50 Best Walks in America That Every Traveler Must Explore This Winter

Location: Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, Gulf Shores, AL

Distance: 1-mile loop

Steps: 2,000

Explore the Gulf Coast of Alabama on this flat trail for all skill levels. Stop at the small observation deck in the middle of the trail and see if you can spot one of the many birds that frequent the refuge, such as the common loon during winter and the osprey in the spring. The trail ends at Little Lagoon.

Location: Tongass National Forest, Juneau, AK

Distance: 0.8 miles

Steps: 1,600

Pack your binoculars to stroll the low gradient shoreline of Mendenhall Lake, where you'll see a massive glacier and maybe even some goats in the surrounding mountains. Your reward at the end of the Nugget Falls Trail: the roar of Nugget Falls.

Location: Superstition Wilderness, Gold Canyon, AZ

Distance: 2.9 miles out and back

Steps: 5,800

Travel back in time along the Hieroglyphic Trail and see Native American rock drawings called petroglyphs. You'll also find wild flowers, small waterfalls, and wildlife on this moderate hike.

Location: Whitaker Point Trail, Pettigrew, AR

Distance: 2.9 miles

Steps: 5,800

Nested deep in the Ozark National Forest, Whitaker Point Trail is a beautiful naturesque trail that leads to a rocky viewpoint. You'll pass by an overlook viewpoint of Whitaker Creek, a huge valley, and some waterfalls along the way. This moderate hike is open all year round, just be sure to check the conditions before heading out for your walk.

Location: Torrey Pines State Reserve, La Jolla, CA

Distance: 2-to-3 mile loop

Steps: 4,000-6,000

Look out over the waves rolling in from the Pacific on this short walking trail along the California coast that features panoramic views and gorgeous wildflowers, ferns, and cacti.

Location: White River National Forest, Silverthorne, CO

Distance: 3.3 miles out and back

Steps: 6,600

The Lily Pad Lake Trail takes you on a path surrounded by aspen trees and crosses a few small streams. Stop for lunch at beautiful Lily Pad Lake, and you might even spot a moose! Good news, dog owners: The trail is pet-friendly and accessible year-round.

Location: Hubbard Park, Berlin, CT

Distance: 4.4-mile loop

Steps: 8,800

Starting at Mirror Lake, follow this moderate loop to Castle Craig and enjoy views of the Merimere Reservoir below. Then continue your hike around Merimere Reservoir to end up back at Mirror Lake. The trail is rated as moderate and a bit buggy, so be sure to pack the bug spray. It's best from April to October.

Location: Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes, DE

Distance: 2.6-mile loop

Steps: 5,200

You'll travel through wooded uplands and a tidal marsh and end with a spectacular view of the Delaware Bay. Visit the Walking Dunes Trail in the spring to see blooming Pink Lady's Slipper and yellow Beach Heather.

Location: Hawks’ Bluff Trail, Jensen Beach, FL

Distance: 0.8 miles

Steps: 2,300

If you're planning to visit Florida, the Hawks’ Bluff Trail is a must-see. Stroll along the boardwalk in this beautiful national landmark and you'll see hundreds of wild flowers and wildlife home to Savannas marsh.

Location: Chattahoochee National Forest, Helen, GA

Distance: 2 miles out and back

Steps: 4,000

Hike this gorgeous trail and you'll pass pretty rhododendrons and a wooden bridge before encountering a pair of waterfalls. Legend has it that, near the gorgeous waterfalls, a piece of armor was found from Spanish explorer Hernando DeSoto's expedition in the mid-1500s.

Location: Naalehu, HI

Distance: 5.4 miles out and back

Steps: 10,800

Pack extra sunscreen and water to reach one of the only green sand beaches in the world. Check out the coast from above or below and watch the blue waters roll in from Antarctica. The Trailhead starts on Hwy. 11 between the 69- and 70-mile markers, where you'll find South Point Road. Continue down the road for approximately eight miles, and you'll find the beautiful Papakolea Green Sand Beach.

Location: Tubbs Hill Park, Coeur d'Alene, ID

Distance: 2.4-mile loop

Steps: 4,800

This dog-friendly trail is suitable for all skill levels and features beautiful views of Lake Coeur d'Alene and evergreen forests. When planning your trip to Tubbs Hill Main Trail, keep in mind that winter access can be limited and is determined by the snow level.

Location: Northbrook, IL

Distance: 1.9-mile loop

Steps: 3,800

This paved trail will take you through more than 27 breathtaking gardens, including the Japanese Garden and the English Oak Meadow. The Chicago Botanic Garden Hike is best from April to October and is a great trail for all skill levels.

Location: Indiana Dunes, Porter, IN

Distance: 1.8-mile loop

Steps: 3,600

The best part about the Indiana Dunes State Park trail? You can take off your shoes to walk along the beautiful, sandy coast. The views are fantastic over Lake Michigan.

Location: Big Creek State Park, Ankeny, IA

Distance: 24.8 miles (point to point)

Steps: 49,600

This paved rail trail runs for about 25 miles from Ankeny to Woodward, but you can turn around at any point. During the day, you can take in spectacular views of the valley below. And at night, the rails above the High Trestle Trail light up in blue.

Location: Konza Prairie Natural Area, Manhattan, KS

Distance: 2.6-mile loop

Steps: 5,200

Stroll through the timber-lined banks of Kings Creek to the rolling Flint Hills tall grass prairie on the Konza Prairie Nature Trail Loop. Be sure to visit the rustic Hokanson Homestead from 1878. Bikes and fur babies are not permitted.

Location: National Bridge State Park, Slade, KY

Distance: 0.6-mile point to point

Steps: 1,200

Though short, this trail isn't for beginners. The Battleship Rock Trail is mostly flat, but slightly uneven and fairly steep. Nevertheless, it's a gorgeous run around Battleship Rock. Stop by at sunset for spectacular views.

Location: Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA

Distance: 1.8-mile loop

Steps: 3,600

Audubon Park Trail is manageable for all walkers; the park features a paved loop minutes from downtown New Orleans. Enjoy the beautiful path along the Audubon Park Lagoon, check out the golf course, or grab a cup of coffee at the Audubon Clubhouse Café to sip on your stroll.

Location: Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, ME

Distance: 4.5 miles out and back

Steps: 9,000

Hiking Ocean Path Trail will let you experience the beautiful landscape of Maine, from coastal sea cliffs to forest. This relaxing walk ends at Otter Point, with views of Cadillac and Dorr Mountains.

Location: Monocacy National Battlefield, Frederick, MD

Distance: 7.4-mile loop

Steps: 14,800

If you’re looking for a historical walk, the Monocacy National Battlefield Trail is it. Located where the Battle of Monocacy took place during the Civil War, these trails pass historic buildings and landmarks. It's mostly flat and is usually filled with visitors.

Location: Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, Natick, MA

Distance: One-quarter mile loop

Steps: 500

Listen for songbirds as you travel along a paved trail to a boardwalk into the wetlands, where you’ll likely spot some painted turtles from late spring into fall. You can also follow along the All Persons Trail with an audio tour for spring or fall.

Location: Marquette, MI

Distance: 4 miles

Steps: 8,000

Stretching 4,600 miles over eight states, the North Country Trail is the longest in the National Trails System. If that's a little too long for your trip, consider this portion of the trail from Marquette to Little Presque Isle. Start in downtown Marquette and follow along the shoreline of Lake Superior until you reach Little Presque Isle. This "Crown Jewel of Lake Superior" is home to blue waters, a sandy beach, endless timbered forests, and views you won't forget.

Location: Voyageurs National Park, International Falls, MN

Distance: 2.5-mile loop

Steps: 5,000

This wide path takes you from aspens to pines and provides great views of Kabetogama Lake. Birds love hanging around the Echo Bay Trail, too, and you might spot a great blue heron, warbler, or woodpecker.

Location: Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, Brooksville, MS

Distance: 2 miles out and back

Steps: 4,000

Beaver sightings are common along this popular path that winds through the bayou and along the banks of Oktoc Creek. You may also encounter other exciting wildlife on the Beaver Dam Hiking Trail, like blue herons, wood ducks, and deer.

Location: Kansas City, MO

Distance: 8-mile loop

Steps: 16,000

This peaceful trail is located in a small urban forest that takes you through second-growth timber and over a boardwalk for a view of a small waterfall. Good news for avid hikers: Old Kate Trail is accessible year-round.

Location: Glacier National Park, MT

Distance: 5.4 miles out and back

Steps: 10,800

Expect high sun and wind on this popular hike, which takes you through alpine meadows into the heart of the glacier to discover Hidden Lake and stunning mountain views.

Location: Fontenelle Forest, Bellevue, NE

Distance: 1.3-mile loop

Steps: 2,600

This easy loop near the Missouri River is both wheelchair- and stroller-friendly, making it the perfect stroll through the woods for the whole family.

Location: Red Rock Canyon, Las Vegas, NV

Distance: 2.2-mile loop

Steps: 4,400

Step through jumbled sandstone to reach a hidden water pocket with breathtaking views of the Las Vegas skyline on this moderate hike.

Location: Belknap, NH

Distance: 1.5 miles out and back

Steps: 3,000

This dog-friendly route features sweeping water views of Lake Winnipesaukee and the ruins of a stone hut. Challenge yourself on some small rock scrambles, or take the detour to avoid difficult areas. The trail ends at Mt. Major summit.

Location: Washington, NJ

Distance: 5.5-mile loop

Steps: 11,000

Stroll around the edge of the Merrill Creek Reservoir on this mostly even trail. Walk a smaller section of the path or tackle the entire loop. In winter, the trails are open for cross-country skiers as well as walkers.

Location: Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, Silver City

Distance: 1-mile loop

Steps: 2,000

Go back millennia on this desert trail that leads to the historic Gila Cliff Dwellings, where nomadic people lived for thousands of years. After hiking, head down to the hot springs, only a 20-minute walk from the visitor's center.

Location: Mohonk Preserve, New Paltz, NM

Distance: 5-mile loop

Steps: 10,000

This easy loop skirts the base of the rock climbing cliffs for breathtaking views of the climbers and the valley below. Or take the J.S. Grafton Sensory Trail, which features a butterfly garden.

Location: Dupont State Forest, Cedar Mountain, NC

Distance: 2.2 miles

Steps: 4,400

See three of the area's cascading waterfalls on one hike though hardwood forest and along the Little River in this state park near Asheville.

Location: Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, Mandan, ND

Distance: 1.76-mile loop

Steps: 3,520

Stroll through a historic park on this easy loop that features views of the On-A-Slant Indian Village and the Missouri and Heart rivers. You can even camp overnight! Just be sure to pack the bug spray.

Location: Hocking Hills, OH

Distance: Approximately 3 miles

Steps: 6,000

Enjoy the beauty of Ohio's waterfalls at this large state park. Follow the Old Man's Cave trail to get a view of both Cedar Falls and Rose Lake. Don’t miss the annual Hocking Hills Winter Hike in January with navy bean soup, cornbread, hot chocolate, and live music.

Location: Turkey Mountain

Distance: 3.7-mile loop

Steps: 7,400

Yellow Trail is one of the longer hikes at Turkey Mountain, but it's flatter than the others. Bring your dog on a leash and enjoy views of the Arkansas River and downtown Tulsa.

Location: Silver Falls State Park, Sublimity, OR

Distance: 7.8 miles, but can be reduced with 2 cut-off trails

Steps: 15,600

Silver Falls State Park is the "crown jewel" of the Oregon State Parks. Walk behind a waterfall (or 10!) in the largest state park in Oregon.

Location: Bushkill Falls, Bushkill, PA

Distance: 1.4-mile loop

Steps: 2,800

Enjoy the beauty of the Pocono Mountains on this quick hike, known as “The Niagara of Pennsylvania.” Walkways and stairs make it easy to view the waterfalls without climbing the rocks.

Location: Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge, South Kingstown, RI

Distance: 0.8 miles

Steps: 1,600

Stroll through woodlands, marshes, and meadows, where you might catch a glimpse of a piping plover. The reward for your walk on Osprey Point Trail? Reaching the barrier beach and the view out over Trustom Pond. Don't forget your swimsuit!

Location: Sumter National Forest, Mountain Rest, SC

Distance: 1.7 miles point to point

Steps: 3,400

After a good rain, come for a hike to see the spectacular waterfall in this park. With some uneven terrain and a slight incline, the Yellow Branch Falls Trail is considered moderately difficult.

Location: Mount Rushmore, Keystone, SD

Distance: 0.6 miles

Steps: 1,200

If you're visiting South Dakota, you must cross Rushmore off your sightseeing bucket list. The Presidential Trail has a lot of stairs, but it will give you the best views of the iconic monument. You may see some mountain goats on the way up!

Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, TN

Distance: 4 miles

Steps: 8,000

This hike has it all: ruins from old settlements, countless wildflowers, and flowing water. Around 2 miles on the Porters Creek Trail, hikers will find the stunning 60-foot Fern Branch Falls.

Location: Amistad National Recreation Area, Del Rio, TX

Distance: 2.8 miles

Steps: 5,600

Experience the stark beauty of an oasis in the desert on this walk. While strolling along the Sunrise Trail, you'll see native plants like cacti, Texas persimmon, mesquite, and, after a rain, the beautiful purple flowers of the cenizo bush.

Location: Big Cottonwood Canyon, Salt Lake City, UT

Distance: 3.5 miles out and back

Steps: 7,000

This family-friendly trail is popular among both locals and visitors. Wide trails wander through the woods, immersing hikers in the beautiful Utah wilderness. Come in the summer to see the wildflowers, but bring plenty of water, as temperatures can reach 90 degrees.

Location: Stowe, VT

Distance: 4.2 miles

Steps: 8,400

While much of the hiking in Vermont is steep, the Moss Glen Falls Trail near Stowe Mountain has an incline just before the waterfall and is appropriate for hikers of all skill levels.

Location: Shenandoah National Park, East Luray, VA

Distance: 1.2-mile loop

Steps: 2,400

Explore this family-friendly forest trail that takes you past a historic cemetery. For $1, you can get a guide to the historic sites along the route. Your kids will love the easy Fox Hollow Loop, but sorry dog moms, no pets allowed.

Location: North Bend, King County, WA

Distance: 4 miles out and back

Steps: 8,000

Don't worry, this popular trail doesn't get its name from the wildlife you'll find there, but rather from the lake it's on. You'll see breathtaking views of Mount Washington as you travel through the Cedar River watershed.

Location: Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, Cass, WV

Distance: 78 miles

Steps: 156,000

The historic Greenbrier River Trail Run is a former 78-mile railroad, transformed into the state's longest trail. Bundle up to check out the stars on one of this park's regularly scheduled Full Moon Hikes during the spring and winter. Just remember that part of the trail falls within a National Radio Quiet Zone, so you may not get any cell phone service.

Location: Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, WI

Distance: 1.7 miles

Steps: 3,400

Scale the stone steps to the top of East Bluff, or stop at the first outlook near Elephant Rock. Watch out for the turkey vultures, Bald Eagles, and Peregrine Falcons!

Location: Yellowstone National Park, WY

Distance: 2.3-mile loop

Steps: 4,600

Enter on the east side of Yellowstone for this level hike. Once you reach the tip of Storm Point, enjoy the expansive views of Yellowstone Lake and the surrounding mountains.