Skip to Content

50 Best Walks in America That Every Traveler Must Explore This Winter

From mountains to canyons to lakes, these top-rated trails explore the natural wonders of the U.S.

By
best walking trails
Jordan Siemens//Getty Images

Winter is here, and that means everyone's going to want to cozy up indoors thanks to plunging temperatures. But with warm coats, winter boots, and oversized sweaters, venturing into the great outdoors can feel refreshing and save you from attracting a winter chill. (Besides, you're totally going to want a break from watching all of those holiday movies!)

And because the U.S. is home to some of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world, what better place to explore than your own home roots. From the Rocky Mountains to the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Park, every state has natural beauty that's primed for exploring—even in the winter time. In fact, a snowcapped mountainous landscape sounds like an adventurer's dream!

Feel like taking a walk? Join us for our Walk for Wellness virtual 5K on October 7, 2023. It’s totally free, and you can even create a team to walk with your friends or family, no matter where they’ll be (if you each grab one of our exclusive Walk for Wellness t-shirts, you’ll really feel like a walking team!). Register here, and email virtualwalk@hearst.com if you have any questions. Happy walking!

Even if cold weather isn't really your thing, you can escape to some warmer climates in the U.S., like some parts of Florida and Texas, which are home to beautiful walking trails. Whether you're looking to exercise to walk for weight loss or simply explore nature, we've put together a list of the most beautiful walking trail based on your state. You'll be sure to find one you like, as we've mapped out the difficulty, location, and key points to hit at each destination.

You could even make it a fun 2022 goal to check every single one off of your list! Be sure to pack your sunscreen, bug spray, and walking shoes—and happy exploring!

1

Alabama: Jeff Friend Trail

50 Best Walks in America - Scenic Hikes in Every U.S. State
Getty Images

Location: Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, Gulf Shores, AL

Distance: 1-mile loop

Steps: 2,000

Explore the Gulf Coast of Alabama on this flat trail for all skill levels. Stop at the small observation deck in the middle of the trail and see if you can spot one of the many birds that frequent the refuge, such as the common loon during winter and the osprey in the spring. The trail ends at Little Lagoon.

2

Alaska: Nugget Falls Trail

50 Best Walks in America - Scenic Hikes in Every U.S. State
Stephanie Hager

Location: Tongass National Forest, Juneau, AK

Distance: 0.8 miles

Steps: 1,600

Pack your binoculars to stroll the low gradient shoreline of Mendenhall Lake, where you'll see a massive glacier and maybe even some goats in the surrounding mountains. Your reward at the end of the Nugget Falls Trail: the roar of Nugget Falls.

3

Arizona: Hieroglyphic Trail

50 best walks in america   scenic hikes in every us state
Getty Images

Location: Superstition Wilderness, Gold Canyon, AZ

Distance: 2.9 miles out and back

Steps: 5,800

Travel back in time along the Hieroglyphic Trail and see Native American rock drawings called petroglyphs. You'll also find wild flowers, small waterfalls, and wildlife on this moderate hike.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
4

Arkansas: Whitaker Point Trail

best walking trails   whitaker point trail arkansas
Peter Essick//Getty Images

Location: Whitaker Point Trail, Pettigrew, AR

Distance: 2.9 miles

Steps: 5,800

Nested deep in the Ozark National Forest, Whitaker Point Trail is a beautiful naturesque trail that leads to a rocky viewpoint. You'll pass by an overlook viewpoint of Whitaker Creek, a huge valley, and some waterfalls along the way. This moderate hike is open all year round, just be sure to check the conditions before heading out for your walk.

5

California: Guy Fleming Trail

50 Best Walks in America - Scenic Hikes in Every U.S. State
Getty Images

Location: Torrey Pines State Reserve, La Jolla, CA

Distance: 2-to-3 mile loop

Steps: 4,000-6,000

Look out over the waves rolling in from the Pacific on this short walking trail along the California coast that features panoramic views and gorgeous wildflowers, ferns, and cacti.

