571 Best Sights in USA

This extremely popular, 3¾-mile (one-way), four-hour trail is known for stunning panoramas from the great mountain divide. Dozens of peaks line the horizon as you make your way up the fairly flat, hairpin-turn track, the scene fronted by a blanket of alpine wildflowers from July to mid-August. Arrive before noon if you want a parking spot at the trailhead. If you're feeling fit (and ambitious), a much longer hike (23 miles) goes all the way to High Bridge, where you can catch a shuttle to Stehekin in the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. Moderate.

This picturesque 1-mile round-trip trek passes through a spring-fed meadow and is one of the park's flatter hikes. Wildflowers burst into full bloom here from July through mid-August. You can also access Castle Crest via a similarly easy ½-mile loop trail from East Rim Drive. Easy.

One of the best and most interesting trails in the park takes you past a historic cowboy camp, precontact rock art, and great views. Two wooden ladders and one short, steep stretch may make this a little daunting for the extremely young or old or those with mobility issues, but it's also a short hike (0.6 miles round-trip) with some shady spots. Moderate.

This trail—which starts near Nine Mile Falls, northwest of Spokane, then runs through downtown, along Riverfront Park, and then stretches east to the Idaho border—is perfect for a hike, bike, or run. Roughly 40 miles long, the path follows the Spokane River.

You're almost sure to see ravens drifting on thermal winds around the deep-red Mummy Cliff that rings the base of this loop trail that begins with a steep climb to a rim above dramatic Chimney Rock—from here you're treated to impressive vistas of the western ridge of the Waterpocket Fold. This 3.6-mile loop has a 590-foot elevation change and can be a bit strenuous in hot weather, as there's no shade. Allow three to four hours. Moderate–Difficult.

Pant, wheeze, and gasp. This is a fairly short yet steep trail that will take a lot out of you, but it gives back a lot, too. The payoff for the difficult climb is one of the best views in the Smokies. In places the trail has loose rock (hiking poles are recommended), and the elevation gain is 1,350 feet. Some sections have steep stairs. A new observation deck was built roughly ¼ mile from the summit, with views of Mt. LeConte and the pinnacles. The total distance round-trip is 3.6 miles. Difficult.

In the park's remote northeastern corner, this fascinating trail offers views of dazzling volcanic features, including Painted Dunes, Fantastic Lava Beds, and Prospect Peak. The somewhat challenging 4-mile round-trip hike to the summit requires a steep 845-foot climb over ground made slippery in parts by loose cinders. A brochure available at the trailhead or visitor centers describes the geology along this hike. Moderate–Difficult.

See the "backyards" of Newport's famous oceanfront Gilded Age mansions while strolling along this 3½-mile public walkway. The designated National Recreation Trail stretches from Memorial Boulevard at the western end of Easton's Beach (also called First Beach) south to the eastern end of Bailey's Beach. Along the way you'll pass Salve Regina University's Ochre Court, the Breakers, Forty Steps at Narragansett Avenue, Rosecliff, and Marble House and its Chinese Tea House. Park on either Memorial Boulevard or Narragansett Avenue. The trail is relatively flat and easily walkable between Memorial Boulevard and the Angelsea mansion; beyond that point, it's a mix of unpaved trail and scrambles over rocky cliffs. Make sure you apply sunscreen, wear comfortable rubber-soled shoes, and bring your own water. 

Located on the grounds of the former Honey Horn Plantation, this interactive museum features a butterfly enclosure, programs for children, and guided walks of the 68-acre property that includes historic buildings and barns, marsh front boardwalks, and a wide variety of magnificent trees, such as live oaks, magnolias, and one of the state's largest Southern red cedars. A Smithsonian Affiliate, the museum hosts a variety of temporary exhibits that focus on a range of interesting historic topics and artistic mediums. Animal tours, history tours, and kayak tours are also available and should be booked in advance. Informative and inspiring, the Coastal Discovery Museum lets visitors experience the Lowcountry up close.

This gorgeous 70-mile trail, much of it along dramatic bluffs high above the crashing surf, can be tackled in short, relatively easy chunks or longer, strenuous spans that entail backcountry overnight camping. A few of the most alluring smaller sections, listed here from north to south, are accessible at well-marked trailheads. The moderate-to-difficult DeMartin section (accessed from mile marker 15.6 on U.S. 101) leads south past 6 miles of old-growth redwoods and through sweeping prairie. It connects with the moderate 5½-mile-long Klamath section, which proceeds south from Wilson Creek Picnic Area to Klamath River Overlook, with a short detour to Hidden Beach and its tide pools, providing coastal views and whale-watching opportunities. If you're up for a real workout, hike the brutally difficult but stunning Flint Ridge section (accessed from the Old Douglas Memorial Bridge Site on Klamath Beach Rd.), with its 4½ miles of steep grades and numerous switchbacks past Marshall Pond and through stands of old-growth redwoods. Moderate–Difficult.

