Are you tired of hiking the same old trails, fighting crowds of tourists, and using selfie sticks? Do you long for a true adventure in nature, with pristine scenery, breathtaking landscapes, and the feeling of being alone in the wilderness? If you’re looking for a new adventure, it may be time to uncover the hidden gem hiking trails that are lesser-known and off the beaten path. These hidden gems offer the chance to explore some of the most stunning and untouched wilderness areas in the United States.
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In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey through 10 hidden gem hiking trails, from coast to coast, each offering a unique outdoor adventure, nature experience, and exploration opportunity. In addition, we’ll share specific examples and data to validate our claims and build trust with our audience. So, grab your backpack, lace up your boots, and hit the trail!
10 Hidden Gem Hiking Trails
The Presidential Traverse, New Hampshire
Location: White Mountains National Forest, New Hampshire
Length: 19 miles (31 km)
Difficulty: Difficult
Highlights: Stunning views of the White Mountains, challenging terrain, alpine zone, and waterfalls
A challenging hike in the White Mountains National Forest of New Hampshire, the Presidential Traverse offers an excellent opportunity to explore some of the hidden gem hiking trails. The trail spans about 19 miles and crosses the summits of eight peaks, all of which rise above 4,000 feet in elevation. The trail is not for beginners, as it can be challenging and technical, with steep ascents and descents and unpredictable weather conditions.
Nonetheless, the effort pays off as hikers are treated to breathtaking views of the White Mountains, the alpine zone, and a number of waterfalls. The trail is also an opportunity to witness the beauty of nature conservation. It is home to several endangered species, including the Bicknell’s thrush, the American marten, and some hidden gem hiking trails.
The Lost Coast Trail, California
Location: Northern California Coast
Length: 25 miles (40 km)
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Highlights: Rugged coastline, remote beaches, sea lions, whales, and seabirds
The Lost Coast Trail is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure and some hidden gem hiking trails. This trail is located along the Northern California Coast and offers 25 miles of rugged coastline, remote beaches, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The trail is not for the faint of heart, as it can be challenging, with steep climbs, river crossings, and shifting dunes.
However, the rewards are worth it, as hikers will have the opportunity to spot sea lions, whales, and seabirds while soaking in the beauty of the California coastline and discovering hidden gem hiking trails. The trail is also a great opportunity for nature photographers, as the scenery and wildlife are breathtaking. Be sure to bring enough water, as the trail lacks dependable water sources.
The West Maroon Pass Trail, Colorado
Location: Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, Colorado
Length: 11.3 miles (18 km)
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Stunning views of the Maroon Bells, alpine meadows, wildflowers, and fall colors
The West Maroon Pass Trail is located in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness in Colorado and is a great spot to discover hidden gem hiking trails. The trail offers a stunning hike through alpine meadows, wildflowers, and fall colors. With a moderate difficulty rating, the trail is approximately 11.3 miles long, providing access to hikers of all skill levels. The trail’s highlight is the stunning views of the Maroon Bells, a pair of peaks often considered to be the most photographed mountains in North America.
Hikers can also expect to see a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, and bighorn sheep, as well as several pristine lakes and waterfalls, making it a great spot to discover hidden gem hiking trails. The trail is also a great opportunity for nature photography, especially during the fall when the aspens turn golden, and the entire valley is ablaze with color.
The Devil’s Path, New York
Location: Catskill Mountains, New York
Length: 25 miles (40 km)
Difficulty: Difficult
Highlights: Stunning views of the Catskill Mountains, challenging terrain, and waterfalls
The Devil’s Path is located in the Catskill Mountains in New York and is considered one of the hidden gem hiking trails on the East Coast. The trail is approximately 25 miles long and traverses six major peaks, each over 3,000 feet in elevation.
Hikers can expect challenging terrain, with steep ascents and descents and several rock scrambles, making it a great spot to discover hidden gem hiking trails. The Catskill Mountains and numerous waterfalls are among the stunning views that hikers can enjoy as a reward for completing the trail. The trail is also an opportunity to witness the beauty of nature conservation, as it is home to several endangered species, including the timber rattlesnake and the peregrine falcon.
The Kalalau Trail, Hawaii
Location: Na Pali Coast, Kauai, Hawaii
Length: 11 miles (18 km)
Difficulty: Difficult
Highlights: Stunning coastal views, waterfalls, sea caves, and secluded beaches
One of the most demanding hikes in the world is the Kalalau Trail, situated on the Na Pali Coast of Kauai Island in Hawaii. And also a great spot to discover hidden gem hiking trails. The trail covers about 11 miles and takes hikers along a rugged coastline, steep cliffs, and several river crossings.
Nonetheless, the trail’s challenges are compensated by its stunning rewards, with hikers treated to breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean, cascading waterfalls, fascinating sea caves, and serene, secluded beaches. They will also discover some hidden gem hiking trails. The trail is also an opportunity to witness the beauty of eco-tourism, as hikers will pass through several ancient Hawaiian villages and cultural sites.
