Exploring Hiking Trails at National Parks Across the US (With Maps) - Cotton Camera Carrying Systems

Exploring Hiking Trails at National Parks Across the US (With Maps)

The United States is home to some of the most diverse and breathtaking national parks in the world. Each park offers unique hiking opportunities, from towering mountains and dense forests to vast deserts and stunning coastlines. This guide provides an overview of hiking trails available in all the national parks across the US, helping you plan your next adventure. Each park includes a link to a map for easy navigation.

 

About National Parks

National parks are protected areas established to preserve the natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural heritage of the United States. The concept began with the establishment of Yellowstone National Park in 1872, the first national park in the world. These parks are managed by the National Park Service (NPS) and offer a variety of recreational opportunities while ensuring conservation for future generations. National parks showcase diverse landscapes, from mountains and forests to deserts and coastal regions, providing visitors with a chance to connect with nature and learn about the country's rich ecological and historical legacy.

List of National Parks and Their Hiking Trails

National Parks in Alaska

  1. Denali National Park: Explore the Savage River Loop, Horseshoe Lake Trail, and numerous backcountry routes for adventurous hikers. Map of Denali National Park

  2. Gates of the Arctic National Park: No established trails, offering true wilderness exploration for experienced hikers with backcountry skills. Map of Gates of the Arctic National Park

  3. Glacier Bay National Park: Limited developed trails, with the Bartlett River Trail and the Bartlett Lake Trail offering some of the best hikes. Map of Glacier Bay National Park

  4. Katmai National Park: Limited developed trails, but the park offers incredible opportunities for backcountry hiking and bear viewing. Map of Katmai National Park

  5. Kenai Fjords National Park: Trails include the Harding Icefield Trail and the Exit Glacier Paved Trail. Map of Kenai Fjords National Park

  6. Kobuk Valley National Park: No established trails, offering true wilderness experiences for backcountry hikers. Map of Kobuk Valley National Park

  7. Lake Clark National Park: Limited developed trails, with opportunities for backcountry hiking and exploring pristine wilderness areas. Map of Lake Clark National Park

  8. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park: Limited developed trails, with opportunities for backcountry exploration in one of the largest national parks. Map of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

National Parks in Arizona

  1. Grand Canyon National Park: Famous trails include the Bright Angel Trail, South Kaibab Trail, and the Rim-to-Rim hike. Map of Grand Canyon National Park

  2. Petrified Forest National Park: Notable trails include the Blue Mesa Trail, Painted Desert Rim Trail, and the Long Logs Trail. Map of Petrified Forest National Park

  3. Saguaro National Park: Features trails like the Valley View Overlook Trail, King Canyon Trail, and the Hugh Norris Trail. Map of Saguaro National Park

National Parks in California

  1. Channel Islands National Park: Trails range from the Cavern Point Loop on Santa Cruz Island to the rugged hikes on San Miguel Island. Map of Channel Islands National Park

  2. Death Valley National Park: Trails range from the short Golden Canyon Trail to the challenging Telescope Peak Trail. Map of Death Valley National Park

  3. Joshua Tree National Park: Popular trails include the Hidden Valley Trail, Barker Dam Trail, and the strenuous Lost Palms Oasis Trail. Map of Joshua Tree National Park

  4. Kings Canyon National Park: Notable trails include the Rae Lakes Loop, Mist Falls Trail, and the Zumwalt Meadow Loop. Map of Kings Canyon National Park

  5. Lassen Volcanic National Park: Features trails like the Bumpass Hell Trail, Lassen Peak Trail, and the Manzanita Lake Loop. Map of Lassen Volcanic National Park

  6. Pinnacles National Park: Popular trails include the High Peaks Trail, Balconies Cave Trail, and the Bear Gulch Cave Trail. Map of Pinnacles National Park

  7. Redwood National and State Parks: Trails include the Tall Trees Grove Trail, Fern Canyon Loop, and the Coastal Trail. Map of Redwood National and State Parks

