Best National Parks for Hiking in America

Last updated: 2026-04-12

America's national parks contain some of the most spectacular hiking terrain on Earth. From the granite walls of Yosemite to the colorful canyons of Zion, each park offers unique landscapes and trail experiences. Here are the best national parks for hiking and what makes each one special. ## Great Smoky Mountains National Park The most visited national park in America offers over 800 miles of trails through some of the oldest mountains in the world. The Smokies are a biodiversity hotspot with more tree species than all of Northern Europe combined. **Must-hike trails:** Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte (10.4 miles round trip, strenuous), Chimney Tops (3.8 miles round trip, moderate to strenuous), and Laurel Falls (2.6 miles round trip, easy). For experienced hikers, the Appalachian Trail traverses the park for 71 miles along the Tennessee-North Carolina border. **Best season:** Spring for wildflowers (over 1,500 flowering plant species) and fall for spectacular color. Summer is warm and humid with afternoon thunderstorms. Winter offers solitude but some roads close. ## Yosemite National Park Yosemite Valley alone would justify a visit, but the park's trail system extends far beyond to alpine meadows, giant sequoia groves, and backcountry wilderness. **Must-hike trails:** Half Dome (14 miles round trip, strenuous, permit required), Yosemite Falls (7.2 miles round trip, strenuous), Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls (5.4-6.8 miles, moderate to strenuous), and Mirror Lake (5.1 miles, easy). The High Sierra camps provide multi-day hiking with tent cabins. **Best season:** Late spring (May-June) for peak waterfall flow. Summer for high country access. Fall for smaller crowds and warm days. Valley trails are accessible year-round but Tioga Road closes in winter. ## Zion National Park Zion's towering sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and the Virgin River create some of the most dramatic hiking scenery in the American West. **Must-hike trails:** Angels Landing (5.4 miles round trip, strenuous, permit required for chains section), The Narrows (up to 16 miles, moderate to strenuous, wading through the river), and Observation Point (8 miles round trip, strenuous). The Emerald Pools trails offer easier options for families. **Best season:** Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer ideal temperatures. The Narrows is best in summer when water levels drop. Winter is quiet with occasional snow dusting the red rocks. ## Rocky Mountain National Park Straddling the Continental Divide, Rocky Mountain offers high-altitude hiking with tundra landscapes, alpine lakes, and wildlife viewing opportunities including elk, bighorn sheep, and marmots. **Must-hike trails:** Sky Pond (8.5 miles round trip, strenuous), Emerald Lake (3.6 miles round trip, easy to moderate), Flattop Mountain (8.8 miles round trip, strenuous), and Bear Lake (0.6 miles, easy). Trail Ridge Road provides access to trails starting above 10,000 feet. **Best season:** July through September when high-altitude trails are snow-free. Wildflower season peaks in late June through July. Summer thunderstorms develop almost daily, so plan to be below treeline by early afternoon. ## Grand Canyon National Park The Grand Canyon offers hiking unlike anywhere else: descending into a mile-deep gorge through billions of years of geology. **Must-hike trails:** South Kaibab Trail (6 miles to Skeleton Point round trip, moderate to strenuous), Bright Angel Trail (9.5 miles to Indian Garden round trip, strenuous), and North Kaibab Trail for experienced hikers. Rim-to-rim is a bucket-list multi-day adventure (21-24 miles). **Best season:** Spring and fall are ideal for below-rim hiking. Summer temperatures at the bottom exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit and are extremely dangerous. Winter rim trails may have snow but inner canyon temperatures are mild. ## Glacier National Park Known as the Crown of the Continent, Glacier offers pristine alpine scenery with over 700 miles of trails winding past glacial lakes, through wildflower meadows, and over dramatic mountain passes. **Must-hike trails:** Highline Trail (11.4 miles, moderate to strenuous), Grinnell Glacier (10.6 miles round trip, strenuous), Hidden Lake Overlook (2.7 miles round trip, moderate), and Iceberg Lake (9.6 miles round trip, moderate). The park has over 60 named glaciers and 762 lakes. **Best season:** July through mid-September. Going-to-the-Sun Road typically opens fully by early July. Bear activity means carrying bear spray is essential. Snow can linger on high trails into August. ## Olympic National Park Olympic offers three distinct ecosystems: temperate rainforest, alpine wilderness, and rugged Pacific coastline. **Must-hike trails:** Hoh Rain Forest (Hall of Mosses: 0.8 miles, easy), Hurricane Ridge (various options, easy to moderate), Rialto Beach to Hole-in-the-Wall (3 miles round trip, easy), and the Enchanted Valley (26 miles round trip, strenuous). The rainforest trails feel like walking through a fairy tale. **Best season:** July through September for the most reliably dry weather, though rain is possible any time. The Hoh Rainforest receives 12 feet of rain annually. Coastal trails are accessible year-round with dramatic winter storm watching. ## Planning Your Park Visit Reserve entrance passes and permits well in advance for popular parks. Many now require timed entry during peak season. Start popular trails early to secure parking and avoid crowds. Carry bear spray in grizzly country. Check road and trail conditions as seasonal closures are common. National parks prohibit dogs on most trails, drones, and collection of natural objects. These rules protect the ecosystems that make these places worth visiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best national park for beginner hikers?

Great Smoky Mountains and Olympic National Park offer the most variety for beginners. Both have numerous easy, well-maintained trails alongside more challenging options. Zion and Rocky Mountain also have excellent easy trails. The key is choosing specific trails rated Easy within any park rather than judging the park as a whole.

Do I need permits to hike in national parks?

Day hiking on most trails does not require a permit, but some iconic routes now do: Half Dome in Yosemite, Angels Landing in Zion, and backcountry camping everywhere. Many parks require timed entry reservations during peak season. Check each park website months in advance and secure permits as early as possible.

Are national park trails dog-friendly?

Generally, no. Most national parks restrict dogs to paved areas, campgrounds, and a few designated trails. This protects wildlife and the park ecosystem. Some parks like Acadia are more dog-friendly than others. National forests and BLM lands typically allow dogs on trails with fewer restrictions.

When is the best time to visit national parks?

Shoulder seasons (spring and fall) offer the best balance of weather, accessibility, and smaller crowds. Summer provides access to the most trails but with heavy crowds at popular parks. Winter offers solitude but limited trail access in many parks. Each park has its own optimal timing based on elevation and climate.