You know that feeling when you’re scrolling through Instagram and someone posts a hiking photo so stunning it makes you want to throw on your boots and hit the trail immediately? Yeah, me too. After years of chasing sunrises from mountain peaks and getting my boots muddy on countless trails, I’ve narrowed down the absolute best scenic hiking experiences North America has to offer.
Trust me, I’ve done the legwork (literally) so you don’t have to wonder which trails are worth the drive, the blisters, and the inevitable “are we there yet?” moments. These aren’t just pretty walks—they’re the trails that’ll make your jaw drop and your camera work overtime.
The Angel’s Landing Trail, Zion National Park, Utah
Let’s start with a trail that’s basically nature’s way of testing your fear of heights. Angel’s Landing isn’t for the faint of heart, but the payoff? Absolutely unreal.
The final half-mile involves holding onto chains while navigating narrow ridges with thousand-foot drop-offs on both sides. Sounds terrifying? It is. Worth it? Every single sweaty, white-knuckled second.
What makes it special:
- 360-degree views of Zion Canyon
- The infamous chain section (adrenaline junkies, this one’s for you)
- Rock formations that look like they belong on another planet
- 5.4-mile round trip of pure adventure
Pro tip: Start early. Like, really early. The crowds can turn this spiritual experience into a traffic jam with altitude. IMO, sunrise from Angel’s Landing beats any alarm clock you’ve ever set 🙂
Glacier Point to Half Dome, Yosemite National Park, California
Ever wondered what it feels like to conquer one of America’s most iconic landmarks? Half Dome delivers that feeling in spades, though your legs might hate you for a few days afterward.
This beast of a hike covers 16 miles round trip and includes the famous cable route to the summit. The granite dome’s sheer face has been intimidating hikers for decades, but the view from the top? It’s like seeing the world from a giant’s perspective.
Trail highlights:
- Nevada and Vernal Falls along the way
- The cable section (bring gloves—seriously)
- Unobstructed views of Yosemite Valley
- Bragging rights for life
Fair warning: you’ll need permits for this one. The park service isn’t messing around when it comes to managing crowds on this popular route.
The Narrows, Zion National Park, Utah
What happens when you combine hiking with wading through a river? You get The Narrows, and it’s exactly as awesome as it sounds.
This unique trail follows the Virgin River through slot canyons so narrow that in some spots, the walls tower 1,000 feet above while being only 20-30 feet apart. You’ll spend most of your time walking directly in the river, which keeps things refreshingly cool.
Why it’s unforgettable:
- Canyon walls that seem to touch the sky
- Ever-changing light patterns on red rock
- A hiking experience unlike anywhere else
- Multiple route options for different skill levels
Pack a dry bag for your phone—you’ll want to capture this otherworldly landscape, but the river doesn’t care about your electronics.
Grinnell Glacier Trail, Glacier National Park, Montana
Climate change has made glaciers a “see them while you can” situation, which makes the Grinnell Glacier Trail both beautiful and bittersweet.
This 7.6-mile round trip hike showcases everything that makes Glacier National Park legendary: pristine alpine lakes, towering peaks, and yes, actual glaciers (for now). The trail rewards you with close-up views of Upper Grinnell Lake’s brilliant turquoise waters.
Trail features:
- Mountain goats and bighorn sheep sightings
- Wildflower meadows (timing is everything)
- Dramatic glacial landscapes
- Crystal-clear alpine lakes
The best part? You might spot some of the park’s famous wildlife along the way. Just remember to keep your distance—these aren’t petting zoo animals.
Skyline Trail, Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
If you’re looking for a trail that showcases the Pacific Northwest in all its glory, the Skyline Trail delivers big time. This 5.5-mile loop offers postcard-perfect views of Mount Rainier’s massive glaciated peak.
During wildflower season (typically July through September), the meadows explode in color. We’re talking lupines, paintbrush, and avalanche lilies creating a natural carpet that Disney couldn’t improve upon.
What sets it apart:
- Panoramic views of Mount Rainier
- Seasonal wildflower displays
- Multiple waterfalls
- Well-maintained trail system
The weather can be unpredictable here, so layers are your friend. Mountain weather doesn’t care about your hiking schedule.
