As one of the most powerful and enjoyable cardio workouts, hiking stands apart in terms of its overall recognition and adoption. Those who hike for fun swear by the joys of the activity, while those who do so for exercise vouch for its physical benefits.
Regardless of the reason for your interest in hiking, adopting this practice can help you experience a variety of advantages. Depending upon your connection with nature, it can also introduce you to stunning sights that remain with you for a lifetime.
If you are flexible about traveling just to get the most out of hiking, you can visit different trails around the country for unique experiences. To support you through this journey, here are 5 easy hiking trails to explore in the U.S.
1. Fairy Falls Trail, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Whether you are researching things to do in Mauritius or learning about places to see in Brazil, waterfalls often make the cut as must-visit destinations. This also holds true for places in the U.S., where waterfall-adjacent areas make for exceptional hiking trails. For many, a hiking trail that lets them see a waterfall up close can surpass many other adventures.
The Fairy Falls Trail in Yellowstone National Park is one such destination. With its safety profile, incredible visuals, and refreshing feel, it stands apart from many other beginner-friendly trails. In order to ensure your comfort throughout the adventure, make sure that you have high quality hiking shoes on at all times.
2. Boardwalk Loop, Congaree National Park, South Carolina
The Boardwalk Loop in Congaree National Park turns around the conventional concept of hiking. Instead of having you walk over rough forest grounds, the trail provides you with a well-constructed boardwalk for a smoother hiking experience. In case you use a GPS tracker app on your hikes, it can add even more comfort to this unique adventure.
In addition to the boardwalk itself, the trail has stunning foliage all around it. This includes the incredible bald cypress trees, the interesting switch cane, and the magnificent loblolly pine. Other visuals, such as the wonderfully muddy grounds and the availability of freshwater turtles, also elevate this hiking trail to an all new level.
3. Bear Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Ask any seasoned traveler about their top destinations, and they might recommend you to plan a ski trip to Colorado. If you probe further, they may also end up suggesting the Bear Lake trail for its unique aesthetic and breathtaking sights.
As you enjoy your hike around the gemstone blue waters, you can also take in the visuals of the lush green foliage around it. The hike trail here may not have a predefined boardwalk, but finding your path along the bank of the trail is still quite easy. To carry all the items that you need during the hike, don’t forget to turn towards a packing app.
4. Cook’s Meadow Loop, Yosemite National Park, California
When it comes to exploring awe inspiring natural views in the U.S., Yosemite National Park often stands front and center. In fact, the park is so popular for its exceptional sights that it is considered one of the most recommended places to visit in the U.S. That is why it might not be a surprise for you to see it included on this list either.
The Cook’s Meadow Loop is a short and straightforward but highly rewarding trail. It not only covers the head turning Yosemite Falls, but also takes you to experience other segments such as the Half Dome and Sentinel Rock. This gives you a highly easy yet fun trail to explore with your family, friends, or all by yourself.
5. Heron Pond-Swan Lake Loop, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Another loop, another easy yet rewarding hiking trail. This trail typically starts from Heron Pond, goes all the way to Swan Lake, and takes you back around to Heron Pond. Along the way, you can take in incredible sights along the Teton Range that let you see the beauty of nature in all its glory.
If you want to make some joyful memories, don’t forget to grab a rugged digital camera that can grab these natural scenes and save them forever. This ensures that whether you are visiting the trail with your friends or family, recounting the experience brings immense joy to your life.
These hiking trails make sure that you are able to explore unforgettable places while also building your new hobby. In turn, you can reap the rewards of hiking in the early stages of this practice, and get ready for bigger adventures in the future.
