The United States has an incredible array of National Scenic Trails, which provide
hikers with unparalleled opportunities to explore diverse landscapes and
ecosystems. These trails showcase the nation’s natural beauty, providing
challenging adventures and unforgettable experiences for outdoor enthusiasts.
This guide highlights 25 of the best U.S. National Scenic Trails, each offering unique
features and breathtaking vistas for hikers of all levels.
Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail stretches approximately 2,190 miles from Georgia to Maine,
passing through 14 states along the Appalachian mountain range. This iconic trail
offers a mix of challenging terrain and stunning vistas, making it a bucket-list item for
many long-distance hikers.
Pacific Crest Trail
The Pacific Crest Trail spans 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada, traversing
California, Oregon, and Washington. Hikers on this trail experience diverse
landscapes, from the Mojave Desert to the Cascade Range, showcasing the varied
beauty of the American West.
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Continental Divide Trail
The Continental Divide Trail runs 3,100 miles along the Rocky Mountains from
Mexico to Canada. This challenging trail offers hikers a true wilderness experience,
passing through five states and some of the most remote areas in the contiguous
United States.
North Country Trail
The North Country Trail is the longest in the National Trails System, stretching 4,600
miles from North Dakota to Vermont. This diverse trail showcases the northern
United States, passing through a variety of landscapes including prairies, forests,
and the Great Lakes region.
Ice Age Trail
The Ice Age Trail winds 1,200 miles through Wisconsin, following the edge of the last
continental glacier in North America. Hikers on this unique trail can observe glacial
features and diverse ecosystems while exploring the state’s natural beauty.
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Florida Trail
The Florida Trail extends 1,300 miles from Big Cypress National Preserve to Gulf
Islands National Seashore. This trail offers hikers a chance to experience Florida’s
diverse ecosystems, including swamps, prairies, and pine forests.
Arizona Trail
The Arizona Trail spans 800 miles from Mexico to Utah, showcasing the state’s
varied landscapes. Hikers on this trail can experience diverse environments, from
desert lowlands to alpine forests, and even pass through the Grand Canyon.
Pacific Northwest Trail
The Pacific Northwest Trail stretches 1,200 miles from the Continental Divide to the
Pacific Ocean. This challenging trail offers hikers stunning views of the Rocky
Mountains, North Cascades, and Olympic Mountains.
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New England Trail
The New England Trail covers 215 miles through Connecticut and Massachusetts,
showcasing the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Hikers on this trail can
enjoy diverse landscapes, from traprock ridges to river valleys, while passing through
quintessential New England towns.
Natchez Trace Trail
The Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail follows portions of the historic Natchez
Trace travel corridor in Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee. This trail offers hikers
a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance, passing through diverse
landscapes and near important cultural sites.
Potomac Heritage Trail
The Potomac Heritage Trail network covers 710 miles through the Potomac River
corridor in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. Hikers on this trail can explore diverse landscapes and historical sites, connecting the Chesapeake
Bay to the Allegheny Highlands.
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John Muir Trail
The John Muir Trail covers 211 miles through the Sierra Nevada mountain range in
California. This trail offers hikers some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in
the United States, passing through Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National
Parks.
Superior Hiking Trail
The Superior Hiking Trail stretches 310 miles along the north shore of Lake Superior
in Minnesota. This trail offers hikers breathtaking views of the lake as well as
opportunities to explore boreal forests, rivers, and waterfalls.
Colorado Trail
The Colorado Trail spans 486 miles from Denver to Durango, traversing the Rocky
Mountains. Hikers on this trail can experience diverse landscapes and wildlife while
enjoying some of the most stunning mountain scenery in the country.
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Long Trail
The Long Trail is a 272-mile footpath that follows the main ridge of the Green
Mountains from Massachusetts to Canada. This historic trail, the oldest long-
distance trail in the United States, offers hikers a challenging journey through
Vermont’s beautiful forests and mountains.
Tahoe Rim Trail
The Tahoe Rim Trail is a 165-mile loop around Lake Tahoe, passing through
California and Nevada. This trail offers hikers stunning views of the lake and
surrounding mountains, as well as diverse plant and animal life.
Wonderland Trail
The Wonderland Trail is a 93-mile loop that encircles Mount Rainier in Washington
state. This challenging trail offers hikers incredible views of the mountain and
surrounding glaciers, as well as diverse ecosystems ranging from lowland forests to
subalpine meadows.
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Ozark Trail
The Ozark Trail covers over 350 miles through the Missouri Ozarks, with plans for
expansion. Hikers on this trail can experience the beauty of the Ozark Mountains,
including clear streams, deep valleys, and diverse forests.
Mountains-to-Sea Trail
The Mountains-to-Sea Trail stretches 1,175 miles across North Carolina from the
Great Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks. This diverse trail offers hikers a chance
to experience the state’s varied landscapes, from mountain peaks to coastal plains.
Finger Lakes Trail
The Finger Lakes Trail system covers over 950 miles in New York state, including
the main trail and several branch trails. Hikers on this trail can explore the beautiful
Finger Lakes region, passing through forests, gorges, and rolling hills.
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Palmetto Trail
The Palmetto Trail spans 500 miles across South Carolina from the mountains to the
sea. This trail offers hikers a diverse experience, passing through mountain ridges,
forests, wetlands, and coastal areas.
Ouachita Trail
The Ouachita Trail covers 223 miles through the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas
and Oklahoma. Hikers on this trail can enjoy scenic vistas, diverse wildlife, and the
unique east-west orientation of the Ouachita mountain range.
Benton MacKaye Trail
The Benton MacKaye Trail spans 288 miles through the Appalachian mountains of
Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina. This trail offers hikers a more remote and
less crowded alternative to the nearby Appalachian Trail, with equally stunning
mountain scenery.
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Bay Area Ridge Trail
The Bay Area Ridge Trail is a planned 550-mile multi-use trail encircling San
Francisco Bay, with over 380 miles currently completed. Hikers on this trail can enjoy diverse landscapes and ecosystems, as well as stunning views of the bay and
surrounding cities.
Allegheny Trail
The Allegheny Trail runs 330 miles through West Virginia, from the Mason-Dixon
Line to the heart of the Monongahela National Forest. This scenic trail offers hikers a
chance to explore the beautiful Allegheny Mountains and experience the diverse
flora and fauna of the region.
The Best Hiking Opportunity Waits
These 25 National Scenic Trails represent some of the best hiking opportunities in
the United States, showcasing the country’s diverse landscapes and natural beauty.
These trails give hikers a chance to challenge themselves, connect with nature, and
experience the unique character of different regions.
Whether seeking a day hike or a months-long adventure, these trails provide endless
opportunities for exploration and discovery in America’s great outdoors.
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