Cadillac Summit Loop, Acadia National Park, Maine
Want to be among the first people in the United States to see the sunrise? Cadillac Mountain in Acadia gives you that bragging right from October through March.
This relatively easy 3.5-mile loop combines coastal views with granite peaks, creating a landscape that’s uniquely Maine. The summit offers 360-degree views that include both the Atlantic Ocean and a patchwork of lakes and forests.
Why it’s worth the trip:
- First sunrise in the US (seasonal)
- Coastal mountain combination
- Accessible for most fitness levels
- Fall foliage that’ll ruin you for other autumn destinations
The sunrise crowd can be intense, but honestly? Sharing that moment with fellow early risers creates a sense of community you don’t get on many trails.
Iceberg Lake Trail, Glacier National Park, Montana
Yes, another Glacier National Park entry—but can you blame me? The Iceberg Lake Trail serves up some of the most pristine alpine scenery on the continent.
This 9.7-mile round trip hike leads to a cirque lake that often has floating icebergs well into summer. The backdrop of towering peaks and the crystal-clear water create a scene so perfect it almost looks fake.
Trail highlights:
- Actual icebergs in summer
- Wildlife viewing opportunities
- Dramatic cirque setting
- Relatively moderate difficulty
Pack bug spray for this one. The mosquitoes consider hikers a mobile buffet, and they’re surprisingly persistent.
Angels Landing Chain Section, Zion National Park, Utah
Wait, didn’t we already cover this? Here’s the thing—the chain section of Angels Landing deserves its own mention because it’s genuinely unlike anything else you’ll experience on a trail.
Those final 0.5 miles involve pulling yourself up steep rock faces using chains, with exposure that’ll make your palms sweat just thinking about it. It’s hiking meets rock climbing meets therapy for your fear of heights.
What makes it legendary:
- Heart-pounding exposure
- Chain-assisted climbing
- Views that justify the terror
- Stories you’ll tell for years
Not everyone completes this section, and that’s totally okay. The views from Scout Lookout are still incredible if the chains aren’t your thing.
Delphi Falls to Taughannock Falls, Finger Lakes, New York
Sometimes the best trails are hiding in unexpected places. The Taughannock Falls Trail in New York’s Finger Lakes region proves that you don’t need to travel across the country for jaw-dropping scenery.
This easy 1.5-mile round trip leads to a 215-foot waterfall that’s taller than Niagara Falls. The gorge setting creates a microclimate that keeps things cool even on hot summer days.
Why it’s underrated:
- Easily accessible from major East Coast cities
- Family-friendly trail
- Impressive waterfall payoff
- Beautiful gorge geology
FYI, this trail gets icy in winter, but the frozen falls create an entirely different kind of spectacular.
Bright Angel Trail to Plateau Point, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
The Grand Canyon had to make this list—it’s literally one of the world’s natural wonders. The Bright Angel Trail to Plateau Point offers the full canyon experience without committing to a rim-to-rim epic.
This 12-mile round trip hike descends into the canyon, providing perspectives that change dramatically as you lose elevation. Plateau Point gives you unobstructed views of the Colorado River and the canyon’s incredible geology.
Trail essentials:
- Dramatic elevation changes
- Multiple rest houses with water
- Views that photos can’t capture
- A true bucket-list experience
Start early and bring more water than you think you need. The canyon has a way of humbling overconfident hikers, and dehydration isn’t worth the Instagram shot.
Making Your Trail Dreams Reality
Here’s the truth about scenic hiking: the best trail is the one you actually hike. These ten trails represent some of North America’s most stunning landscapes, but they’re just starting points for your own adventures.
Before you hit any trail:
- Check permit requirements and seasonal closures
- Pack the ten essentials (seriously, don’t skip this)
- Tell someone your hiking plans
- Start with easier trails if you’re building fitness
Each of these trails offers something unique—whether it’s the adrenaline rush of Angel’s Landing’s chains, the otherworldly beauty of The Narrows, or the peaceful sunrise from Cadillac Mountain. The common thread? They’ll all remind you why getting outside and exploring beats scrolling through hiking photos on your phone.
So pick one, lace up those boots, and go create some stories worth telling. Your future self will thank you for trading screen time for trail time, even if your legs need a few days to forgive you afterward 🙂