Every State In America Has Amazing Hikes — Here Are 50 Of The Best

Right near the Tennessee state border, this trail winds over rugged terrain, past waterfalls and caves. Visit in the springtime to see all the flowers in full bloom or after rainfall if you want to see gushing falls — just watch out for the mud. It's a pretty strenuous, 7.5-mile hike with a lot of uphill at the end, but it's all worth it for the view. Allow five to six hours, and bring plenty of water.

Alaska has no shortage of epic hikes, though some can be pretty dangerous. If you want to get up close to ice and glaciers without needing the fancy equipment, this hike is perfect. It's tough: You'll climb about 1,000 feet through forests and meadows before emerging at the edge of a giant ice field. The views are incredible with white ice and snow as far as the eye can see. If you want a more chill hike, take the two-mile Exit Glacier Overlook Trail, which takes you out to the glacier. The first half of it is wheelchair-accessible.

Narrowing it down to just one good Arizona hike is tough: it is the Grand Canyon state, after all. The Devil's Bridge Trail in Sedona is pretty amazing, leading out to a natural sandstone arch with sweeping views of Red Rock country. If you've got a 4x4 vehicle, you can start the two-mile hike from the Devil's Bridge trailhead. Otherwise you'll have to start at Mescal trailhead, which makes it about 4.2 miles round trip. If you're looking for something tougher or easier, Sedona has literally hundreds of options.

Whitaker Point, also known as Hawksbill Crag, is one of the most photographed places in the state — and it's easy to see why. You'll pass waterfalls and lookout points on the 2.9-mile trail, but nothing can compare to the breathtaking views at Whitaker Point. The best time to come is fall, when the valley is full of red, gold, and orange leaves that come alive just before sunset.

California has no shortage of national parks and stunning hikes, so you really can't go wrong wherever you go. The Ewoldsen Trail in Big Sur has a good mix of everything the state has to offer: dense forest, waterfalls, rocky streams, and sweeping coastal views. The 4.5-mile loop trail winds through the forest, with the option to take a short but steep detour to a cliff-top lookout above the famous Big Sur coast.

This short two-mile trail just outside Aspen is a nice, leisurely walk through the mountains to an alpine lake. If you come on a clear day, Maroon Lake's surface is like a mirror; it reflects the dramatic mountain peaks around it. Don't forget to take it slow and drink a lot of water. At nearly 10,000 feet above sea level, the altitude can mess with you! They limit visitors to help preserve the natural beauty, so you'll have to make a reservation before you go.

If you're not keen to tackle the entire Appalachian Trail, this short segment of it makes for an excellent day hike. It's a short but steep 2.7 miles up to the lookout point, which has views that stretch so far it feels like you can see the whole state. It's popular with locals but somehow never too crowded, so pack a picnic and have lunch at the top.

Did you know Delaware has giant sand dunes? Cape Henlopen State Park is a nice change from the typical northeastern scenery and is as close to the desert as you can get in this part of the country. But it's not all sand! The 2.6-mile loop takes you through forests and wetlands, then to the giant 80-foot sand hill that's aptly named "the Great Dune." There's some great beachfront camping around here too, if you want to make it a full adventure.

Florida isn't most people's first thought for a hiking destination, but there are some awesome trails in the state's parks. This boardwalk trail snakes through swampland. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like alligators, birds, and snakes.

This trail takes you through the forest, ending at a cute eco-inn only accessible by foot. Along the way, you'll pass Amicalola Falls, the tallest waterfall in Georgia, as well as some giant oak trees towering over the path. It's a long 10-mile trek, but you can break it up by staying at the inn overnight; the sunrises from there are spectacular. For something shorter, try the two-mile Amicalola Falls Trail.

The whole Kalalau Trail is difficult and dangerous, so don't attempt it unless you're an experienced hiker. But a section of it, the Hanakapiai Falls Trail, is relatively easy and will reward you with the same stunning views. Start at Ke’e Beach and walk to Hanakapiai Falls, where you can swim beneath the falls. Double back to finish the hike (four miles each way), then spend your afternoon snorkeling and chilling on Ke'e Beach before enjoying the sunset.

Hells Canyon is massive. It's the deepest canyon in North America – yep, even deeper than the Grand Canyon. Visit in spring for the best temperatures, and you'll see blooming flowers and plenty of wildlife. This trail along the river is 28 miles long and can be done over a couple of days. Or just do a short segment of it for a day hike.

This track in Shawnee National Forest goes down into a rocky canyon with caves and a mini stream. It's short but can be challenging, especially if it's rained recently.

This seven-mile loop in Clifty Falls State Park only takes a couple of hours to complete, thanks to the mostly flat terrain. The walk takes you past amazing waterfalls that often freeze over in the wintertime. Take a detour along Trail 5 and you'll end up at an abandoned railway tunnel that you can walk through.

This is a fun, short trail that really immerses you in nature. Along the way there are plenty of small caves you can explore (if you don't mind getting a little muddy!). It's a well-paved track with a lot of offshoots you can follow to find little wooded areas and streams.

It's hard to believe Kansas has a rock formation like this, right?! There's a random bunch of ancient sandstone towers in the middle of Kansas prairie land, with a short 1.5-mile trail you can follow through them.

