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11 Scenic Hikes Beyond The National Parks That Are Even More Breathtaking Than You Expect
Feeling trapped in the same loop of crowded parks and selfie-snapping hikers? Yeah, us too. But here’s a thought: maybe the great outdoors doesn’t have to mean elbowing your way through a human stampede just to get a glimpse of a mediocre waterfall. Shocking, right?
Believe it or not, there are trails out there where you’re more likely to encounter the soothing sound of chirping birds than the latest pop song blaring from someone’s portable speaker. Curious yet? Good, because these trails are epic.
So dust off those boots, pack a snack (or two, you’re a growing adventurer, after all), and get ready to trade chaos for solitude.
Kalalau Trail, Hawaii
Think you’ve hiked something challenging before? The Kalalau Trail is here to politely disagree. Winding along the jaw-dropping Napali Coast of Kauai, this trail serves up jungle, waterfalls, and ocean views so dazzling you’d swear they were CGI (except you’re too sweaty to be in a movie).
Dating back to ancient Hawaiian footpaths, this 20-mile out-and-back trek isn’t just a hike; it’s a rite of passage (and probably a reason to pack that extra granola bar). Narrow cliffs and muddy slopes will have you questioning your choices, but then a tropical breeze whispers, “Keep going, it’s worth it.”
Lost Coast Trail, California
“Lost” isn’t just branding; it’s a lifestyle on this desolate stretch of Northern California coastline. Beneath your boots, black sand beaches crisscrossed with driftwood demand attention, though the crashing waves and seals barking from offshore rock outcroppings sometimes steal the show.
This pristine wilderness is remote enough that your cell service waves goodbye as you start, a blessing for anyone wanting to ghost the modern world. But remember that timing is everything here, with tides dictating your progress (or your impromptu camping spot). Why not channel your inner explorer and conquer one of the last truly untamed places in the state?
Superior Hiking Trail, Minnesota
Minnesota might not scream “mountains,” but this 310-mile trail along Lake Superior is proof you don’t need peaks for jaw-dropping views. Imagine serene forest paths gradually opening into sprawling overlooks of the lake so vast it looks like an ocean.
The SHT (as the cool kids call it) isn’t just about endless greenery; it’s sprinkled with campsites so charming you’d think they were plucked from a storybook. Listen closely, and you might hear loons calling across the water, which is the unofficial soundtrack of this low-key stunner. Plus, there’s a chance of spotting a moose. And who doesn’t love a moose?
Art Loeb Trail, North Carolina
The Art Loeb Trail is Pisgah Forest’s crown jewel; a high ridgeline experience with enough exposed balds to make you grateful for sunscreen. Stretching 30 miles, it’s a spicy mix of gut-punch climbs and sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains that make the struggle oh-so worth it.
Named after a local hiking enthusiast (who’d probably high-five you for completing it), this trail feels like walking on the backbone of the earth. The quiet crunch of leaves, the occasional bear sighting, and the soft glow of dawn are all unforgettable.
Teton Crest Trail, Wyoming
High-altitude drama, served a la carte. The Teton Crest Trail skirts the edges of Grand Teton National Park but mostly dances through Bridger-Teton and Caribou-Targhee National Forests. Translation? You’re in the middle of gloriously rugged nowhere.
With alpine lakes mirroring jagged peaks, and meadows dotted with wildflowers so vibrant they could make a crayon box blush, this 40-mile trail is a show-stealer. Don’t get too distracted by the photo-worthy scenery, though; this ain’t a casual stroll. Thin air and steep climbs will remind you in no uncertain terms that the mountains call, and they don’t do small talk.
Wonderland Trail, Washington
It’s time to tackle this 86-mile loop that hugs Mount Rainier like a devoted fan, while also throwing shade (err, alpine shade) at your cardio limits. The Wonderland Trail meanders through an amphitheater of jaw-dropping glaciers, wildflower meadows that look fake, and waterfalls that put overachievers to shame.
Established in 1915, it’s like hiking through a really dramatic daydream, but with blisters instead of unicorns. The trail’s elevation changes are no joke, climbing more than 22,000 feet overall. But hey, the snowcapped views and marmots heckling you along the way make it worth the sweat (kind of).
Devil’s Path, New York
Known for its name and its knack for reminding hikers they skipped leg day, Devil’s Path doesn’t mess around. Five peaks, relentless ascents, and rock scrambles mean your quads will write you an angry letter, but the payoff? Top-notch views and a solid chance to mutter, “I survived Devil’s Path” over dinner.
Some even say it gets its name from the rugged terrain being too gnarly for, well, polite company. Whatever the reason, this 22-mile hike is all about earning your bragging rights.
Franconia Ridge Loop, New Hampshire
This 9-mile masterpiece of masochism is an all-you-can-eat buffet of relentless ascents and exposed ridgeline drama. Framed by crisp mountain air and sweeping vistas of the White Mountains, Franconia Ridge Loop feels like walking through a live postcard (one with wind trying to body-check you into a ravine).
Alpine vegetation clings to the rugged terrain, while clouds make moody cameos like the prima donnas they are. First frequented in the 19th century by European settlers, this loop treats hikers to views that are every bit as unforgiving as the uphill slog. So maybe pack extra trail mix for morale.
Four Pass Loop, Colorado
Snuggled in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness near Aspen, this 27-mile trail doesn’t mess around. With four 12,000-foot passes looming like alpine gatekeepers, the scenery ranges from meadows that look like they were designed by a flower-crazed artist to glassy lakes reflecting jagged peaks.
Originally a favorite of fur trappers and miners back in the 1800s (but not their knees, we’re guessing), the loop combines serene beauty with nausea-inducing altitude. It’s where nature flexes its aesthetic muscles, and you realize those bison jerky sticks you packed won’t make the air feel any less thinner. Alas, dreams crushed.
Eagle Creek Trail, Oregon
Think fairy-tale rainforest minus the fairies, but with a lot more mist and moss. The Eagle Creek Trail in the Columbia River Gorge teases you with cascading waterfalls (including the star, Punch Bowl Falls), and narrow canyon ledges designed to question both your grip strength and your hiking choices.
Carved by eons of water erosion, this 26-mile trail has been enchanting hikers since at least the 1930s. It feels like stepping into a verdant cathedral, where the walls are draped with ferns and dripping with the sound of rushing water.
Turtlehead Peak Trail, Nevada
Just 20 minutes from the neon chaos of the Las Vegas Strip, Turtlehead Peak comes at you with relentless uphill grittiness and accusing stares from red sandstone formations. Located in Red Rock Canyon, this 5-mile trail is steep, rocky, and a masterclass in trickster geography. Just when you think you’re close, you’re not.
But the payoff? Desert panoramas that span forever and a bizarrely satisfying mix of urban sprawl and isolated wilderness. The land is ancestral to the Southern Paiute people, who might laugh at your complaints about the incline. Tip? Start this one early to beat the heat (or possibly melt).
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