The US national parks are a hiker's paradise, protecting some of the most spectacular landscapes on Earth. Whether you want a thrilling clifftop scramble or a gentle valley stroll, these parks deliver world-class trails. Here are the best national parks for hiking.
Zion National Park, Utah
Home to two legendary hikes — Angels Landing's heart-stopping ridge (permit required) and The Narrows' walk up a river canyon — alongside gentler trails. A bucket-list hiking park.
Yosemite National Park, California
Granite giants, thundering waterfalls, and trails from the easy valley floor to the cables of Half Dome. Few places pack in such iconic scenery.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Pristine alpine wilderness with turquoise lakes and the famous Highline Trail. Rugged, remote, and breathtaking for serious hikers.
Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee/North Carolina
The most-visited national park, with misty ridges, waterfalls, and a huge trail network including a stretch of the Appalachian Trail — beautiful in autumn.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
High-alpine trails, mountain lakes, and abundant wildlife, with hikes for all levels and dramatic Continental Divide scenery.
What to Pack for These Hikes
Across these parks the basics are the same — sun, distance, and elevation. These essentials cover almost any trail:
Hiking Boots
All-park trails
From Zion to Glacier you cover long, rugged miles — broken-in boots with real grip prevent the blisters and slips that end a hike early.
Check Price on AmazonA Hydration Backpack
Long day hikes
Water sources are unreliable on the trail — a hydration pack carries enough for a long day and keeps your hands free for scrambles.
Check Price on AmazonTrekking Poles
Steep terrain
Big descents like Angels Landing and the Glacier passes are far easier on the knees with poles.
Check Price on AmazonA Blister & First-Aid Kit
Backcountry days
Miles from the trailhead, a small kit with blister care handles the hot-spots and scrapes that would otherwise cut a hike short.
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Zion (Angels Landing and The Narrows), Yosemite (Half Dome and the valley), Glacier (the Highline Trail), and the Great Smoky Mountains all rank among the best. The "best" depends on your style — Zion and Yosemite for iconic bucket-list hikes, the Smokies for accessible variety.