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Best Rail-Trails Destinations

This list represents the most popular rail-trails in North America (learn more about Top Trails). Use this list to plan your next rail-trails trip. Select a state and/or activity below to find even more top trails.

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#1. Breakneck Ridge Trail

  
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,…
From the guidebook "Hiking New York"
Beacon , NY - Hiking - 9.6 miles    Top Trail in North America - Click to view allBest Trail in NY - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#2. Glacier Gorge

  
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…
From the guidebook "Hiking Colorado's Front Range"
Estes Park , CO - Hiking - 9.6 miles    Top Trail in North America - Click to view allBest Trail in CO - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#3. Appalachian Trail: The Pinnacle

  
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…
From the guidebook "Hike America: Pennsylvania"
Hamburg , PA - Hiking - 8.7 miles    Top Trail in North America - Click to view allBest Trail in PA - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by The Globe Pequot Press

#4. Mount Whitney

  
This expedition takes you to the top of the highest peak in the contiguous United States, and to unparalleled views.…
From the guidebook "Hiking Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks"
Lone Pine , CA - Hiking - 22 miles    Top Trail in North America - Click to view allBest Trail in CA - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#5. Conundrum Hot Springs

  
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…
From the guidebook "Touring Colorado Hot Springs"
Aspen , CO - Hot Springs - 18 miles    Top Trail in North America - Click to view allBest Trail in CO - Click to view allBestHot Springs Trail - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#6. Bear Mountain Loop

  
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…
From the guidebook "Hiking New York"
Highland Falls , NY - Hiking - 9.7 miles    Top Trail in North America - Click to view allBest Trail in NY - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#7. Furnace Mountain / Trayfoot Mountain Overnight Loop

  
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…
From the guidebook "Day & Overnight Hikes in Shenandoah National Park"
Grottoes , VA - Hiking - 20.6 miles    Top Trail in North America - Click to view allBest Trail in VA - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Menasha Ridge Press

#8. Deep Creek

  
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…
From the guidebook "Touring California and Nevada Hot Springs"
Hesperia , CA - Hot Springs - 12 miles    Top Trail in North America - Click to view allBest Trail in CA - Click to view allBestHot Springs Trail - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#9. Appalachian Trail: Sunfish Pond & Mount Mohican

  
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…
From the guidebook "Exploring the Appalachian Trail: Hikes in the Mid-Atlantic States"
Columbia , NJ - Hiking - 8.8 miles    Top Trail in North America - Click to view allBest Trail in NJ - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Stackpole Books

#10. Appalachian Trail: Springer Mountain to Hightower Gap

  
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.…
From the guidebook "Exploring the Appalachian Trail: Hikes in the Southern Appalachians"
Suches , GA - Hiking - 9 miles    Top Trail in North America - Click to view allBest Trail in GA - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Stackpole Books

#11. Big Creek Falls (Taylor River)

  
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…
From the guidebook "Best Hikes with Dogs in Western Washington"
North Bend , WA - Hiking - 10 miles    Top Trail in North America - Click to view allBest Trail in WA - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by The Mountaineers Books

#12. Appalachian Trail: Crampton Gap to Harpers Ferry, WV

  
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…
From the guidebook "Exploring the Appalachian Trail: Hikes in the Mid-Atlantic States"
Burkittsville , MD - Hiking - 10.2 miles    Top Trail in North America - Click to view allBest Trail in MD - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Stackpole Books

#13. Half Dome

  
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…
From the guidebook "Hiking Yosemite National Park"
Merced , CA - Hiking - 16 miles    Top Trail in North America - Click to view allBest Trail in CA - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#14. Dolly Sods Wilderness

  
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…
From the guidebook "Day & Overnight Hikes in West Virginia's Monongahela National Forest"
Petersburg , WV - Hiking - 19.4 miles    Top Trail in North America - Click to view allBest Trail in WV - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Menasha Ridge Press

