Nothing could be better than sweating in the fresh air. With the wind blowing in your hair, images of natural landscapes, mountains or the ocean, there really is nothing better. One of the versatile workouts would have to be hiking. Whether you are a professional backpacker who has traveled the world in search of the best hiking trails, or just a beginning hiker just looking for a little exercise or to clear your head, most hiking trails have numerous options for every skill level. From miles of flat terrain to uphill hikes, these are the best hiking trails in the US.

  1. Beach Trail in Torrey Pines State Reserve, CA – The state park is a favorite among locals for its beach trails that overlook the cliffs of Torrey Pines and the extensive wildlife that can be found around the preserve. Hikers can enjoy views of the ocean, along with views of paragliders flying in the near distance.
  2. Ewoldsen Trail in Big Sur, CA – For the best hikes with plenty of scenic displays, the Ewoldsen Trail offers canyon and ocean views, redwood forests, rising elevations, and year-round lush greenery. The famous McWay Falls are almost across the street from the trailhead and are a beautiful addition to the hike. Visitors can expect to cross bridges, steep climbs, redwood groves, and maybe even a sighting of a California condor.
  3. Breakneck Ridge Trail in Hudson Highlands State Park, NY – This trail makes a rugged ascent from the river to a gnarled ridge where hikers have a constant view of beautiful views. Special attractions include views of the Hudson River, the Catskill Mountains, spring and summer wildflowers, and rocky ridges. The trail is 9.6 miles total and is a strenuous climb.
  4. Glacier Gorge in Rocky Mountain National Park, CO – Locals know the area as one of the most beautiful spots in the park with spectacular scenery, wildflowers, waterfalls, and natural lakes.
  5. Appalachian Trail: The Pinnacle in Hamburg, Pennsylvania – Hikers will get spectacular views of the Blue Rocks, Lehigh Valley, Hawk Mountain, and some of the best views in Pennsylvania. Be prepared for rocky roads and wooded mountain trails.