One of the best ways to see America’s natural beauty is by strapping on a backpack, lacing up your boots and hiking through the nation’s most pristine spots. While some hikes come with steep entrance fees, there’s plenty of free wilderness across the country to enjoy. Check out these five U.S. hikes that offer impressive views without putting a dent in your wallet.
Mahaulepu Heritage Coastal Trail
The Mahaulepu Heritage Coastal Trail takes you along Kauai’s southern shore, offering everything from sandy beaches and pine trees to lava rock formations and limestone caves. This moderately easy trail is about four to five miles round trip and well worth the ocean views.
Everyone can appreciate a rewarding view after a hike, and the five waterfalls at Race Brook Falls in Massachusetts don’t disappoint. Although it’s less than a mile to the lower falls and a little more than a mile to the highest falls, the rough terrain and elevation changes make Race Brook Falls a moderate to difficult hike. If you’re feeling extra ambitious, you can continue your hike to the peak of Mt. Everett.
The Hollywood Sign is a top photo op in Los Angeles, but did you know you can also hike up to this iconic sign? A 45-minute pilgrimage up Hollywood Ridge trail lands you behind the white letters perched on Mount Lee. The paved trail is on a steady incline without much shade, so be sure to hydrate throughout your hike. For another nostalgic photo op, you can take a side trail to visit the Batcave from the 1960s sitcom.
Florida National Scenic Trail in Big Cypress
If you’ve only ever hiked on dry land, head to Big Cypress in southern Florida for a swamp hike. During rainy season, you’ll wade across Big Cypress while knee-deep in the swamp. The 1,400-mile Florida National Scenic Trail stretches into this massive preserve, and you’re likely to see native birds like cranes and wood storks. You’re unlikely to see other swamp trompers during your hike, so you’ll feel like you have Florida’s wetlands all to yourself.
Trek into Ogden Canyon along Indian Trail, a 4.3-mile path once used by Shoshone Indians avoiding high waters. You’ll head deep into an evergreen forest, enjoying well-maintained bridges and cliff views of Ogden Valley along the trail. The trail is especially beautiful in the fall, when Indian Trail bursts with red, orange and yellow as the trees change colors.
(Main image: jdn)