#15. Hut to Hut Presidential Traverse

  
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…
From the guidebook "Discover the White Mountains of New Hampshire"
Gorham , NH - Hiking - 25.5 miles    Top Trail in North America - Click to view allBest Trail in NH - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Appalachian Mountain Club Books

#16. American River Confluence to Lake Clementine

  
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…
From the guidebook "100 Hikes in the San Francisco Bay Area"
Auburn , CA - Hiking - 6 miles    Top Trail in North America - Click to view allBest Trail in CA - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by The Mountaineers Books

#17. Cottonwood Lakes to Upper Rock Creek (Backpacking)

  
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…
From the guidebook "Backpacking California"
Lone Pine , CA - Hiking - 23.8 miles    Top Trail in North America - Click to view allBest Trail in CA - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Wilderness Press

#18. Mount Marcy - New York Highpoint

  
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…
From the guidebook "Highpoint Adventures: The Complete Guide to the 50 State Highpoints"
Lake Placid , NY - Hiking - 14.8 miles    Top Trail in North America - Click to view allBest Trail in NY - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Winger Books

#19. Timothy Lake Area Campgrounds

  
This Trail Guide includes the following campgrounds: Clackamas Lake, Gone Creek, Hoodview, Joe Graham Horse Camp, Little Crater Lake, Oak Fork, and Pine Point.…
From the guidebook "Camping Oregon"
Government Camp , OR - Campgrounds Top Trail in North America - Click to view allBest Trail in OR - Click to view allBestCampgrounds Trail - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#20. Bear Mountain - Mount Riga State Park Trail

  
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…
From the guidebook "AMC's Best Day Hikes in Connecticut"
Salisbury , CT - Hiking - 6 miles    Best Trail in CT - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Appalachian Mountain Club Books

#21. Appalachian National Scenic Trail - Pennsylvania Section

  
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…
From the guidebook "Hiking Pennsylvania"
Rouzerville , PA - Hiking - 232 miles    Best Trail in PA - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#22. Ringwood State Park Trails

  
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…
From the guidebook "Mountain Biking in New Jersey"
Ringwood , NJ - Mountain Biking - 11.5 miles    Best Trail in NJ - Click to view allBestMountain Biking Trail - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Freewheeling Press

#23. Carson Mineral Hot Springs Resort

  
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…
From the guidebook "Touring Washington and Oregon Hot Springs"
Carson , WA - Hot Springs Best Trail in WA - Click to view allBestHot Springs Trail - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#24. Mount Mitchell

  
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…
From the guidebook "Hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway"
Asheville , NC - Hiking - 12 miles    Best Trail in NC - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#25. Appalachian National Scenic Trail: CT & MA

  
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…
From the guidebook "Hiking Southern New England"
North Adams , MA - Hiking - 138 miles    Best Trail in MA - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#26. Appalachian Trail (VA) - Chester Gap to Harpers Ferry

  
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…
From the guidebook "Hiking Virginia (Burnham)"
Front Royal , VA - Hiking - 54.4 miles    Best Trail in VA - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#27. Appalachian Trail: Bear Mountain - Harriman State Parks - West

  
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…
From the guidebook "Exploring the Appalachian Trail: Hikes in the Mid-Atlantic States"
Arden , NY - Hiking - 5.7 miles    Best Trail in NY - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Stackpole Books

#28. North Country Trail (NCT) - Michigan Section

  
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…
From the guidebook "Hiking Michigan"
Morenci , MI - Hiking - 875 miles    Best Trail in MI - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#29. Boynton Canyon

  
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…
From the guidebook "Day Hikes in Sedona, Arizona"
Sedona , AZ - Hiking - 6 miles    Best Trail in AZ - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Day Hike Books

#30. Verde Hot Spring

  
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…
From the guidebook "Touring Arizona Hot Springs"
Strawberry , AZ - Hot Springs - 2 miles    Best Trail in AZ - Click to view allBestHot Springs Trail - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#31. Blue Lake - Indian Peaks Wilderness

