Long-distance Hiking Trails in the USA; With so many awe-inspiring trails, the issue lies in where to go next. For expert advice, Active Times consulted two experienced hikers, Philip Werner and Rick McCharles.

1. Top trails across the USA
Long-distance
Hiking Trails in the US
http://hikingcampingguide.com

2. Hiking Trails
Whatever it is that drives people to lace up their boots and head out on the tr
ail, we do know one thing -- hiking is wildly popular. According to the Outdoo
r Industry Association, hiking has become more popular in recent years, stea
dily gaining participants each year since 2009. In 2012 the association estim
ated that more than 34 million Americans went hiking.
It's strange to think that this healthy outdoor activity only gained appreciation
in fairly recent history. Prior to the 18th century, walking and trekking were c
onsidered a sign of poverty and vagrancy. Luckily for those of us overcome
with wanderlust, hiking surpassed the stigma and is supported and promote
d on both government and private land today.
With so many awe-inspiring trails, the issue lies in where to go next. For exp
ert advice, Active Times consulted two experienced hikers, Philip Werner an
d Rick McCharles. http://hikingcampingguide.com

3. Hiking Trails
Long Trail, Jay Peak Long Trail North Jay, Vt.
The "footpath in the wilderness" was established in the early 1900s, making it th
e oldest long-distance trail in the United States. The whole of the trail spans fro
m Massachusetts to the Canadian border, but trail expert Philip Werner suggest
s the Jay Peak section to hikers looking for the best part. It's rugged enough to
keep any hiker interested, but the Jay Peak section is accommodating of beginn
ers. -- Diana Gerstacker

4. Hiking Trails
Appalachian Trail, 30-Mile Wilderness Monson, Maine
Maine's renowned 100-Mile Wilderness is the longest part of the Appalachian Trail
that never crosses a paved road. Lucky for northeastern hikers, the first 30 miles o
f this route showcase the trails best features. A somewhat rugged route, explorers
can expect to encounter the Lower Wilson Falls, lush maple forests, rocky rushing
rivers, and panoramic views of Maine's rustic backwoods. -- Katie Rosenbrock

5. Hiking Trails
Cascade Mountain Keene, N.Y.
Named for the waterfalls at the mountain's base, Cascade is one of the 46 Adirondac
k High Peaks, and is said to be the easiest to scale. A great choice for beginners and
anyone looking for a stunning view of New York's Green mountains and Lake Champ
lain, the 4.2 mile hike is classified as easy, but the views are hard to come by anywh
ere else. -- Diana Gerstacker

6. Hiking Trails
Mt. Tammany Worthington State Forest, N.J.
This New Jersey mountain overlooks the Delaware Water Gap, providing spectacular
views and a variety of trail options, all in eagle-watching territory. The main loop is
only 3.5 miles long, but what it lacks in distance, it makes up for in slope. The short
est option on Mt. Tammany is listed at 1.5 miles, a manageable distance for any hik
er. -- Diana Gerstacker

7. Hiking Trails
Mount Tom Traverse, Metacomet-Monadnock Trail
Easthampton/Holyoke, Mass.
The Mount Tom Traverse portion of the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail was certifi
ed as a National Recreation Trail in 2001 and offers hikers a unique opportunity
to experience the varying landscapes that the Massachusetts wilderness has to
offer. Beginning at the entrance to the Mount Tom Reservation on Route 141, af
ter a quick 200-foot elevation gain, this route will take you through about six mi
les of ridgewalking where you'll catch awe-inspiring views of the Connecticut Riv
er Valley and pass by the ruins of century-old hotels before reaching Goat Peak.
Birdwatchers will especially love this trail in the spring and fall when it's commo
n to spot hawks gliding overhead. -- Katie Rosenbrock

8. Hiking Trails
Old Rag Mountain
Shenandoah National Park, Va.
Just because this trail is one of the more popular hiking destinations in the U.S. d
oesn't mean it's an easy ascent. In fact, the National Park Service says it's one of
Shenandoah's most dangerous hikes. The Old Rag route is widely considered a cl
assic hike and is known for attracting crowds of climbers during the peak summe
r seasons. Aptly named for its rugged terrain strewn with boulder fields and bare
rocks, the trail is 8 miles round-trip. Ensure a safe trek by taking a look at the NP
S safety guidelines before attempting this climb. -- Katie Rosenbrock

