9 of the Best Hiking Trips in the U.S. and How to Find Trails Near You

Explore nine top-rated hiking destinations across the U.S., from coastal paths to alpine adventures, and learn how travel protection can help safeguard your gear and health on the trail.

Looking for an active vacation that goes beyond the beach? Hiking trips offer a rewarding way to explore nature, challenge yourself, and discover breathtaking landscapes. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a multi-day trek, here are nine of the best hiking trails in the U.S. to consider for your next adventure.

1. Angel’s Landing – Zion National Park, Utah

• Type: Day hike
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Terrain: Desert canyon

This iconic 5.4mile roundtrip trail features steep switchbacks and dramatic drop-offs with panoramic views of Zion Canyon. The final stretch includes a narrow ridge with chain-assisted sections, requiring caution and a permit. Due to extreme summer heat, early morning hikes are recommended.

2. Ocean Path – Acadia National Park, Maine

• Type: Day hike
• Difficulty: Easy
• Terrain: Coastal

A scenic 3.9-mile trail with minimal elevation gain, Ocean Path offers stunning views of Maine’s rugged coastline and seasonal wildflowers. Visit during weekdays or shoulder seasons to avoid crowds.

2. Ocean Path – Acadia National Park, Maine

• Type: Day hike
• Difficulty: Easy
• Terrain: Coastal

A scenic 3.9-mile trail with minimal elevation gain, Ocean Path offers stunning views of Maine’s rugged coastline and seasonal wildflowers. Visit during weekdays or shoulder seasons to avoid crowds.

3. Highline Trail – Glacier National Park, Montana

• Type: Day hike
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Terrain: High alpine

Stretching nearly 12 miles along the Continental Divide, this trail offers dramatic mountain vistas and wildlife sightings. A narrow ledge section early in the hike may be intimidating for those with a fear of heights.

4. Four Pass Loop – White River National Forest, Colorado

• Type: Backpacking trip
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Terrain: High alpine

This 26-mile loop near Aspen takes about four days to complete and features views of the Maroon Bells, alpine lakes, and wildflowers. Most hikers recommend a counterclockwise route for better scenery. Permits are required for overnight camping in the Maroon Bells–Snowmass Wilderness, and bear canisters are mandatory.

5. Tall Trees Grove Loop – Redwood National Park, California

• Type: Day hike
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Terrain: Forest

Home to the towering Howard Libbey tree, this beginner-friendly trail showcases some of the tallest trees on Earth.  A free permit is required to access the trailhead, and dogs are not permitted on the trail.

6. Hanakapi‘ai Trail – Nā Pali Coast State Park, Kauai

• Type: Day hike
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Terrain: Coastal

 This 8-mile roundtrip trail to Hanakapi‘ai Falls offers ocean views and a stunning waterfall destination. The first 2 miles lead to Hanakapi‘ai Beach, with an optional 2-mile extension inland to the falls. Swimming is not advised due to strong currents at the beach, and trail conditions can be slippery and muddy after rain.

6. Hanakapi‘ai Trail – Nā Pali Coast State Park, Kauai

• Type: Day hike
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Terrain: Coastal

 This 8-mile roundtrip trail to Hanakapi‘ai Falls offers ocean views and a stunning waterfall destination. The first 2 miles lead to Hanakapi‘ai Beach, with an optional 2-mile extension inland to the falls. Swimming is not advised due to strong currents at the beach, and trail conditions can be slippery and muddy after rain.

6. Hanakapi‘ai Trail – Nā Pali Coast State Park, Kauai

• Type: Day hike
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Terrain: Coastal

 This 8-mile roundtrip trail to Hanakapi‘ai Falls offers ocean views and a stunning waterfall destination. The first 2 miles lead to Hanakapi‘ai Beach, with an optional 2-mile extension inland to the falls. Swimming is not advised due to strong currents at the beach, and trail conditions can be slippery and muddy after rain.

Newer Trails to Explore in 2025

To keep your hiking list fresh, here are a few newer or trending trails gaining popularity:

7. Lost Coast Trail – Northern California

• Type: Backpacking trip
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
• Terrain: Coastal wilderness

This remote 25.5-mile trail along California’s rugged coastline offers solitude and dramatic ocean views. Tides affect trail access, so plan carefully. Permits are required for overnight camping, and bear canisters are mandatory.

8. Mount Tammany – Delaware Water Gap, New Jersey

• Type: Day hike
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Terrain: Forest and rocky ridges

A favorite among East Coast hikers, this 3.5-mile loop offers sweeping views of the Delaware River and vibrant fall foliage.

9. Ice Lake Basin – San Juan Mountains, Colorado

• Type: Day hike
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Terrain: Alpine lakes and meadows

 This 7.6-mile roundtrip hike leads to stunning turquoise alpine lakes surrounded by wildflowers and dramatic peaks. The trail gains over 2,500 feet in elevation, making it a strenuous but rewarding climb. It’s a must-see in late summer, when wildflowers are in full bloom and snow has melted from the basin.

How to Find Hiking Trails Near You

Whether you're planning a local day hike or a weekend backpacking trip, these resources can help you find the perfect trail:

• AllTrails: Filter hikes by location, difficulty, and length.
• National Park Service: Search parks by state and explore hiking options.
• Meetup Hiking Groups: Join local hiking communities.
• REI Adventures: Book guided hiking trips.
• Bold Betties: Women-led hiking groups across the U.S.

Why Travel Protection Matters for Hiking Trips

When planning a hiking vacation, gear, and logistics are top priorities—but don’t overlook travel protection. Generali Global Assistance offers travel protection plans that may include the following benefits, depending on the plan selected:

• Emergency Assistance and Transportation: Help covers emergency evacuation costs if you're injured or ill in remote areas.
• Sporting Equipment Coverage: Available in our Preferred and Premium Plans, this helps cover lost or damaged gear and rental costs if your equipment is delayed.

Coverage benefits and availability may vary by plan and state. Please review your plan documents for full details.

From helicopter evacuations to lost backpacks, travel protection may help protect your investment and provide added peace of mind. Learn more about how our plan can support your adventure here.

Ready to hit the trail?
Get a fast and free quote for your hiking trip with Generali Global Assistance and travel confidently, knowing you have support in place if the unexpected happens.