Best national park hikes
From Sequoia to Acadia, these national parks feature some of the most dramatic and scenic hikes for every skill level.
By Tanvi Chheda | March 28, 2025
Tanvi Chheda
Formerly an assistant editor at Travel + Leisure, Los Angeles-based Tanvi Chheda has been freelancing for 15 years now. She writes mostly about lifestyle and travel, which often spills into arts & culture, food, design, and more. With two young children, family travel is also a passion of hers. Given her South Asian heritage, she writes about India quite frequently as well (she was born in India and speaks three Indian languages). When not traveling or writing, she enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time outdoors. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, AFAR, Virtuoso Life, Four Seasons magazine, Qantas, Inspirato, Invited, Pasadena magazine, OLTRE, and Ciao Bambino, among others.
More than 300 million travelers visit U.S. national parks every year. From giant sequoias in central California to slot canyons in Utah and majestic mountains in Maine, the landscapes and hikes at these three national parks couldn’t be more varied. Stay active at your own pace as you take in the wondrous beauty of these natural treasures.
Sequoia National Park, California
Sequoia National Park features towering trees, cascading waterfalls, and glacier-carved valleys but with fewer crowds than its northern neighbor, Yosemite. Stroll the General Sherman Tree Trail to see the world’s largest tree (by volume) then veer onto the 2.7-mile (4.3 km) Congress Trail to admire some of the park’s most impressive sequoias. AutoCamp Sequoia is the ideal home base for outdoor exploration. Just a 15-minute drive from the national park’s main entrance, the forested site feels like an extension of the park, but with creature comforts like cozy cabins, air-conditioned canvas tents, and deluxe Airstream suites. Dip into a heated outdoor pool, take a morning yoga class, and roast marshmallows at the fire pit. Come mealtime, let some chefs do the work for you at The Kitchen restaurant.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Encompassing 47,000 acres (19,020 hectares) in southern Maine, Acadia National Park is known for its rugged coastline, granite cliffs, and rich wildlife. The challenging Bee Hive Loop involves climbing stone staircases up exposed cliffs to reveal picturesque ocean views, while the family-friendly Cadillac Mountain Summit is a popular and car-accessible spot to watch the sunrise. Before you hit one of the park’s 150+ miles (241+ km) of trails, settle in at Hampton Inn Ellsworth-Bar Harbor, about a 25-minute drive away. The hotel’s free hot breakfast makes it easy to fuel up for a day at the park, while its indoor pool and whirlpool are perfect for soothing muscles after a long hike. About a mile (1.6 km) away is Ellsworth’s quaint Main Street, perfect for perusing boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Zion National Park, Utah
Utah’s first national park is one of its most popular, with breathtaking, otherworldly landscapes comprised of red sandstone cliffs, deep slot canyons, and striking arches. Hike, bike, and stargaze against the backdrop of this natural wonder. While Angels Landing and The Narrows are Zion’s most popular hikes, the Zion Canyon Overlook trail is a more moderate, one mile (1.6 km) option. Just half a mile from the park’s visitor center is Cliffrose Springdale, Curio Collection by Hilton, the perfect place to rest your head. Return to the art-filled hotel after a day of hiking and relax by one of the two outdoor pools or enjoy a well-deserved treatment at Five Petals Spa. Keep your strength up with fresh salads, corn fritters, tostadas, fried rice, and more at Anthera, the on-site restaurant.
Find your stay
Read more:
Find travel inspiration