  8. Sequoia National Park: Notable trails include the Congress Trail, Moro Rock Trail, and the High Sierra Trail. Map of Sequoia National Park

  9. Yosemite National Park: Famous trails include the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall, Half Dome Trail, and the John Muir Trail. Map of Yosemite National Park

National Parks in Colorado

  1. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: Notable trails include the Rim Rock Nature Trail and the Gunnison Route for more experienced hikers. Map of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

  2. Great Sand Dunes National Park: Explore the Dunes Overlook Trail, Medano Pass Primitive Road, and the High Dune Trail for unique sand dune landscapes. Map of Great Sand Dunes National Park

  3. Mesa Verde National Park: Notable trails include the Petroglyph Point Trail, Spruce Canyon Trail, and the Balcony House Loop. Map of Mesa Verde National Park

  4. Rocky Mountain National Park: Over 350 miles of trails, including the Bear Lake Trail, Longs Peak Trail, and the Emerald Lake Trail. Map of Rocky Mountain National Park

National Parks in Florida

  1. Biscayne National Park: Limited hiking options due to the park’s marine focus, but the Spite Highway Trail on Elliott Key offers a unique coastal experience. Map of Biscayne National Park

  2. Dry Tortugas National Park: Limited hiking options, but the short trails on Garden Key offer historical exploration of Fort Jefferson. Map of Dry Tortugas National Park

  3. Everglades National Park: Trails like the Anhinga Trail, Gumbo Limbo Trail, and the Shark Valley Tram Road offer glimpses of the park’s diverse wildlife. Map of Everglades National Park

National Parks in Hawaii

  1. Haleakalā National Park: Explore the Sliding Sands Trail, Pipiwai Trail, and Halemau’u Trail for stunning volcanic landscapes. Map of Haleakalā National Park

  2. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park: Trails include the Kilauea Iki Trail, Crater Rim Trail, and the challenging Mauna Loa Summit Trail. Map of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

National Parks in Kentucky

  1. Mammoth Cave National Park: Explore the Cedar Sink Trail, Green River Bluffs Trail, and numerous cave tours for underground hiking experiences. Map of Mammoth Cave National Park

National Parks in Michigan

  1. Isle Royale National Park: Known for its backcountry hiking, including the Greenstone Ridge Trail and the Rock Harbor Trail. Map of Isle Royale National Park

National Parks in Minnesota

  1. Voyageurs National Park: Notable trails include the Oberholtzer Trail, Kab-Ash Trail, and the Blind Ash Bay Trail. Map of Voyageurs National Park

National Parks in Missouri

  1. Gateway Arch National Park: Limited hiking options, but the park provides scenic walks along the Mississippi River. Map of Gateway Arch National Park

National Parks in Nevada

  1. Great Basin National Park: Notable trails include the Bristlecone Pine Trail, Wheeler Peak Summit Trail, and the Alpine Lakes Loop. Map of Great Basin National Park

National Parks in New Mexico

  1. Carlsbad Caverns National Park: Primarily known for its cave tours, but the park also offers the Walnut Canyon Desert Drive for above-ground hiking. Map of Carlsbad Caverns National Park

  2. White Sands National Park: Explore the Alkali Flat Trail, Dune Life Nature Trail, and the Playa Trail for unique desert landscapes. Map of White Sands National Park

National Parks in North Carolina

  1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Over 850 miles of trails, including the Alum Cave Trail, Chimney Tops Trail, and the Appalachian Trail segment. Map of Great Smoky Mountains National Park

National Parks in North Dakota

  1. Theodore Roosevelt National Park: Trails include the Wind Canyon Trail, Buckhorn Trail, and the Petrified Forest Loop. Map of Theodore Roosevelt National Park

National Parks in Ohio

  1. Cuyahoga Valley National Park: Popular trails include the Ledges Trail, Brandywine Gorge Trail, and the Towpath Trail along the Ohio & Erie Canal. Map of Cuyahoga Valley National Park

National Parks in South Carolina

  1. Congaree National Park: Notable trails include the Boardwalk Loop Trail and the Weston Lake Loop Trail through ancient forests and floodplain environments. Map of Congaree National Park

