20 breathtaking U.S. hiking trails that should be on your bucket list

Summer means longer days and warmer weather, perfect for enjoying the outdoors. One of the best ways to do so is to use your own two feet and hit the trails. Keep reading for 20 of the best options in the US!

Yes, this is the trail from the book Wild by Cheryl Strayed everyone was reading a few years back. Or maybe you’re more familiar with the movie adaptation with Reese Witherspoon on the Gilmore Girls "A Year in the Life" episode where Lorelei attempts it. Either way, the 2,650-mile-long trail from the northern to southern border isn’t for the faint of heart. However, you can attempt smaller sections of it all along the West Coast should a multi-month trip sound less than relaxing.

This easy 1.5-mile overlook trail provides a bird's-eye view of the largest hot springs in the country. The boiling hot, rainbow-colored waters are best viewed at a distance, such as this trail, but you can also stroll along boardwalks just over the springs afterward.

This slightly treacherous 2.4-mile hike to the top of Zion National Park is not for the faint of heart. You’ll climb numerous rock steps and need to use chain railings so as not to fall!

The Paradise area of Mount Rainier National Park is aptly named, with alpine meadows, mountain and glacier views, and endless Evergreen Trees. The Nisqually Vista Trail provides views of all of the above in a not–not-too-challenging 1.2-mile loop trek.

Located in the Grand Canyon National Park, Bright Angel is one of many trails in the canyon. It starts from the lodge of the same name and can be up to 12 miles round-trip, depending on whether you descend all the way to the canyon. Most people don’t do the down-and-out in a single day, but if you do, bring plenty of water and share the trail with the mules.

Located in the beautiful Tongass National Forest in the southeast, this is perfect for hikers who prefer milder weather. The temperate rainforest is the largest of its kind in the world and is home to looming trees, fjords, and glaciers. The Nugget Falls Trail begins at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center and is just under a mile but packs in both the glacier and a waterfall.

Nevada’s most famous attraction might be Vegas, but the Red Rocks aren’t to be missed! The quarter-mile Petroglyph Wall Trail is perfect for visitors who want something easy where you still get to enjoy the rock formations and desert scenery.

One of the better-known options in the country, the Appalachian Trail, is located in Shenandoah National Park, not far from DC. The entire trail is 2,200 miles from Georgia to Maine, but the Virginia section is one of the most verdant and scenic.

This trek is located on the island of Kaui in the Haena State Park. This section of Kaui is in the island's northern part and is 11 miles along cliffs above the crashing Pacific Ocean.

The Northern Cascades are less frequented than more popular hiking areas. Yet, the 7.6-mile Diablo Lake Trail is a must for anyone who enjoys a clear blue lake view. Often referred to as the “Caribbean of Washington,” it’s a beautiful part of the state. Note that the trail and parts of Highway 20 are closed from November through April/May.

The Californian Redwoods draw plenty of visitors every year. One of the best ways to enjoy these amazing giants is to hike the roughly 3.5-mile Tall Trees Grove Loop. You'll pass by plenty of ancient trees and even pass through a few carved-out ones!

Glacier National Park is up there, and Yellowstone is a bucket-list destination for many. This 11.2-mile hike gives you the best of everything the park offers, including wildlife viewing options. Keep an eye out for bears, as one of the largest populations in the country calls Glacier home!

This 4 ¾ -mile trail along the Ohio Canal is close to the country’s capital. Yet, it feels a world away. The trail follows the Potomac River and you’ll enjoy a nice breeze and waterfall views.

Lands End is unique because it’s located right in San Francisco — no need to drive out into the wilderness. The 3.5 loop includes coastal views, epic sights of the Golden Gate Bridge, and wildflowers during certain times of the year.

Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, this trail has quite a bit of elevation gain in 8.8 miles, but you’ll enjoy amazing mountain views. You’ll enjoy large pine trees, the Odessa Gorge, and granite slabs along the way.

This loop is one of Acadia National Park’s most popular routes, as it provides some of the most spectacular views. At 1.4 miles, it might seem like an easy enough hike; however, keep in mind the route has a lot of technical sections. You’ll need to climb granite staircases, rocky edges with steep drop-offs, and iron-ringed “ladders.” 

Cloudland Canyon State Park is a fantastic place to enjoy the outdoors with fewer crowds. The 4.7-mile trails take you through some of the park's and state's most scenic areas.

A short, 1.85-mile trek in Bear Butte State Park packs in a lot of rewards in a short distance. At the top, you can enjoy a panorama of South Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, and Montana. Keep in mind the trail is quite steep in sections, so don’t show up expecting a leisurely walk.

New England is known for its brilliant fall foliage, and many hiking routes in Vermont provide ample opportunities for enjoying it. For those up for a bit of challenge, the 4.4-mile (round-trip) trek up Mount Elmore will provide you with views of the entire Worcester Range. However, note that you’ll gain 1,438 feet in elevation gain in the short 2.2 miles up.

The Oregon Coast has long been popular amongst vacationers from around the country. However, if you want a bit of a different beach view, try this 5-mile hike (round-trip) from Highway 101 to the viewpoint up the top of the mountain.