Being from Colorado, one of my favorite recreational activities is hiking…of any kind, anywhere, anytime. I hope you share this passion, or if not, consider adding it to your list of recreational activities. This post, titled, “Resources for Hikers and Walkers” is an attempt you to do just that.
Resources for Hikers & Walkers – Trails and Guides
Best Hikes in the US, from Maine to California
From coast-to-coast, these are the best places to hike for exploring the great outdoors across the U.S.
Updated on June 9, 2023
Luckily, there’s no shortage of hiking trails snaking through the beautiful natural landscape
s of the United States. From the meadows of Mount Rainier National Park to volcanic vistas in Hawaii’i, sometimes the best way to appreciate this country is on your own two feet. As proof, we’ve rounded up some of the very best hikes, from the East Coast to the West.
These trails range from easy to moderate. They also represent a diversity of landscapes, from alpine to volcanic, from the Appalachian Trail to Carmel-by-the-Sea. As you choose which one is right for you, remember it’s always a good rule of thumb to check the official site of the park operating your trail of choice for information on current conditions, permits, and closures.
Explore canyons, waterfalls, and breathtaking views on the best 18 hiking trails in the U.S.
50 Best Hikes in the US – Best United States Hiking Trail Ideas
Slideshow – Breathtaking mountain vistas, pine forests, and ocean shores await you.
Shelby Deering Updated: Oct 12, 2020
If you’ve been wanting to spend some time in the great outdoors (and in 2020, who doesn’t?), look no further than these 50 best hikes in the U.S. There’s no better way to social distance than on a hiking trail in the great outdoors. We all lead busy lives, so when we get a chance to escape to a national park or local preserve and go on a hike, the tall trees and quiet lakes can be like therapy for our souls. That’s certainly true for the destinations we’ve compiled here, many of which feature awe-inspiring views, babbling brooks, mountain vistas, and towering pine trees. Others will bring you closer to animals and other wildlife, from sea turtles to herons. And whether you’re a beginner or a more experienced hiker (or if you’re looking for camping ideas), there’s something for you here: These hikes span the range from easy to challenging, with many falling somewhere in between. Many are even perfect for hiking with dogs! If you’re planning on spending the night, be sure to check out our camping checklist, then read some hiking quotes and get moving.
Happy trails!
Rails to Trails Conservancy
At Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, we are building a nation connected by trails. We reimagine public spaces to create safe ways for everyone to walk, bike and be active outdoors. That’s our mission.
Since 1986, RTC has worked to bring the power of trails to more communities across the country, serving as the national voice for the rail-trail movement.
With more than 1 million grassroots supporters, 24,000+ miles of rail-trails on the ground nationwide and more than 8,000 miles of rail-trails ready to be built, our focus is on linking these corridors—creating trail networks that connect people and places, bringing transformative benefits to communities all across the country. Our flagship initiatives—the Great American Rail-Trail™, TrailNation™ and TrailLink.com—bring that strategy to life, connecting millions of people by trail.
Philanthropic Fund Raising Walks
Walk MS
With 3 ways to Walk MS, find an event experience that’s perfect for you:
- Find an in-person event near you on our map!
- Be a part of an in-person event as a virtual walker to connect to an event no matter where you are.
- Create your own event-day experience – anywhere, anytime – with Walk MS: Your Way.
Every event comes with the same great support, resources and community to help you walk toward a world free of MS.
North American Fundraising Runs/Walks
Organized Hikes and Walks
Meetup.com
The people platform—Where interests become friendships
Whatever your interest, from hiking and reading to networking and skill sharing, there are thousands of people who share it on Meetup. Events are happening every day—sign up to join the fun.
Organizations and Clubs
Appalachian Mountain Club
The Appalachian Mountain Club is dedicated to the protection, enjoyment & understanding of the outdoors across the Northeast & Mid-Atlantic regions.
