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Best Trails in North America

1. Breakneck Ridge Trail Previous Rank: #1 (No change): In Hudson Highlands State Park, this trail makes a rugged ascent from river-level to roll along a knobby ridge, gathering vistas and reaching a lookout. Special Attractions: Hudson river, Shawangunk,…
2. Glacier Gorge Previous Rank: #2 (No change): In my opinion this is the most beautiful spot in Rocky Mountain National Park. Spectacular scenery, beautiful wildflowers, cascading waterfalls, and beautiful alpine lakes are what you will find on yo…
3. Appalachian Trail: The Pinnacle Previous Rank: #3 (No change): Walk the Appalachian Trail for spectacular views of Hawk Mountain, the Lehigh Valley, and Blue Rocks. Many Appalachian Trail thru-hikers claim the views at the Pinnacle are the best views on the Penns…
4. Mount Whitney Previous Rank: #6 (Up 2 spots): This expedition takes you to the top of the highest peak in the contiguous United States, and to unparalleled views.…
5. Conundrum Hot Springs Previous Rank: #20 (Up 15 spots): A secluded collection of pools in a beautiful wilderness location. Essentially undeveloped, wilderness location. Conundrum is one of Colorado’s most exquisite settings, and if you pick your time caref…
6. Bear Mountain Loop Previous Rank: #35 (Up 29 spots): A demanding all-day or overnight loop rolls through steep wooded terrain, topping Bear and West Mountains, offering views of the lower Hudson River area. Special Attractions: vistas, Perkins Tower, l…
7. Furnace Mountain / Trayfoot Mountain Overnight Loop Previous Rank: #7 (No change): If you like mountaintop views and camping along streams, this loop is for you. Head north on the Appalachian Trail (AT) and turn west toward Austin Mountain, with many views of your destination. Camp …
8. Deep Creek Previous Rank: #19 (Up 11 spots): A cluster of natural hot springs in an isolated canyon in the high desert. Deep Creek has become a favorite spot for those who like to go without clothing. Requires a gradual 6-mile hike or a steeper …
9. Appalachian Trail: Sunfish Pond & Mount Mohican Previous Rank: #25 (Up 16 spots): Sunfish Pond is one of the most popular hiking destinations in New Jersey, with good reason. The rocky shores of this crystal clear glacial lake are postcard perfect. Get an early start for this hik…
10. Appalachian Trail: Springer Mountain to Hightower Gap Previous Rank: #12 (Up 2 spots): The summit of Springer Mountain, a broad dome with thin oak woods and a rock outcrop, has excellent northwest views of the Cohutta Mountains. Two bronze plaques mark this as the terminus of the AT. …
11. Big Creek Falls (Taylor River) Previous Rank: #39 (Up 28 spots): It seems impossible: Finding quiet solitude on a backcountry trail leading through ancient cathedral forests and past magnificent waterfalls less than a hour from Seattle. Yet the Taylor River Trail o…
12. Appalachian Trail: Crampton Gap to Harpers Ferry, WV Previous Rank: #23 (Up 11 spots): The 9.8-mile stretch of Appalachian Trail leading from Crampton Gap to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, is one of the most popular and rewarding AT day hikes in this region, with good reason. It feature…
13. Half Dome Previous Rank: #9 (Down 4 spots): Half Dome is the symbol of Yosemite, its summit the goal of just about everybody who has ever donned a pair of hiking boots. It is a grueling workout, especially if you do it in one day, but if you sp…
14. Dolly Sods Wilderness Previous Rank: #14 (No change): Make this loop in the renowned Dolly Sods Wilderness. This slice of the Monongahela has nearly everything: rocky vistas, open glades resembling the western United States, thick spruce, northern hardwo…
15. Hut to Hut Presidential Traverse Previous Rank: #10 (Down 5 spots): Hiking the Presidential Range from end to end is one of the United States’ classic treks. Of course, numerous trails can be used to accomplish this trip, although the main route between Madison Hut an…
16. American River Confluence to Lake Clementine Previous Rank: #11 (Down 5 spots): Contrasting dynamics and a wild-river canyon take center stage on this hike. You’ll encounter raging rapids, soothing pools, a loud waterfall at a dam, and a tranquil lake. Start near the confluence o…
17. Cottonwood Lakes to Upper Rock Creek (Backpacking) Previous Rank: #21 (Up 4 spots): I’m always looking for trips with huge dividends per hiking mile. This one nears the top of my list. Magnificent alpine basins defined by sculpted peaks cradle shining blue lakes and are linked by hig…
