Best national parks for hiking

Why it ranks for hiking: Off-trail backcountry hiking permitted in wilderness sections for true solitude

Why it ranks for hiking: Off-trail backcountry hiking permitted across the caldera and surrounding terrain

Why it ranks for hiking: Permitted off-trail hiking into the backcountry, with no need to stay on established paths

Why it ranks for hiking: The redrock landscape facilitates diverse outdoor pursuits, from scenic drives to multi-day backpacking and technical climbing.

Why it ranks for hiking: Off-trail backcountry hiking and camping in a genuinely remote desert landscape

Why it ranks for hiking: Boat tours on the lake itself, reaching the water from the rim trail descent

Why it ranks for hiking: Off-trail permitted hiking across open tundra, one of the few major parks where this is formally allowed and genuinely encouraged

Why it ranks for hiking: Legal off-trail hiking across volcanic cinder fields, dune systems, and open desert terrain

Why it ranks for hiking: Climbing Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas, via a strenuous front-country trail

Why it ranks for hiking: Off-trail hiking permitted across more than 120,000 acres of semi-arid and high-desert terrain

Why it ranks for hiking: The experience here depends entirely on personal equipment: a motorboat, kayak, fishing rod, mountain bike, or hiking boots.

Why it ranks for hiking: Fully off-trail hiking across open tundra with no permit or fee required

Why it ranks for hiking: Off-trail hiking permitted on certain islands, allowing exploration beyond marked routes

Why it ranks for hiking: Off-trail backcountry hiking and camping across volcanic and alpine terrain

Why it ranks for hiking: Mountaineers, backcountry hikers, anglers, paddlers, and winter sports participants will find ample opportunities for week-long exploration.

Why it ranks for hiking: Over 4,800 miles of continuous trail across eight states, the longest in the country

Why it ranks for hiking: Backcountry camping and horse trekking for visitors who want genuine wilderness depth

Why it ranks for hiking: Free-roaming bison and elk herds visible from park roads and trails year-round

Why it ranks for hiking: Its official NPS record lists hiking, backcountry hiking and front-country hiking for this national seashore.

Why it ranks for hiking: Backcountry camping and off-trail hiking with genuine wilderness access

Why it ranks for hiking: Backcountry hiking with views of Mount Katahdin, one of the most iconic peaks in the East

Why it ranks for hiking: Hiking into the hoodoo amphitheaters below the rim for close-up views of the formations

Why it ranks for hiking: Old-growth temperate rainforest hiking with moss-covered canopy found almost nowhere else in the continental US

Why it ranks for hiking: Backcountry hiking through a landscape actively recovering from the 2018 Carr Fire, including documented waterfall destinations

Why it ranks for hiking: Backcountry hiking and camping descending into the inner canyon via steep, unmaintained routes

Why it ranks for hiking: Backcountry and front-country hiking options for a range of fitness levels

Why it ranks for hiking: Petrified redwood stumps up to 14 feet wide, visible directly from walking trails

Why it ranks for hiking: Backcountry hiking and camping across rolling forested terrain above the cave

Why it ranks for hiking: Over 2,190 miles of continuous footpath across 14 states, accessible at hundreds of trailheads

Why it ranks for hiking: Mountain biking and front-country hiking with Pacific headlands views

Why it ranks for hiking: Multi-day backcountry backpacking on a roadless island wilderness

Why it ranks for hiking: Rainbow Falls: a 101-foot waterfall accessible by front-country hiking trail

Why it ranks for hiking: Backcountry hiking and horse camping in the adjacent Gila Wilderness

Why it ranks for hiking: The Grand Portage Trail, the actual historic canoe portage route used by fur traders

Why it ranks for hiking: Serious backcountry hiking and horse trekking routes into remote high-elevation wilderness

Why it ranks for hiking: Going-to-the-Sun Road - a scenic drive across the Continental Divide that reaches true alpine elevations without a single trail step

