All fun-loving hikers are on the constant lookout for new and adventurous trails to explore, and the coastlines of the US are packed with opportunities to experience something a little different than the norm. The coast chosen for a unique hike is ultimately up to the hiker’s past experience and ability, for some feature obstacles and passageways that make them more challenging. Regardless of experience, there is a coastal hike adventure suitable for everyone. Although there is an abundance of coastal hikes to choose from, the West is known for its Pacific Crest Trail, the East is known for the Appalachian Trail, and the Gulf offers trails in its Evergreen National Park, amongst other locations.
1. The Pacific Crest Trail
The Pacific Crest Trail begins in Mexico, and runs through all of the West Coast states and ends in the state of Washington. The trail its self is 2600 miles long altogether and is very dangerous to those who are not experienced hikers. Those who decide to travel the trail will have the pleasure of seeing the Pacific Ocean from a unique bird’s eye view, as well as the mountainous regions that remain untouched by human civilization. The trail provides a serene look at what the west was like before being disturbed.
2. Appalachian Trail
The East Coast’s Appalachian Trail, also known as the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, stretches from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Mount Katahdin, Maine. This famous trail is known for several hikers attempting to travel its entirety in one lengthy trip. Although it has been done, it is not recommended to try to accomplish this unless you are without a doubt a professional and well-seasoned hiker. At any rate, anyone who decides to hike on the eastern trail will have the intense adventure of experiencing the unique beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
3. Everglades National Park
The Gulf Coast offers several hiking trails, the most sought after of them being in the Everglades National Park. The trails offered there are more for leisure hikers, as there are not very many dangerous aspects of exploring them. The only real dangers of those particular trails include bug bites and thunderstorms. If a hiker group includes children, this would be the ideal location for their first adventures.
Wrapping up our list on the best coastal hikes in the US. For more on the best hikes in the US: The 7 Best Hikes in the Bay Area, 5 Best Hikes on Kauai, Hawaii, The 6 Best Hikes in Joshua Tree National Park.
Featured Image from John Verrone/Unsplash
