Awe-inspiring treks for the rest of us
What if you don’t have it in you to hike all 2,650 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, or you can’t take five months off work to make it happen? Aim for shorter treks without sacrificing scenery. “There are so many more moderate but equally rewarding trails out there,” says Robert Manning, who co-authored “Walking Distance: Extraordinary Hikes for Ordinary People,” with his wife, Martha. From day and weekend hikes to those that require a couple of weeks, here are 10 trail journeys to remember.
Delicate Arch
The hike to this iconic sandstone formation in Utah’s Arches National Park may be short, but the scenery packs a punch. “I can’t think of a more powerful trail,” says Robert Manning, who is also a professor of natural resources at the University of Vermont. “The rewards are so much more than the three miles you put into it. It’s just spectacular.” Since much of the trail is on open slickrock with no shade, bring sunscreen and plenty of water (the park advises one liter per person).
High Sierra Camps Loop
The High Sierra Camps in Yosemite National Park offer an “unusual opportunity” for hikers to experience this approximately 50-mile loop filled with stunning alpine scenery, says Martha Manning. Five rustic tent camps are spaced about 6 to 10 miles apart on the trail, so leave your heavy pack at home and enjoy Yosemite’s breathtaking high country unencumbered on your camp-to-camp trek. The backcountry accommodations offer beds and restrooms and include breakfast and dinner, but they’re in high demand, so reservations are made via lottery.
The Appalachian Trail through Shenandoah National Park
Tackle any segment of this 100-mile stretch of the AT that weaves through Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park, where the “reward ratio is the highest,” says Laurie Potteiger, information services manager with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. “You get breathtaking views, but it’s not overly difficult,” she adds, and Skyline Drive crosses the trail frequently, providing plenty of access points. Hike it end to end or create a loop with side trails, and camp or take advantage of two lodges in the park where hot showers and comfortable bedding await.
Presidential Traverse
Train for this: You’ll tag a string of summits over 4,000 feet in New Hampshire’s Presidential Range on this challenging hike that gains 9,000 feet in elevation over 23 miles. The hike is high on “epic, unbelievable views,” says Philip Werner, who runs SectionHiker.com, and it makes a great two-day, one-night adventure. Since much of the trail is above tree line, keep an eye to the sky, as strong winds, rain, hail and snow can occur at any time and cut your trip short.
The C&O Canal
Paralleling the Potomac River for almost 185 miles from the District of Columbia to Cumberland, Maryland, the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal towpath was once a thoroughfare for mules pulling boats loaded with coal, lumber and other goods to communities along its route. Because the trail is fairly flat, gaining just 600 feet of elevation, “it’s like walking on a sidewalk,” says Martha Manning. “But the sense of history is palpable.” Campsites are scattered along the towpath, and the trail runs near several towns, including Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.
Carriage Roads of Acadia National Park
Hike this series of crushed stone roads that wind throughout the heart of Maine’s Acadia National Park. The 45-mile network of paths, designed and funded by John D. Rockefeller Jr., highlight some of the park’s best scenery, including sweeping views of the Atlantic, shady forests, ponds and marshland. Martha Manning recommends experiencing the carriage roads via day hikes. “You get the peace and quiet of walking on these carriage roads … then you can pop out and go into Bar Harbor for the evening,” she says.
The Narrows
For this hike in Utah’s Zion National Park, the trail is the Virgin River, so plan on spending a lot of time in water that can be knee-deep or even chest-deep in some sections. You’ll need a permit to stay overnight, but not if you day hike upstream (a 10-mile round trip). “Even if you just go to the mouth of the canyon and walk as far as you want to go, it’s definitely epic,” says Robert Manning. “It’s quintessential Southwestern canyon scenery.” But beware of the potential for flash floods and strong currents.
Flattop Mountain, Rocky Mountain National Park
Enjoy the splendor of Colorado’s high country on this nearly nine-mile (round trip) day hike that takes you to a 12,324-foot summit where you’ll find a vast plateau flecked with wildflowers and the occasional bighorn sheep, elk or mountain goat. From Bear Lake, you’ll gain about 3,000 feet to reach the summit. Ambitious hikers can easily extend the hike into an overnighter by reserving a backcountry campsite on either side of the mountain.
The Wonderland Trail
This trail circumnavigates Washington’s Mt. Rainier in a 93-mile loop filled with unforgettable views, including alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers, sparkling lakes and cascading creeks. The national park offers 18 trailside wilderness camps (permit required), and you can also cache food at several locations along the route by mailing packages in advance or dropping them off before your hike. This trail has plenty of elevation gain and loss, so make sure you can negotiate the terrain with a full pack.
Grand Canyon Rim Trail
You’ll be captivated by the canyon’s knockout views on this 13-mile hike. Grand Canyon National Park calls this an “easy hike with minimal elevation change,” and Robert Manning suggests walking as much as you want since it’s serviced by a free shuttle bus system. There are also several lodges accessible from your route, or you could camp at Mather Campground. Be sure to bring and drink plenty of water, because the trek can be brutally hot.
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10 Epic Trails Almost Anyone Can Hike originally appeared on usnews.com