18. Mount Marcy - New York Highpoint Previous Rank: #17 (Down 1 spot): Highpoint rank by height: 21st. We will use the trail that starts near Heart Lake and the Adirondak Loj. No, this is not a spelling error – it was named by Henry Van Hoevenberg, who opened the Loj – e…
19. Timothy Lake Area Campgrounds Previous Rank: #310 (Up 291 spots!): This Trail Guide includes the following campgrounds: Clackamas Lake, Gone Creek, Hoodview, Joe Graham Horse Camp, Little Crater Lake, Oak Fork, and Pine Point.…
20. Bear Mountain - Mount Riga State Park Trail Previous Rank: #27 (Up 7 spots): Bear Mountain is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the state. A grand stone pyramid crowns its summit, offering unrestricted views which include broad valleys, shimmering lakes, and rugge…
21. Appalachian National Scenic Trail - Pennsylvania Section Previous Rank: #29 (Up 8 spots): This 2,155-mile national scenic trail from Maine to Georgia cuts across southeastern Pennsylvania between New Jersey and the Mason-Dixon Line at Maryland. The Appalachian Trail (AT) traverses ridges a…
22. Ringwood State Park Trails Previous Rank: #32 (Up 10 spots): At 5,000 plus acres, Ringwood State Park is one of the larger tracts of public land in northeastern New Jersey. The fact that it can be described as “mountain-bike friendly” makes it even more attrac…
23. Carson Mineral Hot Springs Resort Previous Rank: #427 (Up 404 spots!): A sleepy Victorian-era hotel and bathhouse that features a regimen of therapeutic hot mineral baths reminiscent of old European spas. If you’re looking for a luxurious spa treatment with elegantly fur…
24. Mount Mitchell Previous Rank: #16 (Down 8 spots): Mt. Mitchell—the highest peak east of the Mississippi—is a crowning part of the Blue Ridge Parkway experience. The only motorized access to the mountain is from the Parkway, at Milepost 355.3, and the…
25. Appalachian National Scenic Trail: CT & MA Previous Rank: #24 (Down 1 spot): This 2,155-mile national scenic trail, journeying from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Mount Katahdin, Maine, traverses the northwest corner of Connecticut and western Massachusetts, touring forest, fie…
26. Appalachian Trail (VA) - Chester Gap to Harpers Ferry Previous Rank: #30 (Up 4 spots): The Blue Ridge of northern Virginia have none of the 4,000-foot-plus heights so plentiful on the AT farther south. Still, the northern Virginia leg is one exhausting climb after another. On open mount…
27. Appalachian Trail: Bear Mountain - Harriman State Parks - West Previous Rank: #135 (Up 108 spots!): The less-traveled western section of Bear Mount - Harriman State Park offers an ideal introduction to the history, flora, and fauna of the Hudson Highlands. The land here comes alive with signs of th…
28. North Country Trail (NCT) - Michigan Section Previous Rank: #37 (Up 9 spots): An 875-mile linear route across the state, part of a national scenic trail from New York to North Dakota. The trail enters Michigan near Morenci in the southeastern corner of the state. From there it …
29. Boynton Canyon Previous Rank: #53 (Up 24 spots): Boynton Canyon is considered one of Sedona's most scenic canyons and a powerful vortex site. The canyon has lush riparian vegetation, towering red sandstone formations, hoodoo rock spires and ancient…
30. Verde Hot Spring Previous Rank: #106 (Up 76 spots!): The remains of an extensive hot-spring resort, with several pools still available for bathing. Verde Hot Spring was at one time a thriving resort complete with hotel and several baths. Today, all that…
31. Blue Lake - Indian Peaks Wilderness Previous Rank: #49 (Up 18 spots): A wonderful day hike up to Blue Lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. This short hike takes you up to a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by stunning alpine peaks.…
32. Bergen Peak Previous Rank: #38 (Up 6 spots): A beautiful hike up to the summit of Bergen Peak (9,708 feet). Expect to see wildlife, wildflowers along the trail, and excellent views from atop the summit. This is an excellent hike and a must-do. I…
33. Kauai: Kalalau Valley & The Na Pali Cliffs Previous Rank: #59 (Up 26 spots): The Kalalau Trail is very different from its Waimea Valley cousin, yet it still hosts some of the most spectacular views in the Hawaiian Islands. The Kalalau Valley stretches more than 4,000 feet up f…
