The Best Day Hike in Every State

We should preface this by saying that this should really be called “one of the best day hikes in every state”. In reality, states like California and Colorado have too many amazing hikes to choose just one and a list like this is obviously subjective. In many cases we had local experts provide some input to fill in the gaps in the states where we have no experience hiking. Now that summer is upon us, it’s the perfect time to get out on the trails and explore the best of what your state has to offer.

Alabama – Ike Maston at Red Mountain Park

“For anyone wanting a bit of a challenge without driving too far from home, the Ike Maston trail at Red Mountain park is a perfect choice. Red Mountain is only a 15 minute drive from downtown Birmingham and is easily accessible from I-65. The Ike Maston has enough uphill sections to get your heart rate pumping and enough scenery change to keep things interesting, plus if you go first thing in the morning, you are most likely to see deer and other wildlife since the trail is not as popular as many others at Red Mountain. Do an easy 4 mile loop or double-back on the trail for a more challenging 6.5 miles! Red Mountain offers scenic overlooks, historic mines, and many trails to choose from for all skill levels of hikers. More information here “

–Alabama Hiking Trail Society

Alaska – Savage Alpine Trail

There aren’t many marked trails in Denali National Park, but the Savage Alpine Trail is easily one of the best. On a clear day, the views of Denali are spectacular.

Arizona -Blackett’s Ridge Trail

photo by Mitch Stevens

“The Blackett’s Ridge Trail in the Santa Catalina Mountains overlooking Tucson climbs high above spectacular Sabino Canyon as it ascends a ridge. This steep but beautiful hike features amazing views of Mt. Lemmon and a first rate riparian habitat 1,000 feet below.”

-Mitch Stevens (Southwest Discoveries)

Honorable Mentions: Cathedral Rock Trail, Devil’s Bridge Trail

Arkansas – Whitaker Point Trail

It’s no surprise why the three-mile Whitaker Point Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Arkansas. The views from Whitaker Point (also known as Hawksbill Crag) are some of the best in the entire state.

California – Half Dome

It’s impossible to pick just one hike for a state like California. There are too many incredible hikes to choose from. That being said,  Half Dome in Yosemite National Park can go toe to toe with any hike in the country when it comes to views.

Honorable Mentions: Lassen Peak, Mt. Whitney, North Fork of Big Pine, Mt. Baldy, Chimney Rock, Runyon Canyon

Colorado – Dream Lake

The Dream Lake Trail is one of the most popular day hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, so don’t expect to have the trail all to yourself. It is a manageable 3.6 mile hike that rewards hikers with some of the most iconic views in the park.

Honorable Mention: Deer Mountain, Mt. Elbert

Connecticut – Millington Trail

Southern New England can’t compete with Northern New England when it comes to hiking, but the Millington Trail in Devil’s Hopyard State Park is a scenic 2.6 mile hike with a nice view of a waterfall.

Delaware – Gordon Pond Trail

This 3.2-mile coastal trail through Cape Henlopen State Park is nice and easy (Delaware isn’t known for its mountains), but it is very scenic and a popular destination among birdwatchers.

Florida – Black Bear Wilderness Loop

In a state where the highest point is only 312 feet above sea level, there aren’t any mountains to climb, but the 7.1-mile Black Bear Wilderness Loop is a real adventure…and yes, there are bears in the area.

Georgia – Hurricane Falls Trail

This hike may be short (2.25 miles), but the views of Tallulah Gorge and Hurricane Falls are breathtaking.

Hawaii – Kilauea’Iki Trail

Almost 60 years ago, one of the most spectacular 20th century eruptions of the Kilauea volcano filled a red-hot crater with lava fountains that reached up to 1000 ft high. Now, you can explore the still steaming floor of this crater as part of our favorite hike on Hawaii: the Kilauea’Iki Trail. This 4 mile round-trip trail (2 to 3 hours) in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park takes you down through a lush rainforest onto the still steaming floor of the Kilauea Iki crater. You will get to see many of the unique plants of the volcano rainforests such as the 1+ story high hapu’u tree ferns and the beautiful ʻōhiʻa lehua tree. Keep your eyes open when you cross the crater floor because you might find some of the small green crystals (olivines) that were formed during the eruption.

-Gerrit – Love Big Island

Honorable Mentions: Manoa Falls, Kalalau Trail, Koko Head Crater Trail

Idaho – Sawtooth Lake

photo source: OutdoorProject.com

Idaho has plenty of mountain hikes to choose from, but the 8.5 mile out-and-back hike to Sawtooth Lake (via Iron Lake Trailhead) is easily one of the most spectacular.

Illinois – Little Grand Canyon Trail

While it doesn’t compare with the actual Grand Canyon, the 3-mile Little Grand Canyon Trail in Shawnee National Forest is one of the most impressive hikes in the Midwest.

Indiana – Hemlock Cliffs (Hoosier National Forest)

Hemlock Cliffs in Hoosier National Forest is a hidden gem in southern Indiana.

Iowa – Canyon Road (Ledges State Park)

This 6.5 mile hike through a sandstone gorge is a must in the hawked state.

