In addition to its amazing cities, one of the main reasons the US is such a popular destination to visit and explore is because of its incredible natural beauty. From mountains to beaches, and deserts to forests, the vast United States is an outdoor paradise for international and domestic travelers alike.
And it’s easy to explore large swaths of this natural wonder at the many national parks, national monuments, and national forests spread across the country. This is excellent news for hikers. Everyone from novices to seasoned backcountry explorers can find anything from an enjoyable day hike to an epic transcontinental journey in the USA.
But before you set off on your USA hiking adventure, be sure to explore hazardous sports travel insurance. Not all standard travel insurance plans will provide coverage for hazardous activities like hiking, so you’ll want to make sure you have proper coverage in case you become injured or have some other medical complication. Without it, the cost of treatment may be more than you can afford.
If you’re planning to visit the US from another country and will not be taking part in any strenuous hikes, visitors medical insurance is the coverage you need. It can provide protection from massive US healthcare costs if you unexpectedly get sick or become injured outside your home country.
Now, let’s explore five of the very best hikes in the US.
The Narrows at Zion National Park
Traverse the Narrows to experience steep slot canyon walls extending skyward in one of the world’s most beautiful hiking destinations. The great thing about the Narrows is that there isn’t just one view or specific part to see; the entire hike is beautiful, and you can make it as long or as short as you want. Just bring waterproof gear and watch for flash flooding, as most of this hike is near (and in) the river.
Lost Mine Trail at Big Bend National Park
If you find beauty in solitude, few places offer more of it than Big Bend National Park in Texas, near the Mexico border. And Lost Mine Trail is one of the best ways to experience it. This five-mile round-trip hike places you on a ridgeline with incredible long-range views overlooking Pine Canyon and surrounded by junipers, pines and oak trees. Time your hike to get back near dark and enjoy some of the best stargazing in the US.
Highline Trail at Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park in Montana offers more then 700 hiking trails, but Highline is possibly the best. Surrounded with mountain vistas, this trail offers some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the country. Here, you can see mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and marmots. Grizzly bears also live in this area, so hikers should carry and be sure to know how to use bear spray.
Continental Divide Trail
If you’re in search of a big adventure, it doesn’t get much more massive than this. Stretching from the Canadian border to the Mexican border, the full Continental Divide Trail is more than 3,000 miles long, running through the states of Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico. Though just a few dozen hikers manage the whole trail each year, you can do portions of it for a taste of the experience.
Cadillac Mountain Summit at Acadia National Park
The unique thing about this hike in Maine is the light. During the fall and winter, hikers who set out just before sunrise can witness the first rays of sunlight to touch the US. Even if you’re not an early riser, this hike is still worth it. It climbs 1,350 feet to the mountain summit, with spectacular views through breaks in the brilliant evergreens. Just keep in mind that the mountain’s summit can also be accessed by car, so don’t expect to be alone during the summer season.