The most scenic hiking trail in every state
Hiking is a great way to get out in nature and experience its beauty.
Insider teamed up with AllTrails to determine the most scenic trails across the US.
Some take hikers past waterfalls or through rock formations, while others give breathtaking views.
ALABAMA: Walls of Jericho Trail in Scottsboro
"What [an] amazing part of the Cumberland Plateau. Great hike in and a challenging hike out. All the falls were in full form and beautiful. Plenty of spring flowers," wrote AllTrails user Scott Cavanaugh.
Learn more about the Walls of Jericho Trail here.
ALASKA: Flattop Mountain Trail in Anchorage
"Beautiful once you get to the top! Be prepared to climb! After what would be considered an easy to moderate trek, you will need to climb using your hands and feet to get to the top!" wrote AllTrails user Sam Wat.
Learn more about Flattop Mountain Trail here.
ARIZONA: Devils Bridge Trail in Sedona
"Wonderful hike! We wet on a Tuesday late afternoon March 3rd and were able to find a parking spot at the main parking lot. We started the hike at 4 pm and got to the bridge around 5:30. There were only 5 other people there at the time and no wait to take pics. The bridge was in the shade but the landscape in the back was lit up and beautiful. The steep climb up to the top is not as bad as it would seem and all ages can do it," wrote AllTrails user Jamie Dyer.
Learn more about Devils Bridge Trail here.
ARKANSAS: Whitaker Point Trail (Hawksbill Crag) in Pettigrew
"I heard about this trail and was eager to check out [one of the state's] most photographed points. I must say... it exceeded my expectations. The route to Whitaker Point was well-travelled and provided some of the most beautiful overlooks I'd seen in a while. The Hawksbill Crag overlook was majestic and the landscape seemed to blend into the sky with the rolling cliffs of the Ozark's directing the whistling wind," wrote AllTrails user Addison Evon.
Learn more about Whitaker Point Trail (Hawksbill Crag) here.
CALIFORNIA: Potato Chip Rock via Mt. Woodson Trail near San Diego
"Perfectly maintained. Early morning saw few hikers so we had plenty of time to take photos at the rock," wrote AllTrails user Allison Isaacman.
Learn more about Potato Chip Rock via Mt. Woodson Trail here.
COLORADO: Emerald Lake Trail in Estes Park
"Really great! My husband and I are mildly out of shape midwesterners, but we still made it to Emerald and back. We started on the trail about 8:30am which I recommend because after we were done there were NO spots left and the line to even get into the park was crazy. Shoe spikes definitely recommended. We did just fine without poles though they may have been helpful!" wrote AllTrails user Hannah Edmisten.
Learn more about Emerald Lake Trail here.
CONNECTICUT: Bear Mountain Trail in Salisbury
"The trail was great, the people I met were friendly, and the weather was beautiful! What else is there to say," wrote AllTrails Pro Peter Stred.
Learn more about Bear Mountain Trail here.
DELAWARE: Gordons Pond Trail near Lewes
"Excellent, well maintained trail! Beautiful views throughout the walk. Walked the full out/back trail and went on to Wiskey Beach for a close up view of the 'twin lookout towers' there. Saw dozens of Blue Herons and hundreds of 'Shoveler ducks' and several other bird species," wrote AllTrails user Barry R.
Learn more about Gordons Pond Trail. here.
WASHINGTON, DC: Western Ridge Trail, Rock Creek, Valley Trail
"Loved. At times quite steep, rocky or muddy, but that makes it fun. A good way to experience RC Park, from down along the creek to high atop its hills. Plus you can see some horses," wrote AllTrails user Matt Leclercq
Learn more about Western Ridge Trail, Rock Creek, Valley Trail here.
FLORIDA: Black Bear Wilderness Area Trail near Sanford
"I went here with my family and we all had so much fun! Be prepared to have to step over a lot of roots and have to take big steps up on some parts of the trail. Lots of beautiful scenery and a really great place to go for a long walk. It took my family roughly 3 hours, which was expected because the sign at the entrance said that it could take 3-5 hours. Really fun place to chat, go walking for a few hours, and take in some beautiful scenery," wrote AllTrails user Savanna Burton.
Learn more about Black Bear Wilderness Area Trail here.
GEORGIA: Raven Cliff Falls Trail near Helen
"Great trail with plenty of waterfalls. The best one is at the end where the falls are between the cliffs," wrote AllTrails user Joe Rez.
Read more about Raven Cliff Falls Trail here.
