There are many ways to immerse yourself in nature, such as going on a drive to observe the seasons change or going on a wildlife viewing excursion. But visiting a national park is typically your best choice if you want to spend as much time bonding with Mother Nature as possible.
These well-liked places cover practically every type of setting and are spread over acres of land, offering something for everyone. Choosing to hit the trail offers a new kind of experience for both newbies and experienced hikers. So, if you’re thinking about going on a memorable hiking trip with your friends or family, here are a few US national parks that should be on your list of hike-worthy locations.
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Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Colorado’s most distinctive feature is its easy accessibility to the great outdoors. Experts claim that one of Colorado’s most famous parks is among the easier locations to visit on foot.
One of the largest protected alpine tundra habitats in the entire USA, the Rocky Mountain National Park has alpine tundra for about a third of its area. Hikes there may give everyone a taste of what it feels like to hike at such a high altitude, regardless of their mountain expertise or physical fitness level.
You can pick between two more difficult walks leading to alpine lakes at an elevation of more than 10,000 feet after starting with an easy one-hour hike to see Alberta Falls. These are reasons enough to add the Rocky Mountain National Park to your list of the best national parks to visit for a hiking trip!
Big Bend National Park, Texas
Are you searching for a complete hiking experience? If yes, travel experts believe that the Big Ben National Park can offer you many hiking activities and things to see and experience in a single day. Big Bend National Park, situated on the border between Texas and Mexico, is one of the most commonly-visited national parks in the “Lone Star State.”
And for a good reason: the park’s highest peak, Emory Peak, offers breathtaking views, a wealth of trekking paths, and unusual wildlife, as well as post-hike soaks in natural hot springs near the Rio Grande.
Olympic National Park, Washington
Given that the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State is home to rocky beaches, dense rainforests, and snow-capped mountains, it should surprise you that the Olympic National Park offers some truly fantastic hikes.
Consider the one-mile Hall of Mosses walk, which swings through the lush Hoh Rainforest. You will pass through ancient ferns that are taller than you as well as impossibly magnificent trees (some reaching over 300 feet in height) while hiking. You can also take the 3-mile journey down the pebble-strewn shoreline of Rialto Beach’s Hole-in-the-Wall Trail to experience some of the wild beaches of the Pacific Northwest.
Ultimately, this location is one of the best national parks in the US to visit, especially if you want to go on an adventurous hiking trip.
Denali National Park, Alaska
Any itinerary for Alaska should include at least two days of hiking at the Denali National Park. It is one of the most popular national parks in the US for hiking and other winter activities. This national park is typically renowned for its untamed landscapes, wildlife sightings, and breathtaking views of Mount Denali, the tallest mountain in North America.
The Horseshoe Lake Trail, a leisurely circle trip around Horseshoe Lake with beautiful vistas and an opportunity to see wildlife, will give you the best hike of your life. While you’re here, you can also hike the Thorofare Ridge Trail. This trail reaches a maximum height of 1000 feet but will be one of the most difficult hikes of your life.
The perfect time to visit this national park is between May and September. Furthermore, tickets cost around 10 dollars per person. What’s more, you can purchase them in advance as they have a validity period of 7 days.
Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
Speaking of the most visited national parks in the US, nothing can rival the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee. According to the National Park Service, the location will get 14.1 million visitors in 2021, placing it at the top of the list (NPS). However, experts claim that it offers lots of motivation for anyone looking to go on a memorable hiking trip.
This park is the perfect place to experience the Appalachian Trail. To have such an experience, most people choose to hike from Newfound Gap to Charlies Bunion. This hike offers some of the park’s best views and might persuade you to go on a Georgia-Maine hike sooner rather than later.
Haleakala National Park, Hawaii
Haleakala National Park is one of the top national parks in the nation. It is home to enchanting volcanic landscapes, expansive tropical vistas, and an endless feast of distinctive scenery. So, it’s not surprising that hiking is fantastic in this area.
This American landmark is one of the most beautiful spots in the country and is situated on the island of Maui. The almost 4-mile Waimoku Falls Trail is a must-hike if you want to really experience the tropical setting. Furthermore, enthusiastic hikers will want to hike the Sliding Sand Trail. However, this trail is not your average “walk in the park.” So, be prepared for a physically grueling hike!
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
While most national parks on our list are well-known by hikers, numerous lesser-known locations are still worth visiting. One of these locations is the Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Texas. It is home to various amazing hiking trails.
With its 8-mile round-trip trek to the summit, Guadalupe Peak is not just Texas’s highest point. In fact, it’s also very accessible to hikers who can hike a few miles. It has panoramic views of West Texas and New Mexico and has the advantage of being close to Carlsbad Caverns, which are accessible by a short drive across the state line.
Wrapping Up
If you’re someone who loves to go on hiking trips, US national parks offer the best “bang for your buck” hiking trails. In fact, these trails are definitely worth a visit as they represent the best of what Mother Nature has to offer. So, add the national parks shared above to your bucket list today, and go on a hiking trip that you will never forget!