By Elise Armitage | Wealth of Geeks
Outdoor Foundation’s Participation Trends Report finds a record 175.8 million participants in various outdoor activities. 57.3% of all Americans aged six and older are getting outdoors. The number one nature-based leisure activity is hiking — 20% of the population hit the trails, approximately double the number in 2010.
In 2022, the Outdoor Foundation and Outdoor Industry Association noted similar findings. The United States hiker community grew by 1.5% in 2022, bringing the total number to a record high of 59.6 million.
Statista reports an 89% increase in American hikers from 2010 to 2023. There was a significant jump from 2019, when fewer than 50 million people hiked, to 2020 when more than 57.8 million Americans hit the trails.
The American Trails organization blames the spike on the COVID-19 pandemic. As businesses and stores closed, Americans sought alternative pastimes such as hiking. While numbers dipped In the years following the pandemic, the country continues to show a strong interest in getting outside and enjoying nature.
Summer is one of the most popular seasons to go hiking in America. As temperatures rise nationwide, hikers are lacing their boots to tackle the trails in full force. Take advantage of the warm weather this season by visiting the ten best states for hiking.
10 Best States to Go Hiking This Season
A May 2024 KURU Footwear analysis identified the country’s best hiking states. Researchers considered the number of trails, difficulty levels, reviews, and annual precipitation rates when determining America’s top trail destinations.
Colorado
The Centennial State reigns as one of the best places for hiking in the United States. Colorado offers much to discover, from the Rocky Mountains to the Great Sand Dunes. Bold explorers up for the challenge can consider summiting a mountain over 14,000 feet tall, known as a “14er.” The Colorado Fourteeners Initiative estimates 279,000 Colorado hikers climbed 14ers in 2022.
“My favorite easy hike in Colorado is the stunning Hanging Lake Trail. The emerald waters and lush scenery make it a truly magical experience,” says xoxoBella ’s Bella Bucchiotti. “For a more challenging adventure, I love trekking to the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. The rugged terrain and breathtaking views make it an unforgettable experience.”
Those traveling from a lower-elevation area should exercise caution before immediately hitting Colorado trails. Give your body a few days to acclimate to the altitude, or you may experience altitude sickness and subsequent headaches and nausea.
California
KURU Footwear says California provides the most hiking opportunities among America’s top 10 states. With over 12,000 trails to explore across popular hiking areas like Yosemite, Joshua Tree, and Sequoia National Parks, you’ll never run out of new things to see and do.
The state’s terrain varies from expansive deserts to old-growth forests and snow-capped peaks. Hikers of all experience levels can join the fun and create unforgettable memories on trails throughout California.
Arizona
KURU Footwear reports that Arizona boasts the most well-liked trails, with 54% rated 4.5 out of 5 stars. The state is famous for its desert landscapes, most notably Grand Canyon National Park.
Arizona weather conditions can change quickly. Pack lightweight layers like tank tops and jackets to add or shed as temperatures fluctuate.
“With desert areas, you have to be more aware,” Catherine Xu of Day Trip Nomad cautions. “Have enough water, don’t overheat your car, make sure you have enough gas for where you’re going, and know that flash floods happen quickly if the weather turns.”
Spend a weekend in Sedona, Flagstaff, or Phoenix for Arizona’s top hiking experiences. Visitors of all ages can enjoy one-of-a-kind sights throughout the state.
“My favorite trails are through slot canyons, so of course, the famous Antelope Canyon,” Xu recommends.
Montana
Hiking in Montana will transport you to a Western film set. Experience the state’s grandeur through its thousands of miles of hiking trails. Glacier National Park is gorgeous on foot, and hikers can expect to see native wildlife, glaciers, and rocky peaks.
The Highline Trail, an almost 15-mile trek that begins at a visitor center, is an essential Glacier National Park experience. Observant explorers often spot animals like bears and mountain goats along the trail, contributing to visitors’ sense of adventure.
New York
Though it may not be the first state that comes to mind when people think of hiking, New York has a surprising array of trails. Find peace among the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple by embarking on an urban adventure through sprawling Central Park. Meanwhile, the northern Catskill and Adirondack Mountains provide additional escape from city life.
Portions of the Appalachian Trail, a long-distance hike comprising over 2,000 miles between Georgia and Maine, also run through the state. These areas provide a unique contrast between the serenity of nature and distant skyline views of New York City.
Utah
Utah boasts five national parks and some of America’s most iconic trails. Hikers flock to the state for its distinctive rock formations, canyons, spires, and natural arches.
Many Utah trails warrant exploration, from Delicate Arch to Angels Landing. Arrive fully prepared with sturdy and comfortable gym shoes or boots with enough traction to avoid slipping on rocky paths.
Texas
While Texas is best known for its bustling cities and cowboy culture, it also has excellent hiking opportunities. Visitors in destinations such as Austin or Dallas can conveniently enjoy a nature-filled weekend.
Areas like Big Bend and the Guadalupe Mountains feature rugged landscapes unique to the Lone Star State. Texas trails vary in difficulty, expanding accessibility to hikers of all skill levels.
Washington
On Washington’s trails, spectators can see volcanoes, glaciers, rainforests, prairies, and more. Regardless of age or fitness level, the state’s wilderness regions offer enjoyable activities for the entire family.
“I particularly love the North Cascades, Cascade Pass, and Sahale Glacier, which offer incredible views and a relatively straightforward approach (compared to other areas),” shares photographer and writer Alec Sills-Trausch.
Despite Washington’s rainy weather, you can still have fun hiking with proper rain gear. Avoid impractical shoes like slide sandals, and opt for waterproof sneakers or boots to keep your feet dry.
“Washington’s summer starts in July as the snow lingers, especially on northern slopes,” Sills-Trausch explains. “If you come to hike in the PNW, carry your hiking essentials and monitor weather conditions.”
North Carolina
Despite having the highest precipitation of KURU’s top 10 hiking states, North Carolina is a can’t-miss destination. The state is popular among hikers thanks to the Great Smoky Mountains, America’s most-visited national park. Discover hidden waterfalls, summit rocky peaks, and camp under the stars in the state’s nearly 3,000 hiking areas.
“As we often hike with our young kids, our favorite hike in North Carolina is the Max Patch trail, located along the Appalachian Trail and close to Asheville,” says Alex Caspero, Food and Travel Writer at Delish Knowledge. “It’s a fairly easy hike, just a 1.5-mile loop, with spectacular 360° views. The trail is a gradual climb, and the views only improve as you reach the top. The end is the top of a bald summit and the perfect place to enjoy a picnic.”
Oregon
Oregon is an incredibly diverse and captivating place to go hiking. Its high precipitation levels result in the state’s signature lush greenery. Whether visiting for a weekend or a week, reserve an afternoon to get outside and tackle an Oregon hike.
“Perhaps no trail better captures the beauty of hiking in Oregon than the Eagle Creek Trail in the Columbia River Gorge,” says Derek Carlson, writer at Roam the Northwest. “While long at 12 miles round trip, this trail has minimal climbing and takes you past eight major waterfalls, including the storied Tunnel Falls, where you’ll pass through a tunnel directly behind the falls.”
This article was produced by Media Decision and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.
