The Trail Less Traveled: 50 States, 50 Undiscovered Hikes
In partnership with the National Park Foundation.
7 Min. Read | Hiking
You've seen the photos of Grand Canyon National Park, heard the stories from Yosemite, and watched the videos of Yellowstone's geysers. But sometimes these iconic national parks are just too out of reach for your next getaway. Here's the good news: with more than 400 national park sites across the United States, most of us have great hiking within an easy driving distance. With that in mind, we've showcased one hike in each state that flies under the radar and is a true gem. Click the letter that corresponds with your state and start packing.
Beaver Pond Trail at Little River Canyon National Preserve
This short, mostly level loop is the perfect outing for families and features abundant bird life, so be sure to bring your binoculars.
Distance: 1.25 Miles
The Totem Trail at Sitka National Historical Park
Hike under a canopy of towering Sitka Spruce and Western Hemlock, while being awed by views of Sitka Sound.
Distance: 1.6 Miles
White House Ruin at Canyon De Chelly National Monument
The moderate hike to White House Ruin offers a unique view into Navajo culture and history.
Distance: 2.5 Miles
Tyler Bend Trails at Buffalo National River
This dog-friendly network of trails is easily accessible from the visitor center and campground, and features views of Calf Creek and Buffalo River.
Distance: varies
Mill Creek Falls at Lassen Volcanic National Park
Watch for deer and birds as you hike to the 75-foot Mill Creek waterfall. Keep your eyes peeled for deer, and if you go in summer, you'll find more wildflowers than you can shake your hiking stick at.
Distance: 3.8 Miles
Dillon Pinnacles at Curecanti National Recreation Area
With amazing views of Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado's largest body of water, and the potential to spot bighorn sheep, this hike is not to be missed.
Distance: 4 Miles
Mattabesett Blue Trail at New England National Scenic Trail
With numerous ascents along its rocky path, the Mattabesett Blue Trail delivers incredible views. Sights of white-tailed deer and bald eagles are common, along with plenty of trail-side wildflowers.
Distance: 9 Miles
Bob Loop Trail at Trap Pond State Park
This well-marked and perfectly-maintained gravel loop circumnavigates Trap Pond, home to the northernmost natural stand of baldcypress trees in the US.
Distance: 5 Miles
Nobles Grade at Big Cypress National Preserve
A little-traveled limestone pathway offers a rare opportunity to hike through the surrounding swamp... and stay dry in the process!
Distance: 8 Miles
General Bragg Trail at Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park
The mostly wooded and generally flat General Bragg Trail leads you past several Civil War monuments as it wends through the Georgia forest.
Distance: 5 Miles
Keauhou Trail at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
At 14-ish miles, the Keauhou Trail is long, but it's out-and-back, so you can turn around whenever you please. Stick it out, though, and you'll find yourself at a secluded beach where you can camp, snorkel, or just cool off in the water.
Distance: 14 Miles
Wilderness Trail at Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve
The unique landscape of Craters of the Moon includes lava flows (don't worry: they've gone cold by now), buttes, and cinder cones. Camp at Echo Crater to extend your adventure.
Distance: 8 Miles
Little Grand Canyon Trail at Shawnee National Forest
Incredible rock formations and a waterfall make this a hike to remember. And how can you resist venturing to the bottom of Little Grand Canyon?
Distance: 3 Miles
Cowles Bog Trail at Indiana Dunes National Park
Steep sand dunes near Lake Michigan make this a more strenuous hike but your efforts are rewarded by incredible plant and eco-system diversity.
Distance: 4.3 Miles
Eagle Rock, Fire Point, and Little Bear Mound Group at Effigy Mounds National Monument
The name of this hike is a bit unwieldy, but the hike is straight-up beautiful, with wildflowers aplenty and amazing views of the Mississippi River.
Distance: 1.7 Miles
Southwind Nature Trail at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
Numerous overlooks along the Southwind Nature Trail allow you to catch your breath while witnessing the sweeping majesty of the tallgrass prairie.
Distance: 1.75 Miles
Twin Arches Trail at Big South Fork National Park
With both shorter and longer options,this trial leads you directly through two stunning natural stone arches.
