New Study Reveals the 10 Best U.S. States for Hiking — and #9 Is Totally Flat
Researchers ranked all 50 states on trails, weather, and safety to find the best places to hike, and one flat, sunny contender still cracked the top 10.
If you’re planning a hiking-focused trip in the U.S., some states give you way more mileage, better weather, and safer conditions than others.
A new state-by-state analysis by Kuhl looked at three big factors, trail networks, weather, and safety, to see which places really are the best for hikers. The usual Western heavy-hitters show up, but there are some curveballs, including a flat, sandy state and a New England contender with serious safety bragging rights.
If you’re trying to decide where to plan your next hiking trip (or which state deserves a spot on your bucket list), here’s how the top 10 shake out.
The 10 Best U.S. States for Hiking, Ranked
10. Maine
Maine sneaks into the top 10 thanks to its outstanding safety record and rugged, classic New England wilderness. Baxter State Park alone has over 200 miles of trails, and Katahdin marks the northern end of the 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail.
Winters are long, icy, and not exactly beginner-friendly, but summer and early fall are prime time here. Think cool temps, big views, and a state that takes outdoor safety seriously enough to rank near the top nationally.
9. Florida
No mountains, no problem. Florida makes up for its low elevation with year-round hiking weather, a huge state park system, and a surprisingly extensive trail network. There are 175 state parks covering almost 800,000 acres, plus the 1,300-mile Florida National Scenic Trail that runs from the Panhandle to Big Cypress Swamp.
You will need to time things right—the heat, humidity, and hurricane season are real considerations. But if you’re a winter hiker who would happily trade snow for boardwalks, cypress swamps, and coastal paths, Florida is a solid bet. (There are so many fun things to do in Florida beyond Disney!)
8. Oregon
Oregon is basically a highlight reel of Pacific Northwest landscapes, and its trail system reflects that. With one of the highest numbers of state parks in the country and thousands of miles of trails, from the Timberline Trail around Mount Hood to long stretches of the Pacific Crest Trail, you’re spoiled for choice.
The catch is the weather, especially on the west side of the Cascades. Rain is common, and winters are soggy, but the payoff is lush forests, waterfalls, and cooler temperatures for summer hiking. Bring a good rain jacket, and you’re golden.
7. Wyoming
If you want big skies and fewer crowds, Wyoming delivers. Yellowstone and Grand Teton alone pack in hundreds of miles of trails, with everything from geyser boardwalks to strenuous alpine climbs. Yellowstone has over 1,100 miles of trails by itself.
The state scores well on both safety and hiking weather, with low humidity and clear mountain days in summer. You’ll need to be prepared for altitude and fast-changing conditions, but the combination of wide-open wilderness and serious scenery earns Wyoming its spot.
6. Hawaii
Hawaii is tiny compared to most states on this list, but it hits way above its weight in hiking. Across five islands, you’ll find 50 state parks and about 30,000 acres of protected land, with trails through rainforests, along coastal cliffs, and over volcanic ridges.
Safety and weather scores are both high, and you can basically hike year-round. The trade-offs: steep terrain, slick mud after tropical downpours, and trails that can feel intense if you’re not used to exposure. But if you want dramatic views without dealing with snow, this is a dream destination.
5. Colorado
Colorado is the classic “move here if you’re obsessed with hiking” state, and the numbers back it up. There are nearly 5,000 established trails and four national parks, including Rocky Mountain and Mesa Verde, not to mention countless 14,000-foot peaks.
The weather generally scores well thanks to abundant sunshine and low humidity, but the state does lag in safety data—likely a mix of altitude issues, sudden storms, and serious backcountry terrain. If you come prepared with layers and treat the mountains with respect, the payoff is huge. (If you need some travel inspo, try this 3-day Denver itinerary.)
4. Washington
Yes, it rains…a lot. Washington ranks near the bottom for weather thanks to all that drizzle and the soaking-wet Olympic Peninsula. But the trail network is so good that it still climbs to #4 overall. You’ve got 140 state parks, segments of the Pacific Crest Trail, and three national parks to work with.
The trade-off for all that rain is absurdly green forests, waterfalls, and mossy everything. Summers are gorgeous once things dry out a bit, and even shoulder seasons can be great if you’re willing to get a little muddy. Waterproof boots are your friend here. (This Washington road trip itinerary features some great beginner-friendly hikes.)
3. Utah
Utah looks like it was designed for postcards and hiking photos. Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef, aka the “Mighty Five”, anchor a state with more than 2,700 miles of hiking trails and a top-tier trail quality score.
The dry climate makes many routes accessible most of the year, especially in spring and fall. You still need to watch out for extreme summer heat and flash floods in slot canyons, but overall, Utah strikes a nice balance between epic scenery, trail access, and relatively favorable weather.
2. Arizona
Arizona is basically a love letter to sunshine. Many parts of the state see more than 300 sunny days per year, which helped it score the best weather ranking in the entire study. That means hiking season is almost year-round if you plan around the hottest months.
Beyond the Grand Canyon, you’ve got Sedona’s red rock trails, saguaro-filled desert paths near Phoenix and Tucson, and thousands of mapped routes across the state. Safety falls in the middle of the pack, so common-sense desert precautions, water, sun protection, and early starts go a long way.
1. California
California takes the overall crown thanks to sheer variety and the strongest trail score in the country. There are over 13,000 documented trails, 280 state park units, and nine national parks, plus everything from high Sierra routes in Yosemite and Sequoia to coastal bluff walks and desert hikes in Joshua Tree.
The state’s safety ranking is low, so planning matters here—especially in remote or fire-prone areas. But if you’re strategic, you can pair Alpine trail days with low-key coastal walks on the same trip. And if Southern California is on your radar, I have a guide to fun things to do in San Diego that includes some easy hikes and scenic coastal paths that are perfect when you don’t want a full-on mountain day.
