The Best National Trails to Hike in the U.S.
If you're a nature enthusiast, you know that the best way to truly immerse yourself in the great outdoors is by lacing up your boots and heading to a park or embarking on a hiking adventure. While any local trek is worth exploring, the National Trails System offers an unforgettable experience. Administered by the National Park Service (NPS), this system consists of a vast network spanning over 88,000 miles, including national scenic trails, national historic trails, and national recreation trails. Whether you're seeking a deeper connection with nature or a historical perspective, these trails are the key to an extraordinary journey. Discover which national hiking trails experts recommend adding to your bucket list.
Oregon National Historic Trail
For those who crave adventure intertwined with a history lesson, the Oregon National Historic Trail is an ideal choice. Travel writer and photographer Adam Marland from We Dream of Travel explains that this renowned trail, stretching over 2,000 miles from Missouri to Oregon, was used by early settlers in search of a better life in the Pacific Northwest. Thousands of emigrants followed "The Great Migration," leading to the British eventually ceding Oregon Country to the United States. Today, anyone can retrace the footsteps and wagon tracks of these pioneers, starting from Independence, Missouri, and ending in Portland, Oregon. Along the way, numerous historically significant points of interest can be explored by foot or car.
Ice Age National Scenic Trail
Avid hikers and thrill-seekers should not miss the opportunity to trek through Wisconsin's Ice Age National Scenic Trail. Nadia Podrabinek, travel expert and founder of Why This Place, describes this 1,200-mile trail as offering breathtaking views of forests and grasslands. What makes it even more fascinating is its path through various state and county parks, as well as national forests. The trail allows you to explore the environment shaped by glacial movements 12,000 years ago. Witnessing wildlife in their natural habitats, including white-tailed deer, red foxes, beavers, and birds, is a unique experience along the Ice Age Trail. Podrabinek believes that this trail provides an emotional connection to Wisconsin's beautiful landscape and serves as an opportunity for relaxation, exploration, and reflection on the past. It caters to both beginners and experienced hikers, and visiting in the spring or fall when temperatures are milder is highly recommended.
Arizona National Scenic Trail
The vast wilderness of the American Southwest has inspired countless trips to marvel at its beauty. However, those who dare to take on the region's premier trail will encounter an unforgettable adventure. Elise Armitage, travel expert and CEO at whatthefab.com, highlights the Arizona National Scenic Trail, spanning over 800 miles from the Mexican border to Utah. This trail accommodates hikers of all skill levels, with remote and rugged sections for experienced trekkers and easier stretches for novices. Along the way, hikers will encounter iconic sites such as the Grand Canyon and pass through the Tonto, Coconino, and Kaibab National Forests. Armitage also emphasizes the unparalleled diversity of vegetation, wildlife, and scenery that the trail offers.
