Ridge trails

The Lake Isabelle, Long Lake, and Brainard Lake Loop in Colorado's Indian Peaks Wilderness offers hikers a journey through diverse landscapes, including wildflower meadows, subalpine forests, and mountain vistas. Along the trail, one can observe Long Lake and Lake Isabelle, both set against a backdrop of…

Distance: 6.3 mi • Elevation gain: 781 ft • Maximum elevation: 10,955 ft

The Vivian Creek Trail to San Gorgonio Mountain offers hikers a challenging ascent through diverse terrains, including shaded forests, alpine meadows, and rocky ridgelines. Along the route, one can observe a variety of plant life, from dense woodlands at lower elevations to sparse vegetation near the summit.…

Distance: 18.0 mi • Elevation gain: 5,574 ft • Maximum elevation: 11,490 ft

The hike to Mary's Rock via the Appalachian Trail in Shenandoah National Park offers a rewarding ascent through diverse forested landscapes, culminating in expansive vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Shenandoah Valley the rolling hills of the Piedmont region. Along the route, hikers can observe a variety…

Distance: 3.8 mi • Elevation gain: 1,365 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,425 ft

The Crabtree Falls Loop Trail, situated along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina, offers hikers a journey through a lush hardwood forest, leading to the base of a picturesque 70-foot cascade. Along the trail, one can observe diverse flora, including wildflowers in early summer and ferns near the…

Distance: 2.8 mi • Elevation gain: 525 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,766 ft

The Stevens Canyon Loop, traversing the Tony Look, Lookout, and Coyote Ridge Trails in Stevens Creek County Park, offers a diverse hiking experience. Hikers can enjoy views of the Stevens Creek Reservoir, rolling hills, oak woodlands, with occasional views of the distant San Jose area. The well-maintained…

Distance: 6.3 mi • Elevation gain: 1,211 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,010 ft

The Amicalola Falls Loop offers hikers a diverse experience through Georgia's natural beauty. The Creek Trail leads to the base of the 729-foot Amicalola Falls, providing close-up views of the cascading water and the surrounding lush forest. Ascending the East Ridge Trail, hikers are treated to panoramic…

Distance: 2.1 mi • Elevation gain: 837 ft • Maximum elevation: 2,552 ft

The South Kaibab Trail offers some of the most breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon, with expansive vistas that reveal the rugged terrain of the canyon’s depths. As you descend, you'll pass several key points like Ooh Aah Point, Cedar Ridge, Skeleton Point and O'Neill Butte, where the landscape opens up to…

Distance: 14.9 mi • Elevation gain: 6,378 ft • Maximum elevation: 7,224 ft

The Grandeur Peak Trail offers hikers a scenic and relatively short but steep ascent through Utah's Wasatch Mountains. Starting at Church Fork, the trail follows a shaded creek before transitioning into a series of switchbacks, eventually leading to a ridge with panoramic views. Along the way, hikers can spot…

Distance: 5.8 mi • Elevation gain: 2,336 ft • Maximum elevation: 8,251 ft

The hike to Hawksbill Summit via the Lower Hawksbill Trail is a moderately challenging hike through a lush, forested path that eventually opens up to stunning panoramic views from the highest peak in Shenandoah National Park. Along the route, hikers navigate rocky terrain, pass through shaded woodlands lined…

Distance: 1.6 mi • Elevation gain: 623 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,993 ft

The Hawksbill Trail in Linville Gorge offers a rewarding hiking experience that begins with a gradual climb through a forested path lined with rhododendron and hardwood trees. As you ascend, the trail becomes steeper and rockier, with the final stretch requiring a bit of a scramble before reaching the summit.…

Distance: 2.2 mi • Elevation gain: 696 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,944 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

The Fortynine Palms Trail offers a scenic and somewhat strenuous journey into the heart of Joshua Tree National Park. As hikers ascend the ridge, they are treated to panoramic desert views, featuring stark rocky landscapes and vibrant desert flora like barrel cacti, creosote bushes, and the occasional spiny…

Distance: 3.1 mi • Elevation gain: 692 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,081 ft

