Single best trails to hike in each state

The United States is home to some of the most breathtaking and diverse natural landscapes in the world, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and hikers. Each state boasts its own unique terrain, from rocky mountains and deep canyons to lush forests and pristine lakes. If you're a hiking enthusiast looking for the best place to hike in each state in the US, you're in the right place. We did the leg work (literally), so that you can explore the one best place to hike in each state in the US.

1. Alabama - Cheaha State Park Cheaha State Park is located in the Talladega Mountains of Alabama and is known for its stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The park offers a range of hiking trails, including the Pinhoti Trail, which stretches over 100 miles through the Appalachian Mountains.

2. Alaska - Chugach State Park Chugach State Park is the largest state park in Alaska, covering over half a million acres of wilderness. The park offers a range of hiking trails, from easy day hikes to challenging multi-day treks. Some of the most popular hikes include the Flattop Mountain Trail and the Bird Ridge Trail.

3. Arizona - Havasu Falls Located in the Grand Canyon National Park, Havasu Falls is a spectacular waterfall that is only accessible via a 10-mile hike. The trail is challenging but well worth it, as it offers breathtaking views of the falls and the surrounding landscape.

4. Arkansas - Buffalo National River Trail The Buffalo National River Trail is a 37-mile hiking trail that runs alongside the Buffalo National River in Arkansas. The trail offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding Ozark Mountains, and is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

5. California - Yosemite National Park Yosemite National Park is one of the most iconic national parks in the US and offers some of the best hiking trails in California. The park has over 750 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy day hikes to challenging multi-day treks. Some of the most popular hikes include the Half Dome Trail and the Mist Trail.

6. Colorado - Rocky Mountain National Park Rocky Mountain National Park is a hiker's paradise, offering over 350 miles of hiking trails through some of the most stunning landscapes in the US. Some of the most popular hikes include the Bear Lake Trail and the Longs Peak Trail.

7. Connecticut - Sleeping Giant State Park Sleeping Giant State Park is a popular hiking destination in Connecticut, known for its stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The park has over 30 miles of hiking trails, including the Giant's Head Trail, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.

8. Delaware - White Clay Creek State Park White Clay Creek State Park is a beautiful nature preserve in Delaware that offers over 37 miles of hiking trails through woodlands, meadows, and streams. The park is home to a variety of wildlife and is a popular destination for birdwatching.

9. Florida - Everglades National Park Everglades National Park is a unique and diverse wilderness area in Florida that offers some of the best hiking trails in the state. The park has over 40 miles of hiking trails, including the Anhinga Trail, which offers stunning views of the park's wetlands and wildlife.

10. Georgia - Appalachian Trail The Appalachian Trail is a 2,190-mile hiking trail that runs from Georgia to Maine, and Georgia is home to some of the most scenic stretches of the trail. Some of the most popular hikes in Georgia include the Blood Mountain Trail and the Springer Mountain Trail.

11. Hawaii - Kalalau Trail The Kalalau Trail is a challenging 11-mile hiking trail that runs along the Na Pali Coast on the island of Kauai. The trail offers stunning views of the coastline and passes through lush forests, towering cliffs, and beautiful waterfalls. It's a must-do hike for any adventurous hiker visiting Hawaii.

12. Idaho - Sawtooth Wilderness Area The Sawtooth Wilderness Area in Idaho is a stunning alpine wilderness that offers some of the best hiking trails in the state. The area is home to over 300 alpine lakes and numerous towering peaks, including the iconic Sawtooth Mountain Range.

13. Illinois - Starved Rock State Park Starved Rock State Park is a beautiful nature preserve in Illinois that offers over 13 miles of hiking trails through stunning canyons, waterfalls, and towering bluffs. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles and river otters.

14. Indiana - Brown County State Park Brown County State Park is a popular hiking destination in Indiana, known for its stunning fall foliage and challenging hiking trails. The park has over 20 miles of hiking trails through rugged hills and beautiful forests.

15. Iowa - Ledges State Park Ledges State Park is a hidden gem in Iowa that offers over 13 miles of hiking trails through stunning sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, and beautiful forests. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer and wild turkeys.

