Add These US Places to Your Hiking Bucket List

Outdoor enthusiasts know that spending time in nature is a great way to relax and get some exercise, and many agree that hiking is the perfect hobby. It's easy and inexpensive to get started since you don't need any special equipment besides good shoes and a water bottle. The beauty of hiking is that it is an accessible hobby for people of all skill levels, from basic beginners to advanced; anybody can hike.

Most hikers are familiar with the trails in their neck of the woods, but many hiking enthusiasts travel to explore new trails that are further from home. Some have goals of hiking a trail in every state, and others have specific places on their bucket list of places to go hiking. In the U.S., there is no shortage of places to hike, with 429 national parks and 63 designated national parks. In addition, there are state parks and land managed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), so there are plenty of places to strap on your hiking boots and explore.

Choosing the best places to hike can be overwhelming with so many choices, but 24/7 Tempo put together a list of the best bucket-list hiking spots in the U.S. to help hikers and outdoor lovers everywhere find the best hike for their skill level and location. The list references websites from national and state parks and popular hiking discussion boards to find these spots. (If you enjoy traveling in the U.S., you might also like America's most amazing natural wonders.)

If you have seen the popular Reese Witherspoon film "Wild," you will already know about the Pacific Crest Trail. This hiking trail stretches from Mexico to Canada and passes through California, Oregon, and Washington. The 2,653-mile trail was first established as a National Scenic Trail in 1968 and was fully completed in 1993. It's a long-distance trail that requires careful planning and strategy to navigate the different terrain from the Sierra Nevada to the Cascade mountain ranges. Many hikers just do portions of the trail for a few days or even day hikes. The trail is part of the Triple Crown of Hiking, which includes other long-distance trails such as the Appalachia and Continental Divide. Many hikers on the West Coast consider this to be a bucket-list hiking spot.

The Appalachia Trail is the East Coast version of the Pacific Crest Trail and runs through 14 states, from Georgia to Maine. This 2,200-mile trail takes roughly six months to complete, but it's common to do just parts of the trail. Along the trail, there are plenty of chances to see wildlife, and it should be noted this is a tick-heavy area, and the mosquitos and other biting insects can be intense. Before you head out, make sure to learn about the different terrains because some parts of the trail are difficult, even for avid hikers. If you are starting in the north and heading south, the first part of the trail is considered one of the most challenging parts, with the first day including the summit of Katahdin Mountain, the highest peak on the trail.

Established in 1978, the Continental Divide Trail is 3,028 miles and runs from the southern U.S. border with Chihuahua, Mexico, to the northern border with Alberta, Canada. Many hikers looking to do the Triple Crown of Hiking save the Continental Divide trail for the last, as many claim it is the most physically strenuous of the three long-distance hikes. However, the challenge doesn't stop people from trying to do it. According to their website, 150 to 400 hikers attempt to do the trail each year, but the completion rate is only 30%.

The Upper Emerald Pools Trail is a beautiful hiking trail in the heart of Zion National Park. The trail is perfect for families because it's relatively easy for all ages. The views and waterfalls make this hike quite popular, so plan ahead for crowds. The park service recommends hiking early in the morning or early evening in the summer because the trail gets full sun. They also recommend bringing plenty of water.

This well-known trail named after the naturalist John Muir is 213 miles long, with 160 of those miles coinciding with the Pacific Crest Trail. It is 8,000 feet above sea level and winds around through the Sierra Nevada mountain range of California, passing through Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks. This alpine hike is filled with stunning vistas and abundant with wildlife. The hiking season starts in July and runs through September. Hikers who try to go earlier may encounter snow, icy slopes, and swollen rivers and streams. This hike is for experienced hikers and generally takes around three weeks to complete in its entirety.

All the way up in northeastern Minnesota is the Superior Hiking Trail. The 310-mile trail overlooks Lake Superior as it traverses rocky cliffs and steep inclines. The trail ranges from the lowest elevation of 600 feet to the highest at 1,829 feet. The best time to hike is from early spring to late fall. This trail is considered challenging and may be too difficult for beginners or young hikers. But those who do make the trek are rewarded with stunning views of the Sawtooth Mountains, waterfalls, and wildlife. The trail even won several awards in 2005. Reader's Digest voted it as one of the five best hikes in the U.S., And The Guardian voted it one of the top 10 hiking trails in the U.S. in 2015. This one needs to be on your bucket list of hikes in the U.S.