The Crescent Rock Vista hike along the Appalachian Trail offers a serene journey through dense forest, culminating in breathtaking panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley, including the rolling Massanutten Mountain range. As you make your way along the trail, you’ll pass through peaceful woodlands of…

Distance: 5.5 mi • Elevation gain: 1,417 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,227 ft

The Ridge, Panorama, and Bluffs Loop in Andrew Molera State Park offers a striking variety of landscapes, from peaceful meadows and the rugged Big Sur River to sweeping coastal views and the forested ridges. Hikers will enjoy diverse vistas, including expansive looks at the Pacific Ocean, and may even…

Distance: 8.0 mi • Elevation gain: 1,480 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,096 ft

The hike to Cecret Lake via the Upper Albion Meadows Trail offers a peaceful journey through colorful wildflower meadows, leading to a serene alpine lake surrounded by striking rocky cliffs. As you ascend, you’ll be treated to views of Albion Basin, where vibrant summer wildflowers and the chance to spot…

Distance: 4.6 mi • Elevation gain: 1,194 ft • Maximum elevation: 9,875 ft

The hike to Blood Mountain via the Byron Herbert Reece Trail and Appalachian Trail offers a dynamic journey through lush forest canopies, rocky outcrops, and sweeping summit views. The route begins with a steady ascent through a valley lined with rhododendrons, ferns, and moss-covered boulders, eventually…

Distance: 4.3 mi • Elevation gain: 1,411 ft • Maximum elevation: 4,390 ft

The Mount Sanitas and Sanitas Valley Loop offers a rewarding hike with a combination of steep ascents, scenic overlooks, and diverse terrain. The route begins with the Sanitas Valley Trail, which meanders through open valleys, providing expansive views of the Boulder foothills. Once you begin the climb toward…

Distance: 3.2 mi • Elevation gain: 1,260 ft • Maximum elevation: 6,762 ft

The Clouds Rest Trail in Yosemite offers hikers a rewarding, strenuous challenge with breathtaking views throughout. As you ascend, the landscape transforms from lush forest to open granite ridgelines, with expansive vistas of Tenaya Lake and the iconic Half Dome in the distance. The final approach to the…

Distance: 12.6 mi • Elevation gain: 2,864 ft • Maximum elevation: 9,813 ft

The Graveyard Falls Loop Trail in Pisgah National Forest offers a dynamic hiking experience, blending scenic waterfalls with unique natural history. The trail meanders through open meadows and dense rhododendron thickets, a contrast shaped by a 1925 wildfire that left behind a landscape of exposed tree stumps…

Distance: 3.2 mi • Elevation gain: 472 ft • Maximum elevation: 5,312 ft

The Mount Pemigewasset Trail offers a relatively short but rewarding hike through the forest with beautiful views as you ascend. Along the way, hikers pass through tunnels beneath the highway and climb steady, rocky paths that lead to a broad summit. From the peak, the panoramic views extend across the…

Distance: 3.5 mi • Elevation gain: 1,227 ft • Maximum elevation: 2,484 ft

The Grassy Ridge Bald hike via the Appalachian Trail in the Roan Highlands is a standout experience for nature lovers. This trek features a progression through three scenic balds—Round Bald, Jane Bald, and Grassy Ridge Bald—each offering increasingly expansive views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and beyond.…

Distance: 4.6 mi • Elevation gain: 1,148 ft • Maximum elevation: 6,181 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 Mount Sanitas Trail in Boulder offers a rewarding and scenic hike with stunning views of both the city and the rugged Front Range. As you ascend, you'll encounter a mix of wooded areas, rocky steps, and exposed ridges, with the summit providing panoramic vistas that include Boulder to the east and the…

Distance: 2.6 mi • Elevation gain: 1,230 ft • Maximum elevation: 6,762 ft

The Faraway Rock Loop via Mazama Ridge Trail offers a peaceful yet rewarding hike through Mount Rainier National Park, where hikers are treated to expansive views of the surrounding wilderness. The route meanders through vibrant wildflower meadows in the summer, with stunning sights of Mount Rainier, the…

Distance: 5.2 mi • Elevation gain: 1,352 ft • Maximum elevation: 5,784 ft

The Delicate Arch Trail offers a rewarding experience, combining a moderately challenging hike with breathtaking scenery. The trail takes you through varied terrain, including stretches of slickrock and a narrow sandstone ridge, leading to the iconic arch perched dramatically above a natural rock bowl. Along…