16. Kansas - Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is a unique wilderness area in Kansas that offers some of the best hiking trails in the state. The preserve has over 40 miles of hiking trails through rolling hills and beautiful prairies, and is home to a variety of wildlife, including bison and prairie dogs.

17. Kentucky - Red River Gorge The Red River Gorge in Kentucky is a stunning wilderness area that offers some of the best hiking trails in the state. The area is known for its towering sandstone cliffs, beautiful waterfalls, and challenging hiking trails, including the popular 7.2-mile Auxier Ridge Trail.

18. Louisiana - Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve is a beautiful wilderness area in Louisiana that offers over 20 miles of hiking trails through wetlands, forests, and bayous. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including alligators and pelicans.

19. Maine - Acadia National Park Acadia National Park is one of the most iconic national parks in the US and offers some of the best hiking trails in Maine. The park has over 120 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging climbs, and offers stunning views of the coastline and the surrounding islands.

20. Maryland - Catoctin Mountain Park Catoctin Mountain Park is a beautiful wilderness area in Maryland that offers over 25 miles of hiking trails through stunning forests, rocky ridges, and beautiful streams. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears and white-tailed deer.

21. Massachusetts - Mount Greylock State Reservation Mount Greylock State Reservation is the highest point in Massachusetts and offers some of the best hiking trails in the state. The park has over 70 miles of hiking trails through stunning forests, rocky ridges, and beautiful waterfalls.

22. Michigan - Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a beautiful wilderness area in Michigan that offers over 100 miles of hiking trails through stunning sand dunes, forests, and beaches. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears and bald eagles.

23. Minnesota - Superior Hiking Trail The Superior Hiking Trail in Minnesota is a stunning 310-mile hiking trail that runs along the north shore of Lake Superior. The trail offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding wilderness, and is known for its challenging terrain and beautiful waterfalls.

24. Mississippi - Tishomingo State Park Tishomingo State Park is a beautiful nature reserve in Mississippi that offers over 13 miles of hiking trails through stunning rock formations, beautiful waterfalls, and dense forests. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer and wild turkeys.

25. Missouri - Ozark Trail The Ozark Trail in Missouri is a beautiful 350-mile hiking trail that winds through the stunning Ozark Mountains. The trail offers stunning views of the rugged terrain and beautiful waterfalls, and is known for its challenging terrain and rugged beauty.

26. Montana - Glacier National Park Glacier National Park is one of the most iconic national parks in the US and offers some of the best hiking trails in Montana. The park has over 700 miles of hiking trails through stunning mountains, forests, and lakes, and is home to a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears and mountain goats.

27. Nebraska - Scotts Bluff National Monument Scotts Bluff National Monument is a beautiful wilderness area in Nebraska that offers over 3 miles of hiking trails through stunning rock formations, deep canyons, and beautiful prairies. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bison and prairie dogs.

28. Nevada - Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area in Nevada is a stunning wilderness area that offers over 30 miles of hiking trails through beautiful canyons, rocky ridges, and stunning desert landscapes. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep and desert tortoises.

29. New Hampshire - Franconia Ridge Loop The Franconia Ridge Loop in New Hampshire is a challenging but stunning 8.9-mile hike that offers stunning views of the White Mountains and the surrounding wilderness. The trail passes through stunning alpine forests, rocky ridges, and beautiful waterfalls.

30. New Jersey - Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is a beautiful wilderness area in New Jersey that offers over 100 miles of hiking trails through stunning forests, deep canyons, and beautiful waterfalls. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears and bald eagles.

31. New Mexico - Bandelier National Monument Bandelier National Monument is a beautiful wilderness area in New Mexico that offers over 70 miles of hiking trails through stunning canyons, rocky ridges, and beautiful forests. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears and mountain lions.

32. New York - Adirondack High Peaks The Adirondack High Peaks in New York are a stunning mountain range that offers some of the best hiking trails in the state. The range has over 46 peaks above 4,000 feet, and offers stunning views of the surrounding wilderness.

33. North Carolina - Appalachian Trail The Appalachian Trail in North Carolina is a stunning 2,200-mile hiking trail that runs through 14 states in the eastern US. The trail passes through stunning forests, mountains, and valleys, and offers stunning views of the surrounding wilderness.