Why it ranks for hiking: Backcountry hiking and camping in a genuine wilderness setting with minimal light or noise pollution

Why it ranks for hiking: Off-trail and backcountry hiking through dense tropical rainforest on multiple islands

Why it ranks for hiking: Hiking below the rim to experience the canyon's layered geology and dramatic temperature shift

Why it ranks for hiking: Backcountry hiking and camping on routes directly tied to the 1897-1898 stampede history

Why it ranks for hiking: 235 miles of continuous trail from Long Island Sound to Massachusetts summits

Why it ranks for hiking: Backcountry hiking and camping across a vast high-Sierra wilderness above 9,000 feet

Why it ranks for hiking: Hiking from desert floor into the Chisos Mountains, crossing dramatically different ecosystems in a single day

Why it ranks for hiking: Visible historic wagon ruts from the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails

Why it ranks for hiking: Roadside alligator and wading bird watching that requires zero hiking and delivers reliable, close-range sightings

Why it ranks for hiking: Hiking to historic sugar plantation ruins that interpret the history of enslaved labor on the island

Why it ranks for hiking: This park suits a wide range of visitors, from first-time national park tourists to serious backcountry hikers.

Why it ranks for hiking: Desert enthusiasts, dark-sky photographers, and backcountry hikers will find deep satisfaction.

Why it ranks for hiking: Whitewater paddlers, rock climbers, mountain bikers, and backcountry hikers will find significant rewards.

Why it ranks for hiking: Wildlife watching for bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dog colonies directly from the road or short trails

Why it ranks for hiking: Island in the Sky mesa rim hiking with canyon views stretching across hundreds of square miles

Why it ranks for hiking: Backcountry hikers or fly fishers can spend weeks exploring without repetition.

Why it ranks for hiking: Hiking the base loop for close-up views of the Tower's massive columnar crack systems

Why it ranks for hiking: Backcountry hiking and access to high-elevation bristlecone pine groves

Why it ranks for hiking: Petroglyph viewing and standing masonry ruins along the self-guided canyon trail

Why it ranks for hiking: Front-country hiking from accessible riverside paths to exposed, chain-assisted cliff routes

Why it ranks for hiking: Hiking and equestrian use across 20 miles of historic carriage roads and forest trails

Why it ranks for hiking: Front-country hiking and biking trails through the actual encampment landscape

Why it ranks for hiking: 80-plus miles of walkable trail open to hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers

Why it ranks for hiking: Horseback riding and mountain biking trails through Arbuckle terrain

Why it ranks for hiking: Boaters, anglers, paddlers, hikers, and campers will find substantial offerings.

Why it ranks for hiking: Activities include climbing, caving, birding for California condors, and both front-country and backcountry hiking.

Why it ranks for hiking: Hiking through old-growth redwood groves, with trees reaching heights no other living species on Earth can match

Why it ranks for hiking: While hiking and cycling options exist, they are secondary to boating, paddling, and fishing.

Why it ranks for hiking: Backcountry hiking and camping across one of North America's largest roadless wilderness areas

Why it ranks for hiking: 158 miles of hiking trails ranging from shoreline walks to rocky summit routes

Why it ranks for hiking: This monument provides a full activity range: road biking, rock climbing, backcountry camping, front-country hiking, and wildlife viewing for bighorn sheep and raptors.

Why it ranks for hiking: Visitors can enjoy a rewarding day on a scenic road loop with short front-country hikes and wildflower meadows.

Why it ranks for hiking: Paddlers and hikers gain the most intimate access to the cliffs.

