There is something special about exploring the outdoors, and hiking is one of the best ways to do it! But you don’t always have to travel far and spend a lot of money to get a great experience. The United States has plenty of amazing trails that are totally free to explore — and here are six of the best:
- Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona: One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, this trail runs all around the rim of the canyon and can be tailored to each hiker’s abilities. Along with breathtaking views, experienced hikers can take on sections with more advanced terrain like steep grades or loose rock.
- Appalachian Trail, Georgia: This world-famous hiking trail spans over 2,100 miles through 14 states from Georgia to Maine but some sections closer to Georgia such as Blood Mountain Summit offer intense views without having to commit too much time away from home.
- Zion National Park, Utah: This park features stunning sandstone cliffs, lush vegetation, and rivers that all tell part of its ancient story–and there’s a great variety of hikes for people looking for different levels of challenge throughout its different regions. The Narrows Trail is particularly beautiful and consists mostly of walking in an ankle-deep river surrounded by stunningly tall canyon walls!
- Glacier National Park Montana: With over 700 miles of trails up for exploration within its boundaries, this park has something for everyone no matter their level of expertise—from incredible high mountain peaks accessed by longer more strenuous routes to easy strolls like Hidden Lake Nature Trail which boasts wildflowers abounding in springtime along its boardwalks.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina: Nestled between North Carolina and Tennessee lies a problem paradise filled with rugged mountains -over 800 miles worth! – where you can come across peaceful creeks or cascading waterfalls that will enchant you during your hike through forests bursting with vibrant colors!
- Yosemite National Park, California: With granite cliffs reaching heights over 4 thousand feet high peeking out from among giant trees topping off at about 250 feet tall, this place definitely offers astonishing beauty awaiting any traveler willing enough venture in the depths among its valleys or up any one of its challenging trails such as Half Dome or Clouds Rest Trails (just make sure you bring lots of sun protection).
No matter what time year it is or where you live in the United States there will always be a breathtaking hike waiting nearby -all you need to do is make sure you have comfortable shoes on your feet before setting off into adventure!
