49 BEST HIKING DESTINATIONS IN AMERICA FOR SOLO TRAVELER

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I have done solo hiking in many countries around the world including various places in the USA.  Hiking solo or even with a group of other people offers many benefits and unique experiences.

However, solo hiking has great benefits such as fostering self-discovery, as well as deepening the connection with nature. It’s an opportunity for physical fitness too

Solo hiking provides flexibility to set your own pace and choose routes. This can be a great way to boost self-confidence and self-empowerment as you’re spontaneously making decisions. 

Hiking alone can also allow for mindfulness, reflection, and personal growth. Also,  note, that as you hike solo, you will face some challenges. With the right attitude, this will enhance problem-solving skills.

On a more practical level: SAFETY comes first. Make sure to plan and prepare well before leaving. Prepare for emergencies inform someone of your trip, and carry the necessary gear for solo hiking. The right plan and preparation lead to a fulfilling and secure solo hiking experience

Lastly, I have included a website line for each hiking destination we will discuss in this blog post. After you have chosen your destinations, click on their websites provided here for more useful info. Check for info such as:

  • Entry requirements, permits
  • Entry fee
  • Hours of operation 
  • When it’s open/close to hikers 
  • Address  

Sit back and fasten your seatbelt as we dive in. Here are the 49 BEST HIKING destinations for SOLO HIKERS:

1). Appalachian Trail:

  • Great hiking trail. Has a great diverse landscape and natural beauty. It’s a 2,200-mile long-distance hiking trail spanning 14 states.
  • Website:https://appalachiantrail.org

2). Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

  • Offers a breathtaking experience. If you’re looking for a challenging hiking spot, then this is your spot. 
  • It is located in the state of Arizona.
  • Website: https://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm

3). Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming 

  • Explore geysers, hot springs, and abundant wildlife in this iconic park, then this park will do the magic.
  • Address: Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190.
  • Website: https://www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm

4). Yosemite National Park, California

  •  This park has waterfalls, granite cliffs, and lush valleys in this stunning park. Offers a great experience for hikers. 
  • Address: Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
  • Website:https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm

5). Zion National Park, Utah

6). Acadia National Park, Maine

  • Offers rocky coastlines and forested trails in the northeastern U.S.
  • Address: Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
  • Website:https://www.nps.gov/acad/index.htm

7). Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina/Tennessee

  • It is known for its diverse trails and abundant wildlife. Great spot for a great hiking experience.
  • Address: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, TN 37738.
  • Website: https://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm

8).  Pacific Crest Trail, Western US

  • A 2,650-mile trail spanning from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon, and Washington.
  • Address: Various entry points along the trail.
  • Website: https://www.pcta.org

9). Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

  • This is a great hiking spot for exploring unique hoodoos and amphitheaters on a network of trails.
  • Address: Bryce Canyon National Park, Bryce, UT 84764.
  • Website: https://www.nps.gov/brca/index.htm

10). Mount Rainier National Park, Washington 

11). Canyonlands National Park, Utah

  • Known for dramatic canyons, mesas, and arches in this remote park. Great hiking spot.
  • Location: Canyonlands National Park, Moab, UT 84532.
  • Website: https://www.nps.gov/cany/index.htm

12).  Olympic National Park, Washington

  • Hike through temperate rainforests, rugged coastlines, and mountainous terrain.
  • Location: Olympic National Park, Port Angeles, WA 98362
  • Website:https://www.nps.gov/olym/index.htm

13). Denali National Park, Alaska

  • Hike through the wilderness around North America’s highest peak.
  • Location: Denali National Park, Denali Park, AK 99755.
  • Website: https://www.nps.gov/dena/index.htm

14). Mount Whitney, California

  • If you’re looking to hike to the highest summit in the contiguous United States, then this is your spot.
  • Location: Mount Whitney Trailhead, Lone Pine, CA 93545.
  • Website:https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/whitney.htm 

15). Arches National Park, Utah

16). Great Basin National Park, Nevada

17). Havasu Falls, Arizona

18). Cumberland Island National Seashore, Georgia

  • Hike through maritime forests and historic sites. Great historic and forest to explore.
  • Location: Cumberland Island National Seashore, St. Marys, GA 31558.
  • Website: https://www.nps.gov/cuis/index.htm  