  
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.…
From the guidebook "Hiking Colorado's Front Range"
Nederland , CO - Hiking - 5 miles    Best Trail in CO - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#32. Bergen Peak

  
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…
From the guidebook "Hiking Colorado's Front Range"
Denver , CO - Hiking - 9.2 miles   
Published by Falcon Publishing

#33. Kauai: Kalalau Valley & The Na Pali Cliffs

  
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…
From the guidebook "Hawaii: A Walker's Guide"
Hanalei , HI - Walking - 22 miles    Best Trail in HI - Click to view allBestWalking Trail - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Hunter Publishing

#34. Franconia Ridge

  
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…
From the guidebook "Discover the White Mountains of New Hampshire"
Lincoln , NH - Hiking - 8.9 miles    Best Trail in NH - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Appalachian Mountain Club Books

#35. Clingman's Dome Overnight Loop

  
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…
From the guidebook "Day & Overnight Hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park"
Gatlinburg , TN - Hiking - 25 miles    Best Trail in TN - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Menasha Ridge Press

#36. Uwharrie National Forest Trails

  
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…
From the guidebook "Hiking North Carolina"
Asheboro , NC - Hiking - 66.5 miles    Best Trail in NC - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#37. Old Rag - Shenandoah National Park

  
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…
From the guidebook "Hiking Virginia (Burnham)"
Sperryville , VA - Hiking - 15.4 miles    Best Trail in VA - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#38. Slide Mountain Loop

  
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…
From the guidebook "Hiking New York"
Woodstock , NY - Hiking - 7 miles    Best Trail in NY - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#39. Black Mountain Campground

  
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…
From the guidebook "The Best In Tent Camping: The Southern Appalachian & Smoky Mountains"
Burnsville , NC - Campgrounds Best Trail in NC - Click to view allBestCampgrounds Trail - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Menasha Ridge Press

#40. Havasu Canyon Trail

  
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…
From the guidebook "100 Classic Hikes in Arizona"
Seligman , AZ - Hiking - 20 miles    Best Trail in AZ - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by The Mountaineers Books

#41. Central Alpine Lakes Loop (Backpacking)

  
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,…
From the guidebook "Backpacking Washington"
Cle Elum , WA - Hiking - 35 miles    Best Trail in WA - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Wilderness Press

#42. Mount Pisgah Area Trails

  
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…
From the guidebook "Hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway"
Brevard , NC - Hiking - 6.4 miles    Best Trail in NC - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#43. American River Bike Path

  
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)…
From the guidebook "Mountain Bike! Northern California"
Sacramento , CA - Mountain Biking - 64 miles    Best Trail in CA - Click to view allBestMountain Biking Trail - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Menasha Ridge Press

#44. Holy Jim Falls Trail

  
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…
From the guidebook "Best Easy Day Hikes: Orange County"
Lake Forest , CA - Hiking - 2.7 miles    Best Trail in CA - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#45. Four Peaks Mine

  
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…
From the guidebook "Guide to Arizona Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails"
Phoenix , AZ - Off-Highway Drives - 28 miles    Best Trail in AZ - Click to view allBestOff-Highway Drives Trail - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by FunTreks

#46. Bagby Hot Springs

  
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…
From the guidebook "Hiking Hot Springs in the Pacific Northwest"
Estacada , OR - Hot Springs - 3 miles    Best Trail in OR - Click to view allBestHot Springs Trail - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#47. Catoctin Mountain Park and Cunningham Falls State Park

  
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…
From the guidebook "60 Hikes within 60 Miles: Washington, DC"
Thurmont , MD - Hiking - 11 miles    Best Trail in MD - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Menasha Ridge Press

#48. Boulder County: Longs Peak

  
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…
From the guidebook "Hiking Colorado's Summits"
Estes Park , CO - Hiking - 14 miles   
Published by Falcon Publishing