Distance: 3.1 mi • Elevation gain: 581 ft • Maximum elevation: 4,820 ft

The Bearfence Mountain Loop offers a captivating and varied hike in Shenandoah National Park, known for its combination of rock scrambling and spectacular views. As you ascend, you'll enjoy panoramic vistas of the Shenandoah Valley and the Virginia Piedmont, including expansive views of the surrounding Blue…

Distance: 1.1 mi • Elevation gain: 236 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,530 ft

The Table Rock Trail offers a visually rewarding experience with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the Table Rock Reservoir. As you ascend, you'll pass through lush, preserved forest landscapes and cross over multiple creeks, where small waterfalls add to the scenic charm of the hike. At the…

Distance: 7.0 mi • Elevation gain: 2,369 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,097 ft

The Mount Washington Trail offers a challenging yet rewarding hike through lush forests and rocky ridges. As you ascend, the dense canopy gives way to open vistas, revealing dramatic views of nearby peaks and valleys, including occasional glimpses of Mount Rainier. The final stretch provides a rugged but…

Distance: 8.0 mi • Elevation gain: 3,376 ft • Maximum elevation: 4,321 ft

The Painted Canyon and Ladder Canyon Trail Loop offers a dynamic mix of adventure and scenery, from colorful rock walls to narrow slot canyons. The trail's iconic ladders allow hikers to navigate through steep sections, adding a touch of excitement as they climb through twisting pathways. At higher points,…

Distance: 4.7 mi • Elevation gain: 1,060 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,339 ft

The Mount Ida Trail offers a rewarding hike along the Continental Divide. Beginning near Poudre Lake, the route transitions from serene subalpine forests to expansive alpine tundra, revealing stunning vistas of the Never Summer Mountains and distant peaks like Longs Peak. The final stretch to the summit, while…

Distance: 9.9 mi • Elevation gain: 2,736 ft • Maximum elevation: 12,841 ft

The Old Rag Mountain Loop offers one of the most iconic and challenging hiking experiences in Shenandoah National Park, featuring rocky scrambles, expansive views, and a rewarding sense of accomplishment. Hikers are treated to panoramic vistas from the summit, where the rugged Blue Ridge Mountains unfold in…

Distance: 9.1 mi • Elevation gain: 2,470 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,248 ft

The Heliotrope Ridge Trail, followed by the Coleman-Deming Route, offers hikers and mountaineers a unique blend of challenging terrain and breathtaking vistas as they approach Mount Baker’s summit. As you ascend, the trail takes you past scenic alpine meadows and views of towering glaciers, particularly the…

Distance: 6.4 mi • Elevation gain: 7,106 ft • Maximum elevation: 10,719 ft

Distance: 3.5 mi • Elevation gain: 469 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,234 ft

The Crown Point Loop hike offers an immersive journey through some of the most beautiful alpine terrain in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Starting with the Bullion Basin Trail, you'll wind through lush meadows and dense forests before reaching the ridge for expansive views. As you follow the…

Distance: 7.4 mi • Elevation gain: 2,333 ft • Maximum elevation: 6,322 ft

This hike to Indian Bar offers a remarkable journey through some of Mount Rainier National Park's most diverse landscapes. Beginning with shaded forests and gradually opening into the expansive meadows of Summerland, the trail rewards hikers with views of cascading waterfalls, wildflower fields, rugged…

Distance: 8.7 mi • Elevation gain: 3,304 ft • Maximum elevation: 6,775 ft

The Mount Bierstadt Trail offers a fantastic opportunity to summit one of Colorado's iconic 14ers with relatively moderate difficulty. Starting from the Guanella Pass Trailhead, the route takes hikers through alpine meadows, crossing wooden bridges over Scott Gomer Creek, and gradually ascending toward the…

Distance: 3.7 mi • Elevation gain: 2,549 ft • Maximum elevation: 14,035 ft

The Monkey Face Loop offers a remarkable adventure through Smith Rock State Park, showcasing sweeping panoramas of towering rock formations and the winding Crooked River. Hikers are treated to dramatic views from the summit of Misery Ridge, where the valley below unfolds in all its rugged beauty, with the…