HAWAII: Hanakapi'ai Falls Trail on Kauai
"Make no mistake .. this hike is super challenging and the last half mile is a bit dangerous if one is not careful .. good hiking shoes are mandatory .. bring ONE hiking pole as well as water shoes for the MULTIPLE stream crossings.. lots of water .. at least two liters.. and you will be rewarded by a 300 foot waterfall and wonderful swimming .. as well as a backdrop of paradise .. an epic adventure not to be missed if you are an avid hiker," wrote AllTrails user Eric Evans.
Learn more about Hanakapi'ai Falls Trail here.
IDAHO: Sawtooth Lake near Stanley
"Very fun trail. Did it during the summertime and camped at Sawtooth Lake on the far side. Difficult but manageable ascent for me, gorgeous views at the end. Really nice for a moderate overnighter. Not too many bugs," wrote AllTrails user Rhetta Cypert.
Learn more about Sawtooth Lake Trail here.
ILLINOIS: Little Grand Canyon Trail near Pomona
"Great hike. Climb down into canyon and out of canyon are moderate to difficult depending on weather etc....(slick when wet) otherwise hike is fairly easy. We did it with 5 kids all under the age of 11," wrote AllTrails user Mike Rains.
Learn more about Little Grand Canyon Trail here.
INDIANA: Cowles Bog Trail in Porter
"Great trail. Did the full amount. Either way you go you will have a climb from the beach on a sandy hill so direction doesn't 100% matter. Great hike though. Some parts a bit tough. Beach was a nice point for a little lunch and relaxing before hiking back," wrote AllTrails user Harold Fiebelman.
Learn more about Cowles Bog Trail here.
IOWA: Hitchcock Nature Center Loop Trail near Honey Creek
"Lots of trails, well marked, red were challenging! Loess Hill area is beautiful and we totally enjoyed the day at Hitchcock Nature hiking!" wrote AllTrails user Tracy Graber.
Learn more about Hitchcock Nature Center Loop Trail here.
KANSAS: Elk River Hiking Trail near Elk City
"One of the best hikes in Kansas!! Started at the East side trailhead and hiked to the 4 mile marker. Great views of the lake for the majority of the hike as well as awesome rock bluffs and a couple creek crossings. Saw a couple armadillo rustling around," wrote AllTrails user Corissa Baker.
Learn more about Elk River Hiking Trail here.
KENTUCKY: Double Arch, Courthouse Rock and Auxier Ridge Loop near Stanton
"Beautiful wildflowers along the way! Good trail that combines various rocks formations. We went on a Monday so it wasn't very crowded. Took us a little over 3 hours to complete," wrote AllTrails user Kristina Bogardy.
Learn more about Double Arch, Courthouse Rock and Auxier Ridge Loop here.
LOUISIANA: Bogue Chitto State Park Gorge Run Trail in Franklinton
"As far as Louisiana hiking trails goes, this one is a fun hike. Elevation changes, views of the river, and various terrain changes makes this an an exciting hike. Took my new dog out to test his hiking skills before we hit harder trails," wrote AllTrails user Gretchen Goetz.
Learn more about Bogue Chitto State Park Gorge Run Trail here.
MAINE: The Beehive Loop Trail in Seal Harbor
"Easily the coolest trail I've ever been on," wrote AllTrails user Kylee Wongrowski.
Learn more about the Beehive Loop Trail here.
MARYLAND: Annapolis Rock via the Appalachian Trail in Boonsboro
"This trail was an excellent trail. Moderate rating is appropriate. The first mile is all elevation, essentially just climbing stairs so if that's not something you think you're able to do beware. The top is gorgeous," wrote AllTrails user Katie Bridges.
Learn more about Annapolis Rock via the Appalachian Trail here.
MASSACHUSETTS: Great Blue Hill via the Skyline Trail in Milton
"Loved this path! It was really steep at parts, so make sure you have good knees and plan on getting out of breath, but it's a satisfying workout! I accidentally took the wrong path near the weather station and ended up going down to a road even though it was still blazed with the same color, so keep checking your location to ensure you're on the loop portion of this trail!" wrote AllTrails user Robert Couture.
Learn more about Great Blue Hill via the Skyline Trail here.
MICHIGAN: Mosquito Falls and Chapel Falls via the Chapel Loop in Shingleton
"Absolutely stunning hike. Would definitely recommend doing the entire 10 mile loop as you get to see the entire shoreline. It is very muddy in certain areas so make sure to bring a good pair of waterproof boots. If you do the full 10, I'd also recommend downloading the map before the hike as there are many offshoot paths," wrote AllTrails user Jeffrey Cody Wollenziehn.
Learn more about Mosquito Falls and Chapel Falls via the Chapel Loop here.
MINNESOTA: Fifth Falls and Superior Hiking Trail Loop in Two Harbors
"We hiked this in August and it was fantastic. Great waterfall views and great trails. Great if you want to take your furry friend with as well. Plenty of places to be able to take your dog into the water. Really awesome hike," wrote AllTrails user Kelsey Kaitlyn.