One of the truly breathtaking hikes is also one of the most challenging to get access to. The Wave Trail is a backcountry hike that sits on the Utah border with Arizona. The challenging 6-mile hike requires a permit and training. Only 64 permits are given daily, and hikers who are lucky enough to get one must take safety training to prepare for the challenge of this unmarked trail. While a 6-mile hike may seem tame to experienced hikers, the trail runs through steep sandy areas and navigates the remote backcountry near the stunning Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. But the intense hike is worth the awe-inspiring sandstone formations with colorful, smooth stripes. The site is truly unique and worth the trouble of getting there.

The magnificent Grand Canyon is a hiker's paradise with several different hikes to choose from. The Bright Angel Trail, sometimes referred to as the Southern Rim Trail, is a 9.9-mile hike from the south rim of the canyon to the Colorado River, which runs through the canyon. The hike follows a series of switchbacks along a narrow trail that is used by pack mules and human hikers. The elevation starts at 6,850 feet at the top and 2,480 at the bottom. There are two different campsites that require a permit. The hike can be dangerous with extreme heat, flash floods, falling rocks, and unfriendly wildlife. But this amazing place should be on your bucket list because it's a one-of-a-kind hike.

If you like hiking with a side of history, then you must visit Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and take the short Petroglyph Wall Trail. The wall has both pictographs and petroglyphs that are estimated to be 800 years old. The loop trail is an easy walk and only takes 30 minutes to complete, but the impression of these historic symbols will stay with you long after the hike is over.

Up in the northwest corner of the U.S. in Washington is the Burroughs Mountain Loop Trail in the stunning Mount Rainier National Park. The 9.5-mile loop trail is the perfect spot to view Mt. Rainier and the Cascade range. The entire loop takes close to six hours to complete, with an elevation gain of 2,601 feet. The skill level is debatable but most agree that it is a medium to high difficulty level, but even so, the trail is a popular spot for day hikers and backpackers.

Maine sits in the northeast corner of the U.S. and is home to the Acadia National Park. The popular park has several hiking trails, and the Cadillac North Ridge Trail is one of the most beautiful. The 4.2-mile trail can be made in less than three hours, but you might want to take your time and take in the gorgeous views. The hike is popular at sunset and sunrise, with views of Bar Harbor, Frenchman Bay, and the Schoodic Peninsula.

The list would not be complete without a mention of the beautiful hiking spot Glacier National Park in Montana. The park has some great trails and is home to grizzlies, black bears, elk, and more, so you know every hike there is spectacular. But we want to focus on the Grinnell Glacier Trail. This hike is a pretty challenging 10.5-mile trek that will take around six or seven hours to complete.

The trailhead is located half a mile from the Many Glacier Hotel, but it is easier to take the two shuttle boats that cross Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine. The shuttle is not free, but it is convenient and will take off about four miles of the hike; plus, it's a great way to see the lakes. This is a long day hike and it is best to start early in the morning because the parking at the trailhead fills up.

The Kalalau Trail on the Hawaiian island Kauai offers an unforgettable hiking experience. The island is known for its tropical rainforest and rocky cliffs. The 22-mile hike is in Haena State Park and requires a permit. This is one of those hikes that will stick with you. The strenuous trek runs along the north shore and, at its most difficult point, climbs from sea level to 800 feet in a little more than a mile. The folks at Outside magazine have named the hike one of the top 20 most dangerous hikes in the world. The main hazards are falling rocks, flash floods, and rough swimming conditions. For those looking for a bucket-list hiking adventure, this is the hike for you.

Bryce Canyon National Park in southwest Utah is a geological wonder but it is a bit misleading as it's not actually a canyon but rather a series of natural amphitheaters carved by erosion. There are lots of trails in Bryce Canyon National Park for all skill levels, but the Navajo Peekaboo Trail is not for the faint of heart. It is a challenging hike with rapid elevation gain at a short distance. The hike starts at Sunset Point and follows a figure-eight pattern combining the Navajo Trail with the Peekaboo Trail. It is a 5-mile loop that the park recommends doing clockwise for the best experience.