#49. Eagle Rock Loop

  
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…
From the guidebook "Hiking Arkansas"
Glenwood , AR - Hiking - 26.8 miles    Best Trail in AR - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#50. Appalachian Trail (VA) - Damascus to Marion

  
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…
From the guidebook "Hiking Virginia (Burnham)"
Damascus , VA - Hiking - 63.8 miles    Best Trail in VA - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#51. Bright Angel Trail

  
In addition to offering the most convenient access to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, the Bright Angel Trail is also one of the most popular hiking routes in the park. Wide enough to allow safe passag…
From the guidebook "100 Classic Hikes in Arizona"
Grand Canyon Village , AZ - Hiking - 19.2 miles    Best Trail in AZ - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by The Mountaineers Books

#52. The Hudson Highlands

  
It’s worth spending a Saturday night in the Hudson Highlands, a rich destination for hiking and sight-seeing. There are two possible outings in this escape, first is a 7-mile ridge-and-valley hike int…
From the guidebook "Outdoor Escapes: New York City"
Cold Spring , NY - Hiking - 16 miles    Best Trail in NY - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#53. Cross Timbers Trail

  
About 35 miles NW of Sherman. A moderate overnight trip along undeveloped southern shoreline of Lake Texoma. Special Attractions: Lake. Permit required for camping.…
From the guidebook "Hiking Texas"
Dallas , TX - Hiking - 18 miles    Best Trail in TX - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#54. 20 Lakes Basin Loop (Backpacking)

  
This easy trip can even be done as a dayhike, and you won’t believe how much alpine beauty is packed into such a short jaunt. 20 Lakes Basin is set among majestic peaks and is full of pretty lakes. Ye…
From the guidebook "Backpacking California"
Bishop , CA - Hiking - 8.5 miles    Best Trail in CA - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Wilderness Press

#55. The Narrows of Zion Canyon

  
A day hike (for the truly hardcore) or backpack town the North Fork of the Virgin River through The Narrows. Possibly the best-known hike in Zion National Park, this wading route follows the Virgin Ri…
From the guidebook "Hiking Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks"
Springdale , UT - Hiking - 15.4 miles    Best Trail in UT - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#56. Difficult Run - Reston to Great Falls National Park

  
This 12-mile point-to-point route from Reston, Virginia, to Great Falls National Park may define what could someday become a new form of non-paved trail systems through the ever-growing and increasing…
From the guidebook "Mountain Biking the Washington, D.C. / Baltimore Area"
Reston , VA - Mountain Biking - 24 miles    Best Trail in VA - Click to view allBestMountain Biking Trail - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#57. Palisades Interstate Park and the Long Path, NJ

  
This 7- or 17-mile hiking route takes you across the George Washington Bridge, north atop the Palisades high above the Hudson River, then down to either the Englewood or the Alpine Boat Basin, south t…
From the guidebook "Outdoor Escapes: New York City"
Englewood , NJ - Hiking - 17 miles    Best Trail in NJ - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#58. Ocala National Forest

  
Includes: Ocala North, Ocala South, Lake Eaton Sinkhole. The 360,000-acre Ocala National Forest was the first designated national forest east of the Mississippi River. The Big Scrub, as it is affectio…
From the guidebook "Hiking Florida"
Ocala , FL - Hiking Best Trail in FL - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#59. The Grand Teton Loop (Backpacking)

  
A classic circuit around the high peaks of the Teton Range. This hike, along with the Teton Crest, offers up the real stuff. It’s difficult to really capture the true essence of the Teton Range in a d…
From the guidebook "Best Backpacking Vacations in the Northern Rockies"
Jackson , WY - Hiking - 32.6 miles    Best Trail in WY - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#60. Camelback Mountain Summit Trail

  
Camelback Mountain, towering above Phoenix and Scottsdale, is a well-known and prominent landmark. The 2,704-foot peak, the highest point in the Phoenix Mountains, is a two-summited mountain that look…
From the guidebook "Best Easy Day Hikes: Phoenix"
Phoenix , AZ - Hiking - 2.32 miles    Best Trail in AZ - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#61. Big Devils Stairs

