Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities to enjoy in the summer. Not only is it fun and exciting, but it is also a healthy activity that people of all ages can enjoy. After all, summer brings longer days, nicer warm weather and beautiful, vibrant views on all sides. This is why it is considered the best season to go hiking in the USA.
So, are you ready for some summer walking? Here are some of the best places to hike in during the summer:
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
The Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the highest national parks in the country, with over 60 mountain peaks, many measuring over 12,000 ft in height! The park offers a mix of sparkling lakes, rugged mountain ranges, scenic drives and over 350 miles of hiking trails. So, if you say Rocky Mountain National Park offers the best hikes in the US, it wouldn’t be wrong.
The park’s beautiful scenery and exhilarating hikes make it one of the most popular national parks to visit in the summer! Hiking trails in the national park range from intense climbs to mountainous summits to gentle meadow strolls. In other words, there is something for people of all levels of expertise to enjoy, making it perfect for summer walking.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the top-visited national parks, hosting over 10 million visitors annually. It features towering mountain ranges, many reaching up to 7000 ft in height. The national park offers beautiful views of trees, wildflowers, and wildlife.
With over 800 miles of hiking trails, the Smoky Mountains offer a cooling retreat through its roaring waterfalls and mountain streams in the summer. Some popular hiking trails you can check out are the hiking trails to Rainbow Falls, the Alum Cave Trail and the Chimney Tops Trail. It is perfect for people who like hiking in the mountains.
Sequoia National Park, California
The Sequoia National Park in California is one of the most exciting recreational parks in the country. It is known for its huge towering sequoia trees, including the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree in the world! It features stunning mountains, deep canyons and caverns, and diverse wildlife, all offering a pleasant experience and the best hikes in USA.
The park also offers over 800 miles of hiking trails, many lined with lovely wildflowers, a treat for your eyes. The hiking trails range from easy to strenuous and are the perfect way to pass the longer daylight hours during summertime.
Angel Island State Park, California
The Angel Island State Park is built on a large island in San Francisco Bay, offering beautiful panoramic views of the city amidst numerous hiking and biking trails.
The most popular hiking trail on the island is the Perimeter Trail, which offers a 5.5-mile loop around the island. On a clear summer day, you will spot clear views of the San Francisco city side, including the Golden Gate Bridge. So, it is a must-visit trail.
For those who want more natural inland views, hike to the peak of Mount Livermore, which stands at 788 feet tall. The summit has several tables and the perfect setting to enjoy a packed lunch!
Acadia National Park, Maine
The Acadia National Park is considered the crown jewel of the North Atlantic Coast, offering some of the most diverse landscapes on the eastern seaboard.
Covering over 50,000 acres, Acadia offers 60 miles of coastlines, 150 miles of hiking trails, stunning mountains, ponds, sandy beaches, and picturesque islands. The hiking trails rise to the summits of the exposed mountain tops, taking you through the forests and bringing you to the park’s rocky coastlines.
Final Thoughts
Summertime marks the time of the year when the plants and flowers are in full bloom, the best hiking areas are open for exploring, and the temperatures are just right! So, plan your summer hiking expedition this season at any of the locations we shared with you and enjoy nature at its best!