Explore the great outdoors at these hiking areas across the country.
Theres no shortage of hiking trails snaking through the beautiful natural landscapes of the United States.
Weve rounded up some of the best hikes in the U.S., with trails ranging from easy to difficult.
Credit: thinair28/Getty Images
Many of the most accessible paths start atMendenhall Glacier Visitor Centerin Juneau.
TheNugget Falls Trailprovides particularly great views of the waterfall and the glacier on a relatively easy 0.8-mile hike.
The park consists of 200,000 acres of protected land that’s home to animals like deer and songbirds.
Kevin Smith/Getty Images
Mount Rainier rises 14,410 feet above sea level straight into the clouds.
But the summit of the mountain isn’t the only hiking opportunity in the park.
Check out the Burroughs Mountain Trail for stunning views of mountain peaks and the alpine landscape.
NetaDegany/Getty Images
Try theUpper Emerald Pools Trailfor an easy hike leading to sparkling waterfalls.
The park offers miles of official and backcountry trails with views of waterfalls and old-growth forests.
For a particularly breathtaking vista, hike to Charlies Bunion, a popular outcropping along the Appalachian Trail.
Greg Vaughn/Getty Images
Here, outdoor enthusiasts can experience the raging Potomac River and the rocky crags of Great Falls.
The hike is incredibly popular, so visit early to beat the crowds.
Be warned: The trail is challenging and dangerous.
Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
The 80-acre park has miles of hiking, much of which is uphill.
But there are less strenuous hikes, too.
Parking can be difficult, especially when the weather is nice.
Jordan Siemens/Getty Images
You may spot golden eagles, prairie falcons, river otters, and beavers throughout the day.
Take the gentleCanyon Trailpast the Rope-de-Dope climbing area and up to the rim for spectacular canyon views.
Many are labeled difficult, and it can take four to five hours to complete a five-mile hike.
JeffGoulden/Getty Images
Along the different routes, you might spot desert wildlife, including lizards, toads, and hawks.
Experts can attempt to see it all by hiking the canyon from rim to rim.
But the park also has a plethora of easier hiking options, including the South Rim Trail.
jcarillet/Getty Images
Look out for the 19th-century Whalers Cabin and marine mammals basking on the rocks in secluded Sea Lion Cove.
In total, the hike usually takes between 10 and 12 hours to complete.
Rob Crandall/Alamy
Westend61/Getty Images
Lightvision, LLC/Getty Images
Jordan Siemens/Getty Images
narawon/Getty Images
Garry Ridsdale/Getty Images
Michael Ver Sprill/Getty Images
Ethan Welty/Getty Images
Roberto Soncin Gerometta/Getty Images
Irjaliina Paavonpera/Travel + Leisure
