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Top 100 Trails - Best Trails in North America
The results are in! After analyzing over 10 million "votes" from users over the past year, Trails.com is proud to announce its annual Top Trails list (
learn more about Top Trails
), based on trail popularity and usage. This list represents the most popular trails and outdoor destinations in North America. Use this list to get ideas for your upcoming outdoor excursion. Select a state and/or an activity below to find even more top trails.
Learn More about Top Trails
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1
. Breakneck Ridge Trail
In Hudson Highlands State Park, this trail makes a rugged ascent from river-level to roll along a knobby ridge, gathering vistas and reaching a lookout. Special Attractions: Hudson river, Shawangunk,
...
From the guidebook "Hiking New York"
Beacon , NY - Hiking
- 9.6 miles
(About Top Trails)
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2
. Glacier Gorge
In my opinion this is the most beautiful spot in Rocky Mountain National Park. Spectacular scenery, beautiful wildflowers, cascading waterfalls, and beautiful alpine lakes are what you will find on yo
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From the guidebook "Hiking Colorado's Front Range"
Estes Park , CO - Hiking
- 9.6 miles
(About Top Trails)
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3
. Appalachian Trail: The Pinnacle
Walk the Appalachian Trail for spectacular views of Hawk Mountain, the Lehigh Valley, and Blue Rocks. Many Appalachian Trail thru-hikers claim the views at the Pinnacle are the best views on the Penns
...
From the guidebook "Hike America: Pennsylvania"
Hamburg , PA - Hiking
- 8.7 miles
(About Top Trails)
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4
. Mount Whitney
This expedition takes you to the top of the highest peak in the contiguous United States, and to unparalleled views.
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From the guidebook "Hiking Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks"
Lone Pine , CA - Hiking
- 22 miles
(About Top Trails)
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5
. Conundrum Hot Springs
A secluded collection of pools in a beautiful wilderness location. Essentially undeveloped, wilderness location. Conundrum is one of Colorado’s most exquisite settings, and if you pick your time caref
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From the guidebook "Touring Colorado Hot Springs"
Aspen , CO - Hot Springs
- 18 miles
(About Top Trails)
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6
. Bear Mountain Loop
A demanding all-day or overnight loop rolls through steep wooded terrain, topping Bear and West Mountains, offering views of the lower Hudson River area. Special Attractions: vistas, Perkins Tower, l
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From the guidebook "Hiking New York"
Highland Falls , NY - Hiking
- 9.7 miles
(About Top Trails)
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7
. Furnace Mountain / Trayfoot Mountain Overnight Loop
If you like mountaintop views and camping along streams, this loop is for you. Head north on the Appalachian Trail (AT) and turn west toward Austin Mountain, with many views of your destination. Camp
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From the guidebook "Day & Overnight Hikes in Shenandoah National Park"
Waynesboro , VA - Hiking
- 20.6 miles
(About Top Trails)
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8
. Deep Creek Hot Springs
A cluster of natural hot springs in an isolated canyon in the high desert. Deep Creek has become a favorite spot for those who like to go without clothing. Requires a gradual 6-mile hike or a steeper
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From the guidebook "Touring California and Nevada Hot Springs"
Hesperia , CA - Hot Springs
- 0 mile
(About Top Trails)
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9
. Appalachian Trail: Sunfish Pond & Mount Mohican
Sunfish Pond is one of the most popular hiking destinations in New Jersey, with good reason. The rocky shores of this crystal clear glacial lake are postcard perfect. Get an early start for this hik
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From the guidebook "Exploring the Appalachian Trail: Hikes in the Mid-Atlantic States"
Columbia , NJ - Hiking
- 8.8 miles
(About Top Trails)
#
10
. Appalachian Trail: Springer Mountain to Hightower Gap
The summit of Springer Mountain, a broad dome with thin oak woods and a rock outcrop, has excellent northwest views of the Cohutta Mountains. Two bronze plaques mark this as the terminus of the AT.
