The best hikes in the US prove that nothing soothes the soul like a long walk in the woods—or a trek across a prickly and sun-baked desert, jaunt across a moss-green alpine meadow, or descent into a canyon carved by a rushing river. Here in the United States, we’ve got plenty of trails to explore. Some stretch for hundreds of miles, others end just down the road. Some take days to traverse, others just an hour or two. Wherever they lead, trails take us to places where we can slow down, soak up nature, and focus on what’s important.
And the best news? Hiking doesn’t require all that much gear (although there’s plenty to parse if you want it). All you really need are a good pair of shoes, water, a dollop of sunscreen, and information on where you’re going. If you need a little help deciding where to go? Just continue on to our list below of the best hiking trails in the US.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