National Parks in South Dakota

  1. Badlands National Park: Notable trails include the Notch Trail, Castle Trail, and the Door Trail, offering views of rugged terrain and unique rock formations. Map of Badlands National Park

  2. Wind Cave National Park: Features trails like the Rankin Ridge Trail, Lookout Point Trail, and numerous cave tours. Map of Wind Cave National Park

National Parks in Tennessee

  1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Over 850 miles of trails, including the Alum Cave Trail, Chimney Tops Trail, and the Appalachian Trail segment. Map of Great Smoky Mountains National Park

National Parks in Texas

  1. Big Bend National Park: Features over 150 miles of trails, including the Window Trail, Lost Mine Trail, and the challenging South Rim Trail. Map of Big Bend National Park

  2. Guadalupe Mountains National Park: Popular hikes include the Guadalupe Peak Trail, McKittrick Canyon Trail, and the Devil's Hall Trail. Map of Guadalupe Mountains National Park

National Parks in Utah

  1. Arches National Park: Trails range from easy walks to challenging hikes. Don’t miss the Delicate Arch Trail and the Devil's Garden Loop. Map of Arches National Park

  2. Bryce Canyon National Park: Explore the Queens Garden Trail, Navajo Loop Trail, and the Fairyland Loop for stunning hoodoo formations. Map of Bryce Canyon National Park

  3. Canyonlands National Park: Features trails like the Island in the Sky's Mesa Arch Trail and the Needles District’s Chesler Park Loop. Map of Canyonlands National Park

  4. Capitol Reef National Park: Popular trails include the Hickman Bridge Trail, Capitol Gorge Trail, and the more strenuous Cassidy Arch Trail. Map of Capitol Reef National Park

  5. Zion National Park: Popular trails include Angels Landing, The Narrows, and the Emerald Pools Trail. Map of Zion National Park

National Parks in Virginia

  1. Shenandoah National Park: Over 500 miles of trails, including the Old Rag Mountain Trail, Hawksbill Mountain Trail, and the Appalachian Trail segment. Map of Shenandoah National Park

National Parks in Washington

  1. Mount Rainier National Park: Popular trails include the Wonderland Trail, Skyline Trail, and the Spray Park Trail. Map of Mount Rainier National Park

  2. North Cascades National Park: Trails include the Cascade Pass Trail, Sahale Arm Trail, and the Thunder Creek Trail. Map of North Cascades National Park

  3. Olympic National Park: Over 600 miles of trails, including the Hoh River Trail, Hurricane Hill Trail, and the Enchanted Valley Trail. Map of Olympic National Park

National Parks in U.S. Virgin Islands

  1. Virgin Islands National Park: Features trails like the Reef Bay Trail, Cinnamon Bay Trail, and the Ram Head Trail with coastal views. Map of Virgin Islands National Park

National Park Hiking Tips

Essential Tips for a Great Hiking Experience

  1. Plan Ahead: Research the trails you want to hike, including their difficulty levels and the weather conditions. Check the park’s official website for any trail closures or alerts.
  2. Pack the Essentials: Always carry water, snacks, a first aid kit, and a map of the park. Dress in layers to accommodate changing weather conditions.
  3. Stay on Marked Trails: For safety and to protect the environment, always stay on designated trails.
  4. Leave No Trace: Pack out everything you bring in and respect the natural habitat.
  5. Use a Camera and Binocular Harness: A harness can keep your equipment accessible and secure, reducing strain and allowing you to enjoy the hike without hassle.

 

National parks across the United States offer an incredible variety of hiking experiences, from the rugged coastlines of Olympic National Park to the towering sand dunes of Great Sand Dunes National Park. Whether you're seeking challenging mountain hikes, serene forest walks, or picturesque waterfall trails, national parks provide endless opportunities to explore and enjoy the great outdoors. Pack your hiking gear, lace up your boots, and discover the natural beauty that awaits you in America's national parks. Use the provided maps to navigate your adventures and make the most of your hiking experiences.

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