Red River Gorge is the usual go-to spot for hiking in Kentucky, but if you want peace and quiet then Mammoth Cave National Park is the place for you. For a long walk, follow the 8.4-mile Sal Hollow Trail through woods and over hills with great lookout spots. Or you can explore the giant caves in the park: There are more than 350 miles of underground trail that have been mapped.

Just outside the center of New Orleans you'll find Jean Lafitte National Historic Park, perfect if you want to get a vibe of the swamp without having to venture too far out of the city. Boardwalks will lead you through the marsh. Just keep an eye out for gators!

The tallest mountain in Acadia National Park, this is a great place to watch the sunrise. Sure, you'll have to get up pretty (okay, very) early, but the two-mile hike up Cadillac North Ridge Trail isn't too strenuous. Just remember to take a head-torch. There are other trails that will lead you to the peak (as well as a paved road for cars), but the North Ridge Trail is the most straightforward. As you descend, you'll get great views of the ocean and Bar Harbor.

Do this hike in fall for some seriously amazing orange foliage, as well as the stunning views of the rushing Potomac River and a few waterfalls. Don't get too close to the edge; it's a notoriously dangerous river. With a fair bit of rock-scrambling and steep inclines, it's not for the fainthearted. So wear appropriate footwear!

Not to spread rumors, but these falls are probably haunted. It's a beautiful spot in Bash Bish Falls State Park, surrounded by tall, shady trees. There are actually two ways you can take this trail. Begin at the New York trailhead for a flat, 1.5-mile meandering walk through the forest alongside a lazy stream. Or head to the Massachusetts parking lot a mile away for a shorter but steeper one-mile round-trip hike to the falls.

This 10-mile loop along the coastline of Lake Superior may be long; however, it's anything but boring. It winds around cliff tops and onto sandy beaches, with incredible views of the blue water. At some points you'll even be able to spot waterfalls cascading over rocks into the lake.

The Superior Hiking Trail stretches for 300 miles alongside Lake Superior but can easily be split into smaller sections for day hikes. The three-mile loop trail to Fifth Falls is short and easy, and passes a number of waterfalls with views of the lake. The best spot on the trail is Gooseberry Falls: a good place for a mid-hike picnic.

DeSoto National Forest has plenty of long hikes if you're keen to spend a couple of days in the wild. The 12-mile Tuxachanie Trail can be done in a day if you're feeling ambitious, or you can bring camping gear and sleep in the woods. Airey Lake is a beautiful place for a break or a spot of fishing, and it also has campsites with drinking water.

In the backwoods of Missouri you'll find Clifty Creek natural area, which is another great place to visit in the fall. A 2.7-mile loop trail takes you out to the natural rocky bridge spanning the creek at a height of 40 feet — pretty impressive!

Every single hike in Glacier National Park is breathtaking, but the trail to Grinnell Glacier is extra special. Clocking in at over 11 miles long, the trail passes multiple lakes and offers amazing views of its namesake glacier. Get there early if you want to enjoy the view at the top without too many people!

Hills? In Nebraska? Yep, you'll find them at Scotts Bluff National Monument. It's more of a sandstone bluff, also a Native American landmark, that you can summit on the Saddle Rock Trail, which is 1.6 miles each way. It ends at a lookout where you can see just how flat the rest of the prairie land is.

Most visitors to Vegas who want to do a spot of hiking head to Red Rock, but Valley of Fire State Park is arguably way better. The Fire Wave Trail is by far the most interesting trail, getting its name from the stripy orange rocks formed like an ocean wave. It's only a three-mile round trip but that's more than enough time to be hiking in the desert anyway.

This multi-peak hike in the White Mountains will take you up and down for 8.3 miles along the crest of the Franconia Ridge and definitely isn't for anyone with a fear of heights. Sections of the trail are narrow, with the steep mountain falling away on either side. The views are amazing throughout the hike. And if you take the Falling Waters Trail back down, you'll pass some beautiful waterfalls. There's an alpine hut along the way if you want to turn it into an overnight hike.

This 7.5-mile section of the Appalachian Trail starts off easy enough, with boardwalks leading through fields and forest. But once you hit the Stairway to Heaven section, it gets real steep, real fast. It's all worth it though; the panoramic views from Pinwheel Vista at the top are more breathtaking than the climb. Start early so you can take your time.

This trail in Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, near Santa Fe, winds through deep slot canyons and then up to the top of a cliff. While it's amazing to walk through the shady canyon, seeing it from above is astounding. You can take in all the conical white rocks that give the monument its name.

Up near Lake Placid, in the Adirondacks, is Whiteface Mountain. An epic 10-mile trail will take you to the top, but paved paths and stairs make it a lot easier than it may appear. From the peak, you'll be rewarded with a panoramic view of New York, Vermont, and Canada.

There are two ways to get stunning views over the Smoky Mountains. The easy way is to take the paved path to Clingman's Dome, an elevated walkway and lookout platform. Or you can take the Andrews Bald Trail, which, at 3.5 miles, is a bit longer but way less populated.