Distance: 4.8 mi • Elevation gain: 1,841 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,304 ft

The Looking Glass Rock Trail in Pisgah National Forest offers a rewarding, moderately challenging hike with spectacular vistas. As you ascend, you'll pass through shaded forests, cross a stream, and encounter sections lined with rhododendron and mountain laurel, especially vibrant in spring. Once at the…

Distance: 2.7 mi • Elevation gain: 1,660 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,911 ft

The route to Castle Peak in Tahoe National Forest offers a scenic and moderate challenge for hikers, with expansive views of the Sierra Nevada's rugged terrain. The trail weaves through a mixture of rocky ridgelines, alpine meadows, and forested paths, revealing picturesque vistas of distant peaks such as…

Distance: 5.9 mi • Elevation gain: 1,900 ft • Maximum elevation: 8,986 ft

The Andesite Peak Loop in the Tahoe National Forest, is a diverse and rewarding hike. Along the way, you'll traverse through lush meadows, ascend rocky ridgelines, and enjoy sweeping views of surrounding peaks like Castle Peak, with its volcanic features from ancient eruptions. The route provides an…

Distance: 4.8 mi • Elevation gain: 915 ft • Maximum elevation: 8,064 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

The Dog Mountain and Augspurger Trail Loop offers an unforgettable experience, featuring spectacular wildflower meadows and sweeping vistas of the Columbia River Gorge. As you ascend, you’ll traverse a variety of terrains—from lush forests to rocky, exposed ridgelines—while being rewarded with panoramic…

Distance: 6.8 mi • Elevation gain: 2,851 ft • Maximum elevation: 2,913 ft

Distance: 8.9 mi • Elevation gain: 699 ft • Maximum elevation: 948 ft

The Green Mountain hike via Gregory Canyon and Ranger Trails offers a moderately challenging journey through varied terrain, with sweeping views of the Boulder Valley and surrounding peaks. Hikers will experience a mix of shaded forest paths, rocky ridgelines, and open meadows, culminating in panoramic vistas…

Distance: 2.8 mi • Elevation gain: 2,208 ft • Maximum elevation: 8,035 ft

The loop hike via Mount Si and Mount Teneriffe Trails provides an exceptional experience in the Mount Si Natural Resources Conservation Area. The route offers a mix of dense, lush forests and sweeping vistas, including views of Mount Rainier, Rattlesnake Ridge, and the surrounding Cascades. Hikers will…

Distance: 8.7 mi • Elevation gain: 3,327 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,953 ft

The Dickerman Mountain Trail is a challenging but rewarding route in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The hike offers a steady ascent through dense forests, eventually transitioning to alpine meadows and rocky ridgelines. From the summit, hikers are treated to breathtaking views, including the…

Distance: 3.4 mi • Elevation gain: 3,865 ft • Maximum elevation: 5,653 ft

The hike to Camp Muir via the Skyline Trail and Muir Snowfield in Mount Rainier National Park offers a breathtaking journey through vibrant wildflower meadows, rocky terrain, and expansive snowfields. As you ascend, views of nearby volcanic peaks, hanging glaciers, and ridges like Tatoosh open up, making each…

Distance: 8.4 mi • Elevation gain: 4,678 ft • Maximum elevation: 10,046 ft

Hiking Mount Islip offers a well-rounded experience in the San Gabriel Mountains. Along the route, you'll encounter diverse landscapes, including dense forests, scenic ridgelines, and expansive views stretching from the Mojave Desert to the surrounding San Gabriel Canyon, with glimpses of the rugged ridges and…

Distance: 5.5 mi • Elevation gain: 2,438 ft • Maximum elevation: 8,222 ft

Hike from South Kaibab Trailhead to North Kaibab Trailhead via Ooh Aah Point, Cedar Ridge, Skeleton Point, Tipoff Shelter, Kaibab Suspension Bridge, Colorado River, Bright Angel Site, Phantom Ranch Village, Bright Angel Creek, Cotonwood Campground and Coconino Overlook in the Grand Canyon National Park.…

