12 Most Scenic Hikes in the US for Nature Lovers 2024

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When hiking, you want the best scenic views, the right amount of difficulty, and a chance to enjoy nature. The good news is that the vastness of the United States has something in store for all kinds of hikers. Whether you are a pro or just looking for a scenic stroll, these scenic hiking trails will give you a memorable outdoor adventure.

1. The Narrows, Zion National Park, Utah

Most Scenic Hikes in the U.S. for Nature Lovers The Narrows, Zion National Park, Utah — © micah / Adobe Stock

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The Narrows is a 16-kilometer moderately tricky hike that involves walking within the towering and perfectly carved sandstone walls created after millions of years of erosion. Part of the hike involves walking inside the Virgin River.

While hiking in The Narrows offers stunning views of the Navajo sandstones that majestically rise on both sides of the trail, hikers should be wary of the risks of hiking inside the river. Watch out for slippery cobbles, and be aware that the river’s waters can get to waist level depending on the season.

2. Angel’s Landing, Zion National Park, Utah

Angel’s Landing hiking trail is famous for the stunning views of the Zion National Park it gives. While getting up the zig-zag, steep, and narrow ridges may be challenging, the panoramic views of the park’s red rock formations would be worth it. The hike involves climbing 1488 feet in elevation, and the round trip typically takes around 4 hours.

Be careful, though, as the last half-mile of the hike is known for fatal accidents. The hike can also be strenuous for novice hikers.

3. Half Dome, Yosemite National Park, California

Most Scenic Hikes in the U.S. for Nature Lovers Half Dome, Yosemite National Park, California — © Gary / Adobe Stock

There is no better way to get panoramic views of the Yosemite National Park than going up Half Dome; the trail summit is approximately 4800 feet above Yousemite’s Valley floor. It has become a famous hiking trail not only for the views but also for the last challenge of the trail, which requires hikers to pull themselves up steel cables to stand at the summit of the rock.

While hiking up Half Dome, you will pass by stunning waterfalls and beautiful sequoias. You need a permit to hike Half Dome, whether going for a day hike or backpacking. Getting permits can be competitive; prepare early.

4. Kalalau Trail, Napali Coast, Kauai, Hawaii

24 Tropical Destinations To Add To Your Bucket List Kauai, Hawaii — © Alexander Demyanenko / Adobe Stock

Kalalau Hiking Trail is one of the best ways to see Hawaii’s most stunning scenery, including tall cliffs, rugged coastline, views of the Pacific Ocean, tall waterfalls, secluded beaches, and beautiful valleys. The hike starts at Ke’e Beach and spans approximately 11 miles (one way) to Kalalau Beach.

Watch for highlights such as Hanakapiai Beach, Hanakapiai Falls, and the remote Kalalau Valley. Hikers must obtain a permit to hike beyond Hanakapiai Valley and camp at designated campsites along the trail.

5. Precipice Trail, Acadia National Park, Maine

Most Scenic Hikes in the U.S. for Nature Lovers Precipice Trail, Acadia National Park, Maine — © Eifel Kreutz / Adobe Stock

The Precipice Trail is a thrilling hike that offers breathtaking views of Acadia Park’s rugged coastline and jaw-dropping views of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding landscapes. The hike offers so many stunning views, but you want to watch out for views of Frenchman Bay, which is one of the highlights of this hike.

Beware of Precipice’s steep ascents, narrow ledges, and sections of exposed cliffs. The trail, however, features iron rungs and ladders launched into the rock to help hikers navigate the steep sections. Either way, it is always better to exercise utmost carefulness.

6. Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim Hike, Arizona

Most Scenic Hikes in the U.S. for Nature Lovers Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim Hike, Arizona — © Amineah / Adobe Stock

One of the best ways to witness the vastness of the Grand Canyon is by hiking from the North Rim to the South Rim (or vice versa). You can follow several paths to complete the rim-to-rim hike, including the North Kaibab Trail, South Kaibab Trail, and Bright Angel Trail.

