There are a lot of things that make America great. One of the biggest things is the abundance of natural, untouched land that exists in the country. From coast to coast, there are stunning national and state parks where Americans can escape the hustle-bustle of their lives and reconnect with the natural world.
Of course, some of these parks and their trails are quite demanding! For example, you may be dreaming of hiking El Capitan in Yosemite, but know you don’t have the hiking skill to pull it off – safely, at least… (You’ll get there!)
Don’t despair if you can’t tackle a hike like that, though! For as many difficult hikes as there are in the United States, there are just as many (if not more) hikes that are easy and that offer just as an amazing experience.
On this list, we’ve pulled together 10 hikes that even a novice hiker can take. They’re located in parks all across the country, and they’ll give you the chance to check out some truly stunning views, as well as the opportunity to experience some of the country’s most famous destinations. So, get those hiking boots on, and come take a look!
1. Shortoff Mountain (Linville, North Carolina)
When it comes to the Adirondaks, this may be the easiest hike possible. However, it’s still a little difficult and stretches for 10 miles round trip.
2. Rubicon Trail (Lake Tahoe, California)
At an eight-mile round trip, it may be long for some, but the hiking is easy. That’s a good thing, because you’ll be able to enjoy the amazing views throughout the journey.
3. Raspberry Mountain (Divide, Colorado)
Of all the mountain hikes in Colorado, this may be the easiest. You wouldn’t guess it, though, because the view form the top may be better than the rest.
4. Harry’s Ridge (Mount Saint Helens, Washington)
When you hike this eight-mile round trip trail, you might understand why Harry Truman – for whom the trail is named – refused to leave his home there when the mountain erupted in 1980.
5. Avalanche Lake (Glacier National Park, Montana)
This totally easy four-plus-mile hike will give you the chance to experience why they call Montana “Big Sky Country”.
6. Mt. Monadnock (Jaffrey, New Hampshire)
With a round trip of less than 5-miles, you and those you hike with can enjoy a view that stretches 100 miles in every direction once you make it to the top.
7. Panther Creek Falls (Clarksville, Georgia)
If you visit this seven-mile trail in the fall, you’ll get to experience beautiful foliage that rivals what you might see in New England.
8. Pinnacle Peak (Scottsdale, Arizona)
This three-and-a-half-mile hike will give you the chance to see the animals and plants that fill the Arizona desert.
9. Pihea Trail (Kaui, Hawaii)
You’ll want to bring some good shoes for this eight-mile hike! It’s totally worth it, though, as you’ll be able to joy impressive views of the Kalalau Valley.
10. Pincushion Mountain (Grand Marais, Minnesota)
The views that you get on this relatively easy four-mile hike are like nothing you could imagine!
