Best U.S. Hiking Trails to Put on Your Bucket List

One of the best outdoor experiences is taking a beautiful hike through nature. Luckily, you can find some of the best hiking trails in the world in America, with all types of different adventures for trekkers to experience.

If you’re looking for a good location for your next expedition, check out our list of the best U.S. hiking trails to put on your bucket list . Our list includes a wide array of experiences, from deserts to forests to mountains.

Half Dome Trail, Yosemite National Park

In the minds of many experienced hikers, Yosemite is the mecca of all hiking parks. Everyone knows of the natural beauty that Yosemite offers, and one of its biggest attractions is the Half Dome Trail. This is a straightforward 16-mile trek that takes you to the top of the Half Dome formation, which offers stunning views of Yosemite Valley and the Nevada and Vernal Falls. It’s not a casual stroll, as you have to scale the last 400 feet using cables, which requires a permit. You’ll want to train before you tackle this voyage.

Watkins Glen State Park, New York

When you think of hiking trails, your mind probably doesn’t immediately go to New York. But don’t underestimate the gorgeous scenery you can find in upstate New York, specifically Watkins Glen State Park.

If your favorite trails feature waterfalls, then this is the place for you. Watkins Glen State Park has 19 waterfalls in total to check out, including the incredible Rainbow Falls. The trails are relatively easy and more about taking your time and drinking in the natural wonders than challenging yourself.

Harding Icefield Trail, Alaska

If you don’t mind a chilly hike that challenges you, then you should consider heading north to Alaska and the Harding Icefield Trail. Located in Kenai Fjords National Park, about two hours south of Anchorage, Harding Icefield is an 8-mile trek that’s not for beginners. It has some nerve-racking paths and switchbacks, so it’s recommended for only experienced hikers, but there’s no denying the reward of seeing its gorgeous forests, meadows, and ice fields.

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Lakes Trail, California

Want to see something you can’t see anywhere else in the world? The Lakes Trail in California’s Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks features the largest trees in the world. It will take you past the world’s largest documented tree, General Sherman, which stands at over 270 feet tall and measures 36 feet in diameter!

Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii

Hawaii is one of the world’s great hiking locations thanks to Haleakalā National Park. It features too many incredible trails to list, but whatever type of experience and nature you want to see, you can find it in Haleakalā. See volcanoes, bamboo forests, ancient ruins, sacred pools, and more. Plus, it’s hard to beat a vacation in Hawaii!

These are some of the best U.S. hiking trails to put on your bucket list—which one will you choose? Will you witness the remarkable icefields of Alaska or touch the volcano landscape of Hawaii? If you ask us, there’s no wrong choice on this list!

This story originally appeared in Cuisine Noir Magazine