# What is the best hiking trail in the USA?

> Discover a captivating array of hiking trails that range from iconic long-distance routes to hidden gems nestled away in nature's embrace—each one offering a unique adventure waiting to be explored. Will you favor the well-trodden paths or uncover the lesser-known wonders?

*By YouPickBest · Published December 12, 2025 · https://youpick.best/ranking/what-is-the-best-hiking-trail-in-the-usa*

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## Current results (242 votes)

1. **Appalachian Trail**
   A long-distance trail spanning 2,200 miles across the eastern USA
2. **Pacific Crest Trail**
   A scenic trail from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon, and Washington
3. **Continental Divide Trail**
   Follows the Rocky Mountains, showcasing diverse landscapes and wildlife
4. **John Muir Trail**
   A stunning trail in California's Sierra Nevada, featuring iconic peaks
5. **Half Dome, Yosemite**
   Famous for its challenging ascent and breathtaking views from the top
6. **Angels Landing, Zion**
   A thrilling hike with steep drop-offs and panoramic canyon views
7. **The Narrows, Zion**
   A unique hike through a river in a narrow canyon with towering walls
8. **Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon**
   A well-maintained trail offering stunning views of the Grand Canyon
9. **South Kaibab Trail, Grand Canyon**
   Known for its breathtaking vistas and steep descent into the canyon
10. **Mist Trail, Yosemite**
   Famous for its waterfalls and stunning views of Yosemite Valley
11. **Mount Whitney**
   The highest peak in the contiguous USA, offering challenging hikes
12. **Mount Rainier**
   A prominent volcano with diverse ecosystems and stunning wildflower meadows
13. **Mount Washington**
   Known for its extreme weather and breathtaking views of New England
14. **Franconia Ridge Loop**
   A scenic loop hike in the White Mountains with stunning summit views
15. **Presidential Traverse**
   A challenging hike across several peaks in New Hampshire's Presidential Range
16. **Long Trail, Vermont**
   The oldest long-distance trail in the USA, running the length of Vermont
17. **Kalalau Trail, Hawaii**
   A breathtaking coastal trail with lush scenery and challenging terrain
18. **Haleakala Crater, Hawaii**
   Features a unique volcanic landscape and stunning sunrise views
19. **Highline Trail, Glacier**
   Offers dramatic views of Glacier National Park's rugged terrain
20. **Cascade Canyon, Grand Teton**
   A scenic hike with stunning views of the Teton Range
21. **Teton Crest Trail**
   A long-distance trail with breathtaking views of the Teton Mountains
22. **Old Rag Mountain, Virginia**
   A popular hike with rock scrambles and panoramic views
23. **Mount Katahdin**
   Maine's highest peak, known for its challenging trails and stunning vistas
24. **Mount Adams**
   A prominent peak in Washington, popular for hiking and climbing
25. **Mount Hood**
   An iconic Oregon peak with diverse hiking options and stunning views
26. **Mount Shasta**
   A prominent California volcano with various hiking routes and stunning scenery
27. **Mount San Jacinto**
   Offers scenic views and diverse ecosystems in Southern California
28. **Mount Baldy**
   The highest peak in the San Gabriel Mountains, known for its views
29. **Devil's Path, Catskills**
   A challenging hike with rugged terrain and stunning views
30. **Four Pass Loop, Colorado**
   A scenic loop hike with four mountain passes and stunning vistas
31. **Chicago Basin, Colorado**
   A remote area known for its stunning peaks and alpine scenery
32. **Maroon Bells, Colorado**
   Iconic peaks known for their beauty and popular hiking trails

Tags: hiking, travel, sports