Hiking is a pastime without nationality. People around the world enjoy the activity, some even going on a holiday centered around visiting specific parks. For avid outdoors lovers, the smell of the crisp mountain air and the wonder of nature all around are enticing and revitalizing.
Nathaniel Whittle of Texas is a travel and adventure blogger and avid hiker, adding new destinations to each year’s hiking itinerary. Whittle advises new hikers that some of the best hiking trails are to be found in US National Parks, and below he lists the top ones to explore.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
A list of the best national parks for hiking has to start with the colossus that is the Grand Canyon, says Nathaniel Whittle. Approximately
5.9 million people per year visit the Grand Canyon, and for a good reason.
The Grand Canyon has been around for millennia and results from a river (which is now dried up) eroding the canyon over millions of years.
Bright Angel Trail to Plateau Point. The Bright Angel Trail is the Grand Canyon's best hiking spot, featuring stunning skylines and convenient access to water and bathrooms along the trail.
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Brice Canyon is filled with some great locations to hike and features an exciting mix of rugged desert-like terrain with pine trees, making it an enigma of a park where cold meets warm.
Nathaniel Whittle of Texas explains the top-rated trail in the park is the Queen's Garden/Navajo Loop Combination Trail and stretches 2.9 miles, making it one of the more moderate and popular trails for most hikers.
Glacier National Park, Montana
The Glacier National Park boasts 700 miles of trails with serene views of Alpine-like mountains, forests, and landscapes that make the entire place feel like another country.
The Glaciers rank as one of the best national parks for hiking for its abundance of hiking trails and lookout points. The top ones include:
- Sun road
- Logans Pass
- Saint Mary's Falls
- Iceberg Lake
- Ptarmigan Tunnel
- Grinnell Glacier
- Cracker Lake
- Apikuni Falls
- Highline Trail
- Hidden Lake Overlook
- Avalanche Lake
- Trail of the Cedars
Beloved by many hikers due in part to the variety they offer, these mountains have areas for the adventurous and places for those who want nothing more than the quiet that only the wilderness can offer.
Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite is a popular destination for hikers like Nathaniel Whittle. As such, there is no “off-season," so visitors should plan a visit around their preferred hiking weather.
With visitors averaging a little over
4 million annually, Yosemite is among the best national parks for hiking. It has many trails and parks, but here are a few of the noteworthy ones:
- Yosemite Valley
- Wawona Hotel
- Tuolumne Meadows and Tioga Road
- Hetch Hetchy
- Mariposa Grove (for tree lovers)
There is more than just this list to see and do at the park, so much so that one can easily plan for a return trip.
Everglades National Park, Florida
Nathaniel Whittle of Texas says that for those who enjoy the climate of Florida and are not afraid to hike in the humidity, the Everglades is a must-see. Between the wildlife and the swamps, the best place to get a view of the park is Shark Valley's 65-foot observation tower.
Some popular areas of the Everglades park include:
- Anhinga Trail
- Pa-Hay-Okee Lookout Tower
- Mahogany Hammock
- Paurotis Pond
- And much more
The Everglades has something for everyone and offers a better experience for those looking for a gentle hike rather than an extreme one.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho
Yellowstone is one of those parks that any avid hiker must visit once in their life. With geysers and picturesque natural beauty, it has a unique, unearthly beauty according to Nathaniel Whittle.
The park draws millions of visitors each year, particularly in the summer months. Over 1 million visitors in July make up for almost half of the recorded visits in one month alone.
Visitors short on time who want to see the best that Yellowstone can take a stroll through the grand prismatic spring.
The rainbow-colored spring was discovered in 1839 by trappers, and it gets its colors from the mineral deposits in the water heated by the earth below.
Other great stops for hikers include:
- Old Faithful Geyser
- Upper Geyser Basin & Morning Glory Pool
- Lamar Valley
- Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
- Hayden Valley
- Mammoth Hot Springs
- Old Faithful Inn
- Yellowstone Lake
- West Thumb Geyser Basin
- Norris Geyser Basin
The best part about Yellowstone according to Nathaniel Whittle is it amounts to visiting three states as it stretches from Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Travelers can hike through the park and tick a few states off too.
Plan a Hiking Trip
There are so many national parks to hike in, and even the most avid hikers might never have a chance to see them all in their lifetimes. This list makes a dent in exploring the best national parks for hiking.
Nathaniel Whittle of Texas explains that the best hiking trips offer beauty and exhilaration—but also preparedness. Whether a family vacation or a professional hiking excursion, visitors are encouraged to enjoy these parks safely.
