Hiking is one of the best ways to explore the outdoors. From coastal trails to mountain hikes, North America has some of the world’s most incredible hiking spots. Here are 10 of the best trails to explore in the continent.

1. The Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail is one of the most iconic trails in the US and runs for over 2,000 miles through 14 states. It is one of the longest trails in the world and passes through the Appalachian Mountains. The terrain is mostly forested and includes some challenging climbs. It can take several months to complete the full trail, but there are plenty of shorter sections that can be done in a day or two.

Difficulty:

The trail is a moderate difficulty and is suitable for experienced hikers.

Length:

The entire trail is 2,190 miles long.

Notable Features:

The trail passes through several states, including Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. It also passes through the Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah National Parks.

2. The Kalalau Trail

The Kalalau Trail is an 11-mile trail that runs along the Na Pali Coast in Hawaii. The trail is very difficult and is only suitable for experienced hikers. It passes through lush jungles, waterfalls, and coastal bluffs, providing some of the most stunning views in the world. There are also several beaches and campsites along the trail.

Difficulty:

The trail is considered very difficult, with several sections that are considered dangerous.

Length:

The trail is 11 miles long.

Notable Features:

The trail passes through several beaches, including Kalalau Beach and Hanakāpīʻai Beach. It also passes through lush jungles and waterfalls. The trail ends at the Kalalau Valley, where there are some stunning views of the Na Pali Coast.

3. The West Coast Trail

The West Coast Trail is a 75-mile trail located in British Columbia, Canada. It passes through the Pacific Coast rainforest and along the rugged coastline of Vancouver Island. The trail is challenging and can take up to a week to complete. It passes through some stunning landscapes and is home to a variety of wildlife.

Difficulty:

The trail is considered difficult and is only suitable for experienced hikers.

Length:

The trail is 75 miles long.

Notable Features:

The trail passes through the Pacific Coast rainforest and along the rugged coastline of Vancouver Island. It also passes through beaches, lighthouses, and forests. Wildlife is abundant along the trail, including whales, sea lions, and black bears.

4. The Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim Trail

The Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim Trail is a challenging 44-mile trail that connects the North and South rims of the Grand Canyon. The trail passes through some of the most stunning landscapes in North America, including red rock canyons, deep gorges, and lush forests. It is a difficult trail and is only suitable for experienced hikers.

Difficulty:

The trail is considered very difficult and is only suitable for experienced hikers.

Length:

The trail is 44 miles long.

Notable Features:

The trail passes through some of the most stunning landscapes in North America, including red rock canyons, deep gorges, and lush forests. It also passes through the Kaibab Plateau and several other scenic points along the way.

5. The John Muir Trail

The John Muir Trail is a 211-mile trail that runs through the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California. The trail passes through some of the most stunning landscapes in North America, including granite peaks, lush meadows, and crystal-clear lakes. It can take several weeks to complete the entire trail, but there are plenty of shorter sections that can be done in a day or two.

Difficulty:

The trail is considered moderate and is suitable for experienced hikers.

Length:

The trail is 211 miles long.

Notable Features:

The trail passes through granite peaks, lush meadows, and crystal-clear lakes. It also passes through Yosemite National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, and Sequoia National Park.

6. The Mount Whitney Trail

The Mount Whitney Trail is an 11-mile trail that leads to the summit of Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States. The trail is challenging and is only suitable for experienced hikers. It passes through some stunning landscapes and provides some of the best views in the country.

Difficulty:

The trail is considered very difficult and is only suitable for experienced hikers.

Length:

The trail is 11 miles long.

Notable Features:

The trail passes through some stunning landscapes and provides some of the best views in the country. It also passes through several alpine lakes and meadows. Wildlife is abundant along the trail, including deer, marmots, and pikas.

7. The Inca Trail

The Inca Trail is a 26-mile trail that leads to the ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru. The trail is difficult and is only suitable for experienced hikers. It passes through some stunning landscapes, including cloud forests and ancient ruins. The trail takes several days to complete and is one of the most iconic trails in the world.

Difficulty:

The trail is considered very difficult and is only suitable for experienced hikers.

Length:

The trail is 26 miles long.

Notable Features:

The trail passes through cloud forests and ancient ruins, including the ruins of Machu Picchu. The trail also passes through several Inca sites, including the Sun Gate, Intipunku, and the Inca Bridge.

8. The Chilkoot Trail

The Chilkoot Trail is a 33-mile trail that runs from Alaska to Canada. The trail is challenging and is only suitable for experienced hikers. It passes through some stunning landscapes, including glaciers and alpine lakes. The trail takes several days to complete and is one of the most iconic trails in North America.

Difficulty:

The trail is considered difficult and is only suitable for experienced hikers.

Length:

The trail is 33 miles long.

Notable Features:

The trail passes through glaciers and alpine lakes, and provides some stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It also passes through the Chilkoot Pass and the Chilkoot Valley.

9. The Continental Divide Trail

The Continental Divide Trail is a 3,100-mile trail that runs from Canada to Mexico. The trail is very challenging and is only suitable for experienced hikers. It passes through some stunning landscapes, including mountains, deserts, and forests. It can take several months to complete the entire trail, but there are plenty of shorter sections that can be done in a day or two.

Difficulty:

The trail is considered very difficult and is only suitable for experienced hikers.

Length:

The trail is 3,100 miles long.

Notable Features:

The trail passes through several states, including Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico. It also passes through some stunning landscapes, including mountains, deserts, and forests. Wildlife is abundant along the trail, including bighorn sheep, elk, and grizzly bears.

10. The Mount Rainier Wonderland Trail

The Mount Rainier Wonderland Trail is a 93-mile trail that runs around Mount Rainier in Washington state. The trail is challenging and is only suitable for experienced hikers. It passes through some stunning landscapes, including alpine meadows and old-growth forests. The trail takes several days to complete and is one of the most iconic trails in the Pacific Northwest.

Difficulty:

The trail is considered very difficult and is only suitable for experienced hikers.

Length:

The trail is 93 miles long.

Notable Features:

The trail passes through alpine meadows, old-growth forests, and glacial lakes. It also passes through several scenic points, including Indian Henry’s Hunting Ground and Narada Falls. Wildlife is abundant along the trail, including deer, marmots, and pikas.

North America is home to some of the most incredible hiking spots in the world. There are plenty of trails to explore, from coastal trails to mountain hikes. Whether you’re looking for a short day hike or an extended backpacking trip, these 10 trails are some of the best in the continent.