Distance: 20.8 mi • Elevation gain: 9,423 ft • Maximum elevation: 8,258 ft

Distance: 1.0 mi • Elevation gain: 16 ft • Maximum elevation: 49 ft

The South Ridge Trail to Tahquitz Peak offers hikers an invigorating ascent through a dense pine and oak forest, with expansive views of Idyllwild, Suicide Rock, and Lily Rock emerging as you climb. As you gain elevation, the trail opens up to breathtaking vistas of the San Jacinto Mountains, offering glimpses…

Distance: 6.6 mi • Elevation gain: 2,290 ft • Maximum elevation: 8,750 ft

The Dirty Harry's Peak Trail offers a vigorous and rewarding hike through the Middle Fork Snoqualmie Natural Resources Conservation Area. The route begins by climbing steadily through dense forests, eventually breaking into rocky terrain with expansive views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. From the…

Distance: 8.0 mi • Elevation gain: 3,547 ft • Maximum elevation: 4,567 ft

Hiking to Saddleback offers a rugged adventure amidst the stunning desert landscape of Tucson, Arizona. Along the route, hikers are treated to expansive views of Sabino Canyon and Bear Canyon, with striking features like towering saguaro cacti, prickly pear, and diverse birdlife. The challenging ascents…

Distance: 5.6 mi • Elevation gain: 1,896 ft • Maximum elevation: 4,377 ft

The Hurricane Hill Nature Trail offers a relatively easy, yet rewarding hike within Olympic National Park, providing stunning panoramic views from Hurricane Ridge. As you ascend, you'll be treated to sweeping vistas of snow-capped peaks, including Mount Olympus, while also spotting vibrant wildflower meadows…

Distance: 1.6 mi • Elevation gain: 797 ft • Maximum elevation: 5,719 ft

The Gem Lake Trail offers an enjoyable hike through varied terrain, taking visitors past grassy meadows, shaded forests, and rocky outcroppings. Once at Gem Lake, hikers are treated to panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including Lumpy Ridge's granite formations, and can explore the lake's tranquil…

Distance: 2.9 mi • Elevation gain: 997 ft • Maximum elevation: 8,832 ft

The hike to Mount Baden-Powell offers an impressive ascent through diverse landscapes. Along the way, hikers are treated to expansive views of the high desert to the north and the southern San Gabriels, as well as the picturesque ridgelines leading to the summit. Notable features of the hike include the…

Distance: 3.8 mi • Elevation gain: 2,812 ft • Maximum elevation: 9,364 ft

The Indian Seats Loop Trail offers a remarkable hiking experience, combining natural beauty with a rich cultural history. As you ascend, you'll be rewarded with expansive views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and on clear days, distant peaks like Yonah Mountain and Brasstown Bald become visible. At the summit,…

Distance: 3.5 mi • Elevation gain: 518 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,627 ft

The Gray's Arch Loop offers a stunning and moderately challenging hike through the iconic Red River Gorge, incorporating a mix of forested trails and panoramic views. Key highlights include the towering Gray's Arch, the varied rock formations along Rough Trail, and the expansive vistas from Rush Ridge Trail.…

Distance: 3.7 mi • Elevation gain: 643 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,280 ft

The Auxier Ridge Trail offers a rewarding hike with breathtaking panoramic views, especially as it climbs the narrow ridge toward Courthouse Rock. Along the way, hikers will encounter striking geological features like Haystack Rock and Wizard's Backbone, while experiencing varied landscapes that include lush…

Distance: 4.3 mi • Elevation gain: 840 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,283 ft

The Double Arch Loop offers hikers a memorable journey through some of the region's most striking natural features. As you traverse the Auxier Ridge, expect to be treated to sweeping views of the Red River Gorge, with expansive vistas over rocky outcrops, lush valleys, and iconic rock formations like Double…

Distance: 6.2 mi • Elevation gain: 1,007 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,296 ft

Distance: 4.4 mi • Elevation gain: 623 ft • Maximum elevation: 5,676 ft

Distance: 4.1 mi • Elevation gain: 551 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,963 ft

Distance: 2.3 mi • Elevation gain: 413 ft • Maximum elevation: 840 ft

The Millbrook Mountain and Gertrude’s Nose Trail Loop is a captivating hiking experience that showcases the rugged beauty of the Shawangunk Ridge. As you ascend, expect to be surrounded by ancient pitch pines and diverse flora, while the trail offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Hudson Valley and…