19). Joshua Tree National Park, California

  • Offers unique hiking into desert landscapes with iconic Joshua trees and rock formations.
  • Location: Joshua Tree National Park, Joshua Tree, CA 92252.
  • Website: https://www.nps.gov/jotr/index.htm 

20). Gila Wilderness, New Mexico

  • Hike in the nation’s first designated wilderness area, known for rugged terrain.
  • Location: Gila National Forest, Silver City, NM 88061.
  • Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/gila 

21). Redwood National and State Parks, California

  • Hike into the marvel at towering redwood trees and explore lush coastal forests.
  • Location: Redwood National and State Parks, Crescent City, CA 95531.
  • Website: https://www.nps.gov/redw/index.htm 

22). Shenandoah National Park, Virginia 

  • Offer a great hiking experience along the Blue Ridge Mountains and enjoy panoramic views.
  • Address: Shenandoah National Park, Luray, VA 22835.
  • Website: https://www.nps.gov/shen/index.htm 

23). Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii

  • Explore the sunrise at the summit and explore otherworldly landscapes
  • Location: Haleakalā National Park, Makawao, HI 96768.
  • Website: https://www.nps.gov/hale/index.htm 

24). Owyhee Canyonlands, Oregon

25). Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan

  • Hike along Lake Superior’s shoreline and see colorful sandstone cliffs.
  • Location: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Munising, MI 49862.
  • Website: https://www.nps.gov/piro/index.htm 

26). The Narrows, Zion National Park, Utah

27). Lost Coast Trail, California

28). Big Sur, California

29). Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, Washington

30). Adirondack Park, New York

  • This is the largest publicly protected area in the contiguous United States. Great place for hiking.
  • Location: Adirondack Park, Ray Brook, NY 12977.
  • Website: https://apa.ny.gov 

31). Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon

  • Enjoy hiking through diverse trails in the shadow of Mount Hood.
  • Location: Mount Hood National Forest, Sandy, OR 97055.
  • Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/mthood 

32). North Cascades National Park, Washington

  • Hike in the “American Alps” amid glaciers, peaks, and pristine wilderness.
  • Location: North Cascades National Park, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284.
  • Website: https://www.nps.gov/noca/index.htm 

33). Eagle Rock Loop, Arkansas

34). Mount Charleston, Nevada

35). San Juan Islands, Washington

  • Explore hiking trails on several islands with stunning coastal views.
  • Location: San Juan Islands, WA 98250.
  • Website: https://www.visitsanjuans.com  

36). Highline Trail, Glacier National Park, Montana

37). Big Bend National Park, Texas

  • Explore hiking the remote desert landscape along the Rio Grande.
  • Location: Big Bend National Park, Big Bend National Park, TX 79834.
  • Website: https://www.nps.gov/bibe/index.htm

38). Devils Tower National Monument, Wyoming

39). Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, Virginia

40). Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

  • Enjoy exploring lakes, meadows, and breathtaking vistas in the Rockies.
  • Location: Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, CO 80517.
  • Website: https://www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm 

41). Catskill Mountains, New York

  • Explore hiking in the Catskills, known for its lush forests and rugged terrain.
  • Location: Catskill Mountains, Catskill, NY 12414.
  • Website: https://catskillmountainclub.org 

42). The Wave, Arizona

43). Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio

  • Trek waterfalls, caves, and unique rock formations in this Ohio gem.
  • Location: Hocking Hills State Park, Logan, OH 43138.
  • Website: https://www.hockinghills.com 

44). Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Idaho

45). Letchworth State Park, New York

  • Exploring hiking the “Grand Canyon of the East,” as it is known for.  It offers stunning gorges and waterfalls.
  • Location: Letchworth State Park, Castile, NY 14427.
  • Website: https://parks.ny.gov/parks/79/details.aspx 

46). Olympic Peninsula, Washington

47). Huckleberry Trail, Montana

  • Enjoy hiking through wildflower-filled meadows and enjoy panoramic views.
  • Location: Huckleberry Trail, Bigfork, MT 59911.
  • Website: https://hikehuckleberry.com 

48). Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, Texas

49). Shawnee National Forest, Illinois

  • Explore hiking unique rock formations and lush forests in southern Illinois.
  • Location: Shawnee National Forest, Harrisburg, IL 62946.
  • Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/shawnee 

Be sure to write to us and share your experience! Looking forward to hearing from you! 

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