From short nature walks to multi-day backcountry routes, find parks and sites known for trails and hiking opportunities. The NPS directory lists hiking at 275 parks and sites nationwide. Compare destinations below, filter to national parks only, and open any park page for trails, alerts, campgrounds, and trip planning.
275 parks and sites (NPS)
From NPS.gov
Watch this short video that highlights some of the benefits of hiking.
Related stories and places from NPS.gov, same as the official app.
Massai Point Nature Trail · Chiricahua National Monument
Take in sweeping views, balanced rock formations, and the park’s geologic story from this short trail beginning at the Massai Point parking area. The half‑mile route starts on the north side, climbs to the exhibit building, and then follows the west rim south around the point. Interpretive signs describe how these unique formations developed over time. Those looking to explore deeper into the rock formations can connect to the Ed Riggs Trail and the larger trail system. Uneven footing, stairs, and the 6,870‑foot (2…
Hike the Trails at Chiricahua · Chiricahua National Monument
Hiking at Chiricahua National Monument is an experience like no other. Many of the trails immediately bring visitors into an epic landscape of rocks of all shapes and sizes. Visitors don't just gaze at the formations from above, but stand under and beside the towering giants.
Hike to the Wheeler Peak Bristlecone Grove · Great Basin National Park
Trail Overview Total Distance: 2.8 miles / 4.5 kilometers Starting elevation: 9,890 feet / 2,987 meters Elevation Gain: 600 feet / 183 meters Difficulty: Moderate Time: 1.5 hours - 3 hours Begin at : Bristlecone Trailhead/End of the Scenic Drive Perhaps the most popular trail in Great Basin National Park, the Bristlecone Trail steers visitors up to the Wheeler Peak Bristlecone Grove, the most easily accessible in the park. An interpretive loop with signs talking about these bristlecones and their impressively long…
Death Canyon - Static Peak Divide Junction · Grand Teton National Park
Head into Death Canyon for spectacular views of Phelps Lake and the surrounding peaks. Starting from the Death Canyon Trailhead, hikers will climb to the Phelps Lake Overlook before dropping down to Phelps Lake and then climbing back up into Death Canyon. The trail winds through forests and up rocky slopes before reaching the patrol cabin. From there, hikers have the option to continue into the canyon, split off to the Static Peak Divide Trail, or head back to the trailhead. In spring and early summer the trail is…
Phelps Lake · Grand Teton National Park
Access Phelps Lake via the Phelps Lake Overlook. From the overlook, hikers will drop down to the lakeshore via a series of switchbacks. From there, visitors can access the Phelps Lake Loop Trail and continue on as short or long as they like. The hike back to the overlook is a strenuous, uphill climb. Visitors not used to the elevation should take time and bring plenty of water for the return trip.
Massai Point Nature Trail
Chiricahua National Monument
Take in sweeping views, balanced rock formations, and the park’s geologic story from this short trail beginning at the Massai Point parking area. The half‑mile route starts on the north side, climbs to the exhibit building, and then follows the west rim south around the point. Interpretive signs describe how these uniq…
Hike the Trails at Chiricahua
Chiricahua National Monument
Hiking at Chiricahua National Monument is an experience like no other. Many of the trails immediately bring visitors into an epic landscape of rocks of all shapes and sizes. Visitors don't just gaze at the formations from above, but stand under and beside the towering giants.
