Hiking in the United States

Find your hiking trail in the USA

Hiking in the United States of America is a must-experience if you’re an enthusiastic hiker (and can secure a visa!). With many different landscapes and hiking trails from the peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the valleys of the Smoky Mountains, the USA is an outdoor paradise. It’s so diverse with its fifty states, all with their own unique character that you’ll see reflected on the trails. The United States of America also has the most popular thru-hiking trails in the world like the Appalachian Trail (AT) in the East, the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in the West, and the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) in the middle of the country. And with the many national parks like Zion, Sequoia, Yosemite, and Yellowstone, along with the National Scenic Trails, it has options for everyone.

Thru-hiking in the USA

The United States is crisscrossed by a network of trails that provide the world’s most beloved thru-hiking trails like the PCT, AT, and CDT. These are the dreams of many thru-hikers globally. But hiking in the USA is not limited to these giants. Trails like the Colorado Trail and the Arizona Trail are also equally stunning, though slightly shorter, thru-hikes, making them more accessible.

The National Parks in the United States

The nation’s national parks are integral to the American hiking experience. Yosemite National Park, with its famous Half Dome Trail, and the giant sequoias of Sequoia National Park, are home to some of the most popular trails in the world. Angels Landing is maybe the most popular trail in the United States, situated in Zion National Park with its famous sandstone cliffs. Or discover Mount Rainier National Park’s glacier-capped peaks, and the Grand Canyon’s Rim-to-Rim hike, as a few more examples of the many hiking options you have.

Permit system

Each park and trail has its own set of rules and requirements, including permits for popular spots like Mount Whitney and the Half Dome, as they try to preserve these environments for future generations. The permit system, while it’s sometimes frustrating, is an essential part of conserving the natural environment of these areas.

Hiking seasons in the United States

Timing is everything when it comes to hiking in the USA. The best time to hit the trails always depends on the region and elevation. The high trails of the Sierra Nevada and the Rocky Mountains are best tackled in the short summer months when the snow has melted, and the deserts of the southwest are more welcoming in the cooler seasons of spring and fall. The trails of the Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains are beautiful in the fall when the forests change colors.