Hiking is a popular activity for many people because it’s an excellent way to get in shape, see the world, and enjoy nature.

But not everyone has time to search through all of the trails that are available near their home or elsewhere across the country.

That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the #1 best hiking trail for each state in America! Read on to learn more about these best hiking trails near me in every state of the union!

What Are The #1 Best Hiking Trails Near Me, Every State Has To Offer?

Below I have compiled a list of the best hiking trails each state offers.

Although each state has many beautiful trails, in this post I’m just giving you the one I think is the best. However, these are only my opinions, according to the research.

I hope you enjoy it. Let’s dive in, shall we!

1) Alabama: Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve

This hiking trail is perfect for nature lovers who want to see a variety of plant and animal life. The preserve has 12 miles of hiking trails that wind through forests, meadows, and streams. You’ll also find plenty of benches and picnic areas where you can rest and take in the beauty around.

2) Alaska: Lost Lake Trail

The Lost Lake hiking trail is a must for those who love hiking in the snow. This trail takes you through an old-growth forest and along “Siberia Village,” where prospectors were forced to live during the 1898 gold rush. You’ll also have amazing views of Mount McKinley, North America’s highest mountain!

3) Arizona: Superstition Ridgeline Trail

This hiking trail is a great way to see the desert landscape in Arizona. You’ll find cacti, lizards, and plenty of other interesting wildlife along this 20-mile hiking trail. One end starts at Apache Junction while the other ends near Queen Creek.

Mountain bikers also love this hiking trail, and the panoramic view of the valley at the end is well worth the effort!

4) Arkansas: Petit Jean State Park

This hiking trail is known for its beautiful waterfalls and stunning rock formations. The park also has an abundance of wild species, including deer, raccoons, opossums, bobcats, coyotes, turkeys, and more! You might even see black bears on this hiking trail depending upon the time of the year.

The best scenic spot, along this hiking trail, is the “Old Mitchell Trail,” where you can relax and enjoy a beautiful view of the Little Maumelle River.

5) California: Mount Diablo

This hiking trail is a great way to see the diversity of California’s landscape. You’ll find lush forests, open meadows, and rocky ridges along this hiking trail that also has an abundance of wild animals!

You can see elk, golden eagles, black bears, turkey vultures, and more from atop Mount Diablo.

Other beautiful views are of the Sacramento Valley, the Delta, and San Francisco Bay. This hiking trail is worth a visit for those who love nature!

6) Colorado: Rocky Mountain National Park

The hiking trail at Rocky Mountain National Park is known for its beautiful scenery and amazing wildlife. You’ll find elk, deer, mountain lions, moose, and more along this hiking trail that is also home to many different species of trees and plants.

This hiking trail is worth a visit if you’re looking for an adventurous trip. The mountains and hiking trails here offer a view of nature like no other. Trails range from easy to difficult, so there’s something for everyone.

7) Connecticut: Mattabesett Trail

This hiking trail is popular for its secluded hiking and abundance of different species. You will find many different species along this hiking trail, including woodpeckers, great blue herons, turtles, rabbits, foxes, deer, and plenty more!

The best times to visit are between May and October when the weather is warmer and hiking paths are easier to access. This hiking trail also features a scenic view of the “Middletown Valley,” so bring your camera!

Hikers can choose from a variety of trails that range in difficulty, so everyone can enjoy this hiking trail.

8) Delaware: White Clay Creek Preserve

This hiking trail is perfect for those who love to see waterfalls and running streams. You can even paddle on this hiking trail during certain times of the year!

You’ll find over 30 miles of hiking trails with varying degrees of difficulty, so it’s easy to choose a hiking path that suits your needs.

9) Florida: Blackwater Heritage State Trail

This trail is a perfect hike for those who love to hike and bike, at the same time.

It’s a great way to get in shape while seeing Florida’s beautiful landscape!

The best part about this hiking trail is that it goes through three different counties, so you’ll see many different species of animals on this trail.

10) Georgia: Cloudland Canyon

This trail is known for its stunning views of the “Copper River” and wildlife. You’ll find lots of different species here, including black bears, rattlesnakes, coyotes, bobcats, deer, turkey vultures, owls, and more!

The walking trails are well-maintained and easy to follow, making it a great hike for all experience levels. This one is sure to be one of your favorite hikes when you visit.

11) Hawaii: Kauai

Kauai is home to many hiking trails, but the “Waimea Canyon” hiking trail is known as one of the best. This hiking trail will take you on a journey through Kauai’s diverse landscape, including its lush forests and amazing waterfalls.

You’ll also see some of Kauai’s most beautiful scenery as hikers make their way to the canyon’s summit. This trail is perfect for those who love a challenge, as it can be quite difficult at times.

But it’s definitely worth the hike, put this one on your bucket list.

12) Idaho: Craters of the Moon

This hiking trail is known for its interesting landscape and lava tubes.

You’ll find plenty of trails to choose from, making it easy to find a hiking path that suits your needs. Craters of the moon offer an abundance of wildlife, including deer, elk, pronghorn antelope, and the walk is a great opportunity to see bison and bighorn sheep.

The terrain is perfect for those who love to explore caves and lava tubes. This hiking trail is a must-see if you’re in Idaho. Make sure to add this one to your favorite hikes!

13) Illinois: Trail of Tears

This trail is known for its abundance of history and Native American culture.

The trails range from easy to difficult, so you can choose a hiking path that fits your needs. You’ll also get the opportunity to see many different species along this trail, including waterfowl, woodpeckers, songbirds, and beautiful hillsides.

This trail is a fantastic way to learn more about Native American heritage and history. This should be on your list of things to do in Illinois.