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From the guidebook "Exploring the Appalachian Trail: Hikes in the Southern Appalachians"
Suches , GA - Hiking
- 9 miles
(About Top Trails)
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11
. Big Creek Falls (Taylor River)
It seems impossible: Finding quiet solitude on a backcountry trail leading through ancient cathedral forests and past magnificent waterfalls less than a hour from Seattle. Yet the Taylor River Trail o
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From the guidebook "Best Hikes with Dogs in Western Washington"
North Bend , WA - Hiking
- 10 miles
(About Top Trails)
#
12
. Appalachian Trail: Crampton Gap to Harpers Ferry, WV
The 9.8-mile stretch of Appalachian Trail leading from Crampton Gap to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, is one of the most popular and rewarding AT day hikes in this region, with good reason. It feature
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From the guidebook "Exploring the Appalachian Trail: Hikes in the Mid-Atlantic States"
Burkittsville , MD - Hiking
- 10.2 miles
(About Top Trails)
#
13
. Half Dome
Half Dome is the symbol of Yosemite, its summit the goal of just about everybody who has ever donned a pair of hiking boots. It is a grueling workout, especially if you do it in one day, but if you sp
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From the guidebook "Hiking Yosemite National Park"
Merced , CA - Hiking
- 16 miles
(About Top Trails)
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14
. Dolly Sods Wilderness
Make this loop in the renowned Dolly Sods Wilderness. This slice of the Monongahela has nearly everything: rocky vistas, open glades resembling the western United States, thick spruce, northern hardwo
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From the guidebook "Day & Overnight Hikes in West Virginia's Monongahela National Forest"
Petersburg , WV - Hiking
- 19.4 miles
(About Top Trails)
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15
. Hut to Hut Presidential Traverse
Hiking the Presidential Range from end to end is one of the United States’ classic treks. Of course, numerous trails can be used to accomplish this trip, although the main route between Madison Hut an
...
From the guidebook "Discover the White Mountains of New Hampshire"
Gorham , NH - Hiking
- 25.5 miles
(About Top Trails)
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16
. American River Confluence to Lake Clementine
Contrasting dynamics and a wild-river canyon take center stage on this hike. You’ll encounter raging rapids, soothing pools, a loud waterfall at a dam, and a tranquil lake. Start near the confluence o
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From the guidebook "100 Hikes in the San Francisco Bay Area"
Auburn , CA - Hiking
- 6 miles
(About Top Trails)
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17
. Cottonwood Lakes to Upper Rock Creek (Backpacking)
I’m always looking for trips with huge dividends per hiking mile. This one nears the top of my list. Magnificent alpine basins defined by sculpted peaks cradle shining blue lakes and are linked by hig
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From the guidebook "Backpacking California"
Lone Pine , CA - Hiking
- 23.8 miles
(About Top Trails)
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18
. Mount Marcy - New York Highpoint
Highpoint rank by height: 21st. We will use the trail that starts near Heart Lake and the Adirondak Loj. No, this is not a spelling error – it was named by Henry Van Hoevenberg, who opened the Loj – e
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From the guidebook "Highpoint Adventures: The Complete Guide to the 50 State Highpoints"
Lake Placid , NY - Hiking
- 14.8 miles
(About Top Trails)
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19
. Timothy Lake Area Campgrounds
This Trail Guide includes the following campgrounds: Clackamas Lake, Gone Creek, Hoodview, Joe Graham Horse Camp, Little Crater Lake, Oak Fork, and Pine Point.
...
From the guidebook "Camping Oregon"
Government Camp , OR - Campgrounds
(About Top Trails)
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20
. Bear Mountain - Mount Riga State Park Trail
Bear Mountain is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the state. A grand stone pyramid crowns its summit, offering unrestricted views which include broad valleys, shimmering lakes, and rugge
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From the guidebook "Best Day Hikes in Connecticut"
Salisbury , CT - Hiking
- 6 miles
(About Top Trails)
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21
. Appalachian National Scenic Trail - Pennsylvania Section
This 2,155-mile national scenic trail from Maine to Georgia cuts across southeastern Pennsylvania between New Jersey and the Mason-Dixon Line at Maryland. The Appalachian Trail (AT) traverses ridges a
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From the guidebook "Hiking Pennsylvania"
Rouzerville , PA - Hiking
- 232 miles
(About Top Trails)
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22
. Ringwood State Park Trails
At 5,000 plus acres, Ringwood State Park is one of the larger tracts of public land in northeastern New Jersey. The fact that it can be described as “mountain-bike friendly” makes it even more attrac
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From the guidebook "Mountain Biking in New Jersey"
Ringwood , NJ - Mountain Biking
- 11.5 miles
(About Top Trails)
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23
. Carson Mineral Hot Springs Resort
A sleepy Victorian-era hotel and bathhouse that features a regimen of therapeutic hot mineral baths reminiscent of old European spas. If you’re looking for a luxurious spa treatment with elegantly fur
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From the guidebook "Touring Washington and Oregon Hot Springs"