While each path offers different scenery and challenges, the common denominator would be experiencing the stunning views of the Grand Canyon up close. The hike is quite long, but hikers can do a day hike or take a camping break at Phantom Ranch or other campsites within the park.

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7. Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park, Washington

Most Scenic Hikes in the U.S. for Nature Lovers Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park, Washington — © khomlyak / Adobe Stock

The Hoh Rainforest is an evergreen temperate rainforest known to be one of the largest temperate rainforests in the US. Hiking through the Hoh Rainforest is a great chance to see and interact closely with its towering trees, diverse ecosystem, and verdant foliage. A network of hiking trails crisscrosses the rainforest, but the most popular is the Hoh River Trail, which follows the course of the Hoh River.

Highlights of this hike include Sitka Spruce trees as tall as 300 feet, fern carpets on the forest floor, and moss-draped Big Leaf Maple trees. You may also get the golden chance to spot Roosevelt elks, mountain goats, black bears, and various bird species.

8. Delicate Arch, Arches National Park, Utah

Most Scenic Hikes in the U.S. for Nature Lovers Delicate Arch, Arches National Park, Utah — © dfikar / Adobe Stock

If you’re looking for a scenic hike that is short and sweet, then it would have to be the Delicate Arch in the Arches National Park. The round trip on the trail is just three kilometers, but its views are stunning. Hiking to the Delicate Arch is an excellent opportunity to catch panoramic views of the red rock landscape, stunning desert views, and the La Sal Mountains.

The Delicate Arch is also a popular spot for sunrise and sunset viewing. Timing your hiking around these periods would let you enjoy the sun’s golden glow against the picture-perfect arch.

9. The Wave, Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, Arizona

Most Scenic Hikes in the U.S. for Nature Lovers The Wave, Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, Arizona — © Sean Xu / Adobe Stock

The Wave is a spectacular sandstone rock formation located in the Coyote Buttes, in the north area of the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. Hiking to the wave is the perfect idea for hikers looking for a secluded outdoor adventure. To avoid crowds and protect the fragility of the park, the trail is only accessible via a lottery permit system.

It limits the number of visitors who can access it each day. Ensure that you get your permit well in advance to get a chance to enjoy the surreal sandstone formations with vibrant wave-like patterns, deep canyons, and stunning views offered by the 6 km (round trip) hiking trail.

10. Mount Rainier Wonderland Trail, Washington

Most Scenic Hikes in the U.S. for Nature Lovers Mount Rainier Wonderland Trail, Washington — © Wryan / Adobe Stock

The Wonderland Trail is an opportunity to circumnavigate the iconic volcanic peak of Mount Rainier. The 93-mile walk offers hikers breathtaking views of the Pacific Northwest, old-growth forests, vast meadows, glacial valleys, stunning waterfalls, and alpine vegetation. The hiking trail has well-equipped camping grounds that let hikers pitch tents after a long day of hiking through steep ascents and rugged terrains.

Some highlights you want to absorb while hiking on Wonderland Trail include Reflection Lake, Mystic Lake, Spray Park, Panhandle Gap, Indian Bar, and the Carbon River.

11. The Highline Trail, Glacier National Park, Montana

Most Scenic Hikes in the U.S. for Nature Lovers The Highline Trail, Glacier National Park, Montana — © kellyvandellen / Adobe Stock

The Highline Trail in Glacier National Park involves trekking along the course of the Continental Divide. The hike offers scenic views of glaciers, deep valleys, waterfalls, alpine meadows, and tall mountain peaks. This hiking trail is also renowned for its abundant wildlife.

While there are a lot of stunning landscapes to see on this hike, be sure to catch views of Reynolds Mountain, Clements Mountain, and Oberlin Peak.

12. Mount Whitney Trail, California

Most Scenic Hikes in the U.S. for Nature Lovers Mount Whitney Trail, California — © aiisha / Adobe Stock

Mount Whitney Trail, which leads to the summit of the mountain, is a 22-mile (round trip) trek that offers unbeaten views of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. This journey allows hikers to immerse themselves in alpine lakes, granite cliffs, pine forests, and deep canyons. While the trail is relatively short, the elevation gain of 6,100 feet calls for proper training before the hike.