The Northville-Placid Trail, New York
Location: Adirondack Mountains, New York
Length: 133 miles (214 km)
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Highlights: Pristine wilderness areas, alpine lakes, and stunning mountain views
The Northville-Placid Trail is a hidden gem hiking trail located in the Adirondack Mountains in New York. It offers hikers an opportunity to trek through pristine wilderness areas, alpine lakes, and stunning mountain views. The trail is approximately 133 miles long and is considered moderate to difficult, making it accessible to hikers of all skill levels.
The trail offers a chance to spot an array of wildlife, such as moose, black bears, and bald eagles, and to discover several immaculate lakes and waterfalls, rendering it among the top off-the-beaten-path hiking trails in New York. The trail is also an opportunity to witness the beauty of nature conservation, as it is home to several endangered species, including the spruce grouse and the bog turtle.
The Grand Gulch Primitive Area, Utah
Location: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah
Length: Varies
Difficulty: Easy to Difficult
Highlights: Stunning desert landscapes, ancient Native American ruins, and rock art
The Grand Gulch Primitive Area is a hidden gem hiking trail located in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in Utah. It offers hikers an opportunity to explore stunning desert landscapes, ancient Native American ruins, and rock art. The trail is a moderate hike in terms of difficulty, making it accessible to hikers of all skill levels.
Hikers should anticipate encountering diverse fauna, including bighorn sheep, coyotes, and desert tortoises, as well as several ancient cliff dwellings and rock art. The Grand Gulch Primitive Area also offers a chance to appreciate the beauty of nature conservation, as it serves as a habitat for various endangered and threatened species, such as the peregrine falcon and desert bighorn sheep.
The Enchantments, Washington
Location: Cascade Mountains, Washington
Length: Varies
Difficulty: Difficult
Highlights: Alpine lakes, stunning mountain views, and wildflowers
The Enchantments is a hidden gem hiking trail series of alpine lakes located in the Cascade Mountains in Washington and offers hikers an opportunity to explore stunning mountain scenery, alpine lakes, and wildflowers. The trail’s length and difficulty vary, accommodating hikers of different skill levels.
Hikers may encounter a diverse array of wildlife, such as mountain goats, marmots, and black bears, along with numerous untouched alpine lakes and cascading waterfalls. The Enchantments is one of the best-kept secrets among hikers and backpackers, offering a unique and unforgettable hiking experience. The trail is also an opportunity to witness the beauty of nature conservation, as it is home to several endangered species, including the gray wolf and the wolverine.
The W Trek, Chile
Location: Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
Length: 50 miles (80 km)
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Highlights: Stunning Patagonian scenery, glaciers, and lakes
The W Trek is one of the most incredible hidden gem hiking trails in the world. An opportunity for hikers to explore stunning Patagonian scenery, glaciers, and lakes awaits in Torres del Paine National Park in Chile. The trail is approximately 50 miles long and is considered moderate to difficult, making it accessible to hikers of all skill levels.
On the trail, hikers can expect to spot various wildlife, such as guanacos, foxes, and condors, along with a collection of glaciers and awe-inspiring alpine lakes. The W Trek is a unique opportunity to witness the beauty of eco-tourism, as the park has made significant conservation efforts to protect its pristine natural environment.
The Milford Track, New Zealand
Location: Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
Length: 33.5 miles (53.5 km)
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Stunning rainforest scenery, waterfalls, and fjords
The Milford Track is one of the best-kept secrets of New Zealand’s South Island and a must-visit for hikers looking for hidden gem hiking trails. The trail situated in Fiordland National Park offers stunning rainforest scenery, waterfalls, and fjords, making it one of the world’s most beautiful hikes. The 33.5-mile trail is considered moderate, making it accessible to hikers of all skill levels.
Hikers will encounter diverse wildlife, including kea parrots, New Zealand fur seals, and Fiordland crested penguins, and they will also witness numerous waterfalls and magnificent fjords, making it an unforgettable experience. The trail is also an opportunity to witness the beauty of conservation efforts, as the park has made significant efforts to protect its pristine natural environment.
These ten hidden gem hiking trails off the beaten path are sure to offer adventure, beauty, and a sense of wilderness that is hard to find in our modern world. Regardless of your level of experience, these trails provide a variety of options that cater to both avid backpackers and casual hikers.
These trails offer a chance for both nature enthusiasts and conservationists to marvel at the awe-inspiring Patagonian landscapes of the W Trek and the historic Native American ruins of the Grand Gulch Primitive Area.
Get ready to hike by putting on your hiking boots, preparing your backpack, and embarking on the trails to discover the beauty and awe-inspiring features of our natural world. Wishing you a joyful hike!
