Summer is upon us and that means longer days for fun in the sun. But while destinations abroad have been cancelled due to COVID there are plenty of places to explore in the U.S. while following social distancing guidelines. You can rent an RV and explore the great outdoors by hiking with your micro crew. It can be as simple as driving to a national park and ditching your wheels for a walk, or as involved as packing enough camping food and resources for the long haul and heading into the woods for days or even weeks. We've rounded up a range of trails that will be kind to your feet (that is, hikes you can complete in a day) and totally worth it (thanks to the breathtaking vistas you'll encounter along the way). No matter where you are in the States, you'll certainly find one of these incredible hiking trails a true inspiration for the rest of your summer.
Middle Emerald Pools Trail (Zion National Park, Utah)
At just over two miles, Middle Emerald Pools is a remarkably refreshing hike to take during Utah's sunniest days. Along with the unpaved climb to a sandstone ledge, you'll connect to the other Emerald Pools trails and the Kayenta trail on your way to the pool and waterfall.
Overlook Trail and McWay Falls (Big Sur, California)
If you’ve been to Big Sur, you know there really are no bad trails to hike (except for the ones that remain closed). It’s one of the most picturesque spots on the planet, and by hiking this area, you’ll get to take in plenty of outstanding vistas for little effort. Under a mile long, Overlook is a great hike to go on while enjoying views of the cliffs as well as the 80-foot McWay Falls.
Cascade Mountain Trail (Adirondacks, New York)
Northeasterners, you may want to drop want you're doing and make a beeline to the Adirondacks for some time in nature by way of the Cascade Mountain Trail. A little over five miles there and back, this scenic trail is fairly popular in the summer months with a few steep areas and plenty of wildflowers. It's an excellent hike to do solo, your social bubble, or even alongside your family.
Roanoke Trail (Nags Head Woods, North Carolina)
Located within the Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve, this 1.5-mile roundtrip hike will take you through dune forests, salt marsh, and live oaks until you reach the coast. Gorgeous flowers and an array of vibrant birdlife occupy the area. There are several other trails in the area as well if you feel this one isn’t challenging enough.
Lassen Peak Trail (Lassen Volcanic National Park, California)
Who wouldn’t want the chance to hike around a volcano? It’s only five miles out and back, so it’s definitely doable even for a less experienced hiker. NorCal summer weather stays fairly cool with highs just in the 70s, so a hike up this active volcano won’t leave you too hot. Plus it’s clearly an out-of-this-world experience.
Watkins Glen Gorge Trail (Watkins Glen State Park, New York)
This hike is just a bit over a mile each way, so it’s ideal for those who don’t exactly hike on the regular. It’s also best left for a hot day since it offers plenty of shade for cooling off. The trailhead starts at a cave then takes you past 19 different waterfalls, a feature few other trails could boast.
Reed Lakes Trail (Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska)
Looking for an all-day, challenging hike with a huge payoff for your fitness *and* Instagram feed? Look no further than the Reed Lakes Trail, an nine-mile roundtrip hike where you'll gain thousands of feet in elevation through meadows, boulder fields, and up into the mountain. You'll finish with some jaw-dropping panoramic views.
Even if you can't go abroad this summer, there are still plenty of adventures to be had stateside. These hikes can be done in a day, but that doesn't mean your explorations have to stop there — there's usually a town nearby with some local cuisine. So figure out which of these hiking trails you'd like to conquer and go for it!
Where are you traveling local this summer? Share with us @BritandCo!
This article has been updated from a previous post.
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