Why it ranks for hiking: Stargazing after dark on trails open 24 hours, with minimal light pollution and a flat horizon

Why it ranks for hiking: Backcountry hiking and camping in terrain shaped by recent eruptions

Why it ranks for hiking: Horseback riding and horse trekking options within city limits

Why it ranks for hiking: Horseback riding and horse trekking on portions of the original historic route

Why it ranks for hiking: Skyline Drive: a roughly 100-mile scenic road running the full length of the park with frequent pull-offs and trailhead access

Why it ranks for hiking: Front-country hiking at multiple trailheads along the corridor

Why it ranks for hiking: Backcountry camping with hike-in sites that deliver genuine coastal solitude

Why it ranks for hiking: Hiking among balanced rocks and stone columns accessible directly from the road

Why it ranks for hiking: Multi-season trail network supporting hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing

Why it ranks for hiking: Ridge Trail hike with geological features and views across the Arizona Strip plateau

Why it ranks for hiking: Winter cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on the same trail network used for summer hiking

Why it ranks for hiking: Kayak or canoe camping on Ross Lake, accessible only by trail or boat

Why it ranks for hiking: Multi-day trips, incorporating camping, hiking, fishing, and picnics, offer a complete mountain vacation.

Why it ranks for hiking: It provides backcountry hiking, diverse camping options, mountain and road biking, and freshwater fishing.

Why it ranks for hiking: Hiking through forested ravines and past Brandywine Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in Ohio

Why it ranks for hiking: Over 500 miles of trails spanning canyon, ridge, and coastal terrain

Why it ranks for hiking: Front-country hiking and road biking on trails crossing historically significant ridgelines and fields

Why it ranks for hiking: Front-country hiking trails that put you on the actual ground of the 1861 battle

Why it ranks for hiking: Mountain biking and front-country hiking trails spanning Delaware and Pennsylvania

Why it ranks for hiking: Backcountry hiking and camping for those wanting overnight desert solitude

Why it ranks for hiking: Backcountry and front-country hiking in the surrounding preserve

Why it ranks for hiking: Exit Glacier walk-up access and the documented retreat markers along the trail

Why it ranks for hiking: Beyond the water, the park offers substantial camping infrastructure, caving, backcountry hiking, and horseback riding.

Why it ranks for hiking: However, hikers seeking elevation or extensive interior wilderness will find offerings limited.

Why it ranks for hiking: Horseback riding and horse trekking across open battlefield terrain

Why it ranks for hiking: Hiking across multiple distinct ecosystems - longleaf pine uplands to carnivorous plant bogs - within a single preserve

Why it ranks for hiking: Hiking and road biking options through Ozark Plateau landscape

Why it ranks for hiking: Bankside hiking and biking trails running through the river corridor

Why it ranks for hiking: Hiking to the island's summit observation platform for panoramic sea views

Why it ranks for hiking: Forested bluff hiking with views over the Upper Mississippi River Valley

Why it ranks for hiking: Horseback riding on public land sections that closely mirror the original trail surface and terrain

Why it ranks for hiking: Horseback riding and hiking on public land segments for an on-the-ground historic experience

Why it ranks for hiking: Visible original trail ruts on public land segments in Wyoming and Nevada

Why it ranks for hiking: Front-country hiking trails through the estate grounds with wildlife and birdwatching opportunities

Why it ranks for hiking: Hikeable trail segments that put you directly on terrain traveled by 19th-century mule pack trains

Why it ranks for hiking: Hiking directly across lava terrain with views of the volcanic field

Why it ranks for hiking: Bluff trail hiking with panoramic views over the Salish Sea and Olympic Mountains

Why it ranks for hiking: Saltwater and freshwater fishing access at multiple points along the trail corridor

Why it ranks for hiking: Boating, kayaking, camping, fishing, hunting, stargazing, hiking, and citizen science are all documented and accessible.

Why it ranks for hiking: Dedicated biking trails through coastal pine and scrub landscape

Why it ranks for hiking: An experience score of 84 confirms broad accessibility, allowing engagement from a vehicle, on maintained trails, or deep in the backcountry.

Why it ranks for hiking: Front-country rainforest hiking through one of the foggiest landscapes in the continental US

Why it ranks for hiking: Throughout the park, forested trails lead past cannons and monuments, inviting exploration on foot.

Why it ranks for hiking: Front-country and backcountry hiking in the Davis Mountains landscape

Why it ranks for hiking: This is not a destination for adventure sports or extensive hiking.

