Hikers cannot get enough of the abundant trails filled with varying terrains and landscapes. These examples of famous trails are a must-go for hikers. 

Hiking enthusiasts have vast options in the United States to get new experiences every time they go hiking. Whether you are a seasonal hiker, a year-round pro, or just someone trying to get away from the city, the country has something for everyone. With the warmer season approaching, this is the time to explore great hiking trails to make your list for the season. 

In the United States, there are hundreds of trails. Tamanawas Falls, Cheetwood Cove, Arches National Park, Yant Flats, Grand Teton National Park, Angel's Landing, Mount Rainier National Park, Upper Hawksbill Trail, Dark Hollow Falls Trail, and Black Elk Peak are just a few of the well-known routes. 

This list contains something for everyone. Some hikers like to keep their options open, including hiking on barren rocks to lush green mountains. Others are more attracted to trails that offer better wildlife sightseeing. Every trail is a beauty, but whichever you pick, make sure that you carry recycled and recyclable products and refrain from going off the tracks. 

We are hiking enthusiasts who, having hiked many trails in the US over the past decade, are well aware of the trails in the country. Hence, we have put together this guide so you can choose from the best and most famous trails in the country for your unique experience.

Famous Trails - Our Top Picks

Tamanawas Falls, Mount Hood, Oregon

Located in the heart of Mount Hood, Oregon, Tamanawas Falls is a surreal sight to start your morning. This is a 3.8-mile-long trail, open from late spring to late fall. We suggest beginning as close to sunrise as possible, as this trail is one of the most popular ones; it will get packed quickly. You must experience the place, having it all to yourself for at least a couple of hours. It is important to remember that you need a recreation pass to hike at the Tamanawas Falls or any other trail in the Mount Hood area.

The hike starts with passing right by the east fork of the hood river, followed by hiking through a massive forest covered by Douglas Fur trees. The trail gets more and more versatile as you pass by the river and streams through the woods, with logs fallen in the form of small hurdles. The boulder field comes out of nowhere and can be tricky to cross due to the slippery rocks. When you pass it with careful steps, you can see breathtaking boulder views and volcanic rock cliff faces.

A short walk from there will take you to the main attraction - the 110-foot Tamanawas Falls. You can spend the time there as per your liking. But if you plan to get wet in the falls, ensure that you have enough gear to keep yourself up and run.

Cleetwood Cove, Crater Lake, Oregon

Cleetwood Cove is located by Crater Lake in Oregon. Crater lake is the deepest lake in the United States, measuring 594 meters. That’s more than the height of the Empire State Building (443 m)! It was formed by a massive volcanic eruption over 7,700 years ago. Although it is illegal to swim in the lake, one spot allows it, and Cleetwood Cove will take you there. 

This trail is a 1.9-mile-long hike with many switchbacks. The path is generally sandy and sometimes muddy. Once you get to the endpoint, you will get the best view of the crater and a place to swim and cliff jump. The national park has great services. So you have a feast of facilities ranging from lodges, campgrounds, gas stations, restaurants, and gift shops. However, the timings and availability of them depend on the season.

Delicate Arch, Arches National Park, Utah

Arches National Park should be on your go-to list if natural architecture attracts you. This national park has more than 2000 rock arches, and the Delicate Arch is the most famous. It is an iconic landmark, making its place on the Utah license plate. The only real tip of this trail is to start your hike around 5 a.m. and arrive at the Delicate Arch before the sun rises. However, make sure that you have a downloaded map so you don’t get lost in the dark. 

Eventually, the sun will light up one of the most amazing landscapes in the US. You will be mesmerized by the largest arch in the national park, 46 feet tall and 32 feet wide. When you make your way back, you can enjoy the rest of the trail’s beauty that you traversed in the dark. The track is usually filled with red and orange barren rocks, split out gorgeously over the park. 

Some other mesmerizing trails in the Arches National Park include:

• Fiery Furnace
• Landscape Arch
• Park Avenue
• Windows Primitive Loop

The Devils Garden Primitive Loop is the longest and the most challenging trail in Arches National Park but a good choice for thrill-seekers and experienced hikers.

Yant Flats, Utah

This 3.4-mile trail is an easy to moderate hike with views worth the trouble. The Yant Flats in southwest Utah is also known as candy cliffs because of the orange and white shades swirling across the rock formations. It is one of the most remarkable hidden gems we have found over our decade-long travel experience.

The trail is so vast that you will find yourself alone in several instances. While the hike itself is easy and rewarding, there is nothing easy about getting here. That’s why the trail doesn’t get many visitors despite being among the most famous trails in the US. Before arriving at the trailhead, you will need to travel on a gravel road for half an hour that runs along with an extensive mountain range.