Distance: 1.4 Miles (trail); 6.0 Miles (with loop extension)
Old Barataria Trail at Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
Less than 20 miles from downtown New Orleans, the Old Barataria Trail is a family friendly excursion through the wildlife-rich wetlands of the deep South.
Distance: 1.4 Miles
Bernard Mountain Loop Trail at Acadia National Park
Situated in Maine's only national park, this hike remains relatively undiscovered, and boasts outstanding long-range wildnerness views.
Distance: 4.1 Miles
Wolf Rock and Chimney Rock Trails at Catoctin Mountain Park
Featuring unique rock formations and two scenic overlooks, this hike climbs 600 vertical feet to a mountain ridge.
Distance: 3.9 Miles
Great Island Trail at Cape Cod National Seashore
An amazing shore-side hike through dunes and pine forests, past tide pools, and to the ocean's edge. Take note: Hiking in the soft sand is harder than it looks, so be sure to pack water and snacks!
Distance: 6 Miles
Grace Creek Overlook Trail at Isle Royale National Park
Looking out over the Grace Creek Wetland, it's not unusual to spy moose from points along the trail. Go in August, and you might just fill your belly with thimbleberries, too!
Distance: 3.8 Miles
Blind Ash Bay Trail at Voyageurs National Park
Rooty, rocky, and little-traveled, Blind Ash Bay Trail wends through a boreal forest and offers views of Lake Kabetogama.
Distance: 2.5 Miles
Potkopinu Trail at Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail
Situated near the southern terminus of the historic 450-mile Natchez Trace Trail, Potkopinu follows the orginal trail for the entirety of its 3 miles. Great for kids!
Distance: 3 Miles
Chubb Hollow Trail at Ozark National Scenic Riverways
Traveling along the banks of the Current River before ascending to the adjacent ridgetop, Chubb Hollow passes directly through a majestic pine-and-oak forest.
Distance: 3.8 Miles
Dragon's Tail Trail at Glacier National Park
Gaining nearly 2,000 feet in 3 miles, Dragon's Tail delivers amazing views of well-known Glacier landmarks like Logan Pass and Bearhat Mountain.
Distance: 6 Miles
Fossil Hills Trail at Agate Fossil Beds National Monument
The paved, wheelchair-accessible Fossil Hills Trail passes through both wetlands and short-and-mixed-grass prairie, bringing you into direct contact with America's heartland.
Distance: 2.7 Miles
Baker Lake Trail at Great Basin National Park
Although it's perfectly doable in a day, the camping in the shadows of the limestone cliffs surrounding Baker Lake is phenomenal, making this hike a great overnight option.
Distance: 10.4 Miles
Lonesome Lake Trail at Appalachian National Scenic Trail
The only thing better than the stunning views of Franconia Ridge are the fresh-baked cookies at the Lonesome Lake Hut. Trail is steep, so hiking poles are recommended.
Distance: 3.2 Miles
Rattlesnake Swamp Trail at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Despite the intimidating name, Rattlesnake Swamp is actually a great family hike with just enough elevation gain (and a fire tower!) to offer amazing views.
Distance: 5.2 Miles
Alcove House Trail at Bandelier National Monument
Be sure to climb the sturdy ladders to the ancient cliff dwellings of the Ancentral Pueblo people. Don't love heights? Don't worry: You can bypass the home sites.
Distance: 2.6 Miles
Bellvale Mountain at Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Barely 50 miles from the Big Apple, but worlds away, this 7-mile summit hike is just challenging enough to justify two scoops of homemade ice cream at the Bellvale Farms Creamery.
Distance: 7 Miles
Deep Creek Loop at Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park lies within a day's drive of two-thirds of the US population, so "undiscovered" doesn't really apply. But we think the family friendly Deep Creek Loop, with its spectacular waterfalls, is worth sharing.
Distance: 4.6 Miles
Maah Daah Hey, South Unit at Theodore Roosevelt National Park
At 96 miles, the Maah Daah Hey Trail is just a little ambitious for a day hike, but this 7-mile (one-way) section delivers everything the full trail is known for, including frequent bison sightings.