Hiking Half Dome in Yosemite National Park is a pretty big deal. The 17-mile hike is strenuous and should only be attempted by those in good shape who can handle the extreme elevation gain of 5,300 feet. The park recommends that hikers only attempt the hike from late May through early October when the safety cables are up. These cables help hikers summit the granite face. But even with the help of the cables, hikers should have grippy gloves and shoes. Technically, the trail is open during the winter when the cables are not in place, but it is a dangerous trek, and even experienced hikers will find it difficult. The entire hike can take anywhere from 10 to 12 hours, or it can be broken up into two days if camping is possible.

The magical Hoh Rainforest in Washington's Olympic National Park is one of the most unique places in the U.S. It has been recognized as a World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. The heavy rain, up to 14 feet per year, creates a lush green landscape that makes hiking here feel like a dream. There are several popular day hikes here, but one of the best hikes is the Enchanted Valley Trail. It is a 27.8-mile trail that gains a little over 3,000 feet in elevation. The trail follows the river through the valley, with plenty of places to camp along the way. Among the fir spruces and alders trees, you will find maidenhair ferns and bright green moss. The fertile valley is always teeming with wildlife, so be prepared to see bobcats, bears, elk, coyotes, and more.

Not many trails can boast being on a solidified lava lake, but this one can. The Kīlauea Iki trail is a steep and rocky 3.3-mile loop that starts in tropical rainforest and then opens to a bed of dried lava. Hikers can actually look into the vent that erupted in 1959. The hike is somewhat dangerous due to uneven ground and irregular footing. The lava rocks are sharp and can easily cut a hand trying to break a fall. The conditions can be extreme from excessive heat, heavy rain, and high winds, but that doesn't stop outdoor enthusiasts from wanting to visit a former hot lava bed.

It is a great day trip when you are ready to step away from the ocean and see the other cool things the island has to offer. The park asks visitors to be mindful when hiking there and to not take any lava rocks; take pictures but nothing else.

Zion National Park in Utah is known for its scenic vistas of red rock. It is a popular place for hikers and backpackers of all skill levels. One of the favorite hikes in the park is The Narrows trail that follows the Virgin River through some of the most narrow stretches of the canyon. This hike is unique because you are actually hiking in the water, so plan your footwear accordingly. There are three ways to do this hike. The easiest is to do the one-hour hike from the Temple of Sinawava, then turn around and trek out. But more adventurous hikers can opt for the 10-mile roundtrip experience. Or the 16-mile through hike that Virgin River Narrows from Chamberlain's Ranch to the Temple of Sinawava. Whichever version of The Narrows hike you choose, you can be sure to expect to be impressed by this river gorge with thousand-foot-tall walls.

Hell's Canyon on the Oregon-Idaho border is known for its rugged wilderness terrain and limited access. It is also the deepest river gorge in the U.S. at 7,993 feet, making it even deeper than the Grand Canyon. There are several hikes in the area, but one that is perfect for anyone looking for a more rugged and remote trail is the Hells Canyon Loop from Freezeout Saddle to Marks Cabin. It is an 11-mile loop with an elevation gain of 3,444 feet. And if that isn't enough of a challenge, you can always do the Freezeout Saddle to Temperance Creek Loop hike, which is a 51-mile loop with an elevation gain of 10,500 feet.

In the heart of the great state of Alaska is Denali National Park. It was founded in 1917 when it was named Mt. McKinley National Park but has since been renamed to respect the original peoples of the land. Denali offers a truly bucket-list hiking experience. The park has a handful of day hike possibilities mostly near the entrance, but the real hiking is done in the backcountry. The backcountry has no trails or marked campsites. It is just the wild open land to explore. This is a place for moderate to experienced hikers to demonstrate their skill and self-reliance in the wilderness filled with wildlife like moose, Dall sheep, black bears, wolves, and grizzlies.

Hiking the backcountry in Denali takes some planning. They do not take reservations, and you must show up at the entrance and apply for a permit. The park is divided into units, and each unit only permits a certain number of backpackers. Once you have a permit for your section, you will watch safety videos and go through safety training with a ranger. Anything can happen in the park, and the training is essential. Next, you get your bus tickets into the park. There is a designated backpacker bus that takes campers in and drops them in their unit. From there, you hike away from the road and explore all on your own.

The best time to visit Denali is from May through September, with July and August being peak tourist season, when it can be challenging to get permits. The park is a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Fairbanks and a five-hour drive from Anchorage. There are no direct flights into or near the park. (After crossing these hiking spots off your list, check out these 30 experiences that should be on every American's bucket list.)