United States

Looking for the best hiking in United States? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around United States. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near United States

  • Skykomish, Washington

    Hike to Big Heart Lake

    5.0
    14.6 mi / 3300 ft gain
    This hike takes you past 5 lakes and a few different waterfalls, so if you don't wish to push on to Big Heart, you won't be disappointed! Start at the West Fork Foss River Trailhead, about 2.6 miles past the Necklace Valley Trailhead. The first mile is relatively flat. Once you reach the bridge t...
    Read more
  • Honor, Michigan

    Camp at White Pine Campground

    4 mi / 200 ft gain
    This is one of the cheapest ways to stay near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore overnight. You'll have access to the beach right near your campsite. It's remote enough to be quiet, and it's not a very long hike.There are only 6 campsites available, and they come on a first come, first serve ...
    Read more
  • Los Alamos, New Mexico

    Hike to Alcove House

    4.6
    2.2 mi / 140 ft gain
    Start your hike from the Visitor's Center and head out on the Main Loop Trail to begin. You can hike the loop in either direction, either first crossing the river across from the Visitor's Center or heading out from directly behind the Center. If you start from across the river, you'll begin with...
    Read more
  • Kyburz, California

    Desolation's Primitive Western Edge through Rockbound Pass Loop

    4.4
    26.28 mi / 5151 ft gain
    This 26 mile loop meanders through some of the most primitive trails in Desolation Wilderness. Starting from Wrights Lake, the route proceeds over Rockbound Pass, loops around several lakes, and returns to Wrights Lake. Not many hikers venture past the steep and rocky Rockbound Pass to enter this...
    Read more
  • Boston, Massachusetts

    Freedom Trail

    4.7
    2.9 mi / 121 ft gain
    Park along the trail and then hop on. The Freedom Trail allows you to not only see the most beautiful parts of Boston (which is an absolutely gorgeous city) but you can learn some history too! Head off the trail a bit to explore the Charles River, the waterfront near the aquarium and picturesque ...
    Read more
  • Apache County, Arizona

    Hike the Thompson Trail

    5.0
    6 mi / 250 ft gain
    As you travel down Forest Road 116, approximately 200 yards before the trailhead, you will see the remains of the old Thompson Cattle Ranch - hence, Thompson Trail  #629. The trail begins atop an old railroad grade, a reminder of the very successful logging days that went on for many years. The r...
    Read more
  • Vale, South Dakota

    Hike the Sacred Steps of Bear Mountain

    4.2
    3.5 mi / 1200 ft gain
    Bear Mountain or Mathó Pahá as it's called by the Lakota peoples, is the leftover remnants of an ancient volcanic plug. The mountain weathered away, to leave the harder igneous formation, for which plains tribes have been coming to for sacred communication with their Creator for 10,000 years. Thi...
    Read more
  • Bend, Oregon

    Tumalo Creek Loop

    5.0
    9.79 mi / 1437 ft gain
    This Loop begins at the Tumalo Falls View Point; however, the trail continues for another 3 miles. Although the first waterfall is certainly spectacular, this creek has cascading falls about every half mile. These water falls are indicative of the famous geology in the Three Sisters Wilderness....
    Read more
  • San Diego, California

    Hike to the Rope Swing in Tecolote Canyon

    4.0
    4.4 mi
    Tecolote Canyon offers a great opportunity to explore nature right in the heart of San Diego, whether it is a hike, run, or bike ride on the trails.  But the best kept secret is perhaps a rope swing over the creek! The main trail starts off at Tecolote Canyon Natural Park & Nature Center, wh...
    Read more
  • Moab, Utah

    Explore Faux Falls

    1 mi / 200 ft gain
    Faux Falls is located near the Ken's Lake campground off Route 191, 20 minutes south of Moab. When I was there it was during several days of thunderstorms. The waterfall was really gushing. Not sure how much water is running when there hasn't been rain in a while. The falls can be seen from the ...
    Read more
  • Flagstaff, Arizona

    Abineau-Bear Jaw Loop

    5.0
    7.04 mi / 2031 ft gain
    This trail is slightly more hidden on the northern slope of the San Francisco Peaks, but well worth the drive just outside of Flagstaff. Do it during the last week of September, when summer gives it’s last wave goodbye in a spectacle of electric yellow aspen groves. With the exception of occasion...
    Read more
  • Mexican Hat, Utah

    Camp in the Valley of the Gods

    5.0
    The dirt road loop is relatively smooth and can be driven on by just about any car, campervan, or RV. However, check the weather beforehand because some areas can become flooded after rain and will be a difficult mud crossing. It can be driven in either direction. One entrance is off Highway 163,...
    Read more
  • Idaho Springs, Colorado

    Hike Chief Mountain, CO

    4.5
    4 mi / 1100 ft gain
    Sitting at 11,709’, Chief Mountain is not one of Colorado’s highest peaks, but the views from this mountain are spectacular nonetheless and rival the views of any 14er I’ve climbed. This mountain sits along Squaw Pass Road so you get the luxury of a high trailhead for this peak.To get there, foll...
    Read more
  • Austin, Texas

    Photograph Pennybacker Bridge (Austin 360 Bridge)

    4.3
    0.5 mi / 75 ft gain
    If you're looking for excellent views of hill country, the skyline, or just an awesome place to watch the sunset this is the place to be. If you're heading southbound from 183 on 360 just before you reach the bridge there will be a dirt parking lot on your right. There are trailheads on the easts...
    Read more
  • Newport, North Carolina

    Hike to Mt. Sterling's Fire Tower

    4.0
    12 mi / 4200 ft gain
    On your way in, stop at the ranger station parking lot to use the outhouses and grab a map for $1. Once at the Baxter Creek trailhead you have two options: 1. The Out and Back (12.2 miles) 2. The Loop (17 miles)Out and Back: Start on the Baxter Creek Trail and continue up for 6.1 miles until you...
    Read more
  • Kenwood, California

    Pony Gate-Canyon Loop

    4.0
    2.17 mi / 568 ft gain
    The Pony Gate-Canyon Loop within Sugarloaf Ridge State Park is a new favorite of mine on my list of family and kid-friendly hikes. Our little girls did great with this hike and loved it. If you can get moving early in the day and begin your hike around breakfast time, you might find there are few...
    Read more