However, it is worth it once you get there. Contrary to other hikes in Utah, you will see a lot of greenery on the trail. Although the trail elevates slightly, with most formations mostly flat, the top will offer you a 360-degree view of beautiful candy cliffs. On the downside, there are little to zero facilities on this hike. So make sure you bring your complete gear to stay safe in the dark.

Delta Lake, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

If you are looking for a long, challenging, and rewarding trail, drop everything and head to the Delta Lake that you can hike in the Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. The hike measures 8.1 miles and is the most demanding hike we have ever done. It checks an elevation of 2300 ft with plenty of terrain switches, including three separate boulder fields. 

Food and water are only the tips of the essentials you need for this hike. You need to get bear spray too. Not in ours, but other hikers' experience has involved an encounter with a grizzly bear. The Delta lake hike will take seven to eight hours, depending on the time you might want to spend at the top. You can see amazing views of the Taggert and Bradley Lakes from various points. 

After crossing the boulder fields and a massively steep hill called the Glacier Gulch, you will reach the magnificent Delta Lake. Delta Lake has the most serene water in the US, with an extraordinary view of the Teton Mountain peak. The views at this point are well worth an intense climb. Some hikers jump into the lake for refreshment. However, the water is coming straight from the glacier, so it is freezing. Therefore, jump at your own risk.

Angel’s Landing, Zion National Park, Utah

This is the perfect trail for adventure seekers and adrenaline junkies to put on your bucket list. Before we talk you up into hiking in Angle’s Landing, you should know that the hike is extremely dangerous. 13 people have died climbing this hike since 2004. So weigh your chances and only take this measure if you are an experienced hiker.

Despite the dangers, Angle’s landing is one of the most popular hikes in Zion National Park, known more for the journey than the destination. Traversing through the 5.4-mile-long track is difficult. The first challenge is climbing uphill on jagged rocks, which is very tiring. At one time, you have to climb through 21 switchbacks. On the other hand, it is overwhelming how beautiful this place is. 

Hikers usually stop at the Scouts Overlook because the real fun begins here, and it is the first part of Angle’s Landing that isn’t too dangerous. The path starts to narrow down as you climb up, with deep and dark valleys on both sides. The only protection you have here is a chain that you can hold on to. However, the reward is always the sweetest after such challenging climbs, as it is in Angel’s Landing.

Mount Rainier National Park

Upper Hawksbill Trail, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

One of the most famous hikes in the US has to be in the Shenandoah National park in Virginia. The national park is overwhelmed with serenity, lush green, and tall trees mixed with shades of orange and red. The trail consists of rocky and woody terrains but requires moderate-level skills to make it to the top. Once you reach the top, you can enjoy a 360-degree view standing above big rocks with no vegetation to block the view.

The trail is beautiful but short. It only measures 2.1 miles for a round trip and can be completed in 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the time you stay at the top. However, it is comparatively safe for most hikers.

Dark Hollow Falls Trail, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

The Dark Hollow Falls trail is another trail in the Shenandoah National Park, which is even more famous than the former. It is because it is easy and best suited for families. This 1.4-mile-long trail offers plenty of exciting points and beautiful nature to enjoy. The Dark Hollow falls is a 70 ft high waterfall that rolls over rocks before finally setting into a pond. 

You can turn back as most people do from the point or extend your adventure by connecting to the Rose River Trail. It follows another part of the Dark Hollow Falls as the terrain slopes down the further you go. One thing to remember when you go further in that the way back consists of constant uphill climbing. Although it is not hard as most of the paths are covered with trees that keep the environment cool, even on hot summer days, it will take twice as long to get back.

Black Elk Peak, Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota

If you enjoy abundant wildlife on your hikes, check out Black Elk Peak. This is one of the longer trails on this list, with a loop measuring 7.1 miles. The main entrance of Black Elk Peak is located at the Sylvan Lake and Custer State Park. This location may look familiar to you as it hosts Mount Rushmore, one of the most famous US landmarks. If you are a film buff, you might also recognize this place from the film National Treasure 2. 

The hike is long and filled with all types of terrains, including woods, jagged rocks, streams, etc. Due to the dense nature of the trail, facilities are far apart, so make sure you have the right gear and food, and drinks. This hike takes you to the highest point of South Dakota and offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Black Hills.

This hike consists of rich history among its many landmarks. There is a historic fire tower on the top of the hills that attracts most hikers. Besides the Elks, this area is home to some of the most exotic wildlife, including mountain goats, mountain lions, turkeys, deer, and many bird species