This short-but-sweet, one-mile trail in Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a great way to see the colorful Painted Canyon. It's an excellent opportunity to spot wildlife as well, as bison can usually be seen from the trail.

Hocking Hills State Park is an epic place for hiking, with over 14 miles of rugged trails to explore. Ash Cave should be top of your list: It's 90 feet high and a whopping 700 feet wide, with a small waterfall and pool. The trail to reach it is only half a mile long, so you can combine it with a walk out to Cedar Falls if you're up for it.

Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge is home to some great trails that take you over rugged terrain past plenty of native wildlife. The Bison Trail is a good place to start as the whole six-mile route is pretty flat but has great views of the Oklahoma prairie, streams, and lakes. There's not much shade, so bring water!

Crater Lake is one of the purest lakes in the world. It was formed by an ancient volcano eruption and millennia of snow and rainfall. The main walking path around the lake can get very busy, so it's best to scale nearby Mount Scott for a better vantage point. The 4.2-mile trail is steep but easily navigated, and offers amazing views especially at sunrise and sunset.

The entire Standing Stone Trail is quite an undertaking: 84 miles traversing the peaks and valleys of central Pennsylvania. Luckily it can be split up into smaller segments if you're just after a short jaunt in the woods. The Stone Valley Vista loop is 4.4 miles; it's a pretty strenuous, uphill walk but the views are worth it for sure.

The Newport Cliff Walk isn't exactly a hike in nature, but there's plenty to look at. The path winds for 3.5 miles around the beautiful, rocky New England coastline. Start at Easton's Beach, and be sure to check out all the giant mansions as you pass them by. At the end, you can catch a trolley back to the start point.

This stunning lookout is actually only just a short walk from the parking lot in Caesars Head State Park. But that doesn't mean there is no hiking to be done! Take the four-mile Raven Cliff Falls Trail, which includes a nerve-racking suspension bridge, out to the gushing 420-feet-high falls. From there you can keep going and do the Dismal Trail Loop as well. It's steep but it has even more great views.

The 1.5-mile Notch Trail in Badlands National Park is a great hike to get a taste of the park without venturing too far into the wilderness. It's short but steep, with ladders and sharp drop-offs as it follows the edge of the canyons. The views over the White River Valley are incredible, especially on a clear day. For something more challenging, the 10-mile Castle Trail takes you through the park and gives you a glimpse at all the different Badlands formations.

This trail has it all: meadows, rock formations, streams, waterfalls, caves, and lookouts over the Great Smoky Mountains. The five-mile hike leads out to Arch Rock and then to the huge sandstone bluffs that feel like caves and give the trail its name. You can continue the hike on to ascend Mount LeConte or take the same trail back.

Climbing Guadalupe Peak definitely isn't easy, but the (mostly) tree-free desert landscape means that you get epic views for the entire hike. The eight-mile trail has a lot of switchbacks and rock climbing. The first two miles are a killer, but push through and it'll all be worth it.

Angel's Landing is one of the toughest hikes in Zion National Park, with narrow paths, steep drop-offs, and precarious switchbacks. But seeing the sun rise over the park from the top is one of those bucket list experiences. It's only about five miles long; but it's steep, so be prepared to sweat. If you're after something a bit more chill, the Upper Emerald Pools Trail is an easier walk out to beautiful waterfalls.

Most hikers who are keen to climb a mountain go to Mount Mansfield, but Camel's Hump is definitely a better choice. There are much fewer people around, and it still gives you those amazing, sweeping views of the Green Mountains. On the six-mile return journey, you'll pass the wreckage of a plane crash just before summiting the mountain, where you can also see a rare growth of arctic-alpine tundra. Just make sure you stay on the path to protect the plants!

Everyone knows about McAfee Knob, one of the most photographed places in the state. Skip the crowds and instead check out Great Falls Park, where the Potomac River flows over a series of waterfalls. This moderate 4.6-mile loop is a combination of three trails (River, Ridge, and Swamp) and your best bet for exploring the park.

Unlike other peaks in the area, the Yellow Aster Butte Trail doesn't require any mountaineering experience or equipment. It's an 8.5-mile round trip, which you can break up by camping near the peak. The trail has a 2,550-foot elevation gain, so you might want to stop for a long break! On clear days, you can see into Canada from the top.

This trail in Harper's Ferry National Historical Park is often hailed as one of the best places to walk in the entire country, so you've gotta check it out. The 6.5-mile loop has got spectacular scenery and a steep climb leading to amazing views over the historic town below.

This trail is steep but definitely worth it. A 4.7-mile trail starts at the lake then climbs up giant bluffs to reach a vantage point with amazing rocks as well as a stunning view of the park below. Once you're at the top, you can walk around the ridge and circle the lake. Keep an eye out for daring rock climbers scaling the cliffs on the north side of the lake.

There are plenty of hikes showcasing the beauty of Grand Teton National Park, including a 25-mile trail that'll take you a couple of days. For an easy day hike, take the 7.7-mile loop trail around Jenny Lake. Start early and go counterclockwise to avoid the crowds. There are waterfalls and wildlife to keep the long walk interesting, as well as the dramatic, jagged peaks of the Grand Tetons.