9. Hiking Trails
Franconia Ridge Traverse
White Mountain National Forest, N.H.
The Franconia Ridge Trail runs from south to north and links Mount Liberty (4459'),
Little Haystack, Mount Lincoln and Mount Lafayette along a knife-edge, above-tree
line trail that plunges thousands of feet to the Walker Brook and Lincoln Brook rive
r valleys below. On a clear day, you can see the entire Pemigewasset Wilderness to
the east including distant Bondcliff, the Twins, and Owls Head Mountain. To the eas
t, is the magnificent Cannon Cliff and the Kinsmans, with views of Vermont and eve
n New York State in clear weather. -- Philip Werner

10. Hiking Trails
Cape Henry Trail Virginia Beach, Va.
Winding through First Landing State Park, the Cape Henry Trail is six miles long a
nd mostly flat. In those short six miles, you'll make your way through forests and
over swamps and salt marshes, getting a taste of Virginia's coast. The trail is rich
with wildlife, birdwatchers should put this trail on their to do list. -- Diana Gersta
cker

11. Hiking Trails
Torreya Challenge Loop Bristol, Fla.
Although it's mostly flat, this 7-mile loop around Florida's Torreya State Park is still
considered a moderate-level hike. This trek through a marshy forest terrain will ta
ke you across several ridges and deep gorges. The trail is accessible year-round an
d offers access to several camping areas, too. -- Katie Rosenbrock

12. Hiking Trails
Cohutta Wilderness, Jacks River Trail
Epworth, Ga.
Vast, well-preserved Cohutta wilderness is home to one of the best trails in the S
outheast. Jacks River Trail follows it's namesake, and crosses occasionally, so don't
count on staying completely dry. The trail offers access to lush greenery, clear swi
mming holes and ideal camping spots. The full hike is 16.2 miles long, which ma
kes it a perfect weekend hike for those with some hiking experience. -- Diana Ge
rstacker

13. Hiking Trails
Williams Lake Trail Ski Valley, N.M.
An intermediate-level hike and one of the most popular trails in the Taos Ski Valley,
the Williams Lake Trail covers about 2 miles and summits at just over 11,000 feet.
A quick climb that yields beautiful views of the valley's emerald pines and of cours
e, Williams Lake, this hike features a few steep stretches but for the most part is su
itable for hikers of all levels. -- Katie Rosenbrock

14. Hiking Trails
Snowmass Wilderness, Maroon Bells
Aspen, Colo.
This spectacular view is said to be Colorado's most photographed mountain l
andscape, but the hikes are not to be overshadowed. Standing at more than
14,000 feet each, the six peaks draw scores of experienced hikers. With the p
opularity of the area, you won't be alone in your adventure, but it's still worth
the trip. -- Diana Gerstacker

15. Hiking Trails
Mt. Wittenberg Loop, Point Reyes National Seashore
Olema, Calif.
The Mt. Wittenberg Loop in California's 70,000-acre Point Reyes National
Park presents hikers with a steep 5-mile ascent to the park's highest point.
You'll meander through forests and meadows before reaching the peak at
1,407 feet where gorgeous panoramas of the California coast and Olema v
alley await. -- Katie Rosenbrock

16. Hiking Trails
Angels Landing Zion National Park, Utah
Angels Landing may have been named for it's remote route, but the diffic
ult trek is well worth the effort. Begin by scaling cliffs with the help of cha
ins bolted into rock and reach the best views by negotiating a narrow roc
k fin with steep dropoffs on either side. Red rock fans and dare devil hiker
s won't be able to pass on this journey. -- Diana Gerstacker

17. Hiking Trails
John Muir Trail, Sierra Nevada Mountains
Yosemite Valley, Calif.
You can walk for 2 or 3 weeks without crossing a road. The John Muir is t
he best section of the longer Pacific Crest Trail. It crosses Yosemite, Ansel
Adams and John Muir wilderness, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Par
ks. If there's a hiker's heaven, it looks like the John Muir Trail. -- Rick McC
harles

18. http://HikingCampingGuide.com
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