In recent years there has been an explosion of research praising the many wonderful effects of hiking on our health and general state of wellbeing. Brisk hikes will not only get the heart pumping and cut the risk of heart disease, but also build up your core, lower your cholesterol and blood pressure and help you steer clear of type 2 diabetes. Needless to say, going hiking also comes with a plethora of effects on your mind and spirit.
If you happen to live in the US or you plan on traveling there and you are looking for some good hiking trails, you’ve reached the right place. Lucky for you, the United States is home to some of the most mind-blowing hiking trails on the planet, with breathtaking landscapes dispersed across deserts, coastlines, hills, mountains, and almost any other terrain you could imagine.
Here is a brief list of three of the most beautiful American hiking trails you must explore at least once. Don’t worry about your stuff, you could hire an expert service to handle the luggage delivery to your destination, so you can focus on your hiking backpack and the beautiful scenery revealing itself step by step.
Trail 1: South Kaibab Trail in the Grand Canyon National Park
Located in Arizona, the South Kaibab Trail is by far one of the most fulfilling trails across the US and also a unique way of exploring the famous Grand Canyon. The trail descends several steep switchbacks, enabling hikers to witness the entire magnitude of the Grand Canyon as they set one foot after another while staring into the remarkable depths. Get ready for some amazing views starting at the rim and going all the way down the trail.
Your hike will begin at Yaki Point where filling up water is a must, since you will not find any other water sources along the South Kaibab Trail. Once you start hiking, you will notice many layers of sedimentary rock that are part of a geological record that is two billion years old.
The descent will carry you on a spectacular weaving journey through Kaibab Limestone, followed by a fresh layer of rock called the Coconino Sandstone. This will lead you to the Ooh Aah Point, which is the first panoramic view of the Grand Canyon. From there, the trail carries on in its descent and you may see mules that are oftentimes found across the path, along with shuttling supplies from the Phantom Ranch located at the bottom.
If you are a day hiker, pay close attention to the turn-around points on this trail, called Skeleton Point and Cedar Ridge. The latter is a three-mile round trip hike and it is suitable during hot summer days, while Skeleton measures six miles and it is more suitable for the cold season.
Trail 2: Ocean Trail in the Acadia National Park
Located in Maine, this hiking trail is excellent for families with children who are looking for a pleasant beach stroll, no matter what their level of hiking preparation might be. The trail lets hikers enjoy some of the most inspiring views of the rocky coastline of the United States’ Northeast. Get ready to experience the sounds of the roaring water tumbling down the Thunder Head cave. You could also add more spice to the trail by using it as one of the jumping-off points for several other trails also located within Acadia National Park. Head up to Beehive or Gorham Mountain and get ready for a unique hiking loop.
The trail is initiated at the Sand Beach parking lot and it will carry you alongside the beautiful coastline, from Park Loop Road all the way to Otter Point. The trail’s difficulty is marked as easy, which means it will tend to get particularly crowded most afternoons. You might want to steer clear of the tour buses and start hiking at dawn or when the sun is about to rise, so you can take in the wondrous rays of the sun casting a unique glow on Otter Point’s orange-colored cliffs. You can access the trail all throughout the year and even it is even dog friendly.
Hiking Trail 3: Vesper Peak, North Cascades
Located in Washington State, this popular hiking trail is actually one that will give you a lot of freedom of choice. There are actually several preferred routes on this trail of huge white granite slabs. The trail is located at the heart of Cascade Range, and it is surrounded by a number of rocky ridgelines and lakes bluer than the sky during the summer. Don’t forget to pack your camera and take in the 360-degree views that will reveal themselves right on top, at the summit, where you will find yourself surrounded by an eye-catching and fully Instagramable rainbow made of shades of green, blue, and red.
These are just a few of the most popular and memorable hiking trails you will get the chance to come across in the United States. Make sure to pack light and use a professional luggage delivery service to simplify your experience and solely focus on the journey.
