follows the Rocky Mountains through New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana.
Safety Gear: Essential gear includes lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing, a water purification system, a GPS device or maps, and a bear spray for wildlife encounters.
Camping Sites: Thru-hikers can enjoy dispersed camping along the trail. Permits are required for overnight stays in national parks and certain wilderness areas.
Nearest Cities: Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Denver, Colorado are major access points. Trail towns such as Silver City, New Mexico, and Leadville, Colorado can provide resupply options.
Safety Hazards: Thru-hikers should be prepared for remote wilderness conditions and high-altitude exposure. Potential encounters with wildlife such as grizzly bears and elk.
Wonderland Trail
Location: Circumnavigating Mount Rainier in Washington’s Mount Rainier National Park. The Wonderland Trail spans approximately 93 miles and presents views of glaciers, wildflower meadows, and dense forests.
Safety Gear: Essential gear includes rain gear, sturdy hiking boots, layers for variable weather conditions, insect repellent, and bear-proof food storage.
Camping Sites: Designated backcountry campsites require permits, with limited camping available above the tree line and at popular sites like Indian Bar and Summerland.
Nearest Cities: Seattle, Washington, is the major access city. Tacoma and Enumclaw serve as gateway towns to the park.
Safety Hazards: Hikers should know about rapidly changing weather conditions, river crossings, and potential wildlife encounters, including black bears and mountain goats.
Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim Trail
Location: Various trails lead from the North Rim to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona, offering unparalleled views of the canyon’s geological formations and the Colorado River.
Safety Gear: Essential gear includes a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, sturdy hiking boots, plenty of water, and trekking poles for steep descents.
Camping Sites: Designated campgrounds are available on both rims, with backcountry permits required for overnight stays below the rim at locations like Bright Angel Campground and Cottonwood Camp.
Nearest Cities: Flagstaff and Phoenix, Arizona, are major access points. Shuttle services operate between Grand Canyon Village and trailheads on both rims.
Safety Hazards: Hikers should prepare for extreme heat in summer, dehydration, and the physical challenges of steep, rocky terrain on the trails.
Glacier National Park's Highline Trail
Location: Starting from Logan Pass, the Highline Trail traverses Glacier National Park in Montana, offering panoramic views of alpine meadows, glacial valleys, and towering peaks.
Safety Gear: Essential gear includes bear spray, rain gear, sturdy hiking boots, layers for temperature changes. GPS device or map for navigation.
Camping Sites: Backcountry camping is permitted with reservations required for some campsites, including Granite Park Chalet and Many Glacier Campground.
Nearest Cities: Kalispell and Whitefish, Montana, are major access cities. Glacier National Park offers shuttle services between visitor centers and popular trailheads.
Safety Hazards: Hikers should be prepared for encounters with grizzly bears, swift river crossings, and unpredictable weather changes in the Northern Rockies.
Zion Narrows Hike
Location: The Zion Narrows hike takes you through the narrow slot canyons of the Virgin River in Zion National Park, Utah.
Safety Gear: Essential gear includes waterproof shoes or sandals suitable for river walking, neoprene socks, trekking poles for stability on slippery rocks, and dry bags to protect your gear from water.
Camping Sites: Camping in the Narrows requires a permit from the park. Designated campsites are available along the route, with limited space due to the narrow canyon walls.
Nearest Cities: The closest city is Springdale, Utah, located just outside the park entrance. Shuttle services operate within the park to transport visitors to the trailhead.
Safety Hazards: Flash floods are a significant risk in the Narrows, especially during summer thunderstorms.
Kalalau Trail, Hawaii
Location: Located on the Na Pali Coast of Kauai, Hawaii, the Kalalau Trail offers stunning coastal views, lush valleys, and access to secluded beaches.
Safety Gear: Essential gear includes sturdy hiking shoes with good grip, rain gear, insect repellent, and snorkeling gear for exploring the beaches along the trail.
Camping Sites: Limited campsites are available at Kalalau Beach and Hanakoa Valley. Permits are required for overnight stays and can be obtained through the Hawaii State Parks website.
Nearest Cities: Lihue is the major city on Kauai, with access to the trailhead from the north shore town of Hanalei.
Safety Hazards: The Kalalau Trail is known for its narrow cliffs and potentially hazardous stream crossings, especially during periods of heavy rain.
Acadia National Park's Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail
Location: Located on Mount Desert Island, Maine, the Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail offers views of Frenchman Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
Safety Gear: Essential gear includes a windproof jacket, sturdy hiking boots, layers for temperature changes, and sun protection due to exposed sections on the ridge.
Camping Sites: Campgrounds are available throughout Mount Desert Island. Reservations recommended during the peak summer season. Backcountry camping permits are required for overnight stays.
Nearest Cities: Bar Harbor and Ellsworth are the major cities close to Acadia National Park.
Safety Hazards: Hikers should be aware of the rocky and uneven terrain on the trail, and sudden weather changes. Trails may be crowded during peak tourist seasons.
Conclusion
These Top 10 hiking Trails in the USA offer unique opportunities for adventure and exploration in some of the most stunning natural landscapes. These trails promise unforgettable experiences and beautiful scenery that will inspire and rejuvenate. Plan your next outdoor adventure on one of these iconic trails and immerse yourself in the beauty of the United States.
Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous and 15 best beaches in the USA. Located on the island of Oahu, this iconic beach has a rich history as a royal retreat. The beach is known for its gentle waves, making it perfect for beginners learning to surf. Apart from surfing, you can enjoy paddleboarding, catamaran rides, and sunset cruises. The vibrant nightlife, world-class dining, and luxury shopping along Kalakaua Avenue add to the allure. Don’t miss the historic Royal Hawaiian Hotel and the Honolulu Zoo nearby.
