An Insider’s Guide to Summer’s Top Hiking Trails

Mountains and scenery and wildlife, oh my!

Lace your hiking boots! With long daylight hours and nature in full bloom, summer is the perfect season to enjoy the Great Outdoors. And what better way to explore than by enjoying some of the top hiking trails in the country? Combining beauty, adventure, and serenity, these hikes offer everything from heart-pounding climbs to leisurely, shaded paths.

So go ahead; grab your hiking gear, and hit one of these fantastic trails!

• Cascade Canyon Trail; Grand Teton National Park, WY

  Jackson Hole is a vacation hot spot, with its rugged Western charm and plenty of outdoor recreation options—horseback riding, treetop gondolas, rafting, hiking…

  And there’s no better hiking trail in the area than this one. Cascade Canyon Trail, with its shaded paths and cool mountain air, is a comfortable summer hiking spot.

  The trail is known for its incredible scenery and views that include the majesty of the Tetons, cool lakes, and even a few hidden waterfalls. Be sure to keep your eyes open for wildlife; if you’re really lucky, you guys might even see a moose!

• Emerald Lake Trail; Rocky Mountain National Park, CO

  Outdoor enthusiasts flock to Colorado: skiing in the winter, whitewater rafting in the summer, and hiking all year round.

  One of the top hiking trails in the state is Emerald Lake Trail, located in the Rockies. The high elevation offers cooler temperatures and stunning scenery. And the well-maintained trail is perfect for all skill levels, making it a popular summer destination.

  Pro Tip: The trail is enough to Denver; If you’re visiting in the summer, try to time your visit with a Rockies game at Mile High Stadium.

• Hoh River Trail; Olympic National Park, WA

  Did you guys know that there’s a rainforest in the continental U.S.? And that you can hike through it?

  Picture towering trees, moss-draped branches, a gently flowing river, and a serenely lush environment.

  Welcome to the Hoh River Trail, which winds its way through Washington’s Hoh Rainforest! The dense tree canopy and moderate temperatures provide a cool retreat if you want to hike without the summer heat.

  If you want to extend your stay, you’re close to charming Port Angeles, with waterfront dining, a vibrant arts scene, and miles of shoreline to explore.

• Mist Trail; Yosemite National Park, CA

  Yosemite is one of our favorite national parks for numerous reasons, including having one of the top hiking trails in North America.

  The aptly named Mist Trail takes you along roaring waterfalls, where you can cool off thanks to their refreshing mist. With shaded sections and proximity to water, it’s a challenging but doable summertime hike. Not to mention rewarding, with stunning views of Yosemite’s famous granite cliffs.

  Then give your hiking shoes a break and hop on the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad. Explore the area the old-fashioned way, on an hour-long trip aboard a historic steam engine.

• Precipice Trail; Acadia National Park, ME

  When it comes to cool summers, Maine is a fantastic option. Thanks to its crisp, coastal climate and refreshing Atlantic breeze, you can enjoy one of the top hiking trails in the NE without overheating.

  And Precipice Trails really is one of the best hiking trails—especially if you’re a fan of heights! The most exciting part of this hike includes a thrillingly steep ascent, with ladders and iron rungs that lead you to some spectacularly “worth it” ocean views.

  But before you set off on that hike, be sure to fuel up in nearby Bar Harbor, known for waterfront restaurants and an abundance of fresh seafood options.

If just reading this list has you polishing your hiking boots, it’s time to book a flight! There’s plenty of summer left to enjoy the one—or more!—of the country’s top hiking trails.

And once you’ve booked that flight, make sure your trip starts and ends smoothly by shipping your hiking gear to your final destination with LugLess. No need to haul around suitcases filled with heavy boots or (even worse) pay for overweight bags.

Happy hiking, you guys!