Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in North America. Whether you’re looking for a challenging fitness hike or just a leisurely stroll, there are hiking trails for every type of adventurer. From the rugged terrain of Alaska’s Chilkoot Trail to Florida’s picturesque Florida National Scenic Trail, North America has stunning natural wonders that are not to be missed. Below is a list of the top 10 hiking trails in North America, each offering an unforgettable experience.

1. Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail, or AT, is the longest hiking-only footpath in the world. Stretching for more than 2,000 miles along the East Coast, the Appalachian Trail passes through 14 states and is one of the most popular hiking trails in North America. The trail offers a range of terrain, from the rolling hills of Tennessee to the rugged mountains of Maine. Most thru-hikers take 5 to 8 months to complete the trail, although it can be done in as little as 3 months. Be sure to bring plenty of supplies and the proper gear, as there are no stores along the trail.

Length:

2,189 miles (3,522 km)

Elevation Gain:

Approximately 464,500 feet (141,541 m)

Best Time to Visit:

Spring and fall are the best times to hike the AT. Spring is especially beautiful, as the trees and flowers begin to bloom. Winter can be treacherous, as the trail is often covered in snow and ice.

Must-See Sights:

The Appalachian Trail passes through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country, including the Great Smoky Mountains, Shenandoah National Park, and Baxter State Park. Be sure to take in the breathtaking views of Mount Katahdin in Maine, the northern terminus of the AT.

2. Pacific Crest Trail

The Pacific Crest Trail, or PCT, is a 2,650-mile hiking trail that stretches from Mexico to Canada. The trail passes through California, Oregon, and Washington, offering stunning views of the Pacific coastline, alpine forests, and snow-capped mountains. Most thru-hikers take 5 to 6 months to complete the trail, although it can be done in as little as 3 months. Be sure to bring plenty of supplies and the proper gear, as there are few stores along the trail.

Length:

2,650 miles (4,265 km)

Elevation Gain:

Approximately 310,000 feet (94,488 m)

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to hike the PCT is between April and November. The months of July and August usually offer the best weather, although they can also be the busiest. Be prepared for snow and ice in the northern sections.

Must-See Sights:

The PCT passes through some of the most stunning landscapes in the West, including the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and the Columbia River Gorge. Be sure to take in the breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainier in Washington.

3. 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 breathtaking alpine meadows, shimmering lakes, and lush forests. Most thru-hikers take 2 to 4 weeks to complete the trail, although it can be done in as little as 10 days. Be sure to bring plenty of supplies and the proper gear, as there are few stores along the trail.

Length:

211 miles (340 km)

Elevation Gain:

Approximately 58,000 feet (17,678 m)

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to hike the John Muir Trail is between June and September. Be sure to check the weather before starting your hike, as thunderstorms can occur in the summer months.

Must-See Sights:

The John Muir Trail passes through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, including Yosemite National Park, Ansel Adams Wilderness, and Sequoia National Park. Be sure to take in the breathtaking views of Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States.

4. Chilkoot Trail

The Chilkoot Trail is a 33-mile trail that follows the path of gold rush stampeders in the late 19th century. The trail runs from Dyea, Alaska, to Bennett, British Columbia, and passes through stunning alpine glaciers and pristine forests. Most hikers take 3 to 5 days to complete the trail, although it can be done in as little as 2 days. Be sure to bring plenty of supplies and the proper gear, as there are few stores along the trail.

Length:

33 miles (53 km)

Elevation Gain:

Approximately 4,000 feet (1,219 m)

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to hike the Chilkoot Trail is between June and September. Be sure to check the weather before starting your hike, as snow and ice can still be present in the summer months.

Must-See Sights:

The Chilkoot Trail passes through some of the most rugged and stunning landscapes in the world, including the Coast Mountains and Kluane National Park. Be sure to take in the breathtaking views of the glacier-clad peaks of the Coast Mountains.

5. Florida National Scenic Trail

The Florida National Scenic Trail is a 1,300-mile trail that winds through the wilds of Florida. The trail passes through forests, swamps, and wetlands, offering stunning views of the Florida landscape. Most thru-hikers take 6 to 8 months to complete the trail, although it can be done in as little as 3 months. Be sure to bring plenty of supplies and the proper gear, as there are few stores along the trail.