Carson , WA - Hot Springs
(About Top Trails)
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24
. Mount Mitchell
Mt. Mitchell—the highest peak east of the Mississippi—is a crowning part of the Blue Ridge Parkway experience. The only motorized access to the mountain is from the Parkway, at Milepost 355.3, and the
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From the guidebook "Hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway"
Asheville , NC - Hiking
- 12 miles
(About Top Trails)
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25
. Appalachian National Scenic Trail: CT & MA
This 2,155-mile national scenic trail, journeying from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Mount Katahdin, Maine, traverses the northwest corner of Connecticut and western Massachusetts, touring forest, fie
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From the guidebook "Hiking Southern New England"
North Adams , MA - Hiking
- 138 miles
(About Top Trails)
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26
. Appalachian Trail (VA) - Chester Gap to Harpers Ferry
The Blue Ridge of northern Virginia have none of the 4,000-foot-plus heights so plentiful on the AT farther south. Still, the northern Virginia leg is one exhausting climb after another. On open mount
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From the guidebook "Hiking Virginia (Burnham)"
Front Royal , VA - Hiking
- 54.4 miles
(About Top Trails)
#
27
. Appalachian Trail: Bear Mountain - Harriman State Parks - West
The less-traveled western section of Bear Mount - Harriman State Park offers an ideal introduction to the history, flora, and fauna of the Hudson Highlands. The land here comes alive with signs of th
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From the guidebook "Exploring the Appalachian Trail: Hikes in the Mid-Atlantic States"
Arden , NY - Hiking
- 5.7 miles
(About Top Trails)
#
28
. North Country Trail (NCT) - Michigan Section
An 875-mile linear route across the state, part of a national scenic trail from New York to North Dakota. The trail enters Michigan near Morenci in the southeastern corner of the state. From there it
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From the guidebook "Hiking Michigan"
Morenci , MI - Hiking
- 875 miles
(About Top Trails)
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29
. Boynton Canyon
Boynton Canyon is considered one of Sedona's most scenic canyons and a powerful vortex site. The canyon has lush riparian vegetation, towering red sandstone formations, hoodoo rock spires and ancient
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From the guidebook "Day Hikes in Sedona, Arizona"
Sedona , AZ - Hiking
- 6 miles
(About Top Trails)
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30
. Verde Hot Spring
The remains of an extensive hot-spring resort, with several pools still available for bathing. Verde Hot Spring was at one time a thriving resort complete with hotel and several baths. Today, all that
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From the guidebook "Touring Arizona Hot Springs"
Strawberry , AZ - Hot Springs
- 2 miles
(About Top Trails)
#
31
. Blue Lake - Indian Peaks Wilderness
A wonderful day hike up to Blue Lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. This short hike takes you up to a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by stunning alpine peaks.
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From the guidebook "Hiking Colorado's Front Range"
Nederland , CO - Hiking
- 5 miles
(About Top Trails)
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32
. Bergen Peak
A beautiful hike up to the summit of Bergen Peak (9,708 feet). Expect to see wildlife, wildflowers along the trail, and excellent views from atop the summit. This is an excellent hike and a must-do. I
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From the guidebook "Hiking Colorado's Front Range"
Denver , CO - Hiking
- 9.2 miles
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33
. Kauai: Kalalau Valley & The Na Pali Cliffs
The Kalalau Trail is very different from its Waimea Valley cousin, yet it still hosts some of the most spectacular views in the Hawaiian Islands. The Kalalau Valley stretches more than 4,000 feet up f
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From the guidebook "Hawaii: A Walker's Guide"
Hanalei , HI - Walking
- 22 miles
(About Top Trails)
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34
. Franconia Ridge
This trip is easily near the top of the list of best hikes in New England. Of course, Franconia Ridge also can be a very busy place during any weekend with good weather; however, early risers and week
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From the guidebook "Discover the White Mountains of New Hampshire"
Lincoln , NH - Hiking
- 8.9 miles
(About Top Trails)
#
35
. Clingman's Dome Overnight Loop
This loop starts at the highest trailhead in the park, taking the Appalachian Trail past myriad views of the park and beyond. It then drops into Tennessee, where you leave the high country spruce-fir
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From the guidebook "Day & Overnight Hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park"
Gatlinburg , TN - Hiking
- 25 miles
(About Top Trails)
#
36
. Uwharrie National Forest Trails
Uwharrie National Forest is an increasingly attractive “best kept secret” where state-designated Scenic Byways meander through the undulating remains of North America’s oldest mountain range. The stat
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From the guidebook "Hiking North Carolina"
Asheboro , NC - Hiking
- 66.5 miles
(About Top Trails)
#
37
. Old Rag - Shenandoah National Park
Old Rag is so popular, the park has special rules for recreational use. There’s a fee to park and use the trails on certain weekends and holidays during summer and fall. What’s the attraction? Old Rag
...
