Discover the top 10 scenic country trails in the USA, from coastal paths to mountain vistas—2025’s ultimate travel guide with stats, trail experts, FAQs, and tips for unforgettable outdoor adventures.
Travel + Adventure Guide (Curated List & Informative Feature)
Looking for fresh outdoor inspiration in 2025? These scenic country trails across the USA—highlighting mountain paths, forested landscapes, and coastal views—promise unforgettable experiences. From iconic long-distance routes to underrated regional gems, this guide covers them all.
Maggie Slepian, acclaimed backpacker and trail editorial writer, praises the USA’s diverse and mile-for-mile best hiking .
Top 10 Scenic Country Trails to Explore in 2025
- Appalachian Trail (Eastern USA) – Stretching over 2,190 miles with lush forests and mountain ridges—an iconic classic Travel + LeisureZipDo.
- John Muir Trail (California) – A 211-mile alpine route through Yosemite’s high-country.
- Teton Crest Trail (Wyoming) – A 40-mile mountain traverse offering dramatic Teton views and wildflower meadows.
- Kalalau Trail (Hawaii, Kauai) – Rugged 11-mile one-way coastal trail with ocean cliffs and jungle.
- Angel’s Landing (Zion NP, Utah) – Challenging trail with steep, narrow ridges and epic red-rock panoramas.
- Hoh River Trail (Olympic NP, Washington) – Lush temperate rainforest scenery with towering spruce and moss-covered canopy.
- Delicate Arch Trail (Arches NP, Utah) – Short yet scenic, leading to an iconic red-rock arch at sunset/sunrise.
- Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail (Alabama) – Award-winning trail spanning diverse ecosystems—from dunes to butterfly gardens
- Indiana Dunes’ Dune Succession Trail (Midwest) – Unique coastal-like dune paths with “singing sand” near Chicago.
- Ohiopyle State Park Trails (Pennsylvania) – Affordable, wildlife-rich forest trails with waterfalls in the Laurel Highlands.
“Hiking was the most popular outdoor activity across America… 881,000 people began hiking in 2022 alone.”
— Outdoor Industry Association via Backpacker
Statistics & Trends in Hiking
- There are more than 200,000 miles of hiking trails in the U.S., with ~10,000 miles in national parks alone.
- In 2023, outdoor recreation participation rose to 175.8 million Americans—57.3% of those aged six and older.
- Each year, around 47 million Americans go hiking, with 45% being female and 59.6 million total hikers.
- AllTrails curates “25 Trails to Explore in 2025”, offering curated choices for adventurous trail-seekers.
“The USA is a hiker’s dream country… virtually every type of landscape within its borders.”
— The Broke Backpacker.
FAQs — Scenic Country Trails in the USA
Q1: Which trail is best for first-time hikers?
Short, accessible paths like Indiana Dunes’ trail or Delicate Arch Trail are great for easy scenic experiences
Q2: What are the most challenging trails?
Opt for high-elevation routes like the John Muir or Teton Crest Trails, best suited for prepared, experienced hikers
Q3: How safe are these trails?
While hiking is generally safe, most accidents occur on short trails due to lack of preparation—always bring essentials, even on easy routes
Other High-End Website Links
- AllTrails: 25 Trails to Explore in 2025, curated trail picks AllTrails.com
- Backpacker Magazine: 50 Best Hikes in the US, covering all states Backpacker
- Time Out USA: 13 Best Places to Hike for Scenic Trek Time Out Worldwide
Key Takeaways
- The USA offers an incredible variety of scenic country trails—from deserts to rainforests and dunes to high-mountain paths.
- Hiking continues to rise in popularity, with millions exploring trails yearly and growing trail infrastructure
- Trails suit every skill level—choose shorter paths for casual hikes or longer routes for challenging adventure.
- Proper planning enhances safety and enjoyment: bring water, navigation tools, and trail awareness.
“Prepare, explore, reflect—the USA’s most scenic trails are calling in 2025.”
Alt Text for Featured Photo
“Mountain meadow with wildflowers overlooking dramatic peaks—symbolizing scenic country trails in the USA.”
