Life
7 Hiking Trails With Springtime Views So Gorgeous They'll Leave You Completely Stunned
Ah, the great outdoors. After being cooped up for four whole months, it’s no wonder that you’re itching to get outside and feel warmth other than that of a heater. Of course, you could always go on an awesome picnic or take your dog for a walk… but why not get in a day’s worth of cardio (OK, some of these will probably give you a month's worth of cardio), and take a scenic hike through a canyon or something? I’ve rounded up the seven best hiking trails in the country for you to enjoy this spring. So get up, grab a friend, and enjoy the sun!
Hoh River Trail — Olympic National Park, Washington
If you decide to trek along the Hoh River Trail, you certainly won’t be alone — rangers report that this is one of the busiest places in Olympic National Park, attracting both international and domestic travelers. And it should come as no surprise, being that the trail passes through the the renowned Olympic rainforest, and allows hikers to whiz by Mount Olympus. Though the hike is a little over 10 miles round trip, sources say it’s an easy trail, suitable for folks both young and old. If you’re lucky, you may even catch an elk or two trotting by.
Iceberg Lake Loop — Glacier National Park, Montana
Though you may have to wait until mid-to-late July to hike most of the trails in Glacier National Park (before then, the paths are a nasty mix of muddy and icy), we couldn’t resist putting the Iceberg Lake Loop on our list, because glaciers. The entire trip covers about 10 miles, and passes through both valleys and steep terrain. Despite the trail being in a swath of land filled with bears, the Iceberg Lake Loop remains an extremely popular choice for visitors. The biggest draw? About five miles in, the hike opens up on Iceberg Lake, filled with ginormous floating chunks of ice. This is a pretty strenuous trail, so beginners beware; this definitely isn’t the hiker’s version of a bunny slope.
James Irvine Miners Ridge Loop — Redwood National Park, California
Though you’ll definitely see tons of pretty redwoods on this trail (and throughout the entire park), that’s not what makes the James Irvine Miners Ridge Loop exceptional (could’ve fooled me!). The highly diverse landscape makes the loop a definitive winner. Feast your eyes on an undeveloped beach, multiple coastal canyons, shady creek beds, and sprawling ridges during this 13-mile hike. (You can also do a one-way, six-mile trek.) Make sure you bring your binoculars, too — the trail offers some of the best bird watching spots in the entire forest.
Reeves Brook Trail — Harriman State Park, New York
Looking for a trail that’s a hop, skip, and a jump away from New York City? Check out the Reeves Brook Trail at Harriman State Park. Though the park, located about an hour’s drive from Manhattan, has more than 200 miles of hiking trails, Reeves Meadow is one of the most popular places people begin their trek. The path splits off into other trails of varying difficulty. Moderate beginners will enjoy this slightly challenging route. At just over eight miles, the hike isn’t super long… but the hills may have you a bit out of breath.
Zion Narrows Day Hike — Zion National Park, Utah
The Zion Narrows Day Hike is consistently rated one of the best in the entire country, and it’s easy to see why — visitors trek through a thin canyon trail, witness beautiful waterfalls, and come across vibrant wildlife while descending steep walls. Did we mention that the majority of the hike is through a knee-deep waterway? Hikers often rent gear from park officials to ensure that they’re prepared for the trip, but almost all believe the cost is worth it. The unique Zion Narrows Trail is surely unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before.
Powers Island Trail — Chattahoochee River, Georgia
The weather is always bright, the trail is serene, and the water is perfect for fishing or dipping in a toe (or two). You’ll visit an inlet, see some powerful whitewater rapids, and hike through lush forest on the Powers Island Trail, located about 30 minutes outside of Atlanta. One of the best things about this spot is that it’s often less crowded than its neighbor, the Cochran Shoals Trail. Both offer stunning views of the Chattahoochee River, but I’d prefer the peace and quiet of Powers Island’s bamboo grove any day.
Pine Tree Trail — Aguirre Springs Recreation Area, New Mexico
The Pine Tree Trail at New Mexico’s Aguirre Springs Recreation Area is easily one of the most breathtaking hikes in the state. Huge boulders jut out of the ground and create a jagged skyline, while brush and wildflowers frame the hills leading you to the top. In addition to hiking, visitors can take in the scenery via horseback. The entire loop is about four and a half miles, though it can easily feel longer because of the multiple changes in terrain. This one isn’t too far from El Paso, Texas, so if you’re in the area, be sure to check it out this spring!
