America is filled with incredible natural landscapes and beautiful, rugged terrain that draws experienced hikers from all over the world. But what about those of us who aren’t necessarily looking for a three-day excursion into the wild? For those situations, we always appreciate the shorter trails perfect for a morning, afternoon, or even a full day. There are plenty of gorgeous trails all across the country that can be conquered in just a few hours, and these are some of the best easy hikes in each state that will take you to some truly spectacular places without too much effort.

Check out these awesome and accessible treks that offer the greatest amount of beauty per step. They certainly represent the best short, sweet, and scenic hikes in each state.

1. Alabama: High Falls Trail, Grove Oak

High Falls Park, 969 Co Rd 144, Grove Oak, AL 35975, USA
High Falls County Park-Grove Oak, Al/Facebook
High Falls Trail is considered the best day hike in Alabama, particularly in the northern part of the state. It's also one of the most hidden, making it even more special to visit. The route is a 0.8-mile loop trail and heads right to the waterfall.

2. Alaska: Thunderbird Falls Trail

Thunderbird Falls Trail, Chugiak, AK 99567, USA
Mark C Stevens / Royalty-free via Getty Images
Located near Anchorage, the Thunderbird Falls Trail is only a one-mile hike. You'll start off slightly north of Eagle River and make your way through pristine terrain and a striking birch forest. The trail ends at a viewing platform that affords spectacular views of the 200-foot Thunderbird Falls. Without a doubt, all of this make for the best day hike in Alaska.

3. Arizona: Navajo National Monument

Navajo National Monument, AZ-564, Shonto, AZ 86054, USA
AWelshLad/iStock via Getty Images Plus
Located in Betatakin, the best day hike in Arizona comes in just under five miles round-trip. You'll need a guide, as the trail goes through protected Navajo ruins, but the hike itself is not challenging and offers gorgeous and historic scenery.
  • Location: Shonto, Navajo County
  • Known For: Three different cliff dwellings erected by the Anasazi people: Betatakin, Keet Seel, and Inscription House
  • Where To Stay Nearby: The Chee Ranch is an Earthen home Airbnb that offers guests a once-in-lifetime experience to stay beneath the star-filled skies of Oljato-Monument Valley.

4. Arkansas: Falls Branch Trail

Falls Branch Trail, Fls Br Trl, Arkansas 71913, USA
Cletus Lee / Flickr
Head to Lake Catherine State Park in Hot Springs for a lovely two-mile hike through stunning hardwood forests and wilderness, making for the best day hike in Arkansas. The trail winds across Little Canyon Creek multiple times and terminates at Falls Creek Falls.
  • Location: Lake Catherine State Park, Hot Springs
  • Known For: Location within a 2,180-acre state park in western Arkansas’s Hot Spring County, a 10-foot-tall cascade waterfall
  • Where To Stay Nearby: Quiet, Charming Lake Front Home in Hot Springs

5. California: San Clemente Beach Trail

San Clemente Beach Trail, San Clemente Pedestrian Beach Trail, San Clemente, CA 92672, USA
GH C/Google Local
This scenic hike in California features steady elevation and stunning ocean views. The trail follows the railroad tracks at San Clemente Beach and is only 4.5 miles round-trip. It's hard to believe that the best day hike in California is actually right here by the water!

6. Colorado: Manitou Springs

Manitou Springs, CO 80829, USA
Nadine Achtabowski /alltrails.com
This hike is super short – it's barely one mile long – but hikers will climb over 2,000 feet! There are 2,744 steps that will really make you feel the burn. The best day hike in Colorado is perfect for those who don't want to be hiking all day, but still want to challenge themselves.

