Best US States To Visit For Your Next Hiking Adventure
By SYDNEY BAKER
The Golden State has some of the most famous treks in the U.S. The year-round decent weather and highway connectivity make California a perfect hiking destination.
California
In Northern California, you can hike Half Dome in Yosemite one day, then head to Redwoods National Park and walk the 25-mile-long Lost Coast Trail.
Go hiking at Mount Whitney or rock climbing in Joshua Tree. Mount Baldy is Los Angeles' tallest mountain, and Channel Islands National Park is off the coast of Santa Barbara.
Known as the land of the lakes, Michigan is a marvelous hiking destination if you enjoy the water. Warren Dunes National Park has forest trails and spectacular dunes.
Michigan
Port Crescent State Park is a dark sky preserve with beaches from Lake Huron that rival the country's coasts. The Isle Royale National Park is a picturesque island near Canada.
This state has numerous trail options, like the 5.5-mile Ragged Mountain Preserve Trail, and is home to a surprising number of waterfalls for such a small area.
Connecticut
Novice hikers will feel comfortable on most Connecticut paths. On any trail, you'll run into New England towns full of trees with brilliant fall colors in September and October.
With national parks, mountains, volcanoes, lakes, and ocean access, Oregon is a top hiking destination, with unique places like John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.
Oregon
Crater Lake National Park is a magnificent place with easy day hikes or more challenging overnight trips and is next to the Umpqua National Forest, with hot springs and waterfalls.
Unlike any other state, each of Hawaii's eight islands offers something different. Kauai has a lush rainforest and the 11-mile-long Kalalau Trail along the Na Pali Coast.
Hawaii
On Oahu, the famous Diamond Head Hike is a relatively easy, paved, 1.6-mile path up the crater for an unbelievable panoramic view of Waikiki in Honolulu.
On the other side of Oahu, Stairway to Heaven, or Haiku Stairs Hike, has just over 3,900 stairs leading to a staggering mountaintop panorama of the island.