Forget Angels Landing—These Are America’s Most Loved Hiking Trails

New research reveals the hiking trails Americans are obsessed with…and no, Angels Landing didn’t make the cut.

Hiking season is in full swing, and if you’re looking for your next unforgettable trek, this new study from outdoor apparel company KÜHL has you covered. They analyzed 1,000 hiking trails across the U.S.. They looked at Google search volume, Instagram hashtags, and AllTrails ratings to determine which hikes America loves most.

Whether you’re in it for the views, the challenge, or the bragging rights, these top 10 trails are beloved by hikers across the country. And no, it’s not all Yosemite and Zion….some of the highest-rated hikes might surprise you.

Here’s the countdown of America’s most loved hiking trails, starting with #10…

Gold Strike Hot Springs in the Morning — SnapASkyline / Shutterstock

10. Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail — Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada

What starts as a challenging desert hike ends with a relaxing dip in natural hot springs. The Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail weaves through canyons and boulder scrambles before rewarding hikers with natural hot springs near the Colorado River. It’s a favorite for thrill-seekers, but don’t underestimate it; this 6-mile round-trip hike is rugged and not for beginners.

Waihe'e Ridge Trail in Maui, Hawaii — Cody A Seymour / Shutterstock

9. Waihe’e Ridge Trail — West Maui Forest Reserve, Hawaii

Lush, misty, and undeniably photogenic, this Hawaiian trail is everything you’d want in a tropical hike. Climbing through forest and ridge with sweeping views of the island and coastline, it’s a short but steep trek that offers a big payoff in under 5 miles.

Hikers at Highline Trail (Glacier National Park, Montana) — Tom Robertson / Shutterstock

8. Highline Trail — Glacier National Park, Montana

For those who don’t mind vertigo-inducing views, the Highline Trail is the crown jewel of Glacier National Park. Towering cliffs, wildflowers, and possible mountain goat sightings make this trail a hiker’s dream. It’s also a great option for solo hikers; just be sure to brush up on these solo hiking tips every woman should know before hitting the trail.

Travel in Devil's Bridge Trail, man Hiker with backpack enjoying view, Sedona, Arizona, USA — Nikolas_jkd / Shutterstock

7. Devil’s Bridge Trail via Dry Creek Road — Coconino National Forest, Arizona

This iconic red rock trail leads to a natural sandstone arch that has become Instagram-famous for a reason. The hike is moderate in length but high in wow factor, especially if you brave the bridge itself for a photo. (Just maybe don’t look down.)

Young hiker woman on trail at Cathedral Rock in Sedona, Arizona. View from Scenic Cathedral Rock in Sedona with blue sky in Arizona — TravnikovStudio / Shutterstock

6. Cathedral Rock Trail — Coconino National Forest, Arizona

Another Arizona favorite, Cathedral Rock, is short, steep, and stunning. With dramatic rock formations and 360-degree views, it’s no wonder this Sedona staple scored high marks for both online buzz and hiker satisfaction.

Hiking at Nevada Falls along John Muir Trail and Mist Trail, Yosemite National Park, California. USA. — Simon Dannhauer / Shutterstock

Half Dome and John Muir Trail. Amazing trekking area in Yosemite.

5. Half Dome via the John Muir Trail — Yosemite National Park, California

Let’s be honest…this hike is a beast. But if you’re willing to tackle the elevation, permits, and those infamous cables, the views from Half Dome are some of the most rewarding in the country. It boasts a near-perfect 4.9-star rating from over 14,000 AllTrails users. Not bad for a hike that takes 10+ hours. (Just make sure you’ve got the right gear, I swear by these travel clothes for women.)

Rainbow Falls Waterfall with Autumn Fall Colors near Lake Placid, Adirondacks, NY — Engel Ching / Shutterstock

4. Indian Head and Rainbow Falls — Adirondack Mountain Reserve, New York

Waterfalls, dramatic cliffs, and sweeping valley views make this one of the East Coast’s top hiking gems. With more than 27,000 Instagram hashtags and a strong 4.8-star AllTrails rating, it’s a must for anyone heading to upstate New York.

Speaking of rainbows, if you’re ready to take your hiking adventures international, don’t miss my complete guide to hiking Rainbow Mountain in Peru. It’s just as breathtaking as it sounds.

Rear view of woman with backpack sitting on rock along Bright Angel trail with aerial overlook of South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA, America. Amazing vista after sunrise in summer — Christopher Moswitzer / Shutterstock

3. Bright Angel Trail — Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

If you want to descend into the Grand Canyon itself, Bright Angel is the way to go. Just keep in mind, what goes down must come up. This trail has racked up nearly 5,000 AllTrails reviews and over 55,000 Instagram hashtags, making it one of the most buzzed-about canyon hikes in the U.S.

Golden gate bridge from Lands end. San Fransisco, California — Oxana Militsina / Shutterstock

2. Lands End Trail — Golden Gate National Recreation Area, California

Who says you have to leave the city to enjoy a great hike? San Francisco’s Lands End Trail combines coastal cliffs, forested paths, and Golden Gate views in one stunning loop. With 28,681 hashtags and over 11,000 glowing AllTrails reviews, it’s one of the most accessible (and photogenic) trails on this list.

Scenic view of Buffalo National River, AR. Photo taken from the famous Centerpoint to Goat trail. — Paul Kazmierczak / Shutterstock

1. Centerpoint to Goat Trail — Buffalo National River, Arkansas

America’s most loved trail isn’t in a big-name national park…it’s in the Ozarks. The Centerpoint to Goat Trail stuns with panoramic bluff views that overlook the Buffalo National River. With a 4.8-star rating on AllTrails, nearly 19,000 Instagram hashtags, and over 13,000 monthly Google searches, it’s officially America’s favorite hike. If you haven’t added this one to your bucket list, now’s the time.

Whether you’re looking for a quick day hike or a bucket list adventure, these trails prove that the U.S. is full of incredible places to lace up your boots.

But if you’re thinking even bigger, like trekking to one of the most iconic wonders of the world, don’t miss my guide to hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. You can also check out my video below for a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s really like on the trail.

12 Solo Hiking Tips Every Woman Should Know Before They Hit The Trail

Middle aged woman travel and camping alone at fall forest. Recreation and journey outdoor activity lifestyle — Photo credit: Gladskikh Tatiana // Shutterstock.com

Besides following general hiking etiquette, here are other essential tips for women who want to hike solo.

Hiking for Beginners: 10 Awesome Tips

Man solo traveling backpacker hiking in scandinavian mountains active healthy lifestyle adventure journey vacations — Photo credit: everst // Shutterstock.com

Hiking allows you to unplug, explore the world around you and reach neigh heights – mentally and physically! In this guide, I run over some of the most important hiking tips to make your adventure safe and more fun – from bringing the right amount of water to wearing the right footwear.

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Lindsey wearing a read Qzip pullover from SCOTTeVEST with arms out stretched and Rainbow Mountain in Peru behind her.

Ready to visit one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world? Rainbow Mountain in Peru is a must-see destination that’ll leave you in awe. This colorful mountain range, with its stunning striped patterns, has become a favorite spot for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.

Dehydration Signs While Hiking (Surprising Causes)

close up of plastic bottle of water and green mint leaves lying in ice cubes — Photo credit: Dmitry_Tsvetkov // Shutterstock.com

Staying hydrated is essential when spending hours on the trail, and recognizing the signs of dehydration can make all the difference in maintaining your health and enjoyment during your adventure.