34. North Dakota - Theodore Roosevelt National Park Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a beautiful wilderness area in North Dakota that offers over 100 miles of hiking trails through stunning badlands, deep canyons, and beautiful prairies. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bison and prairie dogs.

35. Ohio - Hocking Hills State Park Hocking Hills State Park is a beautiful nature preserve in Ohio that offers over 25 miles of hiking trails through stunning rock formations, deep gorges, and beautiful waterfalls. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer and wild turkeys.

36. Oklahoma - Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma is a beautiful wilderness area that offers over 15 miles of hiking trails through stunning mountains, deep canyons, and beautiful prairies. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bison and elk.

37. Oregon - Pacific Crest Trail The Pacific Crest Trail in Oregon is a stunning 2,650-mile hiking trail that runs from Mexico to Canada. The trail passes through stunning forests, mountains, and deserts, and offers stunning views of the surrounding wilderness.

38. Pennsylvania - Ricketts Glen State Park Ricketts Glen State Park is a beautiful nature reserve in Pennsylvania that offers over 26 miles of hiking trails through stunning waterfalls, deep gorges, and beautiful forests. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears and bald eagles.

39. Rhode Island - Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful wilderness area in Rhode Island that offers over 2 miles of hiking trails through stunning ocean views, coastal habitats, and grasslands. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including ospreys and plovers.

40. South Carolina - Congaree National Park Congaree National Park is a beautiful wilderness area in South Carolina that offers over 20 miles of hiking trails through stunning old-growth forests, deep swamps, and beautiful rivers. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears and bobcats.

41. South Dakota - Black Elk Peak Black Elk Peak in South Dakota is the highest peak in the state and offers stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. The trail to the summit is a challenging but rewarding 7.2-mile hike that passes through stunning forests and rocky ridges.

42. Tennessee - Great Smoky Mountains National Park Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a beautiful wilderness area in Tennessee that offers over 850 miles of hiking trails through stunning forests, mountains, and valleys. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears and white-tailed deer.

43. Texas - Big Bend National Park Big Bend National Park is a beautiful wilderness area in Texas that offers over 150 miles of hiking trails through stunning deserts, mountains, and canyons. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including mountain lions and black bears.

44. Utah - Zion National Park Zion National Park is one of the most iconic national parks in the US and offers some of the best hiking trails in Utah. The park has over 150 miles of hiking trails through stunning canyons, rock formations, and beautiful waterfalls.

45. Vermont - Mount Mansfield Mount Mansfield in Vermont is the highest peak in the state and offers stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. The trail to the summit is a challenging but rewarding 6.4-mile hike that passes through stunning forests and rocky ridges.

46. Virginia - Shenandoah National Park Shenandoah National Park is a beautiful wilderness area in Virginia that offers over 500 miles of hiking trails through stunning forests, mountains, and valleys. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears and white-tailed deer.

47. Washington - Olympic National Park Olympic National Park is a stunning wilderness area in Washington that offers over 600 miles of hiking trails through stunning rainforests, mountains, and beaches. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears and mountain goats.

48. West Virginia - Seneca Rocks Seneca Rocks in West Virginia is a stunning rock formation that offers some of the best hiking trails in the state. The area is popular among rock climbers, but there are also several hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding wilderness.

49. Wisconsin - Ice Age Trail The Ice Age Trail in Wisconsin is a beautiful hiking trail that offers over 1,000 miles of hiking through stunning forests, prairies, and lakes. The trail follows the path of the last glaciers in Wisconsin and offers stunning views of the surrounding wilderness.

50. Wyoming - Grand Teton National Park Grand Teton National Park is a stunning wilderness area in Wyoming that offers over 200 miles of hiking trails through stunning mountains, lakes, and valleys. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including moose and grizzly bears.

Without a doubt, there is no shortage of beautiful hiking trails and wilderness areas to explore in the US. From the stunning beaches of Hawaii to the rugged mountains of Alaska, each state offers its own unique hiking experience. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a beginner, there's a hiking trail for everyone to enjoy. So, grab your hiking accessories and hit the trails to explore the beauty and wonder of America's great outdoors.