Even the best resort vacation can feel a bit… still the next morning. You wake up, stretch, order a perfect breakfast — and then what? We always find ourselves wanting to move a little. Shake off the jet lag. Breathe something cleaner than lobby air. That’s when a hike comes in handy.
Because really — who doesn’t like a hit of fresh air and an open view to wake the body up?
If you’re on the road like are at localsInsider, planning a trip, or lucky enough to live near a trailhead, these are the best hikes in the USA for 2025. We’ve broken them up by type — short national park hikes, surprising urban hikes, fall color walks, and yes, the famous trails you’ve seen on Instagram. Some are easy, some are intense, but all of them deliver the kind of satisfaction you can’t order on room service.
TOP Day Hikes in U.S. National Parks
You don’t need a backpack full of freeze-dried food or a permit for a multi-day slog to experience America’s wild places. Some of the best scenery is just a few hours away, often with solid footing and a clear path. These day hikes are perfect if you’re staying nearby and want to balance relaxation with something real.
Start with the Hidden Lake Trail in Glacier National Park, Montana. It’s 5.4 miles round-trip, moderately challenging, and known for its unreal alpine views and regular mountain goat sightings. Even when it’s partly snow-covered (which it often is early in the season), it’s worth it. Take bear spray — Glacier is wild in the best way.
Over in California’s Yosemite, the Sentinel Dome Loop is a classic underdog. At just over two miles round-trip, it’s relatively easy, and the summit gives you a panoramic view of Half Dome, El Capitan, and the entire Yosemite Valley. Go at sunset for soft light, and bring a headlamp for the walk back — the trail gets dark fast.
Then there’s Bryce Canyon’s Queens Garden/Navajo Loop in Utah. Just under three miles, this loop trail takes you through the hoodoos, those towering red rock spires that look like something from another planet. It’s a bit steep on the way up, but well-marked and rewarding. Morning hikes give the best light for photos and slightly cooler temperatures.
See the best 10-day hike routes in the National Parks here.
Top Hiking Cities in the U.S. (That Aren’t Denver or Seattle)
We love a good city — but we also like a fast escape. These lesser-known urban hiking hubs put you minutes from trailheads without needing to plan a whole backcountry trip.
Salt Lake City is a prime example. Tucked right into the Wasatch Mountains, it’s one of the few places where you can grab coffee downtown and be on the Mount Olympus Trail in under 30 minutes. That one’s tough (seven miles and steep), but the valley views from the summit are staggering. Not in the mood for a lung-burner? Try the Living Room Lookout trail — shorter, easier, and still spectacular.
In the Northeast, Burlington, Vermont is small but mighty. The town sits on Lake Champlain and offers easy access to the Green Mountains. Hike Camel’s Hump via the Monroe Trail (around seven miles) for sweeping views and a good quad workout. Bonus: you can reward yourself with a maple creemee afterwards — it’s a Vermont thing.
Asheville, North Carolina also makes the list. Sitting in the Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s surrounded by trails. For a mellow day, go for the Craggy Gardens Trail, just 1.4 miles with some of the best wildflower blooms in late spring and early summer. You’ll feel miles from the city, even though you’re just off the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Best Fall Hikes in the U.S.
Fall hiking is about more than foliage. It’s about cooler air, quiet trails, and a complete change in scenery. If you’re planning a trip in October or November, these are the places to lace up your boots.
In New Hampshire’s White Mountains, the Franconia Ridge Loop is a rite of passage. It’s long (8.6 miles) and challenging, but you spend a good portion of it hiking above the tree line, looking down on forests bursting in red and gold. Aim for mid-October and bring layers — the wind can be brutal up top.
If you’re down south, don’t skip Lost Maples Natural Area in Texas. Yes, Texas has fall color — specifically from rare Uvalde bigtooth maple trees. The East Trail Loop is just under five miles and moderately difficult, with canyons, overlooks, and bright foliage that peaks in early November.
For something truly alpine, the Aspen to Crested Butte trail in Colorado is unforgettable. At just over ten miles one-way, it’s best done with a shuttle or as an overnight — but the golden aspens and open meadows make it one of the most spectacular fall hikes in the West. Just check for early-season snow and bring warm gear.
USA’s Most Instagrammed Hiking Trails 2026 — Are They Worth It?
We’ve all seen the posts: narrow cliffs, plunging canyons, people standing with arms raised like they conquered the world. But what’s it really like to hike these viral trails?
Take Angels Landing in Zion. It’s only 5.4 miles, but that last half-mile is narrow, exposed, and not for the faint of heart. You’ll need a permit and a calm head for heights — but the view is outrageous, and if you go early, it’s not too crowded. Yes, it’s worth it. Just be realistic about your comfort with exposure.
Half Dome in Yosemite is another big-name hike. It’s long (14 to 16 miles) and intense — especially the final cable section, which is steep and requires some upper body strength. You need a permit for the cables, and the whole hike can take 10–12 hours. If that sounds like too much, Clouds Rest offers similar views with a little less drama.
Then there’s The Narrows, also in Zion, where you literally hike through the Virgin River inside a slot canyon. You’ll need water shoes and maybe dry pants (you can rent them locally), and you must check the flash flood forecast. But it’s an unforgettable experience — and yes, one that’s even better in person than on Instagram.
Planning Tips for Hiking
If you’re serious about trail time this year, plan ahead. Many of the most popular hikes now require advance permits, often through seasonal lotteries. That includes Angels Landing, Half Dome, and even some backcountry day hikes.
Weather is another big factor. Wildfires, heatwaves, and early snow are becoming more common, especially in the West. Check local conditions before you head out, and don’t be afraid to pivot if something looks risky.
And lastly: pack out what you pack in. The more popular the trail, the more important it is to leave no trace. Stay on marked routes, skip the drone, and give others space to enjoy the silence.
Our TOP List of Featured Hiking Spots in the United States
Most Scenic Day Hikes in U.S. National Parks
- Hidden Lake Trail – Glacier National Park, Montana
- Sentinel Dome Loop – Yosemite National Park, California
- Queens Garden/Navajo Loop – Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Top Hiking Cities in the U.S. (That Aren’t Denver or Seattle)
- Mount Olympus Trail – Salt Lake City, Utah
- Living Room Lookout – Salt Lake City, Utah
- Camel’s Hump via Monroe Trail – Burlington, Vermont
- Craggy Gardens Trail – Asheville, North Carolina
Best Fall Hikes in the U.S.
- Franconia Ridge Loop – White Mountains, New Hampshire
- Lost Maples East Trail Loop – Texas Hill Country
- Aspen to Crested Butte – Colorado
Most Beautiful Hiking Trails in the U.S.
- The Narrows – Zion National Park, Utah
- Angels Landing – Zion National Park, Utah
- Half Dome – Yosemite National Park, California
- Clouds Rest – Yosemite National Park, California