7. Connecticut: Tunxis Trail

Tunxis Trail, Burlington, CT 06013, USA
Shaw Izikson / Flickr
Head to Barkhamsted for the best day hike in Connecticut! This simple, 4.4-mile there-and-back trail makes its way through peaceful woods and sunny meadows. The trail passes through the Indian Council Caves, which are quite beautiful and a great place to stop for a breather in the warmer months.
  • Location: Barkhamsted, Litchfield County
  • Known For: Location within Tunxis State Forest, a 9,000-acre park, access to views of the Barkhamsted Reservoir, views year-round, access to the Indian Council Caves
  • Where To Stay Nearby: A 1930s Stone Cottage with European Vibes in North Granby

8. Delaware: Cape Henlopen State Park

Cape Henlopen State Park, 15099 Cape Henlopen Dr, Lewes, DE 19958, USA
Susan Smith / Flickr
Cape Henlopen is filled with great trails, but one particularly beautiful and short hike runs along the beach for about 4.5 miles and affords stunning views of the waves. The start of the trail is clearly marked, and it ends at the state's largest and tallest sand dune. Is it the best day hike in Delaware? Take it and find out!
  • Location: Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes
  • Known For: Access to Fort Miles Histortic Area, history, views of abandoned World War II bunkers, trails leading to Rehoboth Beach
  • Where To Stay Nearby: Charming bungalow near the beach in Lewes

9. Florida: Campground Nature Trail, Little Talbot Island

Little Talbot Island, Jacksonville, FL 32226, USA
thegforcers / Flickr
There are five distinct ecosystems to be explored on the Campground Nature Trail one-mile trail, the best day hike in Florida. Hikers are sure to run into all sorts of beautiful wildlife as they traverse the gorgeous island, and the sound of the surf is a perfect soundtrack to any day in the sun. Best of all, it should take you under one hour to do.

10. Georgia: Three Forks at Long Creek Falls

Long Creek Falls, Georgia 30813, USA
Matt Malone / Flickr
This beautiful hike in Georgia is only 1.9 miles and will take you through dramatic hemlock forests and past groves of fragrant rhododendron. The trail is just a few miles from the beginning of the Appalachian Trail at Springer Mountain, but it's not necessary to do the entire route. As the best day hike in Georgia, this is a great activity for friends and family to do together.

11. Hawaii: Papakolea Beach

Mahana Beach, Hawaii 96772, USA
Katie Dobies/iStock via Getty Images Plus
The best day hike in Hawaii may be easy – just 2.5 miles – but getting here might be a bit of a trek for most. Still, if you can make it to the southernmost point in the United States, the trail along this Green Sand Beach will reward you with stunning views and sea breezes. Looking for another epic hike in Hawaii? The Kalalau Trail is a personal favorite of our Manager of Editorial (and former Aloha State resident!) Megan Shute!

12. Idaho: Mineral Ridge Scenic Area and National Recreation Trail

Mineral Ridge Scenic Area, 9200 ID-97, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814, USA
BLM.gov
Located at stunning Coeur d'Alene Lake, this three-mile trail has plenty of cliff views, quiet woodland serenity, and just a touch of elevation. This is one of the best day hikes in Idaho that doesn't take much planning or time.
  • Location: Coeur d'Alene, Kootenai County
  • Known For: Natural beauty, unique history, an incredible vista at the end of the trail
  • Where To Stay Nearby: Lux Waterfront Condo in Coeur d'Alene

    • 13. Illinois: Starved Rock State Park

    Starved Rock State Park, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA
    Shannon S / alltrails.com
    The great thing about this state park in Illinois is that it offers trails of all lengths, shapes, and difficulty levels. Choose a hike that winds above a canyon or past beautiful waterfalls. There's even a great trail that will give you amazing views of the Illinois River. Any of them can be considered the best day hike in Illinois.

    14. Indiana: Turkey Run State Park, Trail 8

    Turkey Run State Park, 8121 Park Rd, Marshall, IN 47859, USA
    Brigette Moore/Google Local
    Coming in at just about 1.8 miles, Trail 8 is a well-maintained path through the park's gentler terrain. It takes you past most of the same spectacular sites that can be reached by the more challenging trails. One of the best day hikes in Indiana offers tons of fun.