American Hiking.org
We envision a world where everyone feels welcome in the American hiking community and has permanent access to meaningful hiking, including urban, front country, and backcountry opportunities.
The *Best* US Women’s Hiking Groups Near You
Need a hiking buddy? Check out *these* women’s hiking groups in your area for SHE-nanigans on the trail!
Walk With a Doc
Walk Locations
Regular physical activity, like walking, is one of the best things you can do for your health, so we’d love to have you join a local Walk with a Doc program! Each event starts with a brief discussion on a health topic from a local healthcare professional. For the remainder of the hour, you’ll walk at your own pace and have the opportunity to connect with others. The walks are FREE and open to everyone of all ages and abilities.
Magazines, Newsletters and Blogs
These are the 15 Best Outdoor Magazines
Printed magazines might not be as popular as the digital ones
nowadays, but the outdoor magazine category is totally different. Just
the photography alone is worth keeping your subscription for, not to
mention the helpful hacks and interesting stories you might pick up
along the way.
The outdoor magazines offer you an experience like no other
magazines, and the readership consists of mostly males. Not to be
politically incorrect or offend anyone, but it is a fact. So guys, this
article is aimed mostly at you.
Whether your passion is fishing, hiking, or skiing, there’s a
magazine out there for you. The publications we gathered here are well
established, and you will see why they are so popular. Some are award
winning publications that are worth every penny, from the high quality
of writing to the excellent aesthetics.
There are some print options, although most of them offer both print
and online publications, all up to you what your preference is. There
are also strictly online magazines, for the ones who don’t like getting
too much paper in the mail. But trust us, some of those are so
beautiful, they feel like art expositions. You can always choose the
online ones after, but try at least one or two print copies first.
From hundreds of publications available, we had a daunting job
cutting down to only 15, but they are all truly something special.
Let’s take a look at the 15 best outdoor magazines you should get right now.
Top 10 Hiking and Outdoor Magazines
For those who are always planning to go hiking, climbing, camping, or do any other outdoor activity, outdoor magazines are indeed a great treat. While you are planning your next trip, there are certain periodicals about hiking and outdoor activities that that can be a great resource. A monthly subscription of any of these magazines
Modern Hiker Newsletter
Outdoor news and musings from the American West. Written by Casey Schreiner, outdoor author and journalist, television writer/producer, LA Times contributor, and founder of Modern Hiker – one of the oldest and most-read hiking blogs on the west coast.
Happy Trails Newsletter: Free Hiking News Every Month
Welcome to a bounty of fun, informative hiking tips flowing your way in this monthly free Happy Trails Newsletter. Join the thousands of other hikers enjoying trustworthy hiking tips each month from Hiking For Her. Sign up is fast and easy! Just your email, and no spam, ever
100 Best Hiking Blogs You Must Follow in 2023
Hiking Blogs Best 100 List. Find Hiking Gear blogs, Modern Hiker Blogs, Mountain Hiking Blogs and much more. Explore popular hiking trails around the world including the Appalachian trail, Himalaya trail and many more. A list of best trekking blogs.
Outdoor Gear Shops
I have listed several A-1 outdoor gear shops below. In addition, I have posted information about purchasing hiking and trekking gear in a post titled “Hiking and Walking Shoes (and more)”. I do think you will find the pricing on my page to be a bit more economical, but of course feel free to compare!
The Best Outdoor Gear Stores for Backpacking and Hiking
We know most of you are obsessed with outdoor gear, and you want the best deals from the best outdoor gear stores. Below we’ve assembled an epic list of outdoor gear stores for you, all online, and all full of excellent gear.
You can use any of these to shop for your next sweet score. We’ve also included specific aspects of each retailer that are unique, helpful, or annoying to aid you in this process. Note that they’re broken down by location and type of site if you’re looking for something specific.
Best Sites to Buy Outdoor Gear
From mega stores to discount and used gear sites, we break down this year’s top websites to buy outdoor gear.