Distance: 7.0 mi • Elevation gain: 1,004 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,791 ft

The Oberg Mountain Loop Trail is a rewarding hike, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding forest, lakes, and distant mountains. Along the trail, you’ll experience several scenic overlooks that provide sweeping vistas of the blue expanse of Lake Superior, the rugged Sawtooth Mountains, and the dense,…

Distance: 2.3 mi • Elevation gain: 591 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,516 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 Skyline Trail is a challenging loop hike that rewards adventurous visitors with sweeping views of the surrounding Ouachita Mountains, lush forests, glimpses of the Mountain Fork River below and even a hidden waterfall nestled in the forest. The trail leads hikers through rocky paths, forested ridges, and…

Distance: 8.5 mi • Elevation gain: 1,476 ft • Maximum elevation: 863 ft

The Penosha Loop Trail offers a peaceful and immersive hike through a mix of hardwood forests, scenic meadows, and ridges with glimpses of nearby lakes such as Bishop Lake. This five-mile loop is moderately challenging, with gentle slopes that provide both a good workout and moments for taking in the beauty of…

Distance: 4.9 mi • Elevation gain: 302 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,040 ft

The Bird Hills, Kuebler Langford, and Barton Nature Areas create a scenic, interconnected loop that provides hikers a range of natural features, from forested ridges to creek-cut ravines. Bird Hills offers sweeping forest trails with native flora and a historic backdrop, while Kuebler Langford complements with…

Distance: 3.9 mi • Elevation gain: 289 ft • Maximum elevation: 984 ft

The Catawba Falls Trail offers a scenic journey through Pisgah National Forest, guiding hikers along a gentle riverside path rich with historic stonework, lush vegetation, and streams that punctuate the quiet, wooded landscape. About halfway up, hikers encounter a historic dam that forms a small waterfall,…

Distance: 2.5 mi • Elevation gain: 673 ft • Maximum elevation: 2,280 ft

The hike to Black Balsam Knob is a favorite for its sweeping views and unique, treeless balds that stretch along the ridge. As you ascend, grassy fields and open skies create an almost alpine atmosphere, with uninterrupted 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains surrounding you at the summit. Whether you…

Distance: 1.5 mi • Elevation gain: 335 ft • Maximum elevation: 6,188 ft

The Graveyard Fields Loop Trail offers hikers an immersive journey through diverse landscapes, leading to two picturesque waterfalls. As you traverse the trail, you’ll pass through open meadows and lush forests, with sections of boardwalks that cross over wild blueberry patches during the summer months​.…

Distance: 3.2 mi • Elevation gain: 466 ft • Maximum elevation: 5,318 ft

The Crabtree Falls Loop Trail offers a beautiful and moderately challenging hike. As you descend through a lush oak-hickory forest, you'll pass over rocky sections, switchbacks, and a series of stone steps, all of which make the journey to the falls both scenic and rewarding. At the base, the waterfall…

Distance: 2.8 mi • Elevation gain: 528 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,766 ft

The Company Mill Loop Trail weaves through picturesque hardwood forests, hugging the banks of Crabtree Creek before ascending into quiet ridges. Hikers can enjoy a blend of open creekside views, where remnants of an old mill create a peaceful spot to rest, and more secluded sections under a canopy of pines and…

Distance: 6.2 mi • Elevation gain: 600 ft • Maximum elevation: 469 ft

The Lime Kiln Loop Trail offers hikers a scenic route with a mix of rugged terrain, steady inclines, and forested ridges. Along the way, you'll encounter historical remnants, including an old limestone kiln from the area's industrial past, as well as natural highlights like streams and small waterfalls, which…

Distance: 2.8 mi • Elevation gain: 390 ft • Maximum elevation: 797 ft

The Lewis & Clark Loop Trail via the Lewis Trail offers hikers a moderate, scenic route through a mix of wooded areas, creek beds, and elevated ridges, with remarkable views of the Missouri River and nearby Howell Island. As you follow the trail, you will encounter several overlooks, particularly from the…