Hike to the Wheeler Peak Bristlecone Grove
Great Basin National Park
Trail Overview Total Distance: 2.8 miles / 4.5 kilometers Starting elevation: 9,890 feet / 2,987 meters Elevation Gain: 600 feet / 183 meters Difficulty: Moderate Time: 1.5 hours - 3 hours Begin at : Bristlecone Trailhead/End of the Scenic Drive Perhaps the most popular trail in Great Basin National Park, the Bristleco…
Death Canyon - Static Peak Divide Junction
Grand Teton National Park
Head into Death Canyon for spectacular views of Phelps Lake and the surrounding peaks. Starting from the Death Canyon Trailhead, hikers will climb to the Phelps Lake Overlook before dropping down to Phelps Lake and then climbing back up into Death Canyon. The trail winds through forests and up rocky slopes before reach…
Phelps Lake
Grand Teton National Park
Access Phelps Lake via the Phelps Lake Overlook. From the overlook, hikers will drop down to the lakeshore via a series of switchbacks. From there, visitors can access the Phelps Lake Loop Trail and continue on as short or long as they like. The hike back to the overlook is a strenuous, uphill climb. Visitors not used…
Open Canyon
Grand Teton National Park
Death Canyon Trailhead Open Canyon is a very strenuous, out and back trail that winds through alpine forests along the shores of Phelps Lake before ascending into the canyon and transporting hikers to alpine terrain near Mount Hunt Divide. Take in the views at the divide before returning the same way. Before attempting…
Static Peak Divide Trail
Grand Teton National Park
Static Peak Divide is a very strenuous hike that takes a full day to complete. After heading into Death Canyon, take the split to Static Peak Divide. The trail switchbacks up the side of the canyon, gaining significant elevation over the next few miles. This can be hazardous for those not acclimated to high altitude. T…
Walk the Fern Canyon Loop Trail
Redwood National and State Parks
A Popular Destination That Comes With Challenges: Wild Elk and Stream Crossings If you plan to drive to Fern Canyon from May 15th - Sept 15th, you will need a free Gold Bluffs Beach / Fern Canyon parking reservation (available online only). Note : Hikers can still access Fern Canyon by doing the 10-mile round-trip hike…
Hike Pine Creek Trail
Curecanti National Recreation Area
This trail follows Pine Creek as it cascades into the depths of the upper Black Canyon to Morrow Point Reservoir. It follows the old narrow gauge railroad bed along the reservoir. Pine Creek Trail provides fishing, camping, and boating access for Morrow Point Reservoir. No boat launching facilities. Small hand-carried…
Hike the Lone Palm Trail
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
HEAT CLOSURE IN EFFECT: 5/8/26: To help keep visitors and first responder staff safe from dangerously high temperatures during the hottest time of year, Lake Mead National Recreation Area institutes an annual seasonal closure of certain strenuous trails from May 15 to September 30. Temporary closures will take place ou…
Hike the White Rock Canyon Trail
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
HEAT CLOSURE IN EFFECT: 5/8/26: To help keep visitors and first responder staff safe from dangerously high temperatures during the hottest time of year, Lake Mead National Recreation Area institutes an annual seasonal closure of certain strenuous trails from May 15 to September 30. Temporary closures will take place ou…
Hike the Goldstrike Canyon Trail
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
HEAT CLOSURE IN EFFECT: 5/8/26: To help keep visitors and first responder staff safe from dangerously high temperatures during the hottest time of year, Lake Mead National Recreation Area institutes an annual seasonal closure of certain strenuous trails from May 15 to September 30. Temporary closures will take place ou…
Hike the Arizona Hot Springs Trail
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
HEAT CLOSURE IN EFFECT: 5/8/26: To help keep visitors and first responder staff safe from dangerously high temperatures during the hottest time of year, Lake Mead National Recreation Area institutes an annual seasonal closure of certain strenuous trails from May 15 to September 30. Temporary closures will take place ou…
Hike the Liberty Bell Arch Trail
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
HEAT CLOSURE IN EFFECT: 5/8/26: To help keep visitors and first responder staff safe from dangerously high temperatures during the hottest time of year, Lake Mead National Recreation Area institutes an annual seasonal closure of certain strenuous trails from May 15 to September 30. Temporary closures will take place ou…
Visit Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
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Upcoming programs and events at parks in this collection (from the NPS Events API).
Explore the life of a lockkeeper and family in the 1870's time period with a guided tour of one of the C&O Canal's original lockhouses. Girl Scouts offer free tours of the lockhouse and grounds at Lock 24. In addition, there may be various Victorian Era demonstrations such as laundry, cider pressing, making lemonade, churning butter or ice cream and more. Visitors are welcome to participate in the activities and taste the results. Open every Saturday and Sunday 1pm-4pm, March 21 st through July 12 th and August 16 th through December 12 th . The lockhouse will be closed for bad weather.
Discover fascinating fossils and evidence of ancient ecosystems with a ranger in this 20-30 minute talk. throughout the summer. Meet at the Quarry Exhibit Hall shuttