In the United States, options for hikes are plentiful—across the country, there are 58 national parks, 154 national forests, and more than 10,000 state parks. Depending on where you go, you can see canyons and gorges, waterfalls and lakes, animals and wildflowers of all varieties, or trees so tall they seem to scrape the sky. Best of all, any hike you decide to take offers an escape from buzzing phones and to-do lists, while delivering a solid, satisfying workout.
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Not sure where to start? We’ve rounded up 10 hikes across the United States that All Trails users are totally obsessed with. These trails are all beginner friendly and offer breathtaking views that will totally make you forget you're breaking a sweat. To help you out, we’ve also provided details on each trail's length, intensity, and elevation—and of course, where to eat once you've made it back to the trailhead. (Because isn’t that the most satisfying part?!)
So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and take a hike!
Eagle Falls Trail: Cumberland Falls State Park, Kentucky
For a short hike—perfect for say, pre-brunch—head to Eagles Fall Trail, near Parkers Lake in Kentucky. You’ll gain more than 700 feet during this short loop so you’ll feel the toning effects in your thighs, calves, and glutes. The reward for a few steep inclines and steps is a stunning view of both Cumberland and Eagle Falls.
What to know before you hike:
- Difficulty: Moderate—but best avoided if you have knee problems. Expect to feel the effects of the hike in your legs for several days afterward.
- Distance: 1.9 miles
- Elevation gained: 702 feet
- When to go: Year-round—during warmer months, bring your bathing suit and take a dip in the swimming hole.
After your hike: Stay in the park and dine at the Riverview Restaurant, open March through November. Along with soups, salads, and sandwiches, you can also have fried chicken or catfish and other hearty options. Or, drive about 30 minutes to Corbin, Kentucky, to visit the original KFC: Harlan Sanders Cafe and Museum.
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Quechee Gorge Dewey Pond Trail: Quechee State Park, Vermont
Known as “Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon,” Quechee Gorge is a beautiful out-and-back trail that’s well suited for families, pet owners, or anyone who craves a “gorge”-ous view.
What to know before you hike:
- Difficulty: Easy—perfect for beginners. (One All Trails reviewer pointed out that it’s more aptly described as a walk than a hike.)
- Distance: 1.4 miles
- Elevation gained: 196 feet
- When to go: Year-round. Swimming is an option in warm weather.
After your hike: At the Public House (which is less than a mile from the trail) you can get sandwiches, salad, and burgers as well as bigger entrees. Dana’s by the Gorge, a half-mile away, is open for breakfast and lunch (the restaurant closes at 2:30 PM), with vegetarian-friendly options.
Before you start your hike, do these warm-up exercises:
Tall Trees Grove Loop Trail: Redwood National and State Parks, California
Stop by one of the park’s visitor centers to grab a permit for Tall Trees Grove Loop Trail, a 3.5-mile loop. Once you’ve cleared that logistical hurdle, prepare to look up: this area of the forest is home to the world’s tallest tree named Hyperion (its exact location in the forest is not disclosed so you'll have to hunt for it). But you don’t have to spot the very tallest tree to feel dwarfed—many of the Grove’s trees are well over 300-feet tall. (For some context, this is about the same height of the Statue of Liberty, from the bottom of the pedestal foundation to the tip of her torch.)
What to know before you hike:
- Difficulty: Easy. This kid-friendly loop involves hiking downhill on the way in, and uphill on the way out.
- Distance: 3.5 miles
- Elevation gained: 898 feet
- When to go: Spring through fall
After your hike: Drive 40 minutes and you’ll be in Orick, California, where you can grab food—and more importantly, a slice of pie—at Palm Cafe and Motel. Another option: Drive to Trinidad, California, about an hour away. There, you can grab a bite at the Beachcomber Cafe (a vegan- and vegetarian-friendly coffee shop and bakery) or the Lighthouse Grill, which serves burgers and sandwiches, and specializes in mashed potatoes served in a savory waffle cone. Sold!
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Sculpture Falls Hike at Barton Creek: Barton Creek Wilderness Park, Texas
At the end of this 5-mile out-and-back trail in Austin, Texas is an urban oasis: a swimming hole for you and your dog. Bring water shoes (it’s rocky in the water) and your swimsuit if you want to take a dip. And be aware that this trail can get busy—keep an eye open for mountain bikers and runners speeding along.
What to know before you hike:
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 5 miles
- Elevation gained: 169 feet
- When to go: Year-round, but note that the water may dry up in the summer.
After your hike: Enjoy tacos at Tacodeli (the Spyglass Drive location is closest) or drive less than 15 minutes to hit up any of these top-rated restaurants in downtown Austin.
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Canyon Overlook Trail: Zion National Park, Utah
This 1-mile out-and-back trail in Utah’s Zion National Park offers a breathtaking view of Zion’s Canyon. If Angel’s Landing—with its fear-inducing sign noting the number of deaths on the trail—is too much for you, Canyon Overlooks is a great alternative, offering up similar, jaw-dropping views. The easier part of the trail is essentially a boardwalk, while the more challenging areas have handrails to grip onto for assistance. This is a safe, not-too-strenuous hike, but if heights are not your thing, give this one a pass.
