While famous trails in national parks often steal the spotlight, the United States
harbors countless hidden gems that offer equally breathtaking experiences.
This article unveils 25 lesser-known yet epic hikes across the country, each
promising unique adventures and stunning landscapes that will captivate even the
most seasoned hikers.
The Enchantments, Washington
Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, The Enchantments offer a landscape that could
easily be mistaken for the Swiss Alps, with pristine alpine lakes reflecting jagged
peaks. Mountain goats often outnumber hikers in this area, adding to its wild and
untamed allure.
Kalalau Trail, Hawaii
The Kalalau Trail on Kauai’s Na Pali Coast presents a challenging 22-mile round trip
along cliffs and through lush valleys. Hikers are rewarded with unparalleled views of
Hawaii’s dramatic coastline and access to a secluded beach reachable only by foot
or boat.
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Buckskin Gulch, Utah
As the longest and deepest slot canyon in the Southwest, Buckskin Gulch offers an
otherworldly hiking experience through narrow passages carved by water over
millennia. The trail demands careful planning and awareness of flash flood risks, as
the canyon walls can reach heights of 500 feet with few escape routes.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore showcases the diverse beauty of the Great
Lakes region with its colorful sandstone cliffs, beaches, and forests. The Chapel
Loop trail, a 10-mile circuit, serves up some of the best views of Lake Superior and
the park’s namesake rock formations.
Grayson Highlands, Virginia
The Grayson Highlands in Virginia offer a unique hiking experience reminiscent of
Scottish moorlands, complete with wild ponies roaming the grassy balds. Trails in this area connect to the Appalachian Trail, providing options for both day hikes and
longer backpacking adventures.
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Precipice Trail, Maine
Acadia National Park’s Precipice Trail challenges hikers with a non-technical climb
that involves iron rungs, ladders, and narrow ledges. The trail rewards those who
dare with panoramic views of the Atlantic coastline, making it an exhilarating
experience for those comfortable with heights.
Roan Mountain, Tennessee/North Carolina
Straddling the Tennessee-North Carolina border, Roan Mountain is renowned for its
stunning display of rhododendrons, particularly in June. The Appalachian Trail
crosses this area, allowing hikers to experience both its natural beauty and rich
hiking heritage.
Harding Icefield Trail, Alaska
The Harding Icefield Trail in Kenai Fjords National Park offers a rare glimpse into a
vast expanse of ice that has remained since the Pleistocene era. This challenging
8.2-mile round-trip hike provides sweeping views of the ice field and surrounding
glaciers, transporting hikers back to Earth’s geological past.
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Ricketts Glen Falls Trail, Pennsylvania
The Falls Trail in Ricketts Glen State Park features 21 named waterfalls along its
7.2-mile loop, creating a paradise for waterfall enthusiasts. Hikers must navigate
carefully over rocky terrain, especially in wet conditions or winter, when the trail
transforms into an icy wonderland.
Titcomb Basin, Wyoming
Hidden in the Wind River Range, Titcomb Basin offers a remote wilderness
experience with stunning alpine scenery. The journey to the basin involves a multi-
day backpacking trip, rewarding intrepid hikers with solitude and views of glaciated
peaks that seem to touch the sky.
Franconia Ridge Loop, New Hampshire
The Franconia Ridge Loop in the White Mountains treats hikers to miles of above-
treeline walking and 360-degree views. This challenging 8.9-mile loop combines three peaks—Little Haystack, Mount Lincoln, and Mount Lafayette—offering some of
the best ridge walking in the Northeast.
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Tonto Trail, Arizona
The Tonto Trail in the Grand Canyon provides a unique perspective of the iconic
landscape from within its depths. Traversing the Tonto Platform, a wide bench in the
canyon, this trail offers expansive views and access to numerous side canyons
rarely seen by rim visitors.
Knife Edge Trail, Maine
Mount Katahdin’s Knife Edge Trail presents a thrilling traverse along a narrow,
exposed ridge connecting Pamola Peak to Baxter Peak. Often less than three feet
wide with steep drop-offs on both sides, this trail demands steady nerves and
favorable weather conditions.
