5 Best Hikes in the USA

Ever since Cheryl Strayed’s memoir, “Wild,” was selected for Oprah's Book Club, readers seeking a physical challenge and a spiritual journey have searched for the quintessential American hike. 

Ms. Strayed, a novice hiker, took an 1100 mile stroll along the Pacific Crest Trail, which goes from Mexico to Canada. It is known for its many different kinds of terrain and for the solitude it offers. 

Hiking is one of the best ways to support your national parks and one of the best ways to get exercise because the scenery will distract you from the physical strain. Most of the folks that she inspired won't be able to take quite as long of a pilgrimage. The mountains and forests of the United States have many beautiful hiking adventures. Here are five of the best day hikes in the United States.

5. The Tillamook Trail 

Seaside, Oregon

Oregon is known for its rain, and this trail is known for its mud. It is considered to be of moderate difficulty, and before you traverse it, you should know that there are quite a few cliffs and drop-offs along the way. This is a portion of the Oregon Trail, and Lewis and Clark found many small animals to trap here. Skunks, minks, and other tiny creatures are fond of darting all about the area, and one may shoot out in front of you as you walk along, so you must watch where you are going.  However, When you reach the top of the trail, you will see some truly breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the mountains.

You will find the Tillamook trailhead just outside of Seaside. It is about 7 miles to the end of the trail at Indian Beach. It is always a good idea to start at the Tillamook Trailhead because you may be charged a State Park fee if you go in the other direction. If you think seven miles is a long way to walk in one day, you can bring a tent and sleep at the hikers camp, which is about four miles in. 

As you make the trails 1000-foot ascent, you will see overgrown forests and gigantic stumps from logging days. You will even see a World War II encampment along the way. You cannot really climb to the Summit of Clark mountain because of all the trees and tangly vegetation it supports. However, you are likely to see elk and other wildlife at the top of the trail. 

4. Saint Mary's Glacier

Clear Creek County, Colorado

Going hiking on any Trail in Colorado can be a bit like going to the mall. If you are looking for a solitary commute with nature, you are in the wrong state. Idaho Springs is one of the most popular tourist spots in the Centennial state, and this is one of the most well-traversed trails. If you take this hike, you will see breathtaking scenery, and you will have plenty of social media moments.

Both beginner and experienced hikers can enjoy this 1.5-mile trail. As with all hikes, you should bring along a backpack with water and a few snacks. You may also want to take an extra jacket as it tends to get a bit chilly in the Colorado mountains. If you go during the winter, you should wear spikes as the trail will be snow-covered.

You will see a gorgeous lake about half a mile into the trail, and it is the perfect place to take a picture or stop for a picnic. You will see many wildflowers on your way to the glacier itself.

If you are feeling adventurous, you can take a hike in the wilderness area beyond the glacier. You can even hike to the top of James Peak if you are up for a challenge.

3. Great Warren Dune Trail

Warren Dunes State Park, 

Sawyer, MI

Michigan is known for its lush forest, crystal clear lakes, and its challenging and majestic mountains. This day hike is considered to be of moderate difficulty.

The Trail is popular amongst tourists from Chicago, Cincinnati, and Detroit who are looking to flee the sweltering heat of summer in the city. Like most natural areas in the Wolverine State, it is at its most beautiful in the autumn months.

The loop trail is 5.1 miles long and features many different types of terrain. You will walk along 3 miles of shoreline and through a forested area. You will also see a spectacular view from the 260-foot sand dunes. You can try walking up and down the dunes if you dare.  

The area is popular with bird watchers. You will want to learn how to use the optical zoom feature on your smartphone, so you can snap a  photo or two of the much sought-after prairie warbler, the leggy sandhill crane, and the adorable and rare piping plover. 

Dogs are welcome on this trail, and they will have many a rear end to sniff. Be sure to bring a leash and a plastic bag because the park is patrolled by rangers. 

2. Laurel Falls Trail 

Gatlinburg, Tennesee

If you are taking a family vacation to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, you will not want to miss this breathtaking waterfall trail. It is a short, moderately difficult 2.6-mile trail and it is appropriate for people of all ages. However, you will not be able to bring strollers. Although the trail is paved, it can be slippery when it is wet. You should know that there are a few drop-offs along the trail. Be sure to hold onto any small children who may have come along for the journey. 

The trail ends at one of the most photographed waterfalls in the south. Its 80-foot cascade has been featured in many a magazine. Some people have gotten a little too careless and climbed on the slippery rocks that surround the falls. There are several deaths every year that could have been prevented by exercising some common sense.

If you have ever been to Gatlinburg, you probably know that it is not a place for a person that doesn’t like crowds or kids. The Laural Falls trail can get a little crowded and it is hardly the place to go if you seek seclusion. It is a good idea to get there early in the day because the parking lot fills up fast.

When you are done seeing the falls, you can explore the fabulous town of Gatlinburg. It offers everything from country-themed dinner theater to year-round haunted houses and local art galleries.

1.Antelope Canyon

Page, Arizona

When you take a very short hike in this surreal-looking canyon, you will feel like you are on the inside of a Dali painting. It is easy to understand why the Navajo Indians thought this land was sacred. The sandstone rocks actually look as if they are melting and pouring into the earth. 

The Canyon was formed by the erosion of sandstone which was caused by flooding during the monsoon season. 

This Canyon is one of the most often photographed places in the world. You will have to take a tour with a Navajo tour guide in order to see it because tourists are not allowed to visit the area alone. 

Although you can get an hour-long tour for as little as $40, you won't want to be rushed when you get inside the canyon. It is a better idea to take a 90-minute tour which will cost you around $60. The longer tour is referred to as a “photo package.”  The photo package will give you more time to take pictures. There are always a lot of people in the canyon no matter what time of year you go. There are two separate slot canyon sections to the tour. 

The pictures you take here will be well worth the price of admission. no matter where you point your camera, you are certain to get an interesting shot. It is recommended that you bring a camera with a wide lens and a tripod to get the best pictures. 

The canyon is located near Lake Powell, and when you get done exploring the inside of the canyon, you can enjoy boating and some of the other hikes the desert has to offer.

In his novel The Dharma Bums, Jack Kerouac said, “the woods always look familiar, long lost, like the face of a long-dead relative, like an old dream, like a piece of forgotten song…” 

It is only natural to want to explore the wilderness. There are thousands of hiking areas in the United States, and one person would never be able to explore them all. Hitting the highlight will leave you with great memories and stories to tell for years to come.