Distance: 14.2 Miles
Wetmore Bridle Trail at Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Wetmore Bridle is defined by its diversity of terrain, including mulitple stream crossings and numerous elevation changes. Be aware that it is open to horseback riders.
Distance: 4.7 Miles
Bison Pasture Trail at Chickasaw National Recreation Area
A wide, well-maintained trail makes this a perfect outing for the whole family. Bonus: Your odds of a bison viewing are excellent!
Distance: 1.9 Miles
Blue Basin Overlook Trail at John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
With nearly 900 feet of elevation gain, Blue Basin will make you sweat. But the spectacular views of the surrounding blue-green rock formations are worth the effort. Take note: This trail can be very muddy and slippery in wet weather!
Distance: 3.3 Miles
Laurel Highland Trail Hike 35 at Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail
Perhaps the least-traveled section of the multi-day Laurel Highlands Trail, this 11-mile ramble leads you directly through blooming mountain laurel and beautiful rock formations.
Distance: 11 Miles (one-way, requires shuttle)
Weetamoo Woods Trail at Weetamoo Woods & Pardon Gray Preserve
Wild flowers, moss-covered rocks, and hundreds of holly trees: Weetamoo is New England at its bucolic best.
Distance: 4.7 Miles
Weston Lake Loop Trail at Congaree National Park
Weston Lake Loop Trail at Congaree National Park
With views of Cedar Creek and portions of the trail running directly through a slough, expect lots of bird life and maybe even otters. Also expect it to be very wet if it's raining!
Distance: 4.4 Miles
Medicine Root Loop Trail at Badlands National Park
Distant views of the foreboding Badlands will remind you how this barren region got its name. But there's also tremendous beauty in this craggy landscape, and Medicine Root puts it on full display.
Distance: 4 Miles
Honey Creek Loop Trail at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
Honey Creek traverses steep, rocky terrain, so it's best for experienced hikers. But the effort is rewarded: You'll find waterfalls, rock formations, and breathtaking scenery aplenty.
Distance: 5.1 Miles
Marufo Vega Trail at Big Bend National Park
It can be difficult to escape the crowds at Big Bend, but Marufo Vega is your path to solitude. Beautiful desert scenery, with views of the Rio Grande, await you on this 14-mile loop. Bring lots of water and snacks!
Distance: 14 Miles
Fairyland Loop Trail at Bryce Canyon National Park
There's 2300 feet of elevation gain in Fairyland Loop, so you're sure to get a workout. You're also sure to get stunning canyon views and huge sense of accomplishment. Hot tip: Hike counterclockwise to save the best views for last!
Distance: 7.4 Miles
Mount Peg Summit Trail at Marsh - Billings - Rockefeller National Historical Park
Beginning in the quintessential Vermont town of Woodstock, the Mount Peg Summit Trail leads to a grassy overlook at the top of 1050-foot Mount Peg. It's the perfect place for a family picnic.
Distance: 2.5 Miles
North Valley Trail at Prince William Forest Park
Mostly level, and often creek-side, North Valley delivers an oasis of nature only a short drive from the heart of Washington D.C. There are numerous opportunities to extend your hike, too.
Distance: 6 Miles
Blue Lake Trail at North Cascades National Park
Less visited than its sibling parks Olympic and Rainer, North Cascades offers oodles of incredible hiking trails. Blue Lake is one of the most family friendly, leading you through a sub-alpine forest to the sparkling waters for which it is named.
Distance: 5.3 Miles
Endless Wall Trail at New River Gorge National River
An easy 2.7-mile loop, Endless Wall features numerous ladders and almost-constant views of one of the oldest rivers on the continent. It's a great hike for kids!
Distance: 2.7 Miles
Ice Age National Scenic Trail
The Ice Age Trail is a nearly 1,200-mile foot path tracing the edge of a huge glacier that once covered most of North America. You can hop on the trail for a day hike at innumerable points, but we recommend beginning at the Ice Age Interpretive Center in New Auburn.
Distance: Variable
Joyner Ridge Trail at Devil's Tower National Monument
While everyone else bumps elbows on the Tower Trail, you'll soak up the scenery (and the solitude!) of Joyner Ridge. Don't worry: You'll get great views of Devil's Tower, too.
Distance: 1.5 Miles
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