Wonderland Trail, Washington
Circling Mount Rainier, the Wonderland Trail offers a comprehensive tour of the
stratovolcano’s diverse ecosystems. This 93-mile loop features subalpine meadows,
old-growth forests, and views of the mountain’s numerous glaciers, challenging
hikers with its length and elevation changes.
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Escalante Route, Arizona
The Escalante Route in the Grand Canyon delivers a rugged backcountry
experience for seasoned hikers. Connecting the Tonto Trail to the Tanner Trail, this
path offers solitude and unique perspectives of the canyon’s geology not seen from
the rims.
Beaten Path, Montana
Despite its name, the Beaten Path in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness remains a
relatively uncrowded trail showcasing Montana’s raw beauty. The 26-mile trail
passes numerous alpine lakes and waterfalls, offering a true wilderness experience
far from the madding crowd.
Telescope Peak Trail, California
In Death Valley, the Telescope Peak Trail allows hikers to ascend from the lowest
point in North America to one of the park’s highest peaks. The trail provides unique views of the Mojave Desert and the Sierra Nevada range, offering a stark contrast of
landscapes.
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Chimney Tops, Tennessee
The Chimney Tops trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park challenges hikers
with a steep climb to dramatic rock formations. Despite its relatively short length, the
trail’s grade and rocky terrain provide a strenuous workout with rewarding views of
the surrounding mountains.
Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail, California
The Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail showcases the diverse ecosystems of the Santa Cruz
Mountains, from redwood forests to coastal bluffs. This 25-30 mile trail, typically
completed as a multi-day hike, offers a comprehensive tour of central California’s
natural beauty, ending at the Pacific Ocean.
Avalanche Peak, Wyoming
Avalanche Peak in Yellowstone National Park challenges hikers with a strenuous
day hike culminating in panoramic views of the park and surrounding mountain
ranges. The steep ascent through forest and alpine meadows leads to a 10,568-foot
summit with 360-degree vistas.
Breakneck Ridge, New York
Located just north of New York City, Breakneck Ridge offers a challenging scramble
with stunning views of the Hudson River Valley. The trail’s steep, rocky ascent
requires using hands in several sections, providing an exciting experience for hikers
seeking a vertical challenge close to the city.
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Bald River Falls Trail, Tennessee
The Bald River Falls Trail in Cherokee National Forest provides easy access to a
spectacular 100-foot waterfall visible from the road. Beyond the initial view, the trail
offers a pleasant forest walk alongside the river, with opportunities to discover
additional cascades hidden from the casual observer.
Arethusa Falls and Frankenstein Cliff Loop, New Hampshire
This loop trail in the White Mountains combines New Hampshire’s tallest waterfall
with expansive views from Frankenstein Cliff. The varied terrain and scenery make
this a popular but less crowded alternative to some of the region’s more famous
hikes, offering a taste of the White Mountains’ diverse beauty.
Thorofare Trail, Wyoming
The Thorofare Trail in Yellowstone National Park leads to the most remote location
in the lower 48 states, far from the park’s geothermal attractions. This multi-day
backcountry trek offers solitude and the chance to experience Yellowstone’s
wilderness in its most pristine form.
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Goat Lake Trail, Idaho
Idaho’s Sawtooth Wilderness harbors the Goat Lake Trail, leading to a stunning
alpine lake surrounded by jagged peaks. This challenging day hike or overnight
backpacking trip offers a taste of the rugged beauty of the Sawtooth Range,
rewarding hikers with crystal-clear waters reflecting the surrounding mountains.
Explore Beyond the Well-Trodden Paths
These lesser-known trails across the United States offer unique experiences for
hikers seeking to explore beyond the well-trodden paths of famous national parks.
From coastal cliffs to desert canyons and alpine meadows, these hikes showcase
the diverse natural beauty of the American landscape, inviting adventurers to
discover new horizons and create unforgettable memories in the great outdoors.
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