From the guidebook "Hiking Virginia (Burnham)"
Sperryville , VA - Hiking
- 15.4 miles
(About Top Trails)
#
38
. Slide Mountain Loop
Traveling hemlock-deciduous and fir-birch forests, this popular trail tags the highest point in the Catskills and passes Burroughs Plaque and Curtis Monument. Special Attractions: vistas, rare high-e
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From the guidebook "Hiking New York"
Woodstock , NY - Hiking
- 7 miles
(About Top Trails)
#
39
. Black Mountain Campground
Black Mountain Campground has been around a long time. Over the years it has been taken care of well. Now it is like an antique, treasured by families that have been returning to Black Mountain throug
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From the guidebook "The Best In Tent Camping: The Southern Appalachian & Smoky Mountains"
Burnsville , NC - Campgrounds
(About Top Trails)
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40
. Havasu Canyon Trail
Havasu is one of those places where a spectacular natural setting combines with the fascination of Native peoples to create a uniquely memorable backcountry excursion. Living for the past several cent
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From the guidebook "100 Classic Hikes in Arizona"
Seligman , AZ - Hiking
- 20 miles
(About Top Trails)
#
41
. Central Alpine Lakes Loop (Backpacking)
The 75-mile stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail between Snoqualmie Pass and Stevens Pass is a very popular backpack trip, and it deserves to be. The route is supremely scenic with countless viewpoints,
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From the guidebook "Backpacking Washington"
Cle Elum , WA - Hiking
- 35 miles
(About Top Trails)
#
42
. Mount Pisgah Area Trails
Driving the Parkway from Asheville to Mt. Pisgah is a humbling experience —especially if you stopped by Biltmore House and Gardens on the way through town. George W. Vanderbilt’s fascinating palatial
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From the guidebook "Hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway"
Brevard , NC - Hiking
- 6.4 miles
(About Top Trails)
#
43
. American River Bike Path
Arguably one of the most successful and beautifully paved bike paths in northern California, this 32-mile gem of a trail stretches from downtown Sacramento eastward to Folsom Dam (64 miles round-trip)
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From the guidebook "Mountain Bike! Northern California"
Sacramento , CA - Mountain Biking
- 64 miles
(About Top Trails)
#
44
. Holy Jim Falls Trail
Undoubtedly, the hike into Holy Jim Canyon is one of the most scenic and interesting in the Santa Ana Mountains. The hike passes under a multitude of trees, and crosses Holy Jim Creek many times befor
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From the guidebook "Best Easy Day Hikes: Orange County"
Lake Forest , CA - Hiking
- 2.7 miles
(About Top Trails)
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45
. Four Peaks Mine
Very popular mountain drive with several great hiking trails. Dispersed camping allowed. Make sure to pack out all trash. Heavily used ATV and dirt bike area. Stay on roads and trails at all times. Gr
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From the guidebook "Guide to Arizona Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails"
Phoenix , AZ - Off-Highway Drives
- 28 miles
(About Top Trails)
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46
. Bagby Hot Springs
Includes: Bull of the Woods and Bull of the Woods to the Welcome Lakes Loop. A day hike through lush woods to the Shangri-La of hot soaks. No need to pack a swimsuit. The 1.5-mile Bagby Trail is a del
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From the guidebook "Hiking Hot Springs in the Pacific Northwest"
Estacada , OR - Hot Springs
- 3 miles
(About Top Trails)
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47
. Catoctin Mountain Park and Cunningham Falls State Park
Located scarcely 60 miles northwest of Washington, Catoctin Mountain Park and Cunningham Falls State Park let arriving visitors know immediately that they’re far removed from the urban plains. The air
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From the guidebook "60 Hikes within 60 Miles: Washington, DC"
Thurmont , MD - Hiking
- 11 miles
(About Top Trails)
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48
. Boulder County: Longs Peak
Located in north-central Colorado in the Front Range, about 70 miles northwest of Denver, and 10 miles southwest of Estes Park. The most famous Colorado climb, this alpine peak requires a long, strenu
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From the guidebook "Hiking Colorado's Summits"
Estes Park , CO - Hiking
- 14 miles
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49
. Eagle Rock Loop
This is the longest loop trail in the state of Arkansas. The Eagle Rock Loop Trail is very popular with out-of-state hikers as well as native Arkansans. The loop is a combination of parts of the Littl
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From the guidebook "Hiking Arkansas"
Glenwood , AR - Hiking
- 26.8 miles
(About Top Trails)
#
50
. Appalachian Trail (VA) - Damascus to Marion
As an introduction to Virginia, it’s hard to top Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. The AT passes near the tallest mountains in the state. Close to the summit of Mount Rogers, wild ponies graze in
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From the guidebook "Hiking Virginia (Burnham)"
Damascus , VA - Hiking
- 63.8 miles
(About Top Trails)
