If there’s any single best way to explore the bounties of Mother Nature, it’s by strapping on your backpack and boots to hike through serene miles of forests, mountains and rivers. Around the U.S., you’ll find plenty of natural escapes worth a trek, from national parks to shoreside strolls.
Some of the most scenic national parks for hiking include the Smoky Mountains National Park, Zion National Park and Yosemite National Park. You’ll also find endless miles of beautiful vistas along the Appalachian Trail and the islands of Hawaii. Check out some of the country’s best natural beauty with these gorgeous hikes in the U.S.
(Main image: jmenard48 used under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license)