  
This is a moderate hike with a great reward. The walking is easy, and the trails are used surprisingly little. The nearly level Bluff Trail takes you to the Big Devils Stairs canyon rim for a great vi…
From the guidebook "Day & Overnight Hikes in Shenandoah National Park"
Front Royal , VA - Hiking - 5.4 miles    Best Trail in VA - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Menasha Ridge Press

#62. Black Mountain Loop

  
This loop tops Black Mountain, the tallest mountain above Lake George, for a superb panorama of the lake region; eastern looks strain to Vermont. Ponds and beaver marshes put a stamp on the tour. Sp…
From the guidebook "Hiking New York"
Lake George , NY - Hiking - 7 miles    Best Trail in NY - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#63. Appalachian Trail: Bake Oven Knob to Lehigh Gap

  
This hike from Bake Oven Knob to Lehigh Gap is one of the more scenic in the state, although the scenery varies considerably - from hawks floating on mountain updrafts to the stark and stunted landsca…
From the guidebook "Exploring the Appalachian Trail: Hikes in the Mid-Atlantic States"
Lehighton , PA - Hiking - 9.5 miles    Best Trail in PA - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Stackpole Books

#64. San Gorgonio Mountain

  
This memorable trip is perhaps the finest backpack route in southern California, touring the region’s most scenic high-mountain landscape. Glacial cirques, virgin forests, windswept alpine ridges, two…
From the guidebook "Hiking Southern California"
Big Bear Lake , CA - Hiking - 21.3 miles    Best Trail in CA - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#65. Canyon Loop Trail

  
If Grandma’s House were at trail’s end, this would be a fairy-tale “through the woods” experience. And nary a big bad wolf in sight… The Canyon Loop Trail weaves through the expansive Betasso Preserve…
From the guidebook "Best Easy Day Hikes: Boulder"
Boulder , CO - Hiking - 3.2 miles   
Published by Falcon Publishing

#66. Mount Mansfield, Sunset Ridge Trail

  
About 17 miles east of Burlington and 22 miles NW of Montpelier. A classic ascent of a rocky ridge to the highest peak in Vermont. Special attractions: Rare alpine plants and flowers; magnificent su…
From the guidebook "Hiking Vermont"
Burlington , VT - Hiking - 6.6 miles    Best Trail in VT - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#67. Bull of the Woods Loop (Backpacking)

  
Backpackers who want a taste of what the Old Cascades used to be like will enjoy this loop through the Opal Creek and Bull of the Woods wilderness areas. The massive trees along Opal Creek drew nation…
From the guidebook "Backpacking Oregon"
Salem , OR - Hiking - 41 miles    Best Trail in OR - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Wilderness Press

#68. The Superior Hiking Trail

  
According to Backpacker magazine, Minnesota’s Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) ranks as one of the 10 best hiking trails in the country and one of the top 10 in the world—placing it in league with the Appa…
From the guidebook "Hiking Minnesota (Mosher)"
Two Harbors , MN - Hiking - 175 miles    Best Trail in MN - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#69. Appalachian Trail: Woody Gap to Neels Gap

  
Take a hike to Blood Mountain, the highest peak on the Georgia AT, now usually a quite peaceful place except when invaded by swarms of weekend hikers. Sometime before 1600, however, the aptly name Bl…
From the guidebook "Exploring the Appalachian Trail: Hikes in the Southern Appalachians"
Suches , GA - Hiking - 10.7 miles    Best Trail in GA - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Stackpole Books

#70. Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail

  
Spanning five counties, this premier long-distance trail rolls across Laurel Ridge. It ranks as one of the best in the state—and the nation—for its natural offering, its accessibility, and its ameniti…
From the guidebook "Hiking Pennsylvania"
Johnstown , PA - Hiking - 70.1 miles    Best Trail in PA - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#71. Santa Anita Canyon Loop Trail

