The Top 10 Best States for Hiking in 2025
With longer days and sunny skies, summer marks the perfect time to explore new trails, chase stunning views, and reconnect with nature. Using six key metrics, we identified the states that don’t just offer trails—they offer access to the best hikes in the U.S. and the kind of adventures that stay with you.
From misty mountain peaks to sunbaked canyons, these landscapes stretch across coasts, deserts, and alpine heights—and the right destination can turn any hike into a front-row seat to nature’s best. Pair that with supportive footwear, and your feet will want to hike them all.
Ready to see which states rise above the rest? These top 10 are calling with wide-open trails, striking scenery, and boundless room to roam.
A Closer Look at the Top U.S. States for Hiking
To separate the good from the truly great, we ranked each state using a 100-point system built around six metrics that shape a truly great hike: average trail rating, number of reviews, total trail count, precipitation levels, and proximity to both national and state parks.
When we put it all together, these 10 states rose to the top—delivering variety, quality, and countless trails worth exploring.
1. California
- Hiking Trails: 13,175
- Average Trail Rating: 4.4
- Number of State Parks: 280
- Number of National Parks: 9
Golden State, indeed. California leads the pack with the most hiking trails and state parks in the nation, giving outdoor lovers a staggering range of terrain to explore. From redwood forests in the north to sun-soaked desert trails in the south, California offers more miles, more views, and more ways to roam than anywhere else. With nine national parks—including Yosemite, Sequoia, and Joshua Tree—it’s no wonder the Golden State shines brightest for hikers.
2. Colorado
- Hiking Trails: 4,802
- Average Trail Rating: 4.4
- Number of State Parks: 42
- Number of National Parks: 4
With over 2.4 million hiking trail reviews, it’s clear that Colorado’s iconic peaks and crisp alpine air keep hikers coming back for more. Four national parks and nearly 5,000 trails mean there’s always a new Colorado trail to discover and, with consistently high ratings, every path is a step into postcard-worthy scenery.
3. Utah
- Hiking Trails: 2,763
- Average Trail Rating: 4.4
- Number of State Parks: 46
- Number of National Parks: 5
Utah’s beauty is as bold as its red rock formations—and with the driest climate on our list, the trails are often hike-ready year-round. Home to “The Mighty Five” national parks and a dense network of highly rated trails, Utah is a dream for desert wanderers, slot canyon explorers, and anyone chasing otherworldly vistas without the mud.
4. Arizona
- Hiking Trails: 2,953
- Average Trail Rating: 4.4
- Number of State Parks: 31
- Number of National Parks: 3
Sun, scenery, and saguaro silhouettes—Arizona brings the heat in more ways than one. With dry weather and top-rated trails, the state’s hiking conditions are as favorable as its famous sunsets. From the Grand Canyon to hidden desert gems, Arizona’s trails are proof that great hiking isn’t just for the mountains.
5. Oregon
- Hiking Trails: 3,155
- Average Trail Rating: 4.3
- Number of State Parks: 255
- Number of National Parks: 1
Don’t let the drizzle fool you. Oregon’s lush green trails and waterfalls are worth every drop. With more than 250 state parks, hiking here is about variety: dense forests, coastal cliffs, and volcanic landscapes all within reach. Trail ratings remain strong, and with so many paths to choose from, it’s easy to find your personal favorite.
6. Washington
- Hiking Trails: 4,426
- Average Trail Rating: 4.3
- Number of State Parks: 140
- Number of National Parks: 3
Towering evergreens, alpine lakes, and snow-capped peaks define Washington’s hiking experience. Its mix of high trail volume and national park access makes it a haven for weekend warriors and serious backpackers alike. If you’re chasing diversity—from coastal hikes to glacier views—Washington is a top contender.
7. New York
- Hiking Trails: 4,416
- Average Trail Rating: 4.3
- Number of State Parks: 180
- Number of National Parks: 0
New York might surprise you. Beyond the skyscrapers lies a state rich with trails, especially in the Adirondacks, Catskills, and Finger Lakes. With nearly 200 state parks and a high trail count, the Empire State offers endless ways to escape the city and immerse yourself in nature’s quieter side.
8. North Carolina
- Hiking Trails: 2,437
- Average Trail Rating: 4.4
- Number of State Parks: 41
- Number of National Parks: 1
Yes, it rains a lot, but that’s what keeps North Carolina’s trails so refreshingly green. With a standout trail rating and diverse geography—from the Blue Ridge Mountains to coastal plains—this state offers a little bit of everything. Bonus: fall foliage here is legendary.
9. Texas
- Hiking Trails: 1,832
- Average Trail Rating: 4.4
- Number of State Parks: 85
- Number of National Parks: 2
Big skies, wide-open spaces, and trails that go on for miles, Texas delivers a unique hiking experience that’s as bold as its state pride. With high trail ratings and an impressive number of parks to explore, it’s a solid pick for hikers who like their adventures served with a side of Lone Star spirit.
10. Alaska
- Hiking Trails: 1,000
- Average Trail Rating: 4.3
- Number of State Parks: 120
- Number of National Parks: 8
Last on the list but far from least, Alaska trades trail quantity for raw, breathtaking scale. With more national parks than any other state but California, Alaska offers pristine wilderness and unforgettable solitude. For hikers looking to disconnect and go big, this is your frontier.
Comparison to Last Year’s Rankings
When it comes to great hiking, some states just get it right no matter how you run the numbers. Even with a shift in methodology this year, nine of last year’s top picks still earned their place on our 2025 list.
California took the crown, rising from second place, and Utah climbed the ranks as well. The rest—Colorado, Arizona, Oregon, Washington, New York, Texas, and North Carolina—are a reminder that when a place is built for outdoor exploring, it keeps delivering.
Alaska is our only new face in this year’s top 10, landing at #10 and replacing Montana, which held the #4 spot in 2024. Its trail count may be smaller, but the state's epic scale and national park access speak for themselves.
Once again, Western and Mountain West states made a strong showing, thanks to drier climates, diverse terrain, and an overwhelming number of trails worth lacing up for.
Final Thoughts
We crunched the numbers using six important hiking metrics—like trail ratings, reviews, and park access—to spotlight the states that consistently deliver great outdoor experiences. And while each state brings something different to the trailhead, they all offer a chance to connect with nature in unforgettable ways.
If you call one of these states home, you’ve got adventure right in your backyard. And if you’re traveling soon, these are the places to explore for some of the best hiking in the United States.
Methodology and Sources
Methodology
To uncover the best states for hiking, we took a data-driven approach—analyzing all 50* U.S. states using six key metrics that reflect trail quality, accessibility, and hiking conditions. Each metric was weighted and combined into a final composite score out of 100.
Here’s how the scoring broke down:
- Average Trail Rating (15 points): Reflects the overall quality and enjoyment of hikes based on real user reviews
- Total Number of Reviews (20 points): Indicates popularity and community engagement on hiking trails
- Number of Hiking Trails (20 points): Measures the variety and availability of trails across the state
- Average Annual Precipitation (20 points): Drier climates scored higher, pointing to more consistent, year-round hiking opportunities
- Number of National Parks (10 points): Highlights access to iconic, protected hiking destinations
- Number of State Parks (15 points): Captures local trail access and regional opportunities to get outdoors
This framework allowed us to spotlight the states that bring it all together—solid trail networks, standout scenery, and the kind of conditions that make exploring easy to say “yes” to.
*Hawaii was excluded from this year’s rankings due to insufficient data from our primary source, AllTrails.
Sources
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