Sierra Blogging Post Archives

We may be talking a lot about skiing and snowboarding lately, but there's still plenty of time to get some good hiking in this fall. Many parts of the country are still warm and sunny with changing leaves; the perfect climate for a hike.

If you're looking for a new hike, check out this list of America's 10 Best Hikes. With varying degrees of difficulty, these hikes are perfect for everyone from the experienced hiker to an entire family of hikers. (And don't count a hike out due to snow - snowshoeing is a great way to enjoy snow-covered hiking trails!)

America's 10 Best Hikes


1. Angel's Landing, Zion Canyon, Utah - If you suffer from a fear of heights, take this hike off the list. Angel's Landing trail offers magnificent views of Zion Canyon but be prepared to use a series of chains in one section of the 5-mile trail to avoid falling off the 1,500 foot cliff.

2. Pipiwai Trail, Maui - A lush easy 4-mile roundtrip hike in Haleakala National Park that treats you to secret waterfalls, bamboo forests and fewer people than the nearby, more popular Haleakala Summit Trail.

3. Teton Crest Trail, Wyoming - This 39-mile trail will take you into the gorgeous Grand Teton National Park where you'll likely see bison, moose, black bears and maybe even a grizzly (bring your bear spray).

4. John Muir Trail, California - 211 miles of beautiful California wilderness await you on the John Muir Trail, from Yosemite Valley to Sequoia National Park.

5. Windsor Furnace to the Pinnacles, Pennsylvania - A 10-mile section of the Appalachian Trail, the Windsor Furnace is said to be the most interesting part of the whole AT. See for yourself.

6. Chilkoot Trail, Alaska - Retrace the gold rush route into the Alaskan backcountry on the Chilkoot Trail, a burly 33-mile trail with an elevation gain of 3,700 feet through ice and snow to turquoise lakes and pristine wilderness.

7. Presidential Traverse, New Hampshire - A difficult (to say the least) 17- to 24-mile trail (depending on the route) that takes you to the summit of each one of the 7 summits named for U.S. Presidents in New Hampshire's White Mountains.

8. Conundrum Hot Springs, Colorado - Head out of Aspen and into the gorgeous Maroon Bells Wilderness on this 9-mile hike to steamy and picturesque geothermal springs. Well worth the hike!

9. Superior Hiking Trail, Minnesota - This 202-mile trail follows the coast of Lake Superior from Two Harbors, Minnesota to the Canadian border with free campsites every 8-10 miles along the way.

10. Ozark Highlands Trail, Arkansas - This 165-mile trail through the magnificent Ozark Mountains connects to Lake Fort Smith State Park with the Buffalo National River.

What do you think of this list? Got a hike to add? Share your thoughts below!