Are you looking for a Cheryl Strayed moment to have an epiphany and get lost in the wilderness, or are you just an adrenaline junkie seeking out your next big adventure? Either way, this is the best time of the year to embark on an outdoorsy escapade.
So grab your backpack, lace up your boots, and get ready to hike. We give you a mix of long and short trails—scenic and inspiring—to check out before summer ends.
1. Pacific Crest Trail
The PCT has managed to introduce several newbies to the joys of hiking after the release of the movie Wild, starring Reese Witherspoon. The film is based on Cheryl Strayed’s 1,100-mile hike along this trail. That’s a long, long walk. The actual trail spans 2,650 miles through seven national parks from Mexico to Canada, across the deserts of Southern California, along the spine of the Sierra Nevada, all the way to the snow-capped peaks of Washington. While this whole trail might take you about five months to complete, you can always pick smaller sections to enjoy the scenic West Coast.
Trail Type: Long (with the option of doing smaller hikes)
For More Info: www.pcta.org
2. High Divide Trail
This is a 19-mile loop that runs through Olympic National Park’s old forests and alpine lake country. Often referred to as a moderately easy trail, it offers backpackers a diverse mix of lakes, tarns and meadows. You might take almost a day to cover it, but with the breathtaking view you will want to stick around for more time.
Trail Type: Short
For More Info: www.wta.org
3. Sunset Ridge Trail
One of the most attractive paths in Vermont, this one is a rather short but challenging day-long trail spanning 9 miles. It is one of the most popular routes to Mt Mansfield, the highest mountain in Vermont. As you hike along, you get a picturesque view of the Champlain Valley.
Trail Type: Short
For More Info: www.vtstateparks.com
4. Hidden Lake Nature Trail
If you’re looking for an easy trail to take the kids along, this one’s your best bet. The hike isn’t very challenging and is more like a leisurely walk. It’s a 5.4-mile round trip that overlooks the lake and meadows of wildflowers at Glacier National Park, Montana.
Trail Type: Short
For More Info: www.hikinginglacier.com
5. Kalalau Trail
If you enjoy tropical trails with summer breeze and seaside views, then the Kalalau trail in Hawaii is perfect for you. The hike exposes you to towering sea cliffs and valleys before it ends at the famous Kalalau Beach. It also happens to be the only land access to this part of the coastline. But be warned, the hike is no easy feat. You will have to be a seasoned backpacker to cover a distance of 11 miles of rugged terrain to get there in a day.
Trail Type: Short
For More Info: kalalautrail.com
6. Lower Great Range Loop
This one’s a 17-mile trek over the 4,000-foot alpine ridge in the Adirondacks Mountains. There are a lot of options to cut short the route, but if you opt for the whole trail, it will take you about a day to complete. Nevertheless, be prepared for some dramatic panoramic views of waterfalls and mountain ranges.
Trail Type: Short
For More Info: www.lakeplacid.com
7. Appalachian Trail
Referred to as the granddaddy of all trails, this one’s a 2,185-mile hike along 14 states covering diverse lands of the Appalachian Mountains— from the southern terminus at Springer Mountain, Georgia, to the northern terminus at Katahdin, Maine. However, if you do not wish to cover the whole trail, there are several access points you can use to join or cut through. Although it is often compared to the PCT, it is not half as tough and complicated.
Trail Type: Long (with the option of doing smaller hikes)
For More Info: www.appalachiantrail.org
8. Sargent Mountain Loop
Located in Acadia National Park, Maine, this is a 5.5-mile trail around the granite peaks. It has been described as a moderate, yet thrilling hike on a loop that rises to 1,373 feet to the summit of Sargent Mountain. If you opt for this trail, get ready to be thrilled by a three-coastline view of Mount Desert Island and an inland vista that spreads to Baxter Peak and Katahdin. Additionally, on your way down, you can cool off with a brisk plunge into Sargent Pond.
Trail Type: Short
For More Info: www.mainetrailfinder.com
Image Source: Shutterstock
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