    15. Iowa: Wildcat Den State Park

    1884 Wildcat Den Rd, Muscatine, IA 52761, USA
    Sravanthi Vedula / alltrails.com
    This is a great hiking area for when the weather cools down and the leaves start to turn. Located in Muscatine, Wildcat Den State Park offers easy trails that take hikers past 75-foot cliffs and beautiful rock formations making for some of the best day hikes in Iowa.
    • Location: Muscatine, Muscatine County
    • Known For: 70-foot-tall sandstone cliffs, Devil’s Punch Bowl, where water has hollowed out an overhanging semicircular shelf to create a tunnel
    • Where To Stay Nearby: The Three-Bedroom Pearl House in Muscatine

    16. Kansas: Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

    Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, 2480B KS-177, Strong City, KS 66869, USA
    Randy Watson / Flickr
    The Tallgrass Prairie surrounding Strong City is only 4% of the prairie land that used to stretch over 170 million acres of North America. What is left makes for the best day hike in Kansas, and the waving fields of wildflowers and tender grasses are absolutely lovely.
    • Location: Strong City, Chase County
    • Known For: Total of 8.4 miles of trail, the opportunity to spot arrowheads along the way (note that these are illegal to remove)
    • Where To Stay Nearby: Victorian Home in the Heart of the Flint Hills

    17. Kentucky: Raven’s Run Trail

    Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, 3885 Raven Run Wy, Lexington, KY 40515, USA
    Sarah Altendorf / Flickr
    Situated close to Lexington, the best day hike in Kentucky is one of the most popular in the area, and one of the more kid-friendly hikes in the state. The 2.8-mile hike will usher you along the banks of the Kentucky River and near some very lovely babbling brooks.
    Waterfall chasers in Kentucky won't want to miss the Eagle Falls Trail at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, a one-two punch of waterfall wonder that ventures past the Niagara of the South!

    18. Louisiana: Louisiana State Arboretum Trail, Chicot State Park

    Reid Magney/Google Local
    This is a great trail for amateur botanists and wildlife lovers. The well-maintained arboretum features signs and markers that point out beautiful and rare plants, and the boardwalk that runs through the preserve makes this the best day hike in Louisiana. The hiking is easy and comfortable with lots of beauty. Fun fact: the Louisiana State Arboretum is the oldest state-supported arboretum in the country!

    19. Maine: Thunder Hole to Sand Beach, Acadia National Park

    Sand Beach, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
    Benyapha soomhirun/iStock via Getty Images Plus
    In a state as gorgeous as Maine, it's nearly impossible to choose just one trail to recommend, but here we go: Thunder Hole to Sand Beach, located in Acadia National Park, comes close to the top of the list of best day hikes in Maine. The route is simple to follow and includes some of the best sights in the state's only national park.
    • Location: Acadia National Park
    • Known For: Sand Beach is an immensely scenic beach that is known for its white-sand shores and shockingly turquoise waters
    • Where To Stay Nearby: Acadia Beach House near Bar Harbor

    20. Maryland: Billy Goat Trail

    Douglas Rissing/iStock via Getty Images Plus
    This hiking area in Maryland is split into three sections of varying difficulty, with the total distance covered being about 4.7 miles. However, if you're looking for a peaceful and easy hike through beautiful forested terrain, then Section C is your trail. This one might just be the best day hike in Maryland.
    Maryland hiking enthusiasts, we have another hand-picked recommendation for you: the Annapolis Rock Trail! This is one of those immensely beautiful hikes sure to leave you absolutely spellbound.

    21. Massachusetts: Bash Bish Falls, Mount Greylock Reservation

    Bash Bish Falls, Mt Washington, MA 01258, USA
    lightphoto / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
    The best day hike in Massachusetts gives you lots of beauty for very little effort. The distance to these falls is only one mile, but you'll get an eyeful of the tallest waterfall in Massachusetts.

    22. Michigan: Grand Haven Waterfront Trail

    Grand Haven, MI, USA
    Adam Smith/AllTrails
    This easy hike in Michigan will take you from Lake Michigan to the Grand River. You'll see plenty of boats and scenic waterfront areas. Best of all, the 2.5-mile trail is paved and perfect for mobility-challenged hikers. It makes for one of the best day hikes in Michigan any time of year.
    • Location: Holland, Ottawa and Allegan Counties
    • Known For: The springtime bloom of 100,000 tulip bulbs, being a peaceful and idyllic oasis, views of the Macatawa River
    • Where To Stay Nearby: A 100 Year-Old=Home on Lake Macatawa in Holland

