Take A Hike, Literally, At These Popular U.S. Destinations
Hiking produces endorphins that boost your mood and energy.
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Hiking has become one of the most popular forms of exercise. In 2024, over 63 million people in the U.S. participated in hiking at least once. This represents a significant increase compared to previous years, with a growth of about 31% since 2010.
There are many reasons to take a hike. Hiking strengthens the muscles in your body, while stimulating the feel-good chemical hormones of adrenaline and endorphins that boost your mood and energy. Hiking can help build stronger muscles and bones, improve your sense of balance, increase heart health and is a great way to burn calories. According to the National Park Service, hiking is the perfect full-body workout that not only impacts your physical health, but the ideal way to clear your mind for your mental health.
AllTrails is the quintessential guide for hikers. Search over 450,000 trails with trail information, maps, detailed reviews and photos curated by millions of hikers, campers and nature lovers. With a simple but important message of 'helping the world find its way outside,' AllTrails can turn a couch potato into an outdoor adventure seeker.
Park City offers a wide variety of hiking trails.
AllTrails
Home to 400 miles of hiking trails, Park City, Utah boasts hiking terrain for all levels, ages and even for furry friends. From the panoramic views along the Mid Mountain Trail to the dog-friendly paths of Round Valley, there is something for every adventurer. Close to Park City, Donut Falls Trail is a 3.3-mile out-and-back trail. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 hour 29 minutes to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are June through October.
Where to stay: Montage Deer Valley is an adventure lover and outdoor enthusiasts dream in the summer, with hiking trails directly on-property.
Hikers can cross a bridge for stunning vistas.
All Trails
One of America's greenest cities is a hiker's paradise, with Forest Park, a 5,200-acre urban forest with over 80 miles of trails, alpine lake hikes near Mount Hood and stunning waterfall trails in the Columbia River Gorge.
Where to stay: The Nines offers hotel guests an easy way to explore the great outdoors and beauty of Oregon outside the hustle and bustle of downtown Portland. Providing something for every type of traveler, Les Clefs d'Or Concierge Patrick McNearney curates a seasonally changing excursion menu including a diverse range of outdoor activities within Portland's city limits and beyond.
The Adirondacks are a hiker's paradise.
AllTrails
Adirondack Park, the largest wilderness preserve in the lower 48 states, spans six million acres, bigger than Grand Canyon, Smoky Mountains, and Yosemite combined, with thousands of miles of trails for beginners to challenging High Peaks hikes through forests, rocky terrain and stunning summit views for the advanced. Get to know Hurricane Mountain Trail Southern Approach, a 6.2-mile out-and-back trail near Keene Valley, New York. Generally considered a moderately challenging route. This is a very popular area for birding and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are March through October.
Where to stay: The Point, a 75-acre, 11-room all-inclusive resort, offers numerous onsite hiking trails (both guided and self-guided) and a wide variety of other seasonal outdoor activities, from boating and axe-throwing in the summer to ice curling and cross-country skiing in the winter.
Hikers can ascend the trails of Big Sky ski resort.
Montage Big Sky
Hiking in Big Sky, Montana offers everything from serene forest trails to challenging alpine climbs, with stunning views, wildlife sightings and access to pristine wilderness in the heart of the Rockies, with close proximity to the first national park, Yellowstone. Experience the Beehive Basin Trail, 6.8-mile out-and-back trail. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 hours 38 minutes to complete. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking. The best times to visit this trail are May through October. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.
Where to stay: Located within Big Sky's 3,530-acre Spanish Peaks enclave and just an hour from Yellowstone National Park lies Montage Big Sky, the remote and refined mountain retreat and first luxury five star property in the region.
Virginia Beach offers a surprising number of hiking trails.
Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau
A hidden gem on the east coast, explore the natural beauty of Virginia Beach's First Landing State Park and False Cape State Park. Trek the quiet paths of Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, take a historic hike up Cape Henry Lighthouse. Cape Henry Trail to Long Creek Trail, a 5.4-mile loop trail near Virginia Beach, is considered an easy route, taking an average of 1 hour 35 minutes to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking, running and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Ascend to the nation's first Nautilus Lookout Tower, connect to a canopy walkway, and explore treehouse trails high above the forest floor at Owl Creek Landing.
Pleasure House Point Loop, a 2-mile loop trail near Virginia Beach, is generally considered an easy route. It takes an average of 34 minutes to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking, running and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit any time. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Enjoy Lake Lawson Loop Trail. This 1.6-mile loop trail near Virginia Beach, Virginia. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 29 minutes to complete.
Where to stay: After traversing the parks or climbing towers with stunning views, recharging will be necessary. The Delta Hotels by Marriott Virginia Beach Bayfront Suites is the ideal base due to its proximity and winning amenities including a private beach, delicious flavors of the waterfront Tides Coastal Kitchen.
The Catskills offer numerous majestic hiking locations.
AllTrails
From short, family-friendly hikes in the dense woods to Catskills 3500 Club peaks (33 peaks above 3500 feet in elevation), the Catskills offer endless adventure for hikers of all levels in the Northeast. Overlook Mountain Trail, a 4.6-mile out-and-back trail near Woodstock, New York, is considered a moderately challenging route, taking an average of 2 hour 47 minutes to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are April through November.
Where to stay: Nestled over 100 secluded acres along the Toronto Reservoir, The Chatwal Lodge is the perfect luxury outpost to embark on outdoor adventures.
A young traveler hikes along mountain paths.
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