6

Colorado: Lily Pad Lake Trail

50 Best Walks in America - Scenic Hikes in Every U.S. State
Getty Images

Location: White River National Forest, Silverthorne, CO

Distance: 3.3 miles out and back

Steps: 6,600

The Lily Pad Lake Trail takes you on a path surrounded by aspen trees and crosses a few small streams. Stop for lunch at beautiful Lily Pad Lake, and you might even spot a moose! Good news, dog owners: The trail is pet-friendly and accessible year-round.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7

Connecticut: Mirror Lake, Castle Craig, Merimere Reservoir Trail

50 Best Walks in America - Scenic Hikes in Every U.S. State
Getty Images

Location: Hubbard Park, Berlin, CT

Distance: 4.4-mile loop

Steps: 8,800

Starting at Mirror Lake, follow this moderate loop to Castle Craig and enjoy views of the Merimere Reservoir below. Then continue your hike around Merimere Reservoir to end up back at Mirror Lake. The trail is rated as moderate and a bit buggy, so be sure to pack the bug spray. It's best from April to October.

8

Delaware: Walking Dunes Trail

50 Best Walks in America - Scenic Hikes in Every U.S. State
Getty Images

Location: Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes, DE

Distance: 2.6-mile loop

Steps: 5,200

You'll travel through wooded uplands and a tidal marsh and end with a spectacular view of the Delaware Bay. Visit the Walking Dunes Trail in the spring to see blooming Pink Lady's Slipper and yellow Beach Heather.

9

Florida: Hawks’ Bluff Trail

best walking tails   hawks’ bluff trail florida
Photo by James Keith//Getty Images

Location: Hawks’ Bluff Trail, Jensen Beach, FL

Distance: 0.8 miles

Steps: 2,300

If you're planning to visit Florida, the Hawks’ Bluff Trail is a must-see. Stroll along the boardwalk in this beautiful national landmark and you'll see hundreds of wild flowers and wildlife home to Savannas marsh.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
10

Georgia: Desoto Falls Trail

50 Best Walks in America - Scenic Hikes in Every U.S. State
Getty Images

Location: Chattahoochee National Forest, Helen, GA

Distance: 2 miles out and back

Steps: 4,000

Hike this gorgeous trail and you'll pass pretty rhododendrons and a wooden bridge before encountering a pair of waterfalls. Legend has it that, near the gorgeous waterfalls, a piece of armor was found from Spanish explorer Hernando DeSoto's expedition in the mid-1500s.

11

Hawaii: Papakolea Green Sand Beach

50 Best Walks in America - Scenic Hikes in Every U.S. State
Getty Images

Location: Naalehu, HI

Distance: 5.4 miles out and back

Steps: 10,800

Pack extra sunscreen and water to reach one of the only green sand beaches in the world. Check out the coast from above or below and watch the blue waters roll in from Antarctica. The Trailhead starts on Hwy. 11 between the 69- and 70-mile markers, where you'll find South Point Road. Continue down the road for approximately eight miles, and you'll find the beautiful Papakolea Green Sand Beach.

12

Idaho: Tubbs Hill Main Trail

50 Best Walks in America - Scenic Hikes in Every U.S. State
Getty Images

Location: Tubbs Hill Park, Coeur d'Alene, ID

Distance: 2.4-mile loop

Steps: 4,800

This dog-friendly trail is suitable for all skill levels and features beautiful views of Lake Coeur d'Alene and evergreen forests. When planning your trip to Tubbs Hill Main Trail, keep in mind that winter access can be limited and is determined by the snow level.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13

Illinois: Chicago Botanic Garden Hike

CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN- JAPANESE GARDEN. EXTENSIVE COLLECTION OF PLANTS AND GARDENS. GLENCOE, ILLINOIS
(FREELENS Pool) Matthias Graben//Getty Images

Location: Northbrook, IL

Distance: 1.9-mile loop

Steps: 3,800

This paved trail will take you through more than 27 breathtaking gardens, including the Japanese Garden and the English Oak Meadow. The Chicago Botanic Garden Hike is best from April to October and is a great trail for all skill levels.

