10 of the Best Walking Trails Across the Country

From its beautiful beaches to its magnificent mountains, the United States is home to some of the most amazing scenery in the world. Fortunately, many state and national parks allow you to walk right through that scenery anytime you like. With this in mind, we've put together a list of some of the most interesting and best walking trails across the country. Grab your favorite pair of ASICS® footwear and take a walk through a maritime forest or an urban city along a river. Explore attractions like the biggest tree in the world or excavated archaeological sites while you get some exercise. Or take an evening stroll towards a beautiful sunset view.   

Southeast

The Trails at Hunting Island State Park — Hunting Island State Park, SC 

Hunting Island State Park in South Carolina sits on 5,000 acres and is home to miles of various walking trails that connect and meander throughout the maritime forest, shores of a lagoon, and beaches. Most of the trails are flat, less than 2 miles long, and considered easy to walk, though they all intersect, so you walk for as long or as little as you like. Be sure to include a walk along Boneyard Beach, which is covered in shark teeth and the remains of old oak trees, and the Maritime Forest Trail, which is a great spot for viewing wildlife.  

Chattahoochee Riverwalk — Columbus, GA 

The historic Chattahoochee River flows through the state of Georgia to the Florida Panhandle, and if you head to Columbus, Georgia, you can walk alongside it for about 15 miles. The trail is paved, so it's considered an easy walk, and it takes you through both natural areas and urban landscapes. Along the way, you'll pass historic sites, like the cotton mill village of Bibb City.  

Northeast 

Cadillac South Ridge Trail — Acadia National Park, Maine 

Considered the "Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast," Acadia National Park in Maine is one of the top 10 most-visited national parks in the United States. If you're looking for a moderate walk, consider Cadillac South Ridge Trail. It's just over 7 miles round trip, and the trail is, at times, steep, rocky, and uneven. However, the scenery is beautiful. The trail is also dog-friendly.  

Gorge Trail — Watkins Glen State Park, New York

Gorge Trail in Watkins Glen State Park passes by 19 waterfalls in Upstate New York, which makes it a popular option for people who are looking for a fairly easy walk through nature. Just keep in mind that you'll have to climb several sets of steps. The trail opens in May each year, and it's about 1.5 miles long.  

Southwest 

Pueblo Loop Trail — Bandelier National Monument, New Mexico 

Take a walk by several fascinating archaeological sites when you visit the Pueblo Loop Trail at the Bandelier National Monument in Los Alamos, New Mexico. The trail is a loop that is just under 1.5 miles long, though many people like to stop and view the historic sites along the way. Some of the trail is paved, making it an easy walk. Just keep in mind that certain weather conditions may shut down the trail from time to time.

Sunset View Trail — Franklin Mountains State Park, Texas 

If you love a beautiful sunset, you can't go wrong with a walk along the rugged Sunset View Trail in Franklin Mountains State Park in El Paso, Texas. This walk will lead you to a panoramic view of the sky, where you can watch the sunset and the El Paso city lights come to life. The trail is divided into the Upper and Lower portions, which form a 7.2-mile loop, and is considered moderately difficult. The Upper portion of the trail will lead you to sunset views.  

West 

The Congress Trail — Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, California

Take a walk past the General Sherman Tree, the biggest tree in the world, as well as several other notable sequoias when you visit the Congress Trail in California. The family-friendly trail is a 2.7-mile loop through the redwood forests of Northern California. It's paved, though there's a slight incline, making it a fairly easy walk.   

Discovery Park and Lighthouse Loop — Seattle, Washington

If you're in the Seattle, Washington, area, consider a walk through the Discovery Park and Lighthouse Loop. Despite its location in the city, it'll take you on a 2.8-mile journey through some of the most scenic locations in the Pacific Northwest. It's actually a popular spot for bird watchers. You'll pass through meadows, forests, and beautiful views of the water.  

Midwest 

The Trails at Yellow River State Forest — Harpers Ferry, Iowa 

Yellow River State Forest in Harpers Ferry, Iowa, has been voted one of the most beautiful places for walking and hiking in the United States. It's home to over 50 miles of trails where you can walk as little or as much as you like with as little or as much difficulty as you like. It's also a popular spot for equestrians.

The Chimney Rock Trail — Whitewater State Park, Minnesota