Why it ranks for hiking: Backcountry hiking into mine-era terrain beyond the main townscape

Why it ranks for hiking: Self-guided walking trails connecting the overlook viewpoints

Why it ranks for hiking: A required 3-mile round-trip hike that puts you on historically significant ground rather than delivering you by car

Why it ranks for hiking: Road biking and trail biking connections into the George Washington Memorial Parkway network

Why it ranks for hiking: Interpretive front-country hiking trails that connect directly to the fossil and geological themes

Why it ranks for hiking: Roadside wildlife watching along the Tamiami Trail, especially for wading birds and alligators during dry season

Why it ranks for hiking: True wilderness backcountry hiking in a landscape largely unchanged by human infrastructure

Why it ranks for hiking: It is a poor fit for casual hikers, families with young children expecting facilities, or anyone without solid backcountry self-sufficiency skills.

Why it ranks for hiking: 185-mile flat towpath open 365 days a year for biking, hiking, and horseback riding

Why it ranks for hiking: Backcountry and front-country hiking across raw volcanic terrain with cinder and spatter cones

Why it ranks for hiking: Visitors can engage in hiking, paddling, fishing, and scenic drives, with direct access to the Tallapoosa River.

Why it ranks for hiking: Nearly 1,200 miles of trail tracing Wisconsin's glacial moraine, one of the longest marked footpaths in the country

Why it ranks for hiking: Forested hiking trails on three separate mountains, all accessible from within or near downtown

Why it ranks for hiking: Over 300 miles of documented hiking trails spanning montane meadows to true alpine tundra above 12,000 feet

Why it ranks for hiking: It pairs those dunes with inland lakes, forested hiking trails, paddleable rivers, and beaches for swimming.

Why it ranks for hiking: 848 acres of hiking trails open even on days the buildings are closed

Why it ranks for hiking: Ancient bristlecone pine forest accessible by hiking along the rim

Why it ranks for hiking: Walking the natural entrance trail down into the cave, a genuinely dramatic descent

Why it ranks for hiking: Its genuine forest trails, bay-view hiking, and birdwatching opportunities are notable.

Why it ranks for hiking: However, its limited trail infrastructure and harsh terrain restrict broad appeal.

Why it ranks for hiking: 175 miles of coastal trail corridor passing over 200 traditional Hawaiian ahupuaa land divisions

Why it ranks for hiking: The experience here is not a day hike; it demands multi-day or multi-week backcountry immersion.

Why it ranks for hiking: Self-guided walking trail through the actual Nez Perce camp and U.S.

Why it ranks for hiking: Scenic loop road connecting multiple distinct ruin sites, making this accessible without a demanding hike

Why it ranks for hiking: 85 miles of trails ranging from day hikes to multi-day backcountry routes across three states

Why it ranks for hiking: Backcountry hiking through a landscape shaped by a massive eruption 3,500 years ago

Why it ranks for hiking: Restored tallgrass prairie landscape with walking trails for birdwatching and wildlife watching

Why it ranks for hiking: Hiking the crater rim trail with four-state panoramic views

Why it ranks for hiking: Horseback riding and hiking on preserved trail segments on public lands

Why it ranks for hiking: Self-guided hike to the Lower Cliff Dwelling with direct views of intact Salado masonry rooms

Why it ranks for hiking: Front-country hiking through Alabama woodland with birdwatching opportunities

Why it ranks for hiking: Walking directly alongside preserved Sinagua cliff dwellings on the Island Trail

Why it ranks for hiking: Guided boat tours and museum exhibits at partner sites along the trail corridor

Why it ranks for hiking: Those seeking a structured experience with defined trails and visitor centers may find it lacks typical park amenities.

Why it ranks for hiking: Ancestral Puebloan ruins accessible via the mesa top trail

Why it ranks for hiking: Over 50 miles of trails through dunes, wetlands, prairies, and woodlands

Why it ranks for hiking: However, those seeking dramatic landscapes or extensive hiking opportunities will be disappointed.