Length:

1,300 miles (2,092 km)

Elevation Gain:

Approximately 60,000 feet (18,288 m)

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to hike the Florida National Scenic Trail is between November and April. Be sure to check the weather before starting your hike, as the summer months can be oppressively hot and humid.

Must-See Sights:

The Florida National Scenic Trail passes through some of the most stunning landscapes in Florida, including Big Cypress National Preserve, Ocala National Forest, and Everglades National Park. Be sure to take in the breathtaking views of the Gulf Coast and the Florida Keys.

6. Continental Divide Trail

The Continental Divide Trail is a 3,100-mile trail that follows the Continental Divide from Mexico to Canada. The trail passes through some of the most rugged and remote terrain in the country, offering stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. Most thru-hikers take 5 to 6 months to complete the trail, although it can be done in as little as 3 months. Be sure to bring plenty of supplies and the proper gear, as there are few stores along the trail.

Length:

3,100 miles (4,987 km)

Elevation Gain:

Approximately 319,000 feet (97,104 m)

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to hike the Continental Divide Trail is between April and September. Be sure to check the weather before starting your hike, as thunderstorms can occur in the summer months.

Must-See Sights:

The Continental Divide Trail passes through some of the most stunning landscapes in the Rockies, including Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and Rocky Mountain National Park. Be sure to take in the breathtaking views of the Wind River Range in Wyoming.

7. Long Trail

The Long Trail is a 272-mile trail that runs through the Green Mountains of Vermont. The trail passes through lush forests, wildflower-filled meadows, and rocky peaks, offering stunning views of the Vermont landscape. Most thru-hikers take 3 to 5 weeks to complete the trail, although it can be done in as little as 2 weeks. Be sure to bring plenty of supplies and the proper gear, as there are few stores along the trail.

Length:

272 miles (438 km)

Elevation Gain:

Approximately 80,000 feet (24,384 m)

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to hike the Long Trail is between June and October. Be sure to check the weather before starting your hike, as snow and ice can still be present in the higher elevations.

Must-See Sights:

The Long Trail passes through some of the most rugged and stunning landscapes in Vermont, including the Green Mountain National Forest and Camel’s Hump State Park. Be sure to take in the breathtaking views of Mount Mansfield, the highest peak in Vermont.

8. Arizona Trail

The Arizona Trail is an 800-mile trail that winds through the diverse landscapes of Arizona. The trail passes through deserts, canyons, forests, and mountains, offering stunning views of the Arizona landscape. Most thru-hikers take 4 to 6 weeks to complete the trail, although it can be done in as little as 2 weeks. Be sure to bring plenty of supplies and the proper gear, as there are few stores along the trail.

Length:

800 miles (1,287 km)

Elevation Gain:

Approximately 90,000 feet (27,432 m)

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to hike the Arizona Trail is between November and April. Be sure to check the weather before starting your hike, as the summer months can be dangerously hot.

Must-See Sights:

The Arizona Trail passes through some of the most stunning landscapes in the state, including Saguaro National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, and Coronado National Forest. Be sure to take in the breathtaking views of the San Francisco Peaks in Flagstaff.

9. Great Western Loop

The Great Western Loop is a 6,875-mile trail that circumnavigates the western United States. The trail passes through some of the most rugged and remote terrain in the country, offering stunning views of the western landscape. Most thru-hikers take 8 to 10 months to complete the trail, although it can be done in as little as 6 months. Be sure to bring plenty of supplies and the proper gear, as there are few stores along the trail.

Length:

6,875 miles (11,093 km)

Elevation Gain:

Approximately 1.2 million feet (366,000 m)

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to hike the Great Western Loop is between April and October. Be sure to check the weather before starting your hike, as snow and ice can still be present in the higher elevations.

Must-See Sights:

The Great Western Loop passes through some of the most stunning landscapes in the West, including Crater Lake National Park, Grand Teton National Park, and the Olympic Mountains. Be sure to take in the breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon.