Search a hike or location

search
Best medium hikes in United States of America
Share:

Best medium hikes in United States of America

Ready for a bit more of a challenge? These medium-difficulty hikes offer the perfect balance between effort and reward.

Here are some great hikes to explore in United States of America.

Most popular hikes

1

Medium

North Country Trail

Mercer County, North Dakota · star 4.5 (107) · 7517.4 km · Est. 382 days

2

Medium

Appalachian Trail - Massachusetts

Berkshire County, Massachusetts · star 4.8 (14) · 139.8 km · Est. 8 days

3

Medium

Pinhoti Trail

Coosa County, Alabama · star 4.6 (27) · 492.2 km · Est. 29 days

4

Medium

American Perimeter Trail - North Country Primary

Columbiana County, Ohio · star 4.5 (12) · 5377.1 km · Est. 269 days

5

Medium

Appalachian Trail Section Hike - Shenandoah National Park

Augusta County, Virginia · star 4.5 (13) · 181.0 km · Est. 11 days

6

Medium

Superior Hiking Trail

Cook County, Minnesota · star 4.4 (18) · 478.5 km · Est. 21 days

7

Medium

Appalachian Trail - Maryland

Jefferson County, West Virginia · star 4.7 (22) · 63.4 km · Est. 4 days

8

Medium

Sheltowee Trace Trail

Rowan County, Kentucky · star 4.8 (16) · 567.8 km · Est. 29 days

9

Medium

Appalachian Trail - New Jersey

Warren County, New Jersey · star 4.8 (13) · 109.3 km · Est. 7 days

10

Medium

Appalachian Trail - Connecticut

Dutchess County, New York · star 4.5 (8) · 80.1 km · Est. 5 days

SHOW MORE HIKES

Reviews for medium hikes in United States of America

Greg O’Malley avatar

North Country Trail

Greg O’Malley · reviewed almost 6 years ago

star star star star star

I’ve only done some section hikes of the NCT. It still has a long way to go as compared big 3 to remove some road sections. A thru-hike is very difficult due to the direction and length of the trail. Going west to east means you will have to deal with a lot of cold weather/ice at some stage unlike the other trails where you can start in the south. Still, it has a lot to offer a hiker who wants something different.

Katie Rader avatar

Appalachian Trail - Massachusetts

Katie · reviewed almost 3 years ago

star star star star star

آنیتا كامياران avatar

Pinhoti Trail

آنیتا كامياران · reviewed almost 5 years ago

star star star star star

Brenton Smitham avatar

American Perimeter Trail - North Country Primary

ExplorerNaturelover56 · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Anna Miller avatar

Appalachian Trail Section Hike - Shenandoah National Park

Anna Miller · reviewed over 5 years ago

star star star star star

Frequently asked questions for hikes in United States of America

What is the climate like for hiking in United States of America?

The climate in the United States varies greatly due to its vast size and geographical diversity. Generally, northern states experience cold winters and warm summers, while southern states have mild winters and hot summers. In terms of hiking, weather conditions can significantly influence trail accessibility and comfort.
In most regions, spring (March to June) and fall (September to November) offer the best hiking conditions, with mild temperatures and vibrant flora. However, for high-altitude hikes or trails in northern states, summer (June to August) may be more suitable due to warmer weather.
Winter hikes (December to February) are also possible but require careful planning and suitable gear, especially in snowy regions. Always check local weather conditions before embarking on a hike. For comprehensive hiking guides across the U.S., visit the National Park Service website.
https://www.nps.gov/im/gryn/climate.htm

Do I need a permit to hike in United States of America?

Hiking in certain areas of the U.S., particularly in national parks or wilderness areas, may require permits. These are typically obtained from the managing agency, often the National Park Service or U.S. Forest Service. It's recommended to apply in advance. Detailed information is available on respective agency websites.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sierra/passes-permits/?cid=fsbdev7_018115

Is wild camping allowed in United States of America?

Wild camping, also known as dispersed camping, is typically allowed on U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management lands, with certain restrictions. Campers must adhere to Leave No Trace principles and specific site rules. Comprehensive information can be found on the U.S. Forest Service website.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/fishlake/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5121831

Are there mountain rescue services in United States of America?

In the U.S., emergency rescue services are usually coordinated by local county sheriff's departments, often in collaboration with volunteer search and rescue groups. Hikers in distress should dial 911. The National Association for Search & Rescue provides additional resources and safety tips for hikers
https://mra.org/

Are there dangerous plants in United States of America?

The U.S. boasts diverse flora, with ecosystems ranging from desert cacti in the Southwest, deciduous forests in the East, to alpine flora in the Rocky Mountains. Recognizing local plants can enhance hiking experiences and help avoid poisonous species. https://plants.usda.gov/

What wildlife should I be aware of when hiking in United States of America?

The U.S. offers a broad array of wildlife from small insects to larger mammals, varying by region. Hikers could encounter anything from mosquitoes in humid areas to bears in forested regions. Proper precautions should be taken to avoid unwanted encounters. The National Park Service provides detailed wildlife information. Link: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/watchingwildlife/index.htm

More hikes in United States of America

by difficulty

by type

by activity