Hike Smarter, Not Harder

Off You Go

written by alexa bricker

With your health goals in mind and a backpack full of supplies, it’s finally time to embark on your hike—but not before you know where you’re actually going.

There’s a gorgeous hike in every part of the US calling your name. Simply find your region in the list below and get out there!

Adirondack Mountains, NYAdirondack Mountains, NY

  • NORTHEAST

    • Bear Meadows Natural Area, PA (easy): This over-800-acre area contains a bog and trails, including a beginner-friendly loop that’s just over three miles.

    • Batona Trail to Apple Pie Hill, NJ (moderate): The highest point in the Pinelands, Apple Hill is just over eight miles from the Carranza Memorial on the Batona Trail.

    • Mount Marcy, NY (difficult): Climbing the highest mountain in the Adirondacks won’t be easy, but it will be a lot of fun, and there are truly spectacular views at the 5,344-foot peak.

  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TNGreat Smoky Mountains National Park, TN

  • SOUTH

    • Cascades National Recreation Trail, VA (easy): This four-mile loop trail features scenic views and leads to Cascade Falls, a 66-foot waterfall.

    • Long Pine Key Nature Trails, FL (moderate): Animal lovers are sure to enjoy these 22 miles of trails through parts of Everglades National Park, where you can spot wildlife such as bobcats and black bears.

    • Mount Cammerer, NC/TN (difficult): This eleven-mile round-trip hike to Mount Cammerer goes through Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is one of the hardest in the region, but it’s well worth it for the incredible views.

  • Custer State Park, SDCuster State Park, SD

  • MIDWEST

    • Custer State Park, SD (easy-difficult): There are a number of different trails within this 71,000-acre park—all offer incredible terrains to explore, including canyons, prairies, and streams.

    • Indiana Dunes State Park Trails, IN (moderate): This park offers up numerous different trails, most at moderate difficulty—and the views of Lake Michigan and the relaxing beaches are well worth a visit in the warmer months.

    • Ridge Runner Trail, MO (moderate): There are two six-mile loops and a twenty-one-mile loop within this beautiful recreational area, providing a glimpse of the Ozarks' famous limestone topography.

  • Calf Creek Falls, UTCalf Creek Falls, UT

  • SOUTHWEST

    • Lower Calf Creek Falls, UT (moderate): This six-mile round-trip hike leads to the lower falls, and is perfect for those looking for a relatively tame trek into the picturesque Escalante Canyons.

    • Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, NM (moderate): Incredible geological formations left behind from volcanic eruptions are just some of the sights to see throughout the area.

    • North Kaibab Trail, AZ (difficult): If you start at the North Kaibab trailhead and finish your hike at the Bright Angel Campground, you’ll travel through fourteen miles of varying ecosystems.

  • Mount Saint Helens, WAMount Saint Helens, WA

  • PACIFIC/WEST

    • Tall Trees Grove Trail, CA (moderate): If it’s towering redwoods you’re looking for on your trip to California, look no further than this four-mile round-trip hike that has views of some of the biggest in the state.

    • Norway Pass, Mount Saint Helens, WA (moderate): This trail offers an incredible look at the effects of the 1980 eruption, as well as views of the area’s other famous peaks—Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, and Mount Hood.

    • Hoh River Trail, WA (difficult): Yes, there are rainforests in the United States, and, yes, they’re beautiful! This nearly 18-mile trail is challenging, but well worth it for the area’s giant trees and animal life.

Posted in April 2020 on Feb 17, 2020