Visiting one of the nation’s most beautiful national parks for hiking is a perfect way to reconnect with nature and focus on fitness at the same time. These 6 destinations encourage you to step out of your ordinary routine and onto a path filled with awe-inspiring scenery and memorable experiences. Get ready… the great outdoors is calling!
Cuyahoga Valley National Park – Ohio
The rushing waters of Brandywine Falls is a highlight for hikers in Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Located between the major cities of Cleveland and Akron is Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Known for its picturesque views of Brandywine Falls, the park offers a beautiful hiking trail that leads from the historic 19th century Stanford House to the iconic rushing waterfall. The 3.9-mile loop route is designed for moderate hikers and acts like a breath of fresh air for visitors needing a break from the hustle and bustle of urban city life. After the hike, you can hop on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, which offers a scenic ride through the park, or head back to Cleveland to get a good night’s rest at your hotel and then experience the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and other unique CLE attractions.
- Stanford House to Brandywine Falls Trail Details
- Level: Moderate
- Length: 3.9 miles
- Type: Loop
Arches National Park – Utah
There are more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches to be seen along the hiking trails of Arches National Park.
Skilled hikers know all about Arches National Park and the many trails in and around the region’s natural playground. The hike to Delicate Arch is often full of visitors unless you leave your Moab hotel early in the morning to catch the sun rise over the famous sandstone arch or late at night to experience a vibrant sunset. That’s why we recommend Devils Garden Loop, especially if you’re looking for a more challenging trek. The 7.8 miles is open slide rock with little to no shade, and it’s highly recommended for only the most skilled hikers. Also consider using a hiking app to help guide you along the trail and bring at least 2 liters of water to stay well hydrated.
- Delicate Arch Trail Details
- Level: Hard
- Length: 7.8 miles
- Type: Loop
- Devils Garden Loop Trail Details
- Level: Moderate
- Length: 3.4 miles
- Type: Loop
Olympic National Park – Washington
Hurricane Ridge offers panoramic views of Mt. Olympus high above the Pacific Ocean.
West of Seattle (where many hikers book their hotels), cradled by the Pacific Ocean and the Salish Sea is Olympic National Park. This is where the lush, dramatic landscapes of the Northwest really stand out with several different ecosystems. Hurricane Ridge is one of the more popular trails to visit with an elevation of over 5,000 feet and amazing views of Mt. Olympus. If the panoramas don’t convince you of how special this place is, perhaps the fact that two Roosevelt Presidents gave this park their blessing will—first by President Theodore Roosevelt when he deemed it a national monument, and later by President Franklin D. Roosevelt when he officially listed it as a national park. The park was also a designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981.
- Hurricane Ridge Trail Details
- Level: Moderate
- Length: 3.1 miles
- Type: Out & Back
Glacier National Park – Montana
Expect to see a variety of mountain wildlife during your hike to Hidden Lake.
Outdoor enthusiasts who like planning a trip to a national park that offers a diverse range of terrain should book a hotel in Whitefish or Kalispell and visit Glacier National Park. With over 700 miles of hiking trails, there’s a path for every skill level. Our recommendation is Hidden Lake Trail, a 5.3-mile moderate hike with epic views of Clements Mountain, Garden Wall, Mt. Oberlin, Bearhat Mountain, Mt. Reynolds and Heavy Runner Mountain. You’ll cross the Continental Divide and take in panoramic views of Hidden Lake. While eye-catching natural landscapes surround you at every step, you should also keep a close eye out for mountain goats, bighorn sheep, marmots, wolverines and grizzly bears, all which are known to make an occasional appearance along the way.
- Hidden Lake Trail Details
- Level: Moderate
- Length: 5.3 miles
- Type: Out & Back
Congaree National Park – South Carolina
Congaree National Park is home to endangered animals and some of the tallest trees found on the East Coast.
Many novice hikers think the best national park trails must be challenging to be worth the visit. Congaree National Park just 30 minutes from downtown Columbia hotels, shows that an easy hike can be a truly memorable and fun experience. The 9.9-mile River Trail is a planked loop through a UNESCO biosphere reserve offering plenty of opportunity to spot wildlife, ancient campsites and some of the tallest trees growing on the East Coast. Plus, since the park is so close to Columbia, you’ll be able to enjoy this moment in nature and continue spending time outdoors at Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens or one of the many park playgrounds located around the city.
- River Trail Details
- Level: Easy
- Length: 9.9 miles
- Type: Loop
Acadia National Park – Maine
After your hike through Acadia National Park, plan on enjoying a delicious lobster roll in Bar Harbor.
When planning your vacation to the great outdoors, why not take things to the edge with a drive along Maine’s Highway 1. From there you’ll reach Acadia National Park located on the Gulf of Maine. This northeastern recreational treasure not only offers stunning viewpoints of the Atlantic Ocean, but it also provides invigorating hikes for all skill levels. If you want to take your time and not feel rushed or over-challenged, the Jordon Pond, Sargent Mountain and Penobscot Mountain Loop is an ideal outing. Afterwards, take a bike and enjoy the historic carriage roads and stone bridges that wind their way throughout the park. When you’ve worked up an appetite, you can sink your teeth into the region’s best lobster roll served at The Travelin Lobster in nearby Bar Harbor and settle in for the night at a Bar Harbor hotel.
- Jordan Pond, Sargent Mountain and Penobscot Mountain Trail Details
- Level: Moderate
- Length: 5.2 miles
- Type: Loop