Distance: 8.4 mi • Elevation gain: 804 ft • Maximum elevation: 663 ft

The Lewis & Clark Loop Trail via the Clark Trail offers a scenic hike with a variety of natural landscapes. As you traverse the loop, you'll encounter beautiful bluff views of the Missouri River, particularly as you reach the higher elevations along the trail. The route also passes through diverse…

Distance: 5.3 mi • Elevation gain: 531 ft • Maximum elevation: 663 ft

The Mount Lafayette Loop is a challenging and rewarding hike, offering some of the most stunning views in the region. Starting at the Falling Waters Trail, the hike begins with a steep ascent through the forest, passing several picturesque waterfalls. The real highlight, however, comes as you reach the…

Distance: 8.2 mi • Elevation gain: 3,668 ft • Maximum elevation: 5,190 ft

The Rainbow Loop Trail offers a moderately challenging experience with a mix of rocky terrain, gentle inclines, and beautiful scenery. Hikers can enjoy sweeping views of Madison while descending into peaceful woodland areas, passing by multiple caves, springs, and diverse plant life along the way. The trail…

Distance: 1.5 mi • Elevation gain: 331 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,115 ft

The Mount Moosilauke Loop offers a rewarding hiking experience with diverse terrains and stunning views throughout the journey. Hikers will traverse rocky paths through dense forest, with occasional views opening up to alpine landscapes as they approach the summit. At the top, panoramic vistas stretch across…

Distance: 7.4 mi • Elevation gain: 2,398 ft • Maximum elevation: 4,783 ft

The Pinhoti Trail and Cave Creek Trail Loop offers a rewarding experience in Cheaha State Park, showcasing the beauty of the Talladega Mountains with striking vistas from McDill Point and Hernandez Peak. The trail winds through lush forests, offering peaceful creek crossings and the chance to witness wildlife,…

Distance: 7.0 mi • Elevation gain: 1,083 ft • Maximum elevation: 2,303 ft

The Lonesome Lake Loop Trail offers hikers a scenic escape, winding through dense forests and eventually opening up to serene lake views framed by the rugged peaks of Franconia Ridge. As you hike around the lake, boardwalks cross wetland areas, and the calming sounds of nature create a peaceful ambiance, with…

Distance: 3.1 mi • Elevation gain: 1,014 ft • Maximum elevation: 2,756 ft

The hike to Blood Mountain offers a fantastic immersion into the serene beauty of North Georgia's mountainous landscape. Along the route, hikers are treated to dense, moss-filled forests, rocky outcrops, and breathtaking panoramic views from the summit, where one can gaze out over the Blue Ridge Mountains. The…

Distance: 4.2 mi • Elevation gain: 1,407 ft • Maximum elevation: 4,390 ft

The Amicalola Falls Loop is a captivating hike offering a mix of natural beauty and a moderate challenge. Starting along a bubbling creek, the trail leads to the park's famed waterfall, with cascading views, lush surroundings, and 600 steps that ascend toward the falls' summit​. Hikers can also enjoy…

Distance: 2.1 mi • Elevation gain: 869 ft • Maximum elevation: 2,556 ft

The Mount Yonah Trail presents a rewarding hike for those prepared for a challenge. As you ascend through lush forests of hardwoods and pines, you’ll encounter rocky outcroppings and steep sections, with the ultimate payoff being breathtaking panoramic views from the summit. From here, hikers can enjoy…

Distance: 4.5 mi • Elevation gain: 1,565 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,120 ft

The Sunset Ridge Trail to the summit of Mount Mansfield provides a challenging and rewarding hiking experience, offering expansive views of Vermont’s landscape. As you ascend through dense forests and rocky stretches, the trail opens up to panoramic vistas, where you can catch sight of distant valleys and…

Distance: 6.0 mi • Elevation gain: 2,628 ft • Maximum elevation: 4,370 ft

The Sterling Pond Trail offers an engaging hike through a varied landscape. Along the way, hikers are treated to a rich diversity of plant life, especially as they pass into the cool, high-elevation spruce-fir forests. At Sterling Pond itself, the scenery is spectacular, with expansive views across the water…

Distance: 2.5 mi • Elevation gain: 932 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,045 ft