Why it ranks for hiking: Visitors seeking trails or scenic views will be disappointed.

Why it ranks for hiking: Trails connect these historical layers.

Why it ranks for hiking: For cyclists and hikers, the tour routes provide a chance to combine physical activity with historical context.

Why it ranks for hiking: Biking and hiking along preserved Civil War earthworks - a rare chance to read military landscape on foot

Why it ranks for hiking: Summit hiking to the highest point in Idaho at 12,655 feet with panoramic top-of-the-world views

Why it ranks for hiking: Hiking or riding a genuine PCT corridor through dramatic Owens Peak high desert and mountain terrain

Why it ranks for hiking: Nearly five miles of unpaved front-country trails connecting historically significant locations across the actual site

Why it ranks for hiking: Off-trail canyon backpacking using the river corridor as the primary route through dramatic eroded rock walls

Why it ranks for hiking: Scenic driving that reveals the full scale of the lava flows without requiring strenuous hiking

Why it ranks for hiking: Hiking across the Great Rift lava fields, a 52-mile volcanic fracture zone

Why it ranks for hiking: Rugged gorge hiking accessible from multiple entry points including the historic Lilly townsite

Why it ranks for hiking: Hiking to the Kennesaw Mountain summit, with genuine elevation gain and cooler temperatures at the top

Why it ranks for hiking: Tracing one of North America's oldest colonial trade routes, predating the Santa Fe Trail by centuries

Why it ranks for hiking: Short accessible hike from the dock to the bridge viewpoint

Why it ranks for hiking: 4,050-acre congressionally designated wilderness area for hiking and backpacking

Why it ranks for hiking: Backpacking and wilderness camping in one of Oregon's largest roadless areas

Why it ranks for hiking: Biking and hiking routes that put you directly in contact with the terrain at ground level

Why it ranks for hiking: This is not a single-destination park with one marquee trail; it is a layered experience.

Why it ranks for hiking: Biking and hiking across 3,500 acres of varied meadow and woodland terrain

Why it ranks for hiking: Walking trails along the Monocacy River corridor, putting visitors directly on the ground where the fighting occurred

Why it ranks for hiking: Horse trekking opportunities reflecting the Nimíipuu's historic bond with the horse

Why it ranks for hiking: Multi-use trail system through the Cerbat mountain foothills with real elevation and desert character

Why it ranks for hiking: The Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail presents a formidable undertaking.

Why it ranks for hiking: A well-curated museum that sets the historical stage before you hit the trail

Why it ranks for hiking: Front-country hiking trails through the surrounding woodland landscape

Why it ranks for hiking: Above-ground hiking trails through Black Hills ponderosa pine terrain

Why it ranks for hiking: This park is not about dramatic vistas or strenuous hikes.

Why it ranks for hiking: Hiking opportunities are present but modest, confined to front-country paths.

Why it ranks for hiking: Front-country hiking through the open ranch landscape

Why it ranks for hiking: Accessible hiking on maintained canyon trails suitable for most fitness levels

Why it ranks for hiking: Walking the memorial trail to the Wall of Names, where each of the 40 victims is individually inscribed

Why it ranks for hiking: Those seeking dramatic scenery, developed visitor infrastructure, or conventional viewpoint hikes should look elsewhere.

Why it ranks for hiking: California Trail emigrant history interpreted through living history and self-guided tours

Why it ranks for hiking: Front-country hiking through old-growth temperate rainforest near park headquarters

Why it ranks for hiking: Backcountry camping in total solitude with no designated sites, trails, or crowds

Why it ranks for hiking: While casual hikers or paddlers seeking a standalone outdoor destination should consider other options, visitors who pair light activity with substantial historical interpretation will find satisfaction.

Why it ranks for hiking: 83 acres of hikeable grounds with documented birdwatching and wildlife watching opportunities

Why it ranks for hiking: The Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail runs through the park and is accessible 24/7

Why it ranks for hiking: It is not for anyone expecting visitor infrastructure, marked trails, or easy access.