Kansas – Elk River Trail

“Some backpackers consider the Elk River Trail the best hike in Kansas because there is so much to see in this tough route. Look for tiny waterfalls, rock chambers, and small caves to explore along the Elk River. The gnarled trees, plank bridges and wildlife will make it seem like you’ve stepped into an enchanted forest. A number of switchbacks take you up to a steep ridge on the north side of Elk City Lake, where you can take in the beautiful views before slipping back into the trees.”

– Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism

Kentucky – Eagle Falls Trail

photo by Meghan Louise

“The trail to Eagle Falls, located in Cumberland Falls State Park, is an easily-overlooked hike that gets overshadowed by the eponymous Cumberland Falls. In my opinion Eagle Falls is prettier than it’s more popular brother but the trail actually provides fantastic views of both falls so it’s a no-brainer. In addition, the route crosses beautiful, lush forest and includes a bit of fun boulder-scrambling at the base of the cascade. ”

-Meghan Louise – Another Walk in the Park 

Louisiana – Lake Chicot Loop

photo source: AllTrails.com

Louisiana is a state full of unique landscapes and ecosystems. The Lake Chicot Loop Trail is 17.3-mile loop (long but flat), that takes you around Lake Chicot and provides amazing vegetation and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Maine – Mt. Katahdin

Mt. Katahdin, The northern terminus of the Appalachian trail is a slice of the Rocky Mountains tucked away in the North Woods of Maine. This is not only the most rugged and dramatic hike in Maine, but it’s also easily one of the best climbs in all of New England.

Honorable Mention: Bold Coast

Maryland – Billy Goat Trail

The Billy Goat Trail is a scenic 7.8-mile hike along the Potomac River, and given its proximity to Washington, D.C., it can be a popular trail on a nice day.

Massachusetts – Eyrie House Ruins

In Holyoke, Massachusetts take a hike to see the Eyrie House ruins.  A beautiful popular hotel in the 1880’s burned to the ground and all that remains are ruins in this New England forest.  A few trails will get you to the ruins on top of Mt. Nonotuck.  While this hike is not long it does offer some great views, quiet forest sections of trail and history.

-Cathy – Nothing But New England

Honorable Mention: Mt. Greylock

Michigan – Chapel Basin Loop

Waterfalls, cliffs, lake views, beaches, weird rock formations. The Chapel Basin Loop in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore offers a little bit of everything.

Minnesota – Baptism River Cascades

“The Cascades on the Baptism River in Tettegouche State Park are a breathtaking sight in every season but they are most stunning in Autumn. While it isn’t a difficult hike, be prepared for a lot of steps and stairs!”

–Kristen Stetzer

Mississippi – Clark Creek Natural Area

There are only a few miles of trails in Clark Creek, but the waterfalls will not disappoint.

Missouri – Lost Valley Trail

This 10.2 mile loop is popular among mountain bikers but is just as beautiful on foot. It also makes for an easy day trip from St. Louis.

Honorable Mention: Lewis and Clark Trail

Montana – Grinell Glacier (Glacier National Park)

Anywhere in Glacier National Park is a safe bet for an incredible day hike.

Honorable Mention: Highline Trail, Ptarmigan Tunnel, Iceberg Lake

Read More: Best Hikes in Montana 

Nebraska – Toadstool Geologic Park

“The 3 mile hike from Hudson-Meng Education and Research Center into Toadstool Geologic Park will take you out of this world! This awe inspiring hike through the moonscape of the Badlands was one of the county’s top ten trails for a memorable spring hike in 2015. Encounter a collection of songbirds along the grassland area or discover the perfectly preserved fossils hidden among the rocky landscape!”

– Nebraska Tourism Commission

Nevada – Boundary Peak

Not for the faint of heart. Boundary Peak, on the border with California, is as good as it gets in Nevada if you’re willing to go through the physical anguish to reach the summit (highest point in the state).

Honorable Mention: Wheeler Peak

New Hampshire – Franconia Ridge

The Franconia Ridge Loop is well known among peak-baggers in the Granite State. The ascent via the Falling Waters Trail is lined with cascades before reaching the summit of Little Haystack, Mt. Lincoln, and Mt. Lafayette. The views from Franconia Ridge along the Appalachian Trail are some of the most iconic in the White Mountains.

Honorable Mention: Mt. Moosilauke, The Bonds Traverse, Mt. Washington, Arethusa Falls

New Jersey – Mt. Tammany

A short but steep ascent, Mt. Tammany provides fantastic views of the Delaware Water Gap.

New Mexico – Wheeler Peak

photo by Meghan Louise 

“The best – and most stunning – hike I’ve done in New Mexico is Wheeler Peak, via the Williams Lake Trail. At 13,162 feet Wheeler is the highest point in the state and offers a stunning alpine environment and incredible 360-degree views. As a bonus, the Williams Lake approach allows an opportunity to get up close to a beautiful alpine lake. ”

– Meghan Louise – Another Walk in the Park 

New York – Jay Mountain

“Jay Mountain offers unique variety and views that differentiate it from many other hikes in the Adirondack Park in northern New York. The ridge-line also known as the “Highway in the Sky” offers incredible views and there is plenty of space to stop for a break to enjoy the scenery. This trail is 2.5 miles to the western side of the Jay Mountain Ridge and has a moderate grade. If you continue along the ridge trail for another 1.5 miles, you will reach the official summit, making this an 8-mile round trip.”