34. Franconia Ridge Previous Rank: #18 (Down 16 spots): This trip is easily near the top of the list of best hikes in New England. Of course, Franconia Ridge also can be a very busy place during any weekend with good weather; however, early risers and week…
35. Clingman's Dome Overnight Loop Previous Rank: #43 (Up 8 spots): This loop starts at the highest trailhead in the park, taking the Appalachian Trail past myriad views of the park and beyond. It then drops into Tennessee, where you leave the high country spruce-fir …
36. Uwharrie National Forest Trails Previous Rank: #52 (Up 16 spots): Uwharrie National Forest is an increasingly attractive “best kept secret” where state-designated Scenic Byways meander through the undulating remains of North America’s oldest mountain range. The stat…
37. Old Rag - Shenandoah National Park Previous Rank: #63 (Up 26 spots): Old Rag is so popular, the park has special rules for recreational use. There’s a fee to park and use the trails on certain weekends and holidays during summer and fall. What’s the attraction? Old Rag…
38. Slide Mountain Loop Previous Rank: #34 (Down 4 spots): Traveling hemlock-deciduous and fir-birch forests, this popular trail tags the highest point in the Catskills and passes Burroughs Plaque and Curtis Monument. Special Attractions: vistas, rare high-e…
39. Black Mountain Campground Previous Rank: #193 (Up 154 spots!): Black Mountain Campground has been around a long time. Over the years it has been taken care of well. Now it is like an antique, treasured by families that have been returning to Black Mountain throug…
40. Havasu Canyon Trail Previous Rank: #13 (Down 27 spots): Havasu is one of those places where a spectacular natural setting combines with the fascination of Native peoples to create a uniquely memorable backcountry excursion. Living for the past several cent…
41. Central Alpine Lakes Loop (Backpacking) Previous Rank: #26 (Down 15 spots): The 75-mile stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail between Snoqualmie Pass and Stevens Pass is a very popular backpack trip, and it deserves to be. The route is supremely scenic with countless viewpoints,…
42. Mount Pisgah Area Trails Previous Rank: #54 (Up 12 spots): Driving the Parkway from Asheville to Mt. Pisgah is a humbling experience —especially if you stopped by Biltmore House and Gardens on the way through town. George W. Vanderbilt’s fascinating palatial …
43. American River Bike Path Previous Rank: #50 (Up 7 spots): Arguably one of the most successful and beautifully paved bike paths in northern California, this 32-mile gem of a trail stretches from downtown Sacramento eastward to Folsom Dam (64 miles round-trip)…
44. Holy Jim Falls Trail Previous Rank: #44 (No change): Undoubtedly, the hike into Holy Jim Canyon is one of the most scenic and interesting in the Santa Ana Mountains. The hike passes under a multitude of trees, and crosses Holy Jim Creek many times befor…
45. Four Peaks Mine Previous Rank: #28 (Down 17 spots): Very popular mountain drive with several great hiking trails. Dispersed camping allowed. Make sure to pack out all trash. Heavily used ATV and dirt bike area. Stay on roads and trails at all times. Gr…
46. Bagby Hot Springs Previous Rank: #160 (Up 114 spots!): Includes: Bull of the Woods and Bull of the Woods to the Welcome Lakes Loop. A day hike through lush woods to the Shangri-La of hot soaks. No need to pack a swimsuit. The 1.5-mile Bagby Trail is a del…
47. Catoctin Mountain Park and Cunningham Falls State Park Previous Rank: #68 (Up 21 spots): Located scarcely 60 miles northwest of Washington, Catoctin Mountain Park and Cunningham Falls State Park let arriving visitors know immediately that they’re far removed from the urban plains. The air…
48. Boulder County: Longs Peak Previous Rank: #40 (Down 8 spots): Located in north-central Colorado in the Front Range, about 70 miles northwest of Denver, and 10 miles southwest of Estes Park. The most famous Colorado climb, this alpine peak requires a long, strenu…
49. Eagle Rock Loop Previous Rank: #45 (Down 4 spots): This is the longest loop trail in the state of Arkansas. The Eagle Rock Loop Trail is very popular with out-of-state hikers as well as native Arkansans. The loop is a combination of parts of the Littl…
50. Appalachian Trail (VA) - Damascus to Marion Previous Rank: #65 (Up 15 spots): As an introduction to Virginia, it’s hard to top Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. The AT passes near the tallest mountains in the state. Close to the summit of Mount Rogers, wild ponies graze in…