America’s national parks just keep calling, and more travelers keep answering with hiking boots, water bottles, and camera rolls that are about to get very full.

After years of strong visitation, including a record-setting 2024 and another massive year in 2025, it’s safe to say the love for national parks is not slowing down anytime soon. In 2026, visitors can continue to expect busy trailheads, packed overlooks, and high demand for the most iconic hikes.

To help you find the trails worth lacing up for, we analyzed the latest data to uncover the best U.S. national parks for hiking. So, where should your next hike begin? These top 10 picks are packed with stunning views, epic trails, and opportunities to explore nature’s striking beauty.

Rising Above the Rest: The Best National Parks for Hiking

Each park on this list earned its spot through more than just good looks. We created a scoring system out of 100 points, using three key metrics: the number of annual visitors in 2025 (a strong sign of popularity), the number of hiking trails available (for plenty of options), and the average rating of those trails based on real hiker reviews.

After crunching the numbers and pulling in real feedback from hikers who’ve hit the trails, we landed on 10 national parks where every mile is worth the effort.

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The undisputed king of hiking variety and foot traffic.

• Hiking trails: 348
• Visitors in 2025: 11.5 million
• Average trail rating: 4.4

With enough trails for a lifetime of gorgeous hikes and a visitor count that far exceeds any other park, the Smokies earn the top spot with ease. The lush forests, rolling hills, and misty views are classic for a reason. It’s no wonder this park consistently ranks among the best national parks in USA for hiking. Just be ready to share the trail—because you won’t be the only one chasing a little peace in the pines!

2. Yellowstone National Park

A volcanic wonderland with a trail for every mood.

• Hiking trails: 252
• Visitors in 2025: 4.7 million
• Average trail rating: 4.4

Beyond the geysers and bison, Yellowstone offers miles of trail magic. Wander through meadows, climb ridgelines, or follow steam-filled boardwalks. With hundreds of options and solid ratings from avid hikers, this park proves it’s much more than just a roadside attraction.

3. Rocky Mountain National Park

High-altitude hikes with sky-high views.

• Hiking trails: 220
• Visitors in 2025: 4.1 million
• Average trail rating: 4.5

This park is all elevation, all the time. Glacial lakes, wildflower-filled valleys, and summit scrambles make RMNP a hiker favorite. That 4.5-star rating? It’s well earned, just like every breathtaking view above the tree line.

4. Yosemite National Park

Legendary landscapes, nearly 300 ways to explore them.

• Hiking trails: 298
• Visitors in 2025: 4.2 million
• Average trail rating: 4.6

Yosemite doesn’t just live up to its reputation—it elevates it. Nearly 300 trails wind through granite giants and cascading falls, giving hikers endless ways to soak in the grandeur. The crowds are real, but so is the magic.

5. Acadia National Park

East Coast charm, summit-to-sea views.

• Hiking trails: 239
• Visitors in 2025: 4 million
• Average trail rating: 4.6

Don’t let the coastline fool you—Acadia is built for serious trail time. With 239 trails and solid ratings, this Maine gem mixes sea breeze, mountain climbs, and rocky scrambles. It’s compact, it’s dramatic, and it’s downright unforgettable.

6. Olympic National Park

One park unites forest, mountain, and coast.

• Hiking trails: 188
• Visitors in 2025: 3.5 million
• Average trail rating: 4.5

Olympic’s terrain is as varied as it gets. One day you’re wandering moss-draped rainforests, the next you’re climbing alpine ridges or walking along wild Pacific beaches. With high trail ratings and fewer crowds, it’s a choose-your-own-adventure in the best way.

7. Grand Canyon National Park

Descend through nearly two billion years of Earth’s history.

• Hiking trails: 116
• Visitors in 2025: 4.4 million
• Average trail rating: 4.6

Sure, the overlooks are jaw-dropping, but the real magic is below the rim. With steep switchbacks, red rock walls, and stargazing-worthy silence, these 116 trails offer far more than a photo op. Just remember: what goes down must hike back up!

8. Glacier National Park

Wild and untamed with miles of solitude.

• Hiking trails: 165
• Visitors in 2025: 3.1 million
• Average trail rating: 4.5

Glacier is wild, vast, and unforgettable. With rugged peaks, pristine lakes, and 165 trails that feel a world away, it’s a dream for hikers who want to unplug and roam big landscapes. Every step here feels like a journey into the untamed, and the views are well worth the effort.

9. Zion National Park

A maze of red rocks and bold adventure.

• Hiking trails: 93
• Visitors in 2025: 4.9 million
• Average trail rating: 4.4

Zion’s towering sandstone walls and narrow slot canyons make it a mecca for thrill-seekers and photographers. Despite its massive popularity, the 93 well-loved trails offer everything from peaceful strolls to adrenaline-pumping climbs. It’s red rock bliss with rave reviews.

10. Grand Teton National Park

High peaks, clear lakes, and unforgettable trails.

• Hiking trails: 119
• Visitors in 2024: 3.8 million
• Average trail rating: 4.6

Grand Teton may be last on this list, but it’s high on impact. The jagged skyline alone is worth the trip, but pair it with over 100 well-rated trails, and you’ve got a hiker’s paradise. Expect crisp air, alpine vibes, and mountain moments that stick with you.

Before You Hit the Trail

Now that you know which national parks are best for hiking, it’s time to get ready for the real fun: exploring them. A little preparation can help you get the most out of your adventure.

Here are a few essentials to keep in mind before you lace up and head out:

• Plan ahead. Check the weather, map out your trails, and know the distance, elevation, and facilities (yes, even the restrooms). National parks are big and your prep should be, too.
• Pack for your feet. Supportive footwear is a must. Long miles, rocky terrain, and steep climbs can add up fast, so make sure your shoes are up to the challenge.
• Hydrate like a pro. Between the sun, altitude, and hours on the trail, water is extremely important. Pack a hydration pack or extra bottles along with snacks to keep your energy up.
• Protect your skin. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat go a long way, and lightweight layers with coverage help keep you cool and protected.
• Bring a basic first-aid kit. A small pack with bandages, antiseptic, and pain relievers can make a big difference if someone gets a blister or ends up with a minor injury on the trail.

Final Thoughts

From iconic peaks to quiet coastal paths, these rankings were built using real data—visitor numbers, trail variety, and hiker reviews—to highlight the best national parks for hiking. When we asked hundreds of Americans about their hiking plans for the year, the message was clear: this is the year to get outside and get moving!

Every trail offers something different—new views, new challenges, and new stories to take home. This summer, chase the ones that move you and make it a season to remember.

Methodology and Sources

Methodology

To find the best national parks for hiking in the U.S. in 2026, we crunched the numbers across three key factors and created a scoring system out of 100 points.

• Park popularity (34 points): Based on the number of annual visitors in 2025
• Trail variety (33 points): Total number of designated hiking trails in the park
• Trail quality (33 points): Average rating of all hiking trails, based on user reviews

Sources

• AllTrails
• Get Away From It All. The Least Crowded National Parks To Visit. USA Today (March 2026)
• National Park Service - National Reports

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