November 17th marks national Take a Hike Day. And hiking is one of my family’s favorite things to do when out exploring this amazing country. We love that it allows us to get up close and personal with nature and really connect with it all. At this point we’ve gone hiking in nearly every state, and while we have found nice hikes just about everywhere we’ve been, we definitely do have some favorites.
If you’re looking to get into hiking yourself, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, I will help you get a feel for 1) what you should pack for a day hike, 2) where you should go to find the best hikes, and 3) which trails are ideal in those locations.
What to Pack
Packing for a day hike means bringing essentials to stay comfortable, safe, and prepared without overloading. This can be hard to do and requires that you pack only the essentials.
Here are the items you should pack to make sure you’re always ready:
- Map and compass or GPS device
- Fully charged phone (offline maps are helpful)
- Portable charger
- Enough water for the whole hike
- Lightweight, high-energy snacks (trail mix, energy bars, jerky)
- Optional: water purification tablets or a small filter
- Lightweight rain jacket or windbreaker
- Moisture-wicking base layer
- Lightweight insulating layer
- Hat and gloves (even in mild weather, for cooler mornings/evenings)
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Small first-aid kit (bandages, antiseptic wipes, blister treatment, pain relievers)
- Whistle for signaling
- Emergency blanket or bivvy (small tent or shelter)
- Lightweight, foldable sit pad
- Insect repellent
- Hiking poles, if the trail is steep or rough
- Headlamp or flashlight (even if you plan to be back before dark)
- Ziploc bags for packing out trash
- Trowel and toilet paper if needed (follow “Leave No Trace” principles)
- Lightweight camera or binoculars
- Field guide for plants/wildlife
- Small notebook and pen
Packing Tips
As long as you stick to the list above, you should be well prepared for pretty much any day hike (besides a winter hike, perhaps). That said, the tips below might help you be even more ready for whatever the trail may throw your way:
- Use a small day pack to keep it light.
- Check trail and weather conditions before heading out.
- Pack according to the hike’s difficulty and length.
Where to Go
Now that you know what to pack, let’s talk about where you should go to find some seriously amazing hiking. First, let me say that nearly every national park in the country has some excellent trails. That said, the parks below were my favorites for hiking.
Yosemite National Park, California
Somehow we didn’t get to Yosemite National Park until several years into our travels, but I fell in love right away. Characterized by towering granite cliffs, spectacular waterfalls, and giant sequoia trees, this place is nothing short of astounding, and as you might imagine, the hiking is some of the best around. In fact, a good hike is the only way to see some of the most incredible views the park has to offer.
Top Trails
- Half Dome
- Mist Trail
- John Muir Trail
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
If you’ve never been to Grand Canyon National Park, make plans to go now. This place offers some of the most stunning canyon views you’ll ever come across, as well as a unique perspective on the Colorado River that is ideal for photographers. As far as hikes go, you’ll find everything from a laid-back path along the rim to hikes that take you all the way down into the canyon.
Top Trails
- Bright Angel Trail
- Rim-to-Rim Trail
- South Kaibab Trail
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina/Tennessee
Since the start of our travels, we’ve spent a lot of time in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and I’m sure we’ll return many more times in the future. The dense forests and scenic mountain vistas found here are just amazing. On top of that, the wildlife in the park is plentiful, meaning you might spot deer, turkeys, or even a bear while out hiking one of the many trails within the park.
Top Trails
- Alum Cave Trail
- Clingmans Dome
- Appalachian Trail sections
Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the country, and for good reason. With dramatic cliffs and red rock landscapes, you’ll be treated to some beautiful vistas as you hike. Alternatively, you might choose to hike a slot canyon during your visit, something that offers a totally unique and interesting experience that you won’t soon forget. Just make sure to pack plenty of water because this park is HOT!
Top Trails
- Angels Landing
- The Narrows
- Observation Point
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Okay, I have to be honest with you here: Somehow I have never made it to Rocky Mountain National Park. That said, I plan to get there as soon as possible, and I’ve done quite a bit of research on the place. From what I understand, the towering peaks, alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife there are just incredible, and there are great hikes for all ages and levels, making it perfect for my family (or any family, really).
Top Trails
- Sky Pond
- Bear Lake
- Longs Peak
Acadia National Park, Maine
Easily one of my favorite places in the entire country, Acadia National Park is one of those places you have to see for yourself to really understand how magical it is. Dense wooded trails lead to gorgeous rocky shorelines and coastal views, and extra special spots such as small islands and sea caves can be found around every corner. On top of that, this park gives visitors the opportunity to see the sunrise before the rest of the US each day.
Top Trails
- Precipice Trail
- Jordan Pond Path
- Cadillac Mountain
Olympic National Park, Washington
Another park that is definitely in my personal top 5, Olympic National Park is one of the most diverse places I’ve ever been. Here, you’ll find rain forests, mountains, and rugged coastline, all with unique plants and animals. As you might have guessed, this makes for some seriously interesting hiking and gives you an opportunity to explore a totally different environment on each hike of your trip.
Top Trails
- Hoh Rain Forest Trail
- Hurricane Hill
- Mount Storm King
Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park is a stunning place to visit in summer. During this time, the Going-to-the-Sun road opens up, the sun glistens on the waters of Lake MacDonald, and driving up the mountain provides you with some amazing views into glacial-carved valleys filled with vibrant wildflowers and adorable mountain goats. This is also an ideal time for hiking in this park, as the weather is perfect and the waterfalls are flowing.
Top Trails
- Grinnell Glacier Trail
- Highline Trail
- Iceberg Lake
Sedona, Arizona
Last but definitely not least, I have to include Sedona, Arizona. No this isn’t a national park like the rest, but the place features red rock formations and stunning sunsets unlike any I’ve ever seen. I love that you can comfortably hike in Sedona during the cold months, making it the perfect winter destination for snowbirds like me—but be aware that even during the winter, the afternoons can be hot, so you will want to wear a hat and sunscreen and pack water.
Top Trails
- Cathedral Rock
- Devil’s Bridge
- Boynton Canyon
Ready to Take a Hike?
As you can see, it’s actually pretty easy to find an incredible hike here in the US, and preparing for such a hike really doesn’t have to be difficult. Why not choose one of the parks above, pack the items mentioned at the beginning of the article, and get ready to hit some trails? I’m certain you won’t regret the adventure!