Why it ranks for hiking: Birdwatching and wildlife watching along the front-country trail network

Why it ranks for hiking: Self-guided walking trail through the historic mission site grounds, open daily from sunrise to sunset

Why it ranks for hiking: Battlefield overlook trail with direct sightlines to the Washita River attack site

Why it ranks for hiking: Short, paved front-country trails accessible to most fitness levels and ages

Why it ranks for hiking: Hiking through shrub-steppe uplands and into upper Lake Creek Canyon

Why it ranks for hiking: Dedicated mountain bike trails separate from the hiking network

Why it ranks for hiking: Multi-day paddling and canoe camping on designated water trails with overnight platform shelters inside the swamp

Why it ranks for hiking: Perimeter Trail open to both hikers and mountain bikers

Why it ranks for hiking: Auto touring refuge roads for accessible wildlife viewing without a boat or long hike

Why it ranks for hiking: Free entrance with a broad activity menu spanning hiking, biking, paddling, fishing, and climbing

Why it ranks for hiking: Guided tours covering Santa Fe Trail history and the Cheyenne and Arapaho trade networks

Why it ranks for hiking: The 1.5-plus mile reservoir loop trail crossing the dam with canyon and water views

Why it ranks for hiking: This is not a destination for dramatic hiking vistas.

Why it ranks for hiking: Camping as a multi-day basecamp for rotating through hiking, riding, fishing, and hunting

Why it ranks for hiking: Primitive hiking and horseback riding across one of America's longest continuous trail corridors

Why it ranks for hiking: The experience score of 74 confirms its breadth, allowing for hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and photography alongside birdwatching.

Why it ranks for hiking: Willow Walk Nature Trail, a one-mile path suited to casual walkers and families

Why it ranks for hiking: Winter trail use for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on the same trail network

Why it ranks for hiking: Its official NPS record lists hiking, backcountry hiking and trails for this national monument.

Why it ranks for hiking: Free access, proximity to a major city, and a mix of boating, fishing, camping, hiking, and significant wildlife habitat establish it as a regional asset.

Why it ranks for hiking: Resident bison herd viewable on the auto tour and from hiking trails

Why it ranks for hiking: Biking and hiking through upland pine and bottomland hardwood habitat

Why it ranks for hiking: Coronado Cave, accessible by a steep short hike and open for guided exploration

Why it ranks for hiking: Biking on a trail network spanning both urban and rural sections of the corridor

Why it ranks for hiking: The NPS data for Aztec Ruins National Monument covers hiking, front-country hiking and trails.

Why it ranks for hiking: Flat, accessible trails and bike-friendly paths that let you move quietly through refuge habitat without a car

Why it ranks for hiking: Hiking and horseback riding trails through the canyon itself

Why it ranks for hiking: A trail network suited to hikers across ability levels, from short interpretive walks to longer desert routes

Why it ranks for hiking: Horseback riding and hiking on the quieter northern section away from motorized traffic

Why it ranks for hiking: Steep hiking routes that descend into the gorge, rewarding effort with canyon scenery at river level

Why it ranks for hiking: Hiking and biking routes spanning four states from DC to Pennsylvania

Why it ranks for hiking: Five miles of self-guided loop trails through estuary, wetland, and coastal forest habitat

Why it ranks for hiking: Auto touring the Old Spanish Trail corridor, a historically layered county road connecting the park to the broader region

Why it ranks for hiking: The reverse hike down to Wildhorse Lake, a mid-elevation glacial lake sitting beneath the dramatic Steens rim

Why it ranks for hiking: Beachcombing and coastal hiking along a barrier island dune system that also supports nesting piping plovers

Why it ranks for hiking: Biking and hiking the refuge road network through dense subtropical habitat

Why it ranks for hiking: A trail that shifts from open ATV track to foot-only path, creating a natural crowd filter

