Sometimes it takes knowing a hike is worth it to get the motivation to keep going, especially for those who enjoy city life more than the countryside. So if you’re looking for a rewarding hike, look no further. From the Navajo Loop Trail in Utah to the Mist Trail in California, these hikes bring an incredible challenge, breathtaking views and a memorable adventure along the way there.
Nāhuku | Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
For novice and experienced hikers alike who are looking for a new challenge, it’s time to fly to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and traverse Nāhuku. Otherwise known as the Thurston Lava Tube, Nāhuku is a hiking trail that winds through the rainforest, eventually entering a 600-foot-long lava tube where a river of lava once flowed that was 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The 500-year-old lava tube was first discovered in 1913 and is home to entire ecosystems of creatures like crickets, spiders and microbes. Hikers can choose to walk a 1.5-mile or 6-mile round-trip trail to traverse Nāhuku. Whether you trek the cavernous channel early in the morning or late afternoon, you’ll be grateful you took the time to explore the natural wonders of Nāhuku.
Navajo Loop Trail | Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
One of the most iconic hikes in Utah is the Navajo Loop Trail in Bryce Canyon National Park. This trail is known for having the most hoodoo sedimentary rock spires in the world, with some of them even shaping into striking red rock formations like Wall Street, Twin Bridges and Thor’s Hammer. Hikers who trek this 1.4-mile route will enjoy gazing at the colorful limestone walls or the abundant Douglas fir trees that can be found in higher elevations along the trail. But if you do venture out to this trail, make sure to check the weather report beforehand. Portions of the trail can close due to rainy or wintery conditions, but the view is more than worth it if you go on a sunny day.
Cadillac Mountain North Ridge Trail | Acadia National Park, Maine
Along the Atlantic coast of Maine sits the Acadia National Park, where the Cadillac Mountain North Ridge Trail is a must-visit. This rocky trail with granite slopes and stairs leads to the highest point in the park and along the Eastern Seaboard while providing picturesque views of Maine’s Bar Harbor, Frenchman Bay and the Schoodic Peninsula. The trail is also filled with hundreds of songbirds, woodpeckers and waterfowls, making it a great place to add some birdwatching to your hike. Enhance your experience of this 4.4-mile round-trip trail by traversing right after sunrise or shortly before sunset. That way, you can see the sky burst into bright colors as you take in all of the natural beauty that Cadillac Mountain has to offer.
Mist Trail | Yosemite National Park, California
One of America’s most popular national parks, Yosemite in California offers a beautiful and rewarding hike with its Mist Trail. This moderately difficult trail for experienced hikers reaches 2,000 feet in elevation at its highest point and features views of the Nevada and Vernal Falls. The Mist Trail has several routes you can take to hike it, whether you trek the 2.4-mile route to the top of Vernal Fall, the more challenging 5.4-mile hike to Nevada Fall or spend a whole day reaching the top of both waterfalls. Whichever path you choose, bring plenty of supplies and water to see you through your expedition. After all, a day along the Mist Trail in Yosemite National Park is one well spent.