What to know before you hike:
- Difficulty: Moderate—use handrails in steep areas but be aware there are some spots sans handrails where a fall would be dangerous.
- Distance: 1 mile
- Elevation gain: 577 feet
- When to go: Year-round
After your hike: Oscar’s Cafe in Springdale, Utah is located next to Zion National Park and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We can personally attest that the enchiladas and burgers are unforgettable.
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Rose River Trail: Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Located less than 3 hours by car from Washington, DC, Rose River Trail is a great day trip for city residents, and worth the trip for visitors to Shenandoah National Park, too. Stop along the trail to fish for trout—or just check in if the people fishing are getting any nibbles. Reviewers recommend going clockwise around the loop—that way, you see a big waterfall at the beginning of the hike, and save the easy fire road section for the end when you might be tired. Observe precautions for bears, and be mindful that rocks may get slippery in the rain.
What to know before you hike:
- Difficulty: Moderate. Make sure to wear hiking shoes with a good grip, and consider bringing walking sticks or poles for sections with slippery rocks, too. (This $50 pair from Amazon is lightweight, yet sturdy and dependable.)
- Distance: 3.6 miles
- Elevation gained: 808 feet
- When to go: Year-round. For the most stunning views, however, go in the fall to peep the changing leaves, or the summer and spring to see the wildflowers.
After your hike: Head to Graves Mountain Lodge Restaurant, a few minutes away, for an all-you-can-eat feast. Or, drive 15 minutes to Mad Local, in Madison, Virginia, for farm-fresh, family-friendly meals.
Ozette Triangle Trail: Olympic National Park, Washington
This trail has it all: The 8.7-mile loop begins in a forest and winds its way to a beach. There are sights aplenty along the way, too, from vibrant wildflowers to petroglyphs (rock carvings made by Native Americans). Once you arrive at the beach, you may spot sea lions and otters. Cute!
What to know before you hike:
- Difficulty: Moderate—the trail goes from a boardwalk (which gets slippery when wet) to a rocky beach.
- Distance: 8.7 miles
- Elevation gained: 613 feet
- When to go: Year-round
After your hike: Drive about 40 minutes, and you’ll hit the Breakwater Restaurant, which offers a view of Clallam Bay, friendly service, and a full menu.
Devil’s Lake Loop: Devil’s Lake State Park, Wisconsin
The climb may be steep—you’ll gain more than 1,000 feet on Devil’s Lake Loop, and most of it at the start of the hike—but the breathtaking views of rock formations when you hit the top of the trail make the effort worthwhile. Be prepared to walk along railroad tracks for a short portion, and keep an eye out for trail markers, since some All Trails reviewers report occasionally getting off the trail unintentionally.
What to know before you hike:
- Difficulty: Moderate—be prepared for a super-steep climb at the start.
- Distance: 4.8 miles
- Elevation gained: 1,076 feet
- When to go: Summer through fall.
After your hike: If the concession stands on two nearby beaches—North Shore and South Shore—aren’t open, your best bet is to head to nearby Baraboo, Wisconsin, where there are plenty of restaurants including Little Village Cafe, The Barn Restaurant, and Jen’s Alpine Cafe and Soup Kitchen.
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Jenny Lake Trail: Grand Tetons National Park, Wyoming
You can hike this 7.4-mile loop around Jenny Lake in either direction, but choose wisely: If you circle the lake counterclockwise, you’ll face stunning views of mountains throughout your trek. (Moving the other direction is less exciting.) From the well-maintained trail, you can take photos of the Tetons, Jenny Lake’s sparkling blue waters, waterfalls, and wildlife. A word of warning, though: This hike requires you to be bear aware. To ensure you don’t startle any Grizzlies, make noise as you hike. And carry bear spray just in case.
What to know before you hike:
- Difficulty: Easy—this beginner- and kid-friendly trail is long but doesn’t involve significant ascents.
- Distance: 7.4 miles
- Elevation gained: 702 feet
- When to go: Summer to fall
After your hike: Drive about 20 minutes to Jackson for a meal. Pica’s Mexican Taqueria offers spicy, authentic Mexican food accompanied by strong margaritas. Or head to Snake River Brewery, Wyoming’s oldest brewery for beers and pub food.
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Cathedral Rock Trail: Coconino National Forest, Arizona
Don’t be deceived by the short distance. Cathedral Mile Trail may only be a mile in length, but it’s a great workout. In fact, at some points, it feels more like a climb than a hike. Be prepared to use your hand to help you along in steep parts, and remember that you can always take your time on both the ascent and descent on the trail to make things a bit easier. Take out your camera at the top of the 1-mile out-and-back hike for stunning, unreal views of the area’s red rock formations.
What to know before you hike:
- Difficulty: Moderate—be prepared to climb for portions of this hike.
- Distance: 1 mile
- Elevation gained: 515 feet
- When to go: Year-round
After your hike: In Sedona, Arizona, a 10-minute drive away, feast on tamales at Tamaliza Cafe or continue to soak up the view of the red rocks on the patio at Creekside American Bistro, which serves breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner.