    23. Minnesota: The Oberg Mountain Loop

    Superior Hiking Trail Oberg Mountain Loop, Tofte Township, MN 55615, USA
    Susan Rydberg/iStock via Getty Images Plus
    Perhaps one of the best day hikes in Minnesota, this trail offers 2.5 miles of even elevation gain and consistently awesome views of Lake Superior, Oberg Lake, and Moose Mountain. Definitely a great pick for families with younger kids.
    • Location: Tofte Township, Cook County
    • Known For: Being part of the larger Lake Superior Hiking Trail, a large, fenced observation area with views of Oberg Lake
    • Where To Stay Nearby:
    • Where To Stay Nearby: The Light Lake House in the North Woods in Lutsen

    24. Mississippi: CCC Camp Trail

    Tishomingo State Park, 105 Co Rd 90, Tishomingo, MS 38873, USA
    Laura Clingman/Google Local
    Located in Tishomingo State Park, this trail features rocky outcroppings and travels over several springs and streams. The three-mile loop trail terminates at a gorgeous swinging bridge that's the perfect spot for a photo-op. This is the best day hike in Mississippi for those looking for other trail options when they're done.

    25. Missouri: Drover’s Trail, Prairie State Park

    Prairie State Park, 128 NW 150th Ln, Mindenmines, MO 64769, USA
    Missouri State Parks/Facebook
    With six trails that are all under five miles, Prairie State Park is a great spot to wander all day long. The herds of American bison and fields of wildflowers make these hikes unlike any other trails around. And, it's home to the best day hike in Missouri, Path of the Sky People Trail.

    Related Stories

    Hike Through The Trees At These 11 Incredible Canopy Walks Across America

    Hike Through The Trees At These 11 Incredible Canopy Walks Across America

     Here Are The 17 Most Magnificent Places Across The U.S. To Enjoy Nature At Night

    Here Are The 17 Most Magnificent Places Across The U.S. To Enjoy Nature At Night

     11 Winter Hikes Across America That Will Have You Bundling Up For Exploration

    11 Winter Hikes Across America That Will Have You Bundling Up For Exploration

    26. Montana: Woods Gulch

    Woods Gulch, Montana 59802, USA
    ssshupe / Flickr
    Just outside Missoula lies Woods Gulch, a verdant canyon situated at the southern point of the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area. This trail, considered the best day hike in Montana, is barely over one mile but will take you through the most beautiful parts of the canyon.
    • Location: Near Missoula, Missoula County
    • Known For: 73 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, access to Rattlesnake Creek for fly fishing
    • Where To Stay Nearby: Custon Tiny Home in Central Missoula

    27. Nebraska: Cowboy Trail

    Cowboy Trail Road, Cowboy Trl Rd, Oakdale, NE, USA
    Ken Ratcliff / Flickr
    Though this trail is actually 321 miles in total, most people just hop on and off as they please. This is Nebraska's first official State Recreational Trail and has become a fan favorite among casual hikers and cyclists. Being among the largest routes in the state, it's not hard to see why this is the best day hike in Nebraska.
    • Location: Norfolk to Chadron
    • Known For: Occupying the abandoned Chicago and North Western Railway route across the Nebraska Outback
    • Where To Stay Nearby: Modern Downtown Loft in Chadron

    28. Nevada: White Domes Loop Trail

    White Domes Road, White Domes Rd, Nevada 89040, USA
    monica.orchard / Flickr
    The terrain may be breathtaking, but this easy 1.3-mile hike won't leave you winded. Located in the Valley of Fire State Park, this is a beautiful trail through natural arches and a red rock slot canyon. The landscape and the unique features make it the best day hike in Nevada.
    • Location: Valley of Fire State Park, Moapa Valley, Clark County
    • Known For: Having the remains of an old movie set from the 1960s, opportunity to explore a small slot canyon, wild flowers, sandstone formations
    • Where To Stay Nearby: Modern Condo with a Pool in Mesquite

    29. New Hampshire: Glen Ellis Falls Trail

    Peter Unger / Stone via Getty Images
    The Glen Ellis Falls Trail beautiful trail located in the White Mountain National Forest certainly ranks high on the list of best day hikes in New Hampshire. Not only is it short enough for kids to enjoy it without getting bored, but the views along the way are incredible. Plus, you can't beat just how incredible the waterfall is.