  
In the lush, shady recesses of Big Santa Anita Canyon and its tributary, Winter Creek, you can easily lose all sight and sense of the hundreds of square miles of dense metropolis, and the millions of…
From the guidebook "101 Hikes in Southern California: Exploring Mountains, Seashore and Desert"
Arcadia , CA - Hiking - 9.4 miles    Best Trail in CA - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Wilderness Press

#72. Rainbow Hot Springs

  
General description: Moderate hike to small streamside pool in wilderness. Undeveloped except for rocks piled to make a pool below springs. Rainbow Hot Springs spouts from a crease in the solid rock a…
From the guidebook "Touring Colorado Hot Springs"
Pagosa Springs , CO - Hot Springs - 9 miles    BestHot Springs Trail - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#73. Arethusa Falls Trails

  
Dropping more than 200 feet in a swath of lacy mist, the plunge of Bemis Rock creates New Hampshire's highest falls and a premier natural wonder. But seasoned hikers understand that there's more to Ar…
From the guidebook "Hiking New Hampshire"
North Conway , NH - Hiking - 4.5 miles    Best Trail in NH - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#74. Appalachian Trail to Loudon Heights Trail Loop

  
This hike passes through three states and the town of Harpers Ferry, providing river hiking, ridge crest hiking, and great views. The Appalachian Trail extends from Georgia to Maine. This section of…
From the guidebook "Hiking West Virginia"
Harpers Ferry , WV - Hiking - 12.1 miles    Best Trail in WV - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#75. Valley View Hot Springs

  
Secluded naturist development with pools in wooded area. Pools, sauna, and overnight accommodations in a natural setting. Before you leave Valley View Hot Springs, you will believe it is a special pla…
From the guidebook "Touring Colorado Hot Springs"
Alamosa , CO - Hot Springs BestHot Springs Trail - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#76. Blue Hills Reservation

  
Ten miles south of downtown Boston. Three day hikes of varying length and difficulty explore key features of the Blue Hills chain. Special attractions: vistas, observation towers, historic weather st…
From the guidebook "Hiking Southern New England"
Boston , MA - Hiking - 4.5 miles    Best Trail in MA - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#77. Whiteoak Canyon Falls

  
It's hard to keep track of all the falls at Whiteoak Canyon. There are six sequentially numbered falls, starting from the Blue Ridge and ending down at the base of the canyon. Whether or not you corre…
From the guidebook "Day & Overnight Hikes in Shenandoah National Park"
Stanley , VA - Hiking - 5.6 miles    Best Trail in VA - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Menasha Ridge Press

#78. North Kettle Moraine

  
A shaded walk along the top of a moraine. Of all the 60-some miles of Ice Age Trail in the Kettle Moraine State Forest, this is the trail segment with the longest continuous stretch of woods. The wood…
From the guidebook "Hiking Wisconsin"
Dundee , WI - Hiking - 10.3 miles    Best Trail in WI - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#79. Mount Princeton Hot Springs

  
Family lodge and restaurant, with multiple pools. Several hot mineral pools, creekside soaking, and water slide. Enjoying some of the hottest water in the State of Colorado, the area around Mount Prin…
From the guidebook "Touring Colorado Hot Springs"
Nathrop , CO - Hot Springs BestHot Springs Trail - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#80. Sacramento and Western Sierra Foothills Campgrounds

  
Tourists traveling to the Sacramento and Western Sierra Foothills Area from the north via the Golden Chain Highway are welcomed to the region by the gold rush towns of Nevada City and Grass Valley. On…
From the guidebook "Camping Northern California"
Sacramento , CA - Campgrounds Best Trail in CA - Click to view allBestCampgrounds Trail - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#81. Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt Trail

