America is filled with incredible natural landscapes and beautiful, rugged terrain that draws experienced hikers from all over the world. But what about those of us who aren’t necessarily looking for a three-day excursion into the wild? For those situations, we always appreciate the shorter trails perfect for a morning, afternoon, or even a full day. There are plenty of gorgeous trails all across the country that can be conquered in just a few hours, and these are some of the best day hikes in the US that will take you to some truly spectacular places without too much effort.

Check out these awesome short and scenic hikes that offer the greatest amount of beauty per step. They certainly represent the best hikes in each state.

 

Have you hiked any of the best day hikes in the US? Have any more suggestions for easy and scenic hikes in your home state? Let us know! As always, before heading out on any hike, tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to return. It’s also incredibly important to be prepared for any type of weather since conditions can change quickly. I love wearing layers so I can modify them based on temperatures getting colder or warmer as the day goes on. Having the right gear is vital for a great hike.

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Best Day Hikes in the US

What is the best hiking trail in the United States?

The best hiking trail in the United States might be one of the hardest outdoor questions to answer! Any time spent outdoors is fantastic, but the trails in Maine are extra special. Consider exploring any of the routes in Acadia National Park. A few favorites include:

  • Great Head Trail: This 1.8-mile trail has been named one of the best in the country by Travel + Leisure. The views are spectacular and with a few rocky parts, it offers the perfect moderate challenge for intermediate hikers.
  • Hadlock Loop Trail: This 3.9-mile trail is popular among cyclists, but it's also great for hikers and walkers. It includes views of the Carriage Roads and some of the most beautiful bridges in the park.
  • Hunters Beach Trail: This 0.8-mile route is short and sweet, leading to a beautiful and slightly hidden beach in the park. Views here include forests, rivers, and the quintessential rocky Maine coast.

 

What are the big 3 hiking trails in the US?

The big three hiking trails in the US can be found in different corners of the country. We consider them to be:

  • The Appalachian Trail: Running from Georgia to Maine, this mega hike takes a few months to complete if you do it all at once. However, there are many places to jump on the trail for a shorter version. Try the halfway point in Pennsylvania. Or, consider checking out the views from the most photographed spot in Virginia. And, there are some gorgeous places to see it in New Hampshire.
  • The Long Trail: Created in 1910, this is America's first long-distance hiking trail. It runs 280 miles from Massachusetts to the Canadian border. Completing the entire route typically takes a few weeks, but people seem to love the part that runs through Vermont.
  • The Pacific Crest Trail: This famous route starts in Mexico and travels through California, Oregon, and Washington. 460 miles of that spans the entire state of Oregon, but it's 2,650 miles in total.

 

What is the famous trail in America?

The famous trail in America that many people think of is the Appalachian Trail and there are quite a few places to explore it.

  • Georgia: The Appalachian Trail begins in Georgia, making it a great portion of the trail to explore if you're just doing a day hike. This is the southern terminus, so in the fall you're likely to see quite a few happy campers coming through as they conclude their multi-month adventure.
  • North Carolina: In North Carolina the Appalachian Trail runs for about 6.5 miles from the Garenflo Gap to Hot Springs.
  • New Jersey: The Pochuck Boardwalk in New Jersey is part of the Appalachian Trail and it runs through woodland areas as well as large meadows. This route also includes the Pochuck Suspension Bridge.