Across the country, travelers can find a fascinating mix of forests, mountains, deserts, and more. But while there are epic hikes all across the United States, some states offer even better trails and spectacular scenery to explore.
According to one study, the state of Wyoming, boasting limitless wilderness, was named the best state in the country for hiking due to its extensive and well-maintained trails and incredible natural attractions. travel+vacation From EDGE Fall Protection, a supplier of fall protection systems. home of both popular Yellowstone National Park And Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Known for its charming towns, lakes, mountains, and Wild West culture.
“This study provides valuable insights for both avid hikers and people looking to start this healthy outdoor activity,” Michael McCarty, chief safety officer for EDGE Fall Protection, said in a statement shared with T+L. “Wyoming offers an excellent combination of natural beauty and infrastructure that makes it ideal for hiking experiences of all difficulty levels. The growth of visitors to national parks like Yellowstone reflects the growing interest in outdoor activities.”
McCarty said: “States with strong hiking profiles benefit from tourism and provide residents with accessible ways to stay active and connect with nature.”
Hawaii came second in the list. Blessed with hiking trails that take travelers through stunning rainforests and towering mountain peaks while enjoying incredible ocean views, Hawaii is home to both Haleakala National Park. maui island And Hawaii Volcanoes National Park But big Island,
According to the study, the Aloha State achieved a perfect score in natural attractions and a near-perfect score in protected wilderness. However, the state was marred by less-than-perfect trail infrastructure, which the study said was costly and difficult to maintain given Hawaii’s “challenging terrain.”
In third place was New Hampshire, which the study found had the highest walking engagement score of any state on the list. travelers are hiking The iconic Appalachian National Scenic Trail Will pass through New Hampshire, which is famous for lovely autumn leaves, charming small townAnd winter skiing,
Montana and Alaska rounded out the top five.
On the other end of the spectrum was North Dakota, which was ranked the worst state for hiking on the list. The state received low marks for trail infrastructure, protected forests, hiking connectivity, and air quality. This was followed by Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Nebraska.
