10 Of The Most Scenic Hikes In The United States

The United States has dozens upon dozens of trails that are worthy of hiking on your next vacation, so no matter what part of the country you're visiting, you're going to be able to find some spectacular views.

Whether you're looking to scale up a glacier strapped into your shoe spikes or you're looking for a family-friendly hike that will remind your kids of life beyond their smartphones, every state has something to offer.

Flattop Mountain Trail

alaska flattop mountain
Photo Credit: Flickr / Eli Duke
Photo Credit: Flickr / Eli Duke

Surprise surprise, who would have thought that Alaska would have some scenic hiking trails to offer up to the public? Just kidding, everyone should know by now that even though it might be a bit out of the way, the beauty of Alaska, and the Flattop Mountain Trail, will be worth it.

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Tent Rocks Slot Canyon

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Photo Credit: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images for Lumix
Photo Credit: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images for Lumix
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Next time you're in New Mexico, consider blocking out some time to hike the Tent Rocks Slot Canyon Trail. It's a loop trail that's fairly popular, especially with families, because it's kid-friendly, and you'll be hard-pressed to find a view like this one elsewhere.

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Whitaker Point Trail

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Photo Credit: H. Abernathy/ClassicStock/Getty Images
Photo Credit: H. Abernathy/ClassicStock/Getty Images
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The first place you think of when you think of hiking in the United States probably isn't Arkansas, but Whitaker Point Trail makes an argument for why you should visit, especially to see all the fall foliage.

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Diamond Head Trail

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Photo Credit: Tom Pennington/Getty Images for HONOLULU MARATHON
Photo Credit: Tom Pennington/Getty Images for HONOLULU MARATHON
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Nothing says "relaxing Hawaiian vacation" like a hiking trail, right? If you're looking to explore some of the island beauty beyond your hotel or beach chair while in Honolulu, Diamond Head Summit Trail is a worthy choice. You have to be prepared to climb a few stairs, but it'll be worth it.

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Grinnell Glacier Trail

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Photo Credit: DeAgostini/Getty Images
Photo Credit: DeAgostini/Getty Images
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You'll want to block out some time to relax at the top of Montana's Grinnell Glacier Trail hike, partially so you can recover from the relatively challenging hike, but mostly so you can appreciate the amazing views and rock formations.

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Sawtooth Lake Trail

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Photo Credit: Flickr / Alex Butterfield
Photo Credit: Flickr / Alex Butterfield
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Idaho has been known to draw in visitors looking to explore the beautiful nature of the state, and the Sawtooth Lake Trail is the perfect way to appreciate it. The trail to Sawtooth Lake is considered to be a difficult one, but anyone who has done it says that it's worth it for the views of the Sawtooth Mountains and various lakes around.

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Emerald Lake Trail

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Photo Credit: Flickr / USCdyer
Photo Credit: Flickr / USCdyer
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It's no surprise that Colorado can offer some incredible views for anyone willing to look for them, and the Emerald Lake Trail is one of the best options for any potential hikers. Depending on what time of year you go, you might need to look into some shoe spikes or walking poles, but we have faith in you.

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Raven Cliff Falls Trail

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Photo Credit: Flickr / Milton
Photo Credit: Flickr / Milton
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If the promise of waterfalls is the thing that's going to get you interested in hiking, Georgia's Raven Cliff Falls Trail is a great place to start. The trail follows a river the whole way, so even if your sense of direction is terrible, the river will lead you right to the waterfalls and back out to your car!

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Walls Of Jericho

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Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
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A beautiful part of the Cumberland Plateau, Alabama's Walls of Jericho Trail will lure you into a false sense of security with its easier hike in, then challenge you on the way back out. Just focus on the views you saw on your way in and you'll be fine!

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Devils Bridge Hike

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Photo Credit: Wolfgang Kaehler/LightRocket via Getty Images
Photo Credit: Wolfgang Kaehler/LightRocket via Getty Images
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Don't let the name scare you off, Arizona's Devils Bridge Trail is not a threat to you. The steep climb to the top might have you cursing a bit, but once you get to the top, you'll realize it wasn't so bad, and the views are heavenly.