Why it ranks for hiking: A short canyon hike to a Deschutes River waterfall with dramatic eroded cliffs

Why it ranks for hiking: Year-round creek hiking that requires wading through Aravaipa Creek repeatedly along the canyon floor

Why it ranks for hiking: Biking and hiking options that let you stretch your legs without committing to a full trail day

Why it ranks for hiking: Free admission makes a half-day wildlife drive or hike an easy low-commitment stop

Why it ranks for hiking: 47 miles of designated wild and scenic river corridor ideal for fishing and riverside hiking

Why it ranks for hiking: Coastal hiking along basalt formations shaped by ancient lava flows, with tidepool access at lower tides

Why it ranks for hiking: Hiking to ridge-top views of the Shenandoah and Potomac river confluence

Why it ranks for hiking: Documents hiking among its National Park Service activity and topic listings.

Why it ranks for hiking: Walking trails allow for deeper exploration.

Why it ranks for hiking: A trail system leads visitors through actual village sites.

Why it ranks for hiking: Hiking trails through the surrounding historic landscape with wildlife and birdwatching opportunities

Why it ranks for hiking: Two self-guided walking trails through the actual fossil-bearing landscape

Why it ranks for hiking: Biking routes connecting sites through DC, Maryland, and Virginia on road and trail

Why it ranks for hiking: Totem pole collection displayed along a forested coastal trail through old-growth spruce and hemlock

Why it ranks for hiking: Restored tallgrass prairie trails offering a rare glimpse of pre-settlement Great Plains landscape

Why it ranks for hiking: Those anticipating a traditional trailhead-to-summit hike or a singular, iconic landmark as the focus of their visit will find it less accommodating.

Why it ranks for hiking: Biking or driving the full mission trail connecting all four UNESCO-designated sites

Why it ranks for hiking: The monument provides water access for paddlers and walking trails.

Why it ranks for hiking: Birdwatching along wooded trails near the Ocmulgee River floodplain, especially strong during spring and fall migration

Why it ranks for hiking: Hiking among dramatic rock outcroppings with roughly 3,000 feet of elevation range across the monument

Why it ranks for hiking: Visible wagon ruts preserved in the landscape along certain prairie segments, a rare physical connection to 19th-century trail traffic

Why it ranks for hiking: This is not an adventure park for extensive hiking.

Why it ranks for hiking: Over 9,800 acres of Congressionally designated Wilderness for hiking and solitude

Why it ranks for hiking: Bottomland swamp trails that feel genuinely wild for a location inside the D.C.

Why it ranks for hiking: Light hiking on the historic property grounds

Why it ranks for hiking: The scenic drive loop with overlooks for all three bridges, accessible without strenuous hiking

Why it ranks for hiking: Wildlife viewing along the riverside grounds and trails

Why it ranks for hiking: Hiking trails through grounds that serve as living evidence of the disaster's geography

Why it ranks for hiking: Marsh Overlook Trail for birdwatching over Tavasci Marsh wetlands

Why it ranks for hiking: Hiking trails open sunrise to sunset through the monument's canyon terrain

Why it ranks for hiking: Wooded hiking trails through 117 acres of Northern Virginia woodland

Why it ranks for hiking: Hiking trails through the fossil-bearing ridgelines above the ancient lakebed

Why it ranks for hiking: Visitors anticipating wilderness, extensive trails, or flexible self-guided exploration may find the format restrictive.

Why it ranks for hiking: Visitors expecting developed trails, interpretive facilities, or a classic national park experience should look elsewhere; this is a river corridor, not a traditional park unit.

Why it ranks for hiking: Visitors can hike, camp, and engage in wildlife viewing.

Why it ranks for hiking: A good visit here demands engaging with the river directly, whether by kayak, bike trail, fishing, or birding.

Why it ranks for hiking: 25-mile non-motorized trail network connecting to the larger Far North Bicentennial Park system

Why it ranks for hiking: An Experience Score of 83 reflects documented access to hiking, biking, fishing, birding, paddling, and stargazing.