14

Indiana: Indiana Dunes State Park Loop

50 Best Walks in America - Scenic Hikes in Every U.S. State
Getty Images

Location: Indiana Dunes, Porter, IN

Distance: 1.8-mile loop

Steps: 3,600

The best part about the Indiana Dunes State Park trail? You can take off your shoes to walk along the beautiful, sandy coast. The views are fantastic over Lake Michigan.

15

Iowa: High Trestle Trail

50 Best Walks in America - Scenic Hikes in Every U.S. State
Getty Images

Location: Big Creek State Park, Ankeny, IA

Distance: 24.8 miles (point to point)

Steps: 49,600

This paved rail trail runs for about 25 miles from Ankeny to Woodward, but you can turn around at any point. During the day, you can take in spectacular views of the valley below. And at night, the rails above the High Trestle Trail light up in blue.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
16

Kansas: Konza Prairie Nature Trail Loop

50 Best Walks in America - Scenic Hikes in Every U.S. State
Getty Images

Location: Konza Prairie Natural Area, Manhattan, KS

Distance: 2.6-mile loop

Steps: 5,200

Stroll through the timber-lined banks of Kings Creek to the rolling Flint Hills tall grass prairie on the Konza Prairie Nature Trail Loop. Be sure to visit the rustic Hokanson Homestead from 1878. Bikes and fur babies are not permitted.

17

Kentucky: Battleship Rock Trail

50 Best Walks in America - Scenic Hikes in Every U.S. State
Getty Images

Location: National Bridge State Park, Slade, KY

Distance: 0.6-mile point to point

Steps: 1,200

Though short, this trail isn't for beginners. The Battleship Rock Trail is mostly flat, but slightly uneven and fairly steep. Nevertheless, it's a gorgeous run around Battleship Rock. Stop by at sunset for spectacular views.

18

Louisiana: Audubon Park Trail

50 Best Walks in America - Scenic Hikes in Every U.S. State
Getty Images

Location: Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA

Distance: 1.8-mile loop

Steps: 3,600

Audubon Park Trail is manageable for all walkers; the park features a paved loop minutes from downtown New Orleans. Enjoy the beautiful path along the Audubon Park Lagoon, check out the golf course, or grab a cup of coffee at the Audubon Clubhouse Café to sip on your stroll.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
19

Maine: Ocean Path Trail

50 Best Walks in America - Scenic Hikes in Every U.S. State
Getty Images

Location: Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, ME

Distance: 4.5 miles out and back

Steps: 9,000

Hiking Ocean Path Trail will let you experience the beautiful landscape of Maine, from coastal sea cliffs to forest. This relaxing walk ends at Otter Point, with views of Cadillac and Dorr Mountains.

20

Maryland: Monocacy National Battlefield Trails

50 Best Walks in America - Scenic Hikes in Every U.S. State
Getty Images

Location: Monocacy National Battlefield, Frederick, MD

Distance: 7.4-mile loop

Steps: 14,800

If you’re looking for a historical walk, the Monocacy National Battlefield Trail is it. Located where the Battle of Monocacy took place during the Civil War, these trails pass historic buildings and landmarks. It's mostly flat and is usually filled with visitors.

Headshot of Nicol Natale
Nicol Natale
Associate Editor

Currently an assistant editor at Prevention.com, Nicol is a Manhattan-based journalist who specializes in health, wellness, beauty, fashion, business, and lifestyle. Her work has appeared in Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Houston Chronicle, Business Insider, INSIDER, Everyday Health, and more. When Nicol isn't writing, she loves trying new workout classes, testing out the latest face mask, and traveling. Follow her on Instagram for the latest on health, wellness, and lifestyle.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Life

the prince and princess of wales visit northern ireland

How Kate and William Are Spending Easter

close up of son holding his mothers hands

40 Condolence Messages to Offer Support

earrings and a diffuser gifts

60 Thoughtful Gifts for Mom On Amazon

silhouette of built structure against sky during sunset

Controversial Pyramid Is Not 27,000 Years Old

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below