Ledge trails

From Happy Isles, the hike enters the eastern end of Yosemite Valley and follows the Merced River through forest and granite scenery toward the Vernal Fall Footbridge, where the first open views of the river and surrounding canyon set the tone for one of Yosemite’s most iconic waterfall routes. The Mist…

Distance: 2.9 mi • Elevation gain: 2,228 ft • Maximum elevation: 6,007 ft

Starting at Crabtree Falls, the route climbs the switchbacking Crabtree Falls Trail beside Crabtree Creek, passing a succession of cascades, rock ledges, forested slopes and valley overlooks before reaching the quieter upper creek area near Crabtree Meadows. It then continues through a more remote mountain…

Distance: 9.5 mi • Elevation gain: 2,953 ft • Maximum elevation: 4,012 ft

From the Piper Trailhead in White Mountain National Forest, this loop follows Piper Trail into the forest, turns onto Nickerson Ledge Trail, and climbs toward Carter Ledge, a quieter ridge route known for open ledges, views of Mount Chocorua, and the Three Sisters. The itinerary continues over the Three…

Distance: 8.2 mi • Elevation gain: 2,703 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,442 ft

From Grand Canyon Village, the route leaves the South Rim at the Bright Angel Trailhead near the historic rim area and drops onto the Bright Angel Trail, one of the park’s classic corridor trails, used through time by Indigenous peoples, miners, early tourists, hikers, and mule parties. The descent quickly…

Distance: 3.0 mi • Elevation gain: 860 ft • Maximum elevation: 6,841 ft

Starting at the Tuxedo Park and Ride above the Ramapo Valley, the route climbs out of Southfields on the Wildcat Mountain Trail, passes the wooded shoulder of Wildcat Mountain, and threads a quiet ridge corridor between Harriman State Park and Sterling Forest State Park before bending toward Townsend Trail and…

Distance: 12.5 mi • Elevation gain: 2,415 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,073 ft

From the Auxier Ridge trailhead, the loop first slips into forest on the Double Arch side, passing sandstone walls, hemlocks and magnolias before reaching the broad overlook beneath Double Arch, with views opening toward the rock country of Red River Gorge. The route then links through Auxier Branch, where…

Distance: 6.1 mi • Elevation gain: 942 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,296 ft

Starting at the Delicate Arch Trailhead, the route leaves the parking area near Salt Wash and follows Delicate Arch Trail past the historic Wolfe Ranch area and the nearby Ute Indian petroglyph panel. From there, it heads into open desert terrain, crossing shallow drainages and moving away from the easier…

Distance: 3.2 mi • Elevation gain: 636 ft • Maximum elevation: 4,820 ft

From the Zion Canyon floor near the Virgin River, the Angels Landing route follows the West Rim Trail away from The Grotto, climbing quickly above the cottonwoods and canyon walls with widening views toward landmarks such as The Organ, the Great White Throne, and the surrounding sandstone cliffs of Zion…

Distance: 4.6 mi • Elevation gain: 2,513 ft • Maximum elevation: 5,515 ft

Starting from the Darlington side of Ramapo Valley County Reservation, this loop follows Vista Spur Trail toward the Ramapo River before joining Pond Loop Trail beside Scarlet Oak Pond. The route soon leaves the water on Vista Loop, climbing through the forest to Hawk Rock and Cactus Ledge, where open rock…

Distance: 12.0 mi • Elevation gain: 1,719 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,152 ft

Ledges State Park offers a scenic hiking experience that showcases the beauty of Iowa's natural landscape. The route connecting Council Ring, Table Rock, and Crow's Nest features stunning views of the Des Moines River Valley, along with the unique sandstone formations that define the park. Along the trail,…

Distance: 1.7 mi • Elevation gain: 420 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,053 ft

Starting near the Zion–Mount Carmel Tunnel, the Canyon Overlook Trail climbs sandstone steps and follows rocky ledges above Pine Creek’s shadowed slot canyon. The route then winds through pale slickrock, canyon walls, desert shrubs, and sheltered alcoves, with chances to spot bighorn sheep along the way.…