-Evan – PureADK

Honorable Mention: Mt. Marcy

North Carolina – Mt. Mitchell

At 6,683 feet, Mt. Mitchell is the highest peak in the Appalachian Mountains. It is one of many beautiful trails in western NC.

North Dakota – White Butte

North Dakota is a land of unusual topography, and White Butte (highest point in the state) is the perfect example.

Honorable Mention: Wind Canyon, Buck Hill

Ohio – Lamping Homestead Trail

This loop trail combines nature with history, as it bypasses the 1800’s Lamping Family cemetery.

Honorable Mention: Ash Cave

Oklahoma – Black Mesa

Black Mesa, located in the Oklahoma panhandle (middle of nowhere) is the highest point in the state. The views are stunning but watch out for rattlesnakes.

Oregon – Waterfall Loop (McKenzie River Trail)

“This wonderful trail allows hikers to access the incredible Sahalie and Koosah Falls from both sides of the river. Because of the stunning scenery, huge waterfalls and gorgeous pacific northwest hardwood forest, this may possibly be the most beautiful trail in the United States.”

-Mitch Stevens (Southwest Discoveries)

Honorable Mention: Mt. Hood, Abiqua Falls, Smith Rock

Pennsylvania – Glen Onoko Falls

The series of waterfalls on the Glen Onoko Falls Trail is a landscape photographer’s dream come true.

Honorable Mention: Ricketts Glen

Rhode Island – Beavertail State Park

“Beavertail State Park is at the southern tip of Jamestown and with coastal views facing both east and west it is a great place to catch a sunrise or a sunset. It’s a small park, but you’ll love the dirt trails that run along the rocky coast. There are many places where you can climb down onto the large rocks (be careful, they’re slippery!) for amazing views.”

-Marc Andre (Loaded Landscapes)

South Carolina – Pinnacle Pass/Rim of the Gap Loop

South Dakota – Little Devil’s Tower

photo source: South Dakota Department of Tourism

“Little Devil’s Tower is a unique hike located in Custer State Park, one of the gems of the Black Hills of South Dakota. After a steady incline with 360-degree views of the jagged Needles, the back of Mt. Rushmore National Memorial and Black Elk Peak, the highest point in the US east of the Rocky Mountains, it’s well worth the hike. The 3.6-mile spur trail boasts a steady elevation gain and a fun scramble over boulders to reach the summit.”

–South Dakota Department of Tourism 

Honorable Mention: Black Elk Peak

Tennessee – Charlie’s Bunion

photo source: National Park Service 

There are plenty of amazing hikes in the Smokies, but the view from Charlie’s Bunion are as good as any you’ll find in the park.

Honorable Mention: Clingman’s Dome

Texas – South Rim Trail

“Big Bend National Park in west Texas offers exceptional hiking. The classic hike is the full day, 13 mile loop hike on the South Rim Trail. It’s easy to follow and rewarding with big views south to Mexico if it isn’t too hazy. The vegetation is interesting with Texas madrone trees, oaks and pines. Despite the distance it’s not a hard hike unless it’s stinking hot. Start early and take lots of water. Allow about six hours. ”

-Leigh McAdam – Hike Bike Travel

Utah – Angel’s Landing

The view from the top of Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park is one of the most recognizable views in the entire country. This is not a good hike if you’re afraid of heights.

Vermont – Sunset Ridge

This 5.5 mile loop leads to the summit of Mt. Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, and offers some of the best views in the Green Mountains.

Honorable Mention: Camel’s Hump

Virginia – Old Rag

This 8-mile hike is easily one of the most popular and rewarding trails in Shenandoah National Park.

Honorable Mention: Bearface Mountain, Blackrock Summit

Washington – Park Butte

photo source: Washington Trails Association

Washington is another one of those states whose endless supply of mountains makes it impossible to choose just one hike. Park Butte, just south of Mt. Baker in the North Cascades is as good as any hike you’ll find in the state.

Honorable Mention: Chain Lakes, Larch Lake

West Virginia – Raven Rock Trail

The Raven Rock Overlook in Coopers Rock State Forest is one of the most iconic vistas in West Virginia.

Wisconsin – Lost Creek Falls

“Lost Creek Falls is a relaxing 2 mile hike that leads through the woods opening up to a pristine cascade. Although small, the falls are certainty are not lacking in beauty!”

–Kristen Stetzer

Wyoming – Cascade Canyon (Grand Teton National Park)

Home to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming has some of the best hikes in the country. The 13.6-mile Cascade Canyon Trail in Grand Teton National Park leads from Jenny Lake past Hidden Falls, ultimately leading to Inspiration Point where the views of the Tetons and Jenny Lake are unbeatable.

Honorable Mentions: Mt. Washburn Trail, Lava Creek Trail, Taggart Lake Trail