Learn more about Fifth Falls and Superior Hiking Trail Loop here.
MISSISSIPPI: Bear Creek Outcropping Trail near Dennis
"Always leave no trace (clean up your trash)! It was a beautiful hike in nature! The waterfall was amazing," wrote AllTrails user Lynne Blaylock.
Learn more about Bear Creek Outcropping Trail here.
MISSOURI: River Scene Trail Loop in Ballwin
"The weather was so nice yesterday and the hike was refreshing. So many doggos hiking is a bonus benefit for the eyes apart from nature!" wrote AllTrails user Sreenidhi Narayanan.
Learn more about River Scene Trail Loop here.
MONTANA: Avalanche Lake via the Trail of the Cedars near Lake McDonald
"Trail was well marked and heavily trafficked. The scenery at the end was breathtaking. We saw a bear across the lake enjoying the day. Highly recommend this place," wrote AllTrails user Dee Loupe.
Learn more about Avalanche Lake via the Trail of the Cedars here.
NEBRASKA: Platte River State Park Trail Loop in South Bend
"Miles of trails. Will need to return a few times to get to them all. Best of Nebraska so far. Lots of steep inclines and no washouts," wrote AllTrails pro Dan Golden.
Learn more about Platte River State Park Trail Loop here.
NEVADA: Calico Tanks Trail near Las Vegas
"If you don't have a ton of time but still want to hike in the Red Rocks, this is the trail for you. It's fairly short with great scenery and an awesome view of the city at the very top," wrote AllTrails user Michael Walters.
Learn more about Calico Tanks Trail here.
NEW HAMPSHIRE: Mount Lafayette and Franconia Ridge Trail Loop near Lincoln
"Did it in 5.5 hours. The snow was packed down, no need for snow shoes. Aggressive micro spikes or better yet, crampons (what I used) are a must. The views along Franconia Ridge are amazing. Once atop the ridge it's easier going. I hit Little Haystack first and then Lincoln and Lafayette last. If you can get yourself up in time for sunset, it takes about 2.5 hours from the parking lot to Little Haystack. Plan on getting to the top 30 minutes prior to sunrise for the best show... WOW!" wrote AllTrails user Nathan Snyder.
Learn more about Mount Lafayette and Franconia Ridge Trail Loop here.
NEW JERSEY: Mount Tammany: Red Dot and Blue Dot Loop Trail near Knowlton
"We went on a beautiful day! The hike itself was a bit challenging going counter clockwise. The views were amazing and well worth the hike! I would suggest sturdy shoes for the inclines this hike offers. Overall, this was a beautiful hike I would suggest to anyone looking for views!" wrote AllTrails user Alondra Lara.
Learn more about Mount Tammany: Red Dot and Blue Dot Loop Trail here.
NEW MEXICO: Nambe Lake Trail near Santa Fe
"What a lovely hike! There was a dusting of snow near the lake. We got by just fine with poles and hiking boots, but it did make the trail slippery so beware. We used AllTrails to navigate which was helpful, especially with the spur trails near the top, but it clocked our distance at 8.5, not 6.5 miles," wrote AllTrails user Alanna Warner-Smith.
Learn more about Nambe Lake Trail here.
NEW YORK: Cascade Mountain and Porter Mountain via Cascade Mountain Trail near Lake Placid
"Amazing trail! My sister (17), friend (22), and I (21) hiked Cascade and Porter Mountain ... and it was a beautiful day. We used micro spikes the whole way, and they were definitely necessary. Took us five hours round trip, but we stopped, took our time, and missed the Porter Mountain trail on the way down. Definitely pay attention to that, but otherwise it was a great hike!" wrote AllTrails user Brady Smith.
Learn more about Cascade Mountain and Porter Mountain via Cascade Mountain Trail here.
NORTH CAROLINA: Looking Glass Rock Trail in Pisgah National Forest
"Awesome hike. Lots of roots and rocks so watch your step!" wrote AllTrails user Britney Fitzgerald.
Learn more about Looking Glass Rock Trail here.
NORTH DAKOTA: Caprock Coulee Loop near Watford City
"Great hike with amazing views. The trail is muddy, overgrown and torn up by hooves in numerous areas. The trail is well marked. The hike was 4.4 miles for me," wrote AllTrails Pro Stewart Carnes.
Learn more about Caprock Coulee Loop here.
OHIO: Ledges Trail near Hudson
"Great trail! Very northwest Washington feel. Beautiful rock formations with a lot of nooks to explore just off the main trail. The main trail has a decent amount of roots and rocks but it adds character. The side trails are awesome," wrote AllTrails user Thomas Lancaster.
Learn more about Ledges Trail here.