    30. New Jersey: Van Campens Glen, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

    VanCampens Glen Falls, Old Mine Rd, Hardwick Township, NJ 07825, USA
    Vladimir/Google Local
    The best day hike in New Jersey is short and sweet, plus kid-friendly. You'll travel 1.6 miles round-trip and cross paths with several gorgeous waterfalls. This is a great hike for the autumn months.

    31. New Mexico: The Jemez Falls Area

    Jemez Falls, New Mexico 87025, USA
    EvanCurtis/iStock via Getty Images Plus
    Hiking around this area is easy and great for the whole family. There's a great cool-water swimming hole, as well as McCauley Hot Springs. The water isn't too hot, so it's not at all uncomfortable to take a dip during the summer season. Any of these trails fall under the category of best day hike in New Mexico!

    32. New York: Watkins Glen State Park, Watkins Glen

    Watkins Glen State Park, 1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, USA
    Photo by Katkami/Moment Collection via Getty Images
    Just a 2.5-mile hike will take you to 19 different waterfalls and gorgeous, peaceful pools. Watkins Glen State Park is one of the most popular parks in New York, and it's easy to see why. With so many options for the best day hike in New York, it's hard to choose just one trail.

    33. North Carolina: Crabtree Falls Loop Trail

    Crabtree Falls, North Carolina 28777, USA
    mike rose / alltrails.com
    Just look at that view! This hike is short – you'll be walking for about 2.5 miles total - but it does afford a bit of a healthy challenge. The trail will take you through stands of birch and hemlock and to the base of Crabtree Falls, one of the most scenic waterfalls in North Carolina. This is certainly a contender for the best day hike in North Carolina.

    34. North Dakota: Prairie Dog Town Trail

    Prairie Dog Metropolis, Medora, ND 58645, USA
    the.waterbird / Flickr
    Take this 1.5-mile trail through the Theodore Roosevelt National Park and you'll be guided to one of the famous prairie dog "towns" that pepper this region. It's a great hike for animal lovers and nature photographers. If you ask me, it just might be the best day hike in North Dakota.

    35. Ohio: Hebron Trail, Ohio Canal Greenway

    Ohio Canal Greenway, Unnamed Road, Hebron, OH 43025, USA
    Tamera Nunamaker/Google Local
    This beautiful trail in Ohio runs through Licking County and actually follows the old Penn Central Railroad. Hikers on the best day hike in Ohio will be taken through 2.7 miles of rolling farmland and over a lovely covered bridge.
    If you're on the hunt for an otherworldly hike in Ohio, Senior Editor Sarah McCosham absolutely loves the Old Man's Cave Hike in Hocking Hills. Caves and waterfalls in a perfect mile-long package? Yes, please!

    36. Oklahoma: Bugle Trail at Osage Hills State Park, Pawhuska

    Osage Hills State Park, 2131 Osage Hills, Park Rd, Pawhuska, OK 74056, USA
    Granger Meador/Flickr
    Follow the Bugle trail for a great route through the beautiful Osage Hills State Park. This easy hike will take you to Sand Creek and Lookout Lake, all with under four miles of trekking. Considered high on the list of best day hikes in Oklahoma, this is a must-try.

    37. Oregon: Sweet Creek Trail

    Sweet Creek Road, Sweet Creek Rd, Mapleton, OR 97453, USA
    Cave Buddy/AllTrails
    There are plenty of places in Oregon for arduous hikers to challenge themselves, but the Sweet Creek Trail is perfect for casual hikers that want to get a good look at the beautiful flora of the Suislaw National Forest. The best day hike in Oregon extends 2.2 miles through the woods and past multiple pretty waterfalls. We'd be remiss not to mention the Trail of Ten Falls, a waterfall-packed adventure that, true to name, boasts double digit waterfalls!

    38. Pennsylvania: Bushkill Falls, Stroudsburg

    Bushkill Falls Trail, Lehman Township, PA 18324, USA
    Dmitry Vorobyev / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
    Are you looking for a super short hike in Pennsylvania with an incredible payoff? Check out the four great trails at Bushkill Falls in Pennsylvania. The Yellow Trail will only take you 45 minutes but will bring you to the main falls, plus Lower Gorge Falls, Laurel Glen, and Upper Canyon.