14) Indiana: Brown County State Park

This trail is perfect for those who love nature and want to get in touch with their surroundings.

The trails are well-maintained and provide beautiful views of the surrounding area, including hills, forests, and lakes. This trail also goes through many different ecosystems, so hikers can see a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer and wild turkey.

This hiking trail is a great way to see some of Indiana’s most beautiful landscapes!

15) Iowa: Loess Hills

This trail in Iowa is known for their abundance of wildlife, including trees and wildflowers.

You’ll find loops that range from easy to difficult so you can choose a hiking path that suits your needs.

This trail takes hikers through Loess Point Nature Preserve, home to many different species of animals, birds, reptiles and amphibians.

Not only is it beautiful here but it’s also fun! You can try mountain biking or kayaking on the nearby river when you’re not hiking along this amazing hiking trail!

16) Kansas: The Flint Hills Trail

This trail is perfect for those who love a challenge. The Flint Hills Trail is 100 miles long and winds through the rolling hills of Kansas. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to see various wild species, and take in the stunning views. It is located in the heart of the Flint Hills, so hikers are sure to see some beautiful landscapes. This hiking trail is for those who love a long and challenging hike!

17) Kentucky: Red River Gorge

This hiking trail is known for its abundance of natural beauty and wildlife.

The Red River Gorge hiking trails allow hikers to see some beautiful sites, like the Rock Bridge Arch in Natural Bridge State Park or Chimney Top Rock Lookout.

Many different hiking paths range from easy to difficult, making it easier than ever before to choose a hiking path that fits your needs!

You’ll also get the opportunity to see various types of plant life along this hike, which makes it even more special when you take in all the views. This should be on every Kentuckian’s list of things they need to do at least once!

18) Louisiana: Kisatchie National Forest

This trail is perfect for those who love to explore caves.

You’ll find various hiking paths that range from easy to difficult, making it easier than ever before to choose a hiking path that suits your needs!

As you make your way through the trails, you may even come across some ancient Native American artifacts or Civil War relics.

This trail also takes hikers through many different ecosystems so they can see all of Louisiana’s natural beauty up close and personal. You won’t want to miss this beautiful park on your next trip out west!

19) Maine: Acadia National Park

This trail is known for its fantastic views of the Atlantic coastline.

The paths are well-maintained and provide hikers with beautiful views of the surrounding area, including mountains, forests, and lakes.

This trail also goes through many different ecosystems, so hikers can see a variety of wildlife. It has great views and hiking trails for all hiking abilities. The terrain is fairly level and moderate.

This should be on every Mainer’s list of things they need to do at least once!

20) Maryland: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

This trail is known for its rich history. You’ll discover a slew of hiking routes that range from simple to demanding, making it simpler than ever before to pick the best one for you!

The main trail takes hikers through the Appalachian Mountains and provides stunning views of the Potomac River.

This trail is perfect for those who love a good challenge, as it can be quite difficult in some areas. But it’s definitely worth it to see all the beauty that this hiking trail has to offer!

21) Massachusetts: Mount Greylock

This hiking trail is known for its fantastic views of the surrounding area.

The walks are well kept and provide spectacular views of the region, including mountains, woods, and lakes.

This hiking route is ideal for those seeking a tough challenge, since some portions may be quite difficult. But it’s well worth the effort to enjoy all of the majesties that this trek has to offer.

22) Michigan: The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

This hiking trail is known for its abundance of wildlife.

It has a variety of hiking paths that vary from easy to difficult, making it simpler than ever before to choose the right one!

This trail takes hikers through the beauty of Michigan’s nature, so they can see all the wildlife up close! You won’t regret this choice on your next trip to this great state.

22) Minnesota: Superior Hiking Trail

This hiking trail is known for its fantastic views of the surrounding region.

The paths are well kept and provide hikers with beautiful sights of the area, like mountains, forests, and lakes. Being a favorite hike for many, this trail offers a moderate level of difficulty that is great for hikers of all experience levels. A great place to visit on your next trip out west!

23) Mississippi: Natchez Trace Parkway

This hiking path is known for its abundance of wild species.

This trail takes hikers through the beauty of Mississippi’s nature, so they can see all their local fauna up close and personal. You won’t regret taking this adventure, it will surely be one of your favorite trails once you decide to visit.

We’ll add more content to the bottom States as we continue with researching, meanwhile you will see the one trail we thought was best to give you… 

24) Missouri: Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area

25) Montana: The Beartooth Highway

26) Nebraska: Scotts Bluff National Monument

27) Nevada: Valley of Fire State Park

28) New Hampshire: Franconia Notch State Park

29) New Jersey: Palisades Interstate Park

30) New Mexico: El Malpais National Monument

31) New York: Niagara Falls

32) North Carolina: Mount Mitchell State Park

33) North Dakota: Theodore Roosevelt National Park

34) Ohio: Hocking Hills State Park

35) Oklahoma: Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

36) Oregon: Crater Lake National Park

37) Pennsylvania: Ricketts Glen State Park

38) Rhode Island: Colt State Park

39) South Carolina: Caesars Head State Park

40) South Dakota: Badlands National Park

41) Tennessee: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

42) Texas: Big Bend National Park

43) Utah: Bryce Canyon National Park

44) Vermont: Mount Mansfield State Park

45) Virginia: Shenandoah National Park

46) Washington: Olympic National Park

47) West Virginia: Blackwater Falls State Park

48) Wisconsin: Devil’s Lake State Park

49) Wyoming: Grand Teton National Park

50) District Of Columbia: Rock Creek Park

Conclusion:

Every state has at least one trail you will most certainly love, which one is your most favorite?

Let us know in the comments. Thanks for reading!