You can access this 3.4-mile round-trip hike from near the campground in Fruita or from the Hickman Bridge parking lot on Highway 24; the Fruita approach is the more dramatic. From the campground, it's a steep climb to the mouth of the canyon and then a level hike through a wash with amazing color and texture. You'll find miniature arches, skinny side canyons, and honeycombed patterns on canyon walls where wrens make nests. When you get to Frying Pan, continue a little longer to where you can see Highway 24. Here you can hear the river and easily turn around, maybe taking the short (though steep) side treks to the South (0.6 miles round-trip) and North (0.2 miles round-trip) Fruita Overlooks on your way back. Allow two hours, including the side trails to the overlooks. Moderate.

Junction Creek to Gudy’s Rest Junction Creek is the southern terminus for the Colorado Trail and one of Durango’s best trails for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running. Located just 4 miles or so from downtown, this 8-mile out-and-back day hike rises and falls at a relatively gentle grade, so it’s achievable for most hikers. The trail eventually winds its way up to Gudy’s Rest, named after Gudy Gaskill, the “Mother of the Colorado Trail.” This high spot is a great place to sit and take in the views of Durango and the San Juan Mountains. Instead of hiking all the way up to Gudy’s Rest, you can make the hike a 5-mile round-trip by turning back at the wooden footbridge, which is a great goal for first-timers.

This wonderfully picturesque 2½-mile excursion treats you to views of Jackson Lake and the Tetons. As you follow the level trail along the rocky shore and forest's edge, you may see moose and bald eagles. Allow 1½--2 hours to complete the loop. Easy.

The trailhead starts at the Bear Gulch Day Use area, and it's a short but somewhat strenuous 1-mile hike uphill to the Condor Gulch Overlook, where you can get a good view of the High Peaks above. You can turn back the same way you came, or continue another 0.7 mile up to the High Peaks Trail (a total elevation gain of 1,100 feet)—and extend your hike by following it in either direction. If you're feeling ambitious, continue into the park's west side, to the Balconies Cliffs Trail, returning back via the level Old Pinnacles Trail. Moderate–Difficult.

This 2-mile trail, arguably the best hike in the parks in terms of natural beauty, is a paved loop that begins near General Sherman Tree. You'll get close-up views of more big trees here than on any other Sequoia hike. Watch for the clusters known as the House and Senate. The President Tree, also on the trail, supplanted the General Grant Tree in 2012 as the world's second largest in volume (behind the General Sherman). An offshoot of the Congress Trail leads to Crescent Meadow, where, in summer, you can catch a free shuttle back to the Sherman parking lot. Easy.

The Coyote Wall trail, about 5 miles east of town off Highway 14, affords hikers unobstructed views of the Columbia River and the surrounding mountains, including Mt. Hood. The trail leads from a disused section of roadway up a gradual slope, through tall grass and wildflower meadows, from sea level up the side of a sheer cliff that rises to about 1,900 feet elevation. You can descend the way you came up or by looping back down through an intriguing valley of basalt rock formations (known as the Labyrinth)—the full round-trip is about 8 miles, but you could hike part of the way up the trail and back, taking in the impressive vistas, in less than an hour.

You need a boat to reach this route's trailhead, but it's worth it. The best hiking trail in Voyageurs is also the longest, running about 8 miles from Lost Bay on Kabetogama Lake to Rainy Lake, but there are several side loops you can take if you want a longer adventure. It's a good way to see the variety of the park's terrain, from spruce bogs to rocky ridges to tranquil lakes. Along this trail you'll also find campsites. Many are on small, tree-lined lakes, which means great views, a source of water (just be sure to filter or boil it), and an excellent chance that loons will serenade you to sleep. Difficult.

Although some scrambling is involved, this 2-mile round-trip hike rewards you with a refreshing year-round waterfall surrounded by thick vegetation and a rocky gorge. No swimming or bathing is allowed, but it's a beautiful place for a picnic. Adventurous hikers can climb higher toward more rewarding views of the falls. The trail is unmarked so follow the water's edge.  Some sections of the trail are not passable for those with mobility issues. Moderate.

Completed in 1832 during America's great era of canal building, the 60-mile-long Delaware Canal runs from Bristol north to Easton, and today its towpath draws bicyclists and walkers who appreciate the scenic path with its canal and Delaware River views. It's easy to access the towpath in New Hope. In addition, the restored Locktender's House and Lock 11 ( 145 S. Main St.  fodc.org   Closed weekends Nov.–Apr.) explore how locks work and what daily life was like on the canal. 