    39. Rhode Island: Colt State Park, Bristol

    Colt State Park, Unnamed Road, Bristol, RI 02809, USA
    David Florenzano/Google Local
    This 864-acre state park in Rhode Island offers a few well-maintained trails that feature very steady elevation and beautiful waterfront views. There's also a great picnic area that overlooks the water. Pick any one of them to explore and you'll find yourself on one the best day hike in Rhode Island.

    40. South Carolina: Woods Bay State Park

    Woods Bay State Park, 11020 Woods Bay Rd, Olanta, SC 29114, USA
    John Carroll / alltrails.com
    Located in Olanta, this pretty hike will take you on a short and sweet 0.75-mile loop around Carolina Bay. You also have the option of taking an even quicker jaunt through the swamp on a convenient boardwalk. The boardwalk, the trees and the quintessential local swamp certainly make it the best day hike in South Carolina.

    41. South Dakota: Good Earth State Park

    Good Earth State Park, 26742-26500 Baker Park Pl, Sioux Falls, SD 57108, USA
    Good Earth State Park / Facebook
    Good Earth State Park is a great place for long strolls and learning a bit of local history. The park has been the site of native ceremonies and gatherings for hundreds of years, and the scenic forest groves make for shady and secluded hiking. There's certainly at least one trail that you'll feel is the best day hike in South Dakota!
    On the other end of the scenic spectrum, Badlands National Park is a total show stopper; it offers varied landscaping with sharp buttes and pinnacles among its untouched prairie expanse. Enjoy a scenic tour de force along the Boardwalk Trail, a short-and-sweet, 0.25-mile trek that's perfect for explorers of all ages and offers jaw-dropping park vistas.

    42. Tennessee: Laurel Falls

    Laurel Falls Trail, Tennessee 37862, USA
    Michael Hicks / Flickr
    Head out on a 2.6-mile journey to Laurel Falls. The terrain is fairly level and easy-going, and you'll be rewarded with the sight of these beautiful falls. It just might be the best day hike in Tennessee.

    43. Texas: Lost Maples State Natural Area East Trail, Vanderpool

    Lost Maples State Natural Area, 37221 RM 187, Vanderpool, TX 78885, USA
    Rebeca Guerrero / alltrails.com
    This trail has the highest concentration of maple trees in the Lost Maples State Natural Area, so it's a great hike for the autumn months. Though at only three miles, you can afford to do the best day hike in Texas in all four seasons.

    44. Utah: Lower Emerald Pools Trail, Zion National Park

    Emerald Pools Trailhead, Hurricane, UT 84737, USA
    Don Graham / Flickr
    The best day hike in Utah is easy and shady, so it's perfect for the warmer months in Utah. The elevation change is only 70 feet, and the journey totals 1.2 miles round-trip. The trail is clearly marked and easy to follow. In a state with as many national parks as Utah, it's impossible to pick just one hike. The Queens Garden-Navajo Loop Trail at Bryce Canyon National Park is a perfect three-mile hike that showcases red rocks, pink cliffs, and hoodoos galore!

    45. Vermont: Stowe Pinnacle Trail

    Pinnacle Road, Pinnacle Rd, Stowe, VT 05672, USA
    Dagan L / alltrails.com
    The climb to this scenic peak might be challenging, but it's a relatively short 2.8-mile hike. Once you're there, the gorgeous Stowe Valley will stretch out at your feet. With the incredible views and fun trail, this is easily the best day hike in Vermont.

    46. Virginia: White Oak Canyon

    Whiteoak Canyon Trail, Virginia, USA
    Mableen/E+ Collection via Getty Images
    This waterfall hike in Virginia falls just below five miles, at 4.8 miles in length. Although it can be steep in sections, most of the trail is relatively easy, even for children. This path offers some of the best views in the state making it the best day hike in Virginia.

    47. Washington: Naches Peak Loop

    Tipsoo Lake, Washington 98022, USA
    renee rochel / alltrails.com
    Located at Tipsoo Lake, this loop trail offers plenty of fresh, alpine air and beautiful grassy meadows. The hike is about three miles and is touted as being especially kid-friendly. We consider it the best day hike in Washington!