Distance: 0.5 mi • Elevation gain: 220 ft • Maximum elevation: 5,312 ft

Starting from the Overlook Mountain Trail trailhead, the route climbs steadily through Overlook Mountain Wild Forest on a broad forest track, passing mixed Catskill woodland and the slopes above Mount Guardian. Higher on the route, the path reaches the atmospheric Overlook Mountain House ruins, then continues…

Distance: 4.8 mi • Elevation gain: 1,434 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,094 ft

The hike to Rattlesnake Mountain offers a captivating journey through both dense forests and exposed ridges. The first stretch to the ledge provides stunning views of the Rattlesnake Lake and surrounding peaks like Mount Si and Mailbox Peak, while ascending further on the mountain trail leads to quieter spots…

Distance: 9.9 mi • Elevation gain: 3,202 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,448 ft

Distance: 11.9 mi • Elevation gain: 3,944 ft • Maximum elevation: 4,022 ft

Loop hike from Ferncroft to Mount Passaconaway via Ferncroft Road, Squirrel Bridge Road, Blueberry Ledge Trail, Rollins Trail, Dicey's Mill Trail, View Spur and Walden Trail in the Sandwich Range Wilderness, the Bowl Research Natural Area and the White Mountain National Forest. #Hiking #Loop #Mountain #Forest…

Distance: 11.7 mi • Elevation gain: 4,140 ft • Maximum elevation: 4,022 ft

Dark Hollow Falls Trail in Shenandoah National Park offers a scenic hike through lush forests, taking visitors through a vibrant mix of plant life, including towering hardwoods and thick underbrush. The trail leads to the breathtaking Dark Hollow Falls, where the water cascades down a series of rocky ledges,…

Distance: 1.7 mi • Elevation gain: 591 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,428 ft

This loop provides a scenic hike with varied landscapes, beginning along the serene shores of Scarlet Oak Pond and climbing to viewpoints like Hawk Rock and Cactus Ledge, where sweeping views extend across Bergen County and, on clear days, toward the New York City skyline. This trail is highlighted by its…

Distance: 3.5 mi • Elevation gain: 741 ft • Maximum elevation: 820 ft

The McAfee Knob hike is a must-do for anyone who enjoys panoramic mountain views. The trail offers a mix of shady forest paths, steady inclines, and a few rest stops along the way, making it a comfortable yet challenging route up Catawba Mountain. Once you reach the iconic rock ledge, you’re rewarded with…

Distance: 8.6 mi • Elevation gain: 1,709 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,123 ft

The Mount Monadnock Loop offers a diverse hiking experience with a combination of challenging rock scrambles and scenic views. The ascent via the White Dot Trail is steep and demanding, with plenty of rocky terrain, while the White Cross Trail provides a somewhat gentler but still rugged descent, featuring…

Distance: 4.0 mi • Elevation gain: 1,736 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,110 ft

The Rattlesnake Ledge Trail offers a scenic and invigorating hike that begins at Rattlesnake Lake and ascends through lush forested areas. As you gain elevation, you'll be treated to expansive views of Rattlesnake Lake, the surrounding Cascade foothills, and, from the summit, panoramic vistas of the Southern…

Distance: 4.4 mi • Elevation gain: 1,480 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,995 ft

The Highline Trail in Glacier National Park offers hikers a dramatic and scenic route through wildflower-filled meadows, rugged cliffs, and alpine vistas. Along the way, you’ll encounter the famous Ledge Section and the iconic Garden Wall, where the trail hugs the cliffside above the Going-to-the-Sun Road,…

Distance: 15.2 mi • Elevation gain: 4,042 ft • Maximum elevation: 7,303 ft

The Pine Grove Trail and Ledges Trail Loop from Kendall Lake offers a delightful blend of scenic views and diverse landscapes. Hikers will traverse through lush forests filled with towering pines and hemlocks, and experience striking rock formations, particularly at the Ledges Overlook, which provides a…

Distance: 4.3 mi • Elevation gain: 331 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,037 ft

The Ragged Mountain Loop offers a captivating hiking experience, showcasing expansive rocky vistas and stunning views over the Wassel Reservoir. As hikers navigate the moderately challenging terrain, they are treated to sights of vertical cliffs and diverse flora, with opportunities to spot rock climbers along…

