7 Extraordinary Hiking Spots for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Hiking is a fantastic way to get in touch with nature. It’s also an incredible workout that will leave you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. However, some people are intimidated by the idea of hiking because they don’t know where to start or what gear they need.
We’re here to help you find your feet (and trails) if you’re looking for new hiking spots! Below are seven extraordinary hikes, extraordinary hiking spots for outdoor enthusiasts – from strolls to strenuous mountain climbs, there’s something for everyone!
Burroughs Mountain Hike, Mount Rainier National Park
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This hike is not for the faint of heart. It’s about a 12-mile round trip and features a steep incline from the start, but it leads to one magnificent view! This trailhead can be found at Longmire in Mount Rainier National Park.
The best time to go is between May and September when there’s still snow on the ground, so you get an incredible look at all of nature without having to focus too much on where your feet are landing – make sure you have proper shoes that will grip well against ice or snow if going during those months!
Extraordinary Hiking Spots: Canyon to Rim Loop, Smith Rock State Park
Smith Rock State Park is one of the most popular outdoor recreation areas in Central Oregon. The park features more than 470 climbing routes, including some of the highest quality rock-climbing around.
This hike allows hikers to enjoy both views and athletic challenges as you climb up through Smith Rocks’ famous cliffs and crags on your way to a 360-degree view at the top! A strenuous loop offers climbers (and non-climbers) an opportunity for challenging hikes with great rewards along all trails; this includes two miles of daunting steep climbs each way.
It’s best hiked during dry weather months because it can be pretty dangerous when wet or icy due to its steepness. Be sure not to leave valuables inside your car, or at least hide them well because this place is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
Charlies Bunion Hike, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The third hike on the list is known as Charlie’s Bunion. This hike can be found in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee. The trail offers views of Mount Kephart and Clingmans Dome and a few other peaks that are not relatively as high, which makes it an excellent choice for those who do not want to challenge themselves at first but still want some amazing views.
It contains around 2000 feet of elevation gain, so make sure you take your time if this is something new to you or choose another option until you feel more comfortable hiking!
Appalachian Trail, Shenandoah National Park
The Appalachian Trail (AT) is a National Scenic Trail that runs the length of the eastern United States, from Georgia to Maine. It was designated as one of the first national scenic trails by the National Trails System Act of 1968, and it has since become one of America’s most popular outdoor destinations.
The AT in Virginia covers more than 200 miles through Shenandoah National Park, passing some of the best-known landmarks on its way, including Old Rag Mountain, Hawksbill Mountain, Stony Man Mountain, and McAfee Knob.
In addition, several trails lead off from this route for those looking for a more leisurely hike or just wanting to explore different parts of Shenandoah, NP. Although not heavily populated with hikers like other locations, the Appalachian Trail is a great outdoor destination for those who seek adventure and solitude.
South Rim Trail, Grand Canyon National Park
The South Rim Trail is located in the North Kaibab Ranger District of Grand Canyon National Park, near Desert View. This trail offers hikers amazing views along its length and different terrains to explore at each end.
The hike begins with steep switchbacks that take you down into the canyon’s depths before leveling out on a long section known as Uncle Jim’s Point (with an elevation gain of about 1000 feet).
As it reaches Phantom Ranch, the path becomes steeper again until reaching Bright Angel Campground, where I-17 comes closest to one edge of the gorge (at this point, there are more than 5000 feet below your starting height).
When hiking here, it’s also important that you equip yourself with some of the best hiking gear like EcoGear FX, as you’ll need all the resources you have. However, hiking back up from here requires experienced hikers to consult with rangers about the best route to take backup. The trail is open year-round, but in the winter months, there are fewer water sources.
Extraordinary Hiking Spots: Rio Grande National Forest Scenic Byway
The Rio Grande National Forest Scenic Byway takes you through several miles of stunning scenery, including lakes, rivers, and mountains, before leading up to Pikes Peak.
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park-Colorado For those looking for an adrenaline rush while hiking, then traversing down into this canyon might be precisely what they are seeking out. Going along narrow paths where hikers can feel their heart racing with every step could prove exciting enough as it is but going across tightropes has been known to give hikers the ultimate thrill.
Grinnell Glacier Trail, Glacier National Park
A perfect experience for the active mountain lover is the hike up Grinnell Glacier Trail in Montana’s Glacier National Park. The trail follows a series of switchbacks and offers hikers an extensive view of the surrounding mountains, forests, and lakes.
At its end lies one of America’s most beautiful glaciers: the Grinnell glacier. It was once over three miles long but has shrunk significantly since George Bird Grinnell first discovered it in 1885. This hiking spot will surely be remembered as one of your favorite trails!
Hiking has become increasingly popular over time due to people looking for something different than just sitting inside every day, which can often get boring quickly.
Hiking takes you through areas with stunning scenery, allows you to get close up views of wildlife, and allows you to be more active while exploring nature which many find refreshing enough as it is without having additional activities included, so this might not be everyone’s cup of tea but certainly worth trying out at least once.