OKLAHOMA: Elk Mountain Trail near Indiahoma
"Great conditions today. Hiked up with a dog and 10-year-old and both managed it with energy to spare. Pretty rocky path so I would recommend solid shoes with ankle support. This is a great hike to do and then tie in the Crab Eyes hike for after!" wrote AllTrails user Sarah Evans.
Learn more about Elk Mountain Trail here.
OREGON: Trail of Ten Falls near Silverton
"Easy day hike with incredible scenery. All the waterfalls were epic, and we were surprised by how close you are able to get to most of them! Beautiful," wrote AllTrails user Sarah Martens.
Learn more about Trail of Ten Falls here.
PENNSYLVANIA: Mount Minsi via Appalachian Trail
"Nice hike. Trail was marked well. Definitely recommend going up the AT and down the road for some cool scrambles. If you want an easier hike overall—and to avoid a couple of scrambles—go both up and down the road," wrote AllTrails user Deena Happersett.
Learn more about Mount Minsi here.
RHODE ISLAND: Cliff Walk near Newport
"It was beautiful. If you ever get the chance to visit Newport, Rhode Island, you need to do the Cliff Walk. So many photo opportunities, stunning scenery," wrote AllTrails user MaryLou Boswell.
Learn more about Cliff Walk here.
SOUTH CAROLINA: Table Rock Trail near Pickens
"One of the hardest trails I have hiked. Don't be like me and think 3.6 miles isn't hard here. Boy was I in for a treat. Beautiful view on top and well worth the hike!" wrote AllTrails user Thomas Rogers.
Learn more about Table Rock Trail here.
SOUTH DAKOTA: Black Elk Peak South Dakota Highpoint Trail near Custer
"The hike is stunning and beautiful. The trail is straightforward and well marked. I was the only person going up and was alone at the top. Coming back down, I did see several groups. It took me two hours up and 80 minutes back down," wrote AllTrails pro Badri Radhakrishnan.
Learn more about Black Elk Peak South Dakota Highpoint Trail here.
TENNESSEE: Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte near Gatlinburg
"Beautiful, well maintained trail. Can be busy at times. Rivers, waterfalls, woods, hills, bluffs, caves - it has it all! Love hiking this trail!" wrote AllTrails pro Ray Perry.
Learn more about Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte here.
TEXAS: Guadalupe Peak Texas Highpoint Trail near Salt Flat
"Great trail! Lots of switchbacks, beginning is hard but it levels out. Beautiful views every second of the hike. Took us about 4 hours total, not including a stop at the peak for lunch," wrote AllTrails user Katharine Heinemann.
Learn more about Guadalupe Peak Texas Highpoint Trail here.
UTAH: Angels Landing Trail near Springdale
"Awesome trail but definitely a gut buster! Wouldn't recommend for those who are afraid of heights but the effort is 100% worth it," wrote AllTrails pro Ashley McQuown.
Learn more about Angels Landing Trail here.
VERMONT: Camel's Hump Trail near Huntington
"Beautiful winter hike! I took the Monroe trail to the summit. Packed down snow the entire way. Microspikes and poles were helpful but not essential. Snowshoes weren't necessary. Recommend!" wrote AllTrails user Christiana Strkysko.
Learn more about Camel's Hump Trail here.
VIRGINIA: Old Rag Mountain Loop near Syria
"My first hike in Shenandoah Valley. The view is breathtaking. Some of the parts seemed difficult but those are the most fun ones," wrote AllTrails pro Kushal KC.
Learn more about Old Rag Mountain Loop here.
WASHINGTON: Lake 22 Trail near Granite Falls
"One of the best hikes I've been on since moving back west. A wonderful amount of small waterfalls and some of the trail has little puddles from the waterfall but that makes it really fun. It is a long hike and I would say it's on the more difficult side of moderate but really worth it and a lot of fun! Will be doing this again in the morning at some point with less people," wrote AllTrails user Breanna Northrup.
Learn more about Lake 22 Trail here.
WEST VIRGINIA: Maryland Heights Loop near Harpers Ferry
"Amazing hike. ... The overlook is fantastic!" wrote AllTrails user Michal Twardowski.
Learn more about Maryland Heights Loop here.
WISCONSIN: Devil's Lake via West Bluff Trail near Baraboo
"The views on both the West Bluff and East Bluff trails were incredible," wrote AllTrails user Sarah Niekamp.
Learn more about Devil's Lake via West Bluff Trail here.
WYOMING: Cascade Canyon Trail near Moose
"Really enjoyed this trail. Did it in early June and saw a moose family when we were in the canyon and another bull moose by himself when we were about a mile or so from our car," wrote AllTrails user Miranda S.
Learn more about Cascade Canyon Trail here.
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