  
In real estate and retailing, location is practically everything. It’s what brings up the value and popularity. In some ways the same can be said about this moderately challenging, 16-mile (8 miles on…
From the guidebook "Mountain Biking Eastern New York"
Woodbury , NY - Mountain Biking - 16 miles    Best Trail in NY - Click to view allBestMountain Biking Trail - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#82. Luray and Shenandoah National Park Waterfalls

  
When the time came to decide on a location for the headquarters of Shenandoah National Park, the National Park Service selected Luray. An administrative history report explains that Luray was selected…
From the guidebook "Waterfalls of the Blue Ridge"
Luray , VA - Waterfalls Best Trail in VA - Click to view allBestWaterfalls Trail - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Menasha Ridge Press

#83. Backway to Crown King

  
This is a challenging four-wheel-drive route but is also a great historical tour. Your trip will be greatly enhanced if you learn a little about the area before you go. Most of this route is easy to m…
From the guidebook "Guide to Arizona Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails"
Phoenix , AZ - Off-Highway Drives - 34.4 miles    Best Trail in AZ - Click to view allBestOff-Highway Drives Trail - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by FunTreks

#84. Appalachian Trail in Georgia

  
The Appalachian Trail (AT), said to be the longest continually marked trail in the world, begins at Springer Mountain in Georgia and ends 2,100 miles north at Mount Katahdin in Maine. Because of the m…
From the guidebook "Hiking Georgia"
Dahlonega , GA - Hiking - 75.6 miles    Best Trail in GA - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#85. Mount Rainier - Wonderland Trail Loop (Backpacking)

  
The famous Wonderland Trail, which completely circles Mount Rainier, is not only the finest long hike in Washington; it is considered by many to be one of the best in the world. The route provides a g…
From the guidebook "Backpacking Washington"
Buckley , WA - Hiking - 93 miles    Best Trail in WA - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Wilderness Press

#86. Olympic Hot Springs

  
Includes: Appleton Pass and Boulder Lake. A day hike or overnighter to popular soaking pools in Olympic National Park. Skinnydippable with (much) discretion. Without a doubt the hot spot of the Olympi…
From the guidebook "Hiking Hot Springs in the Pacific Northwest"
Port Angeles , WA - Hot Springs - 5 miles    Best Trail in WA - Click to view allBestHot Springs Trail - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#87. Buffalo River Trail (Western Section)

  
The trail runs roughly parallel to the Buffalo River through wilderness areas and along multicolored palisades. The trail leaves the parking area, crosses AR 21 and Smith Creek, and starts meandering…
From the guidebook "Hiking Arkansas"
Clarksville , AR - Hiking - 36.5 miles    Best Trail in AR - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#88. Indian Head Mountain Loop

  
This loop rewards with a classic Catskills setting, vistas, and challenge. Special attractions: Vistas, the 500-foot cliffs of Indian Head, wildflowers, fall foliage, and wildlife sightings. At times…
From the guidebook "Hiking New York"
Saugerties , NY - Hiking - 7.5 miles    Best Trail in NY - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#89. Appalachian Trail: Hawk Mountain to PA 309

  
Hawks and rocks. Hikers have plenty of opportunities to look up for one and down for the other on this 13.3-mile stroll up and along the Blue Mountain ridge. The AT skirts the side of Hawk Mountain…
From the guidebook "Exploring the Appalachian Trail: Hikes in the Mid-Atlantic States"
Eckville , PA - Hiking - 13.5 miles    Best Trail in PA - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Stackpole Books

#90. Appalachian Trail: Kent to St. Johns Ledges

  
As a day hike this is a gem, with a superb reward at the end in the form of a tremendous tumble of boulders down a precipitous but manageable cliff. Thrills and chills without having to scale the Mat…
From the guidebook "Exploring the Appalachian Trail: Hikes in Southern New England"
Kent , CT - Hiking - 4.9 miles    Best Trail in CT - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Stackpole Books