To see the park's most famous freestanding arch up close takes effort and won't offer you much solitude—but it's worth every step. The 3-mile round-trip trail ascends via steep slickrock, sandy paths, and along one narrow ledge (at the very end) that might give pause to anyone afraid of heights. Plus, there's almost no shade. First-timers should start early to avoid the midday heat in summer. Still, at sunrise, sunset, and every hour in between, it's the park's busiest trail. Bring plenty of water, especially in the warmer months, as heatstroke and dehydration are very real possibilities. Allow two to three hours, depending on your fitness level and how long you care to linger at the arch. If you go at sunset or sunrise, bring a headlamp or flashlight. Don't miss Wolfe Ranch and some ancient rock art near the trailhead. Moderate–Difficult.

Wind through a Chihuahuan Desert habitat thick with spiked agave plants, prickly pear cacti, ponderosa pines, and a dry riverbed strewn with giant boulders to Devil's Hall, a narrow 10-foot-wide canyon with walls that soar to more than 100 feet. At a leisurely pace, this 4.2-mile round-trip jaunt will take three or four hours. Note that there's some scrambling over rocks and boulders at the end, which can make this more of a strenuous hike for some—wear sturdy hiking boots and consider using trekking poles. Moderate.

Landscape Arch is a highlight of this trail but is just one of several arches within reach, depending on your ambitions. It's an easy 0.9-mile one-way (mostly gravel, relatively flat) trip to Landscape Arch, one of the longest stone spans in the world. Beyond Landscape Arch the scenery changes dramatically and the hike becomes more strenuous as you must climb and straddle slickrock fins and negotiate some short, steep inclines. Finally, around a sharp bend, the stacked spans that compose Double O Arch come suddenly into view. Allow up to three hours for this round-trip hike of just over 4 miles.

For a still longer (nearly 7 miles round-trip) and more rigorous trek, venture on to see a formation called Dark Angel and then return to the trailhead on the primitive loop, making the short side hike to Private Arch. The hike to Dark Angel is a difficult route through fins. Other possible (and worthwhile) detours lead to Navajo Arch, Partition Arch, Tunnel Arch, and Pine Tree Arch. Allow about five hours for this adventure, take plenty of water, and watch your route carefully. Pick up the park's useful guide to Devils Garden, or download it from the website before you go. Moderate–Difficult.

A moderately hilly 4.2-mile round-trip hike through open meadows and conifers leads to the least frequented of Lassen's three main hydrothermal areas. It's a delightful place to view burping mud pots, misty steam vents, hot boiling pools, and Lassen Peak in the distance. Moderate–Difficult.

Give yourself seven to eight hours to complete this rugged 10½-mile round-trip alpine trek to the park's highest peak, at 7,832 feet. The initial 3½-mile stretch follows the Pinnacles Trail, which eventually leads to the South Rim—a rewarding 12- to 14½-mile round-trip adventure that can be done in a very long full day but is more easily managed with a night of camping. For Emory Peak, you pick up a 1-mile spur that affords some dazzling vistas as it zigzags up to the summit. Note there's a bit of scrambling over rocks the final 25 feet, but the panoramic views are worth the effort. Difficult, 2,470-foot elevation gain.

There is currently no access from Chisos Basin through 2027; you should be able to access Emery Peak via trails outside the basin, such as Juniper Canyon and Blue Creek, but confirm with park rangers before setting out.

The trail, in place since 1964, has fossil replicas of early mammals displayed at wayside exhibits along its ¼-mile length, which is completely wheelchair accessible. Give yourself at least an hour to fully enjoy this popular hike. Easy.

Part of the fun of this dramatic 3.4-mile round-trip scramble to a rocky summit with dazzling lake views is that the hike begins and ends along the paved walkway by Crater Lake Lodge. Keep an eye out for pikas and marmots near the summit, and when you finish, congratulate your efforts after making this nearly 1,000-foot ascent by celebrating with a drink on the terrace of the lodge. Difficult.

The 2.8-mile hike to Mills Lake can be crowded, but the reward is one of the park's prettiest lakes, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Longs Peak, Pagoda Mountain, and the Keyboard of the Winds. There's a modest elevation gain of 750 feet. On the way, about 1 mile in, you pass Alberta Falls, a popular destination in and of itself. The hike travels along Glacier Creek, under the shade of a subalpine forest. Give yourself at least four hours for hiking and lingering. Easy.

This trail gradually climbs 105 feet up over 0.6 mile from the Fairy Falls Trailhead to a wooden platform overlooking the Grand Prismatic Spring. The elevated vantage point reveals the full sweep of orange, yellow, and turquoise colors that are impossible to appreciate from the boardwalk level. The best light is mid-morning or late afternoon when steam is less dense. From the overlook, hikers can continue another 1.5 miles on level trail to reach the base of Fairy Falls, a 200-foot waterfall that plunges into a forested amphitheater. Easy–Moderate.