    48. West Virginia: Babcock State Park

    Glade Creek Grist Mill, Park Forest 802, Danese, WV 25831, USA
    Michelle Lacombe / alltrails.com
    This beautiful park includes Glade Creek Grist Mill, the most photographed site in West Virginia. The park's hiking trails are numerous and mostly easy. The hike to the grist mill is a must since it's easily the best day hike in West Virginia.

    49. Wisconsin: Peninsula State Park

    Peninsula State Park, 9462 Shore Rd, Fish Creek, WI 54212, USA
    Jim Bauer / Flickr
    This beautiful coastal park in Wisconsin offers more than eight miles of hike-friendly shoreline and 4,000 acres of beautiful woodland. Hiking along the coast is the most scenic and level route. But each of the trails offer the opportunity to experience the best day hike in Wisconsin.

    50. Wyoming: Beauty Lake Trail

    Beauty Lake, Wyoming 82414, USA
    Troy Smith / Flickr
    The Beauty Lake Trail sure does live up to its name. Hike along this five-mile trail in Shoshone National Forest to take in the splendor of Beartooth Lake, Beauty Lake, and Crane Lake. The latter part of the trail can be a bit challenging, so if you're looking for an easier hike, just head back about two miles down the trail. This is easily one of the best day hikes in Wyoming.

     

    Have you hiked any of the best day hikes in the US? Have any more suggestions for easy and scenic hikes in your home state? Let us know!

    As always, before heading out on any hike, tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to return. It’s also incredibly important to be prepared for any type of weather since conditions can change quickly. I love wearing layers so I can modify them based on temperatures getting colder or warmer as the day goes on. Having the right gear is vital for a great hike.

    OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

    More to Explore

    Best Day Hikes in the US

    Michelle S. | August 09, 2023

    What is the best hiking trail in the United States?

    The best hiking trail in the United States might be one of the hardest outdoor questions to answer! Any time spent outdoors is fantastic, but the trails in Maine are extra special. Consider exploring any of the routes in Acadia National Park. A few favorites include:

    • Great Head Trail: This 1.8-mile trail has been named one of the best in the country by Travel + Leisure. The views are spectacular and with a few rocky parts, it offers the perfect moderate challenge for intermediate hikers.
    • Hadlock Loop Trail: This 3.9-mile trail is popular among cyclists, but it's also great for hikers and walkers. It includes views of the Carriage Roads and some of the most beautiful bridges in the park.
    • Hunters Beach Trail: This 0.8-mile route is short and sweet, leading to a beautiful and slightly hidden beach in the park. Views here include forests, rivers, and the quintessential rocky Maine coast.

     

    What are the big 3 hiking trails in the US?

    The big three hiking trails in the US can be found in different corners of the country. We consider them to be:

    • The Appalachian Trail: Running from Georgia to Maine, this mega hike takes a few months to complete if you do it all at once. However, there are many places to jump on the trail for a shorter version. Try the halfway point in Pennsylvania. Or, consider checking out the views from the most photographed spot in Virginia. And, there are some gorgeous places to see it in New Hampshire.
    • The Long Trail: Created in 1910, this is America's first long-distance hiking trail. It runs 280 miles from Massachusetts to the Canadian border. Completing the entire route typically takes a few weeks, but people seem to love the part that runs through Vermont.
    • The Pacific Crest Trail: This famous route starts in Mexico and travels through California, Oregon, and Washington. 460 miles of that spans the entire state of Oregon, but it's 2,650 miles in total.

     

    What is the famous trail in America?

    The famous trail in America that many people think of is the Appalachian Trail and there are quite a few places to explore it.

    • Georgia: The Appalachian Trail begins in Georgia, making it a great portion of the trail to explore if you're just doing a day hike. This is the southern terminus, so in the fall you're likely to see quite a few happy campers coming through as they conclude their multi-month adventure.
    • North Carolina: In North Carolina the Appalachian Trail runs for about 6.5 miles from the Garenflo Gap to Hot Springs.
    • New Jersey: The Pochuck Boardwalk in New Jersey is part of the Appalachian Trail and it runs through woodland areas as well as large meadows. This route also includes the Pochuck Suspension Bridge.

    Related Articles