#91. Eagle Creek Trail to Wahtum Lake

  
The second most famous and perhaps most enjoyable hike in the Gorge. Eagle Creek Trail is second only to Multnomah Falls in popularity, being the hike with more waterfalls than any other in the Columb…
From the guidebook "Hiking The Columbia River Gorge"
Dodson , OR - Hiking - 13.3 miles    Best Trail in OR - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#92. Aliso / Wood Canyons Regional Park: Rock-It / Cholla Loop

  
One of Orange County's most popular riding spots, Aliso/ Wood Canyons Regional Park-part of Laguna Niguel Regional Park lies hidden between Laguna Beach and Laguna Hills. It is a unique combination of…
From the guidebook "Mountain Biking Southern California's Best 100 Trails"
Laguna Beach , CA - Mountain Biking - 10.2 miles    Best Trail in CA - Click to view allBestMountain Biking Trail - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Fine Edge Productions

#93. Mount Washington via Boott Spur

  
At 6,288 feet, Mount Washington is the highest point in New England, and its weather is considered the worst in the world. It is easily one of New Hampshire’s most popular attractions, with an auto ro…
From the guidebook "Discover the White Mountains of New Hampshire"
Gorham , NH - Hiking - 9.5 miles    Best Trail in NH - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Appalachian Mountain Club Books

#94. Grandma Gatewood Trail - Old Man's Cave to Ash Cave

  
Begin walking the 5.0 miles from Old Man’s Cave to Ash Cave and it won’t take long to see why this is one of the state’s most popular trails. Descend into Old Man’s Creek Gorge and walk by rock featur…
From the guidebook "Hiking Ohio"
Logan , OH - Hiking - 10 miles    Best Trail in OH - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#95. Adventure Hiking Trail

  
This is a long-distance loop trail along forested river bluffs, ravines, sinkholes, and caves. The Adventure Hiking Trail—or AHT—keeps getting shorter, but it is still the second-longest trail in the…
From the guidebook "Hiking Indiana"
Corydon , IN - Hiking - 23 miles    Best Trail in IN - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#96. Gunpowder Falls North and South Loop, Gunpowder Falls State Park

  
A walk through mixed hardwood and conifer woodlands along and above scenic Gunpowder Falls. You can make a day of hiking in the wooded stream valley of Gunpowder Falls and the ridges above it, or you…
From the guidebook "Hiking Maryland & Delaware"
Hereford , MD - Hiking - 9.6 miles    Best Trail in MD - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

#97. Arapaho Pass Trail to Lake Dorothy

  
This is a fantastic day hike up to Lake Dorothy via the Arapaho Pass Trail, one of the best trails in the wilderness area for viewing wildflowers. Trail conditions: The lower section of the Arapaho Pa…
From the guidebook "Hiking Colorado's Indian Peaks Wilderness"
Nederland , CO - Hiking - 6.4 miles   
Published by Falcon Publishing

#98. Alexander Springs Campground

  
Alexander Springs is clearly worth preserving, an oasis in the forest, one of the outstanding physical features of central Florida. Imagine thrashing through broken woods and coming upon this upwellin…
From the guidebook "The Best In Tent Camping: Florida"
Umatilla , FL - Campgrounds Best Trail in FL - Click to view allBestCampgrounds Trail - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Menasha Ridge Press

#99. Little Grand Canyon Trail

  
Little Grand Canyon is a little-known hideaway that’s worth the drive from St. Louis. You’ll hike down stone steps cut in steep, fantastically-eroded slickrock chutes, into a moist bottomland guarded…
From the guidebook "60 Hikes within 60 Miles: St. Louis"
Murphysboro , IL - Hiking - 3.6 miles    Best Trail in IL - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Menasha Ridge Press

#100. North-South Lake loop

  
This Catskill Mountains loop travels the escarpment and wooded outskirts of North-South Lake, snaring views and passing cultural sites. Special Attractions: escarpment ledges, vistas, a monument and…
From the guidebook "Hiking New York"
Catskill , NY - Hiking - 10 miles    Best Trail in NY - Click to view all (About Top Trails)
Published by Falcon Publishing

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