If there’s one thing that the best hikes in the US prove, it’s that we can—and should—slow down to the speed of nature to explore our environments and take a break from our fast-moving world. More than 236,000 miles of trails—that’s nearly the distance between the earth and the moon, by the way—criss-cross federal and state lands in the United States, according to the American Hiking Society.
Pathways climb up and over mountain passes, across valley floors, and into rocky canyons. They hug rivers and coastlines, wind through deserts, and lead to some of the most scenic places on the planet. Walking those routes helps connect us to both past and present; they’re full of stories. But how do you decide where to start? We can help. Lace up your boots, because below we’ve got a list of the best hiking trails in the country.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
