There are places in this country that can’t be accessed by any four-wheeled vehicle. If you want to get a glimpse of these off-the-beaten-path locations, you must go afoot on some of the best hikes in America.
#1 Pacific Crest Trail
Over 2,650 miles long, this trail runs through three states, seven national parks, 24 national forests, and past more than 1,000 lakes. You can reach it from San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, and Seattle.
#2 Appalachian Trail
This lengthy trail stretches from Georgia to Maine–or Maine to Georgia, depending on which direction you’re traveling. Be prepared to pass through six national parks and eight national forests, making for the longest marked trail in the whole country!
#3 Grand Canyon National Park
15 trails of varying degrees lead into the Grand Canyon; but be prepared for a workout no matter which one you choose. Just ask the five million people that visit yearly.
#4 Yosemite National Park
The park’s trails cover over 800 miles of some of the most gorgeous national park landscape in the country. You’ll see lush forests, snowy mountains, crystal clear water, and a variety of wildlife.
#5 Glacier National Park
This hiker’s paradise spans more than 730 miles in the Rocky Mountains. Although its glaciers are fading, they leave behind breathtaking panoramas.
#6 John Muir Trail
The hiking season on this trail runs from June to September due to an excess of snow. How does a 211-mile trail sound to you?
#7 Zion National Park
This trail offers incredible cliffs and canyons that rival any national park in the country–literally. Zion has some of the highest and most narrow canyons in the world. Utah’s desert is surely a sight to behold.
#8 Arches National Park
Over 2,000 sandstone arches give this national park its name. These trails aren’t particularly mountainous, but they do still have their difficulties.
#9 Mount Whitney
A short, three-hour drive from Los Angeles, Mount Whitney is the tallest peak in the lower 48 states. This 22-mile hike is only recommended for serious and experienced hikers.
#10 Denali National Park
Much of the trails in this Alaskan park are unmarked, giving hikers a true backwoods experience–risky terrain, thick brush you can’t navigate through, and even threatening wildlife.
Which of these hiking trails have made it onto your to-do list? To get started, contact GC Flight today to book your Grand Canyon helicopter tours. Call 1-800-871-1030 or 702-629-7776.