Why it ranks for hiking: However, those looking for backcountry hiking or a solitary wilderness experience should consider alternatives.

Why it ranks for hiking: Casual visitors will find accessibility in the free admission and the varied offerings of auto tours, walking trails, and living history programs.

Why it ranks for hiking: However, visitors seeking dramatic scenery or expansive trail networks will be disappointed.

Why it ranks for hiking: Visitors seeking long trails, elevation, or dramatic landscapes will not find them here.

Why it ranks for hiking: Biking and front-country hiking along portions of the battlefield for a ground-level perspective

Why it ranks for hiking: Its official NPS record lists hiking and horse trekking for this national recreation area.

Why it ranks for hiking: Its official NPS record lists hiking, front-country hiking and trails for this national historic site.

Why it ranks for hiking: Recorded activities and topics here include hiking and horse trekking.

Why it ranks for hiking: Its official NPS record lists hiking and backcountry hiking for this national preserve.

Why it ranks for hiking: Hiking and biking the river corridor beyond the water

Why it ranks for hiking: Mountain biking on dedicated trail systems including the Rock Lake and Wintergreen areas

Why it ranks for hiking: Horse camping and dedicated equestrian trail access, rare among public lands in the region

Why it ranks for hiking: Bluff-top hiking and biking with 100 to 600-foot elevation above the river valley

Why it ranks for hiking: Hiking and horseback riding for non-water-focused visitors

Why it ranks for hiking: Horseback riding and hiking trails providing a land-based counterpoint to the water activities

Why it ranks for hiking: Documented climbing and hiking access on canyon and high-plains terrain

Why it ranks for hiking: Hopewell Trail: 12.5 miles of multi-use trail for hikers, bikers, and equestrians winding along the lake and through wildlife areas

Why it ranks for hiking: This is not the right choice for hikers seeking serious backcountry trail systems.

Why it ranks for hiking: 79 miles of the North Umpqua Trail open to both hikers and mountain bikers through old-growth forest

Why it ranks for hiking: Visitors can arrive by boat, set up camp, ride horses, or tackle OHV trails.

Why it ranks for hiking: 15 miles of non-motorized trail open to hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians year-round

Why it ranks for hiking: With an experience score of 79, the site supports hiking, paddling, dispersed camping, stargazing, and wildlife viewing.

Why it ranks for hiking: Year-round activity menu spanning birding, hiking, biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing

Why it ranks for hiking: This is not a conventional park for hikers seeking viewpoints.

Why it ranks for hiking: Winter access for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on refuge roads and trails

Why it ranks for hiking: Multi-use trail system open to hikers, bikers, cross-country skiers, and snowshoers

Why it ranks for hiking: Those seeking dramatic landscapes or extensive trail systems should adjust their expectations accordingly.

Why it ranks for hiking: Hiking into the 5,518-acre Chopaka Mountain Wilderness Study Area on foot

Why it ranks for hiking: The Merced River Trail following the canyon downstream from Briceburg for riverside hiking

Why it ranks for hiking: Seven miles of multi-use trails for hiking and mountain biking

Why it ranks for hiking: Accessing the canyon is challenging; trails are few.

Why it ranks for hiking: Visitors can boat, fish, camp, hike, picnic, and observe wildlife.

Why it ranks for hiking: Fishing, boating, hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, and hunting are all possible across multiple seasons.

Why it ranks for hiking: Fishing, camping, boating, and trail riding are the primary draws.

Why it ranks for hiking: Hiking the forested old road grade at Everett Slough, the one land-accessible BLM site

Why it ranks for hiking: Access to Fishlake and Manti-La Sal national forests and Wasatch Plateau trails as day trips

Why it ranks for hiking: Hiking options along the shores for those who want to stretch beyond the water

Why it ranks for hiking: Here, off-highway vehicles, fat bikes, horses, and hikers navigate the same sweeping landscape.