The Mount Mansfield Loop provides a challenging but rewarding hike to the highest peak in Vermont. As you climb, the varied terrain offers rocky paths, steep ascents, and exposed ridgelines, culminating in breathtaking panoramic views of the Champlain Valley, the Adirondacks, and the Green Mountains. The…

Distance: 8.2 mi • Elevation gain: 2,900 ft • Maximum elevation: 4,370 ft

The Haystack Mountain Trail offers a moderately challenging route that leads hikers through a mix of hardwood and evergreen forests before reaching a scenic summit. From the top, the panoramic views extend over Deerfield Valley, Haystack Pond, Harriman Reservoir, and distant peaks like Mount Monadnock and…

Distance: 4.2 mi • Elevation gain: 968 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,373 ft

This loop hike in Catoctin Mountain Park offers a dynamic journey through diverse terrain, highlighting Maryland’s scenic views and rock formations. Starting at Chimney Rock, hikers can enjoy panoramic views over the Piedmont and continue through forested trails to Wolf Rock and Thurmont Vista, where vistas…

Distance: 8.9 mi • Elevation gain: 1,614 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,660 ft

This hike offers an invigorating experience amidst stunning natural beauty. As you ascend, the trail presents scenic overlooks that reward your effort with expansive views of the Farmington Valley, particularly stunning during the fall foliage season. At the summit, the historic Heublein Tower stands proudly,…

Distance: 2.5 mi • Elevation gain: 515 ft • Maximum elevation: 922 ft

The Breakneck Ridge Loop is a thrilling hiking adventure, characterized by its steep ascents and exhilarating rock scrambles. Along the route, hikers are treated to spectacular panoramic views of the Hudson River and surrounding mountains, particularly at the Flagpole area and other scenic points. The trail…

Distance: 3.2 mi • Elevation gain: 1,247 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,194 ft

The Wolf Rock and Chimney Rock Loop is a scenic, moderate hike that offers a blend of rocky terrain and breathtaking vistas. As you journey through dense hardwood forests, you'll encounter two major rock formations: Wolf Rock, a vast rocky ridge, and Chimney Rock, a prominent outcrop that provides panoramic…

Distance: 3.8 mi • Elevation gain: 830 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,522 ft

Trail at Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge

Distance: 3.2 mi • Elevation gain: 417 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,273 ft

The Misery Ridge Trail and River Trail Loop offers a challenging yet rewarding hike. The trail takes you through switchbacks leading to panoramic views of the high desert landscape, including the iconic Monkey Face rock formation and sweeping vistas of the Crooked River as it winds through the canyon. Once you…

Distance: 3.6 mi • Elevation gain: 1,086 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,304 ft

Distance: 17.1 mi • Elevation gain: 3,356 ft • Maximum elevation: 2,523 ft

The Giuffrida Park Loop is a moderate hike that rewards visitors with varied scenery, from the Bradley Hubbard Reservoir — now known as Crescent Lake — to sweeping views atop Chauncey Peak. The trail ascends through a wooded path and offers ridge views of Crescent Lake, with occasional glimpses of…

Distance: 4.2 mi • Elevation gain: 758 ft • Maximum elevation: 673 ft

The Indian Point Loop Trail offers hikers an immersive experience through diverse forest landscapes and stunning sandstone bluffs. Following the ridge leads to several panoramic overlooks, including views of Hicks Dome and the Shawnee hills, revealing a landscape rich in geological history and scenic beauty.…

Distance: 1.7 mi • Elevation gain: 187 ft • Maximum elevation: 830 ft

The Old Rag Mountain Loop Trail is a thrilling hike known for its mix of intense rock scrambles and panoramic views from the summit. Starting with a steep ascent, the Ridge Trail leads you through some fun yet challenging rock formations, requiring both hands and feet for maneuvering. Once you reach the…

Distance: 9.2 mi • Elevation gain: 2,684 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,251 ft

This loop hike through Hitchcock Nature Center offers a delightful blend of scenic views and diverse terrains, showcasing the unique beauty of the Loess Hills. Along the route, hikers can enjoy panoramic vistas, especially from Badger Ridge, where the rolling hills create a picturesque backdrop, and the mix of…

Distance: 5.3 mi • Elevation gain: 791 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,302 ft