Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina
Grandfather Mountain has a large network of trails and nature walks that let you experience lovely forests and gentle meadows while viewing wildlife. The wildlife is very diverse as Grandfather has 16 distinct natural ecosystems. Easy hikes are available as well as more rugged exploring with cables and ladders helping you attain some heights.
Some of the best trails are the Black Rock Trail, Cragway Trail, and the Daniel Boone Scout Trail. Black Rock Trail slopes gradually and is only a moderate challenge and one mile to get to the end of the trail using a ladder and cable up the rock. But then you reach the viewpoints where you can see fabulous peaks. Cragway Trail is for those up for a more strenuous hike. It is one mile through steep terrain but with breathtaking vistas. The Daniel Boone Scout Trail is slightly longer at three miles and is also strenuous, ascending around 2,000 feet in just over three miles, with ladders and cables to assist hikers in steep sections.
Mount Elbert, Colorado
One of the most exciting things about Mount Elbert is that it is the highest point in Colorado. This gives a person who has come here and hiked certain bragging rights. Those in good shape can conquer this mountain.
You can take either of the trails to the summit, South Mt. Elbert Trail and North Elbert Trail. Both are relatively easy hikes. South Mt. Elbert Trail is 5.8 miles and the North Elbert Trail is 4.3 miles each way. No matter which trails you take, remember that the elevation gain for each is over 4,300 feet.
Stanton Mountain, Montana
This mountain is a place to come for a moderate hike close to Whitefish, Montana. Situated in Glacier National Park, it rises more than 4,500 feet over Lake McDonald.
The Stanton Mountain Trail is 7.5 miles in length and is rated as difficult. You move through changing terrain, heading up to the ridge, and finally reaching the summit with incredible views.
Flattop Mountain, Alaska
This peak is Alaska’s most visited. To reach the summit means you'll take advantage of sweeping views from Mount McKinley to the Aleutian Islands.
The trail that takes you to the summit is a 1.5-mile vertical hike. There are also more hikes like one from the parking lot that goes 5 miles one-way to Williwaw Lakes or another 5.5-mile hike to Wolverine Peak.
Mount Washington, New Hampshire
Of all the mountains in New Hampshire, Mount Washington is the most famous. It is the highest peak in the White Mountains and has been a coveted hike on many bucket lists. It can be a dangerous hike, but it has attracted many who have an adventurous spirit.
You will find some beginner climbs on Mount Washington like Tuckerman Ravine Trail, a 4.2-mile trek to the summit which takes roughly four hours. Other hikes range from a steep 3.8-mile climb to a slow and lazy 15-mile hike. The two easy paths are the Davis and Crawford Trails and the Huntington Ravine and Great Gulf Trails are very steep.
Mount Hood, Oregon
Oregon has a variety of recreational activities available to outdoor lovers. Mount Hood in particular is a favorite place to explore miles of scenic trails on hiking adventures.
Some trails to explore at Mount Hood include the Trillium Lake Loop Trail #761. It’s rated as an easy to intermediate trail on a loop of 1.9 miles. Move over wet meadows on boardwalks and then wind through the trees and go to the dam. You’ll see lots of views of Mount Hood. Another trail is the Tamanawas Falls Trail which is a moderate out-and-back trail of 3.3 miles in length. You hike through a forest and climb over some rocks to see the waterfall! You will see more waterfalls if you take the moderate Umbrella Falls and Sahale Falls Trail. It is a loop that travels 3.9 miles over a couple of bridges.