Distance: 5.6 mi • Elevation gain: 784 ft • Maximum elevation: 715 ft

Hiking Mount Pierce via Crawford Path offers a rewarding and picturesque experience in New Hampshire's White Mountains. The route takes hikers through varied landscapes, from the forested sections near Gibbs Falls to the open, expansive views at the summit. Along the way, the trail provides glimpses of distant…

Distance: 6.2 mi • Elevation gain: 2,408 ft • Maximum elevation: 4,278 ft

The Pine Grove and Ledges Trails Loop offers a serene blend of forested paths, rocky outcrops, and dramatic sandstone formations. Starting from Kendall Lake, the hike transitions from the quiet tranquility of the Pine Grove Trail's wooded sections to the rugged beauty of the Ledges Trail, where massive rock…

Distance: 4.2 mi • Elevation gain: 318 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,037 ft

The Precipice Loop offers a thrilling yet challenging hiking experience in Acadia National Park. Hikers will enjoy sweeping views over Frenchman Bay and the surrounding coastline, with sections of the trail providing dramatic cliffside scrambles, iron rungs, and narrow ledges. As you ascend, the route unveils…

Distance: 2.8 mi • Elevation gain: 1,152 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,040 ft

Loop hike above North Lake and South Lake via North Mountain, Escarpment Trail, Newmans Ledge, Lookout Rock, Sunset Rock, Mountain House Trail, Catskill Mountain House Site, South Mountain and Schutt Road in the Windham-Blackhead Range Wilderness, the Kaaterskill Wild Forest and the Catskill Park. #Hiking…

Distance: 6.2 mi • Elevation gain: 1,099 ft • Maximum elevation: 2,612 ft

The Rattlesnake Ledge Trail offers a rewarding hiking experience with well-maintained paths that wind through lush forests, leading to stunning viewpoints over Rattlesnake Lake and the surrounding Cascade Mountains. The moderate incline is manageable for most hikers, providing ample opportunities to admire…

Distance: 5.5 mi • Elevation gain: 1,991 ft • Maximum elevation: 2,313 ft

The Cherry Creek Falls Trail in Marckworth State Forest offers hikers a serene journey through lush forests, crossing gentle streams and meandering along well-maintained paths. The trail culminates at the picturesque Cherry Creek Falls, where water cascades gracefully over a rock ledge into a pool below. Along…

Distance: 4.9 mi • Elevation gain: 492 ft • Maximum elevation: 436 ft

The Ledges Loop Trail offers a captivating hiking experience characterized by towering sandstone cliffs and lush hardwood forests. Along the trail, you'll encounter unique geological features, including intriguing rock formations with honeycomb-like patterns, as well as vibrant wildlife such as chipmunks and…

Distance: 2.4 mi • Elevation gain: 144 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,053 ft

The Little Falls Trail is a captivating short hike that leads to a peaceful, scenic spot. Along the route, hikers are treated to views of the river and canyon, with the highlight being Little Falls itself, a gentle cascade flowing over sandstone ledges. The surrounding forest offers a quiet escape, with…

Distance: 1.6 mi • Elevation gain: 190 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,220 ft

Rattlesnake Mountain Scenic Area. Rattlesnake Lake. #Hiking #Mountain #Lake #Forest #Nature

Distance: 5.4 mi • Elevation gain: 2,126 ft • Maximum elevation: 2,313 ft

The Chauncey Peak Loop Trail offers hikers a blend of rugged terrain and stunning views. As you ascend, you’ll encounter rocky ledges that provide panoramic vistas overlooking Crescent Lake and the distant skyline of Hartford, along with the impressive Hanging Hills and Sleeping Giant mountains. The diverse…

Distance: 2.3 mi • Elevation gain: 407 ft • Maximum elevation: 630 ft

Distance: 1.3 mi • Elevation gain: 154 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,191 ft

Distance: 4.3 mi • Elevation gain: 381 ft • Maximum elevation: 518 ft

Distance: 2.2 mi • Elevation gain: 233 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,040 ft

Distance: 1.2 mi • Elevation gain: 325 ft • Maximum elevation: 781 ft

Mariposa County Hiking

Distance: 2.6 mi • Elevation gain: 4,734 ft • Maximum elevation: 7,208 ft

Distance: 3.3 mi • Elevation gain: 354 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,056 ft

Distance: 0.8 mi • Elevation gain: 151 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,296 ft