When it comes to hiking, there’s something magical about multi-day hikes in national parks. Whether you sleep under the stars or in a cozy cabin, multi-day hikes provide incredible opportunities to experience nature up close and personal. National parks come in all shapes and sizes and provide hikers with a wide variety of beautiful landscapes. From the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the lush forests of the Smoky Mountains, there’s something for everyone when it comes to multi-day hikes in national parks.
Not only are National parks home to some of the most breathtaking sights in the world, they also provide an almost unparalleled opportunity for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Their sprawling acres of open, yet often rugged, terrain provide hikers with a sense of freedom often unmatched on shorter hikes.
This article will explore some of the best multi-day hiking routes in National parks across the country. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a newbie, there’s a perfect National park multi-day hiking route for you.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and oGeorgia is the most visited National Park in the United States. Home to an incredibly diverse array of plant and wildlife, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a great place to experience a multi-day hike. The park offers a number of multi-day hiking routes, including parts of the coveted Appalachian Trail, and the 70-mile stretch of trail known as the Backbone.
For something a bit more challenging, consider the 30-mile Little River Trail to Cades Cove Trail loop. This is a moderate to difficult hike that takes you past some of the most stunning scenery in the park. Along the way, you’ll pass by lush forest, cascading waterfalls, and clear mountain streams.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Located in Colorado, the park has an abundance of multi-day hiking routes which can be tailored to all levels of hikers. Some of the most popular routes in the park include the forty-five mile North Inlet Pine Creek Loop, the sevent-three mile Continental Divide Loop, the 128-mile Highline being the most difficult of all the routes.
One of the best things about the Rocky Mountain National Park is that it offers hikers the chance to explore some of the most beautiful weathered pines, lush valleys, and towering peaks in the state. A favorite for many is the Long’s Peak trail, which takes hikers to the highest point in the park, Long’s Peak. The trail is only ten miles round trip, but is known to be quite difficult.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park is a hikers paradise. The park boasts some of the most beautiful trails in the country, many of which are perfect for multi-day hikes. There are three main trails to choose from, the miles-long Zion Narrows, the ever-popular 48-mile Trans-Zion Trail, and the 47-mile Traverse Trail.
The most popular of the trails is the Zion Narrows. This hike takes hikers through a beautiful canyon, which is only about 20-feet wide in some spots. The first part of the hike consists of wading through a clear stream, which is a welcome sight on a hot summer day. After several miles, the trail opens up to a larger canyon and takes hikers alongside an ancient river bed.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is one of the most famous National Parks in the country and boasts an impressive 2.2 million acres. Home to such iconic landmarks as Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, the park is a favorite among both tourists and hikers alike.
There are many great multi-day hiking opportunities in the park as well. Some of the best include the 29 mile Grand Tour, which takes hikers through many of the major landmarks in the park. The 40-mile Yellowstone River Trail, which meanders along the banks of the Yellowstone River. And the 27 mile Bechler River to Cascade Lake trail, which is perfect for hikers looking for a mellow and peaceful experience.
Conclusion
Multi-day hiking trips to national parks are truly the gems of outdoor adventures. With landscapes that range from lush forests to snow covered peaks, National parks offer a little something for everyone. Whether you’re an experienced hiker looking for a challenging trail or a new hiker looking to explore the wonders of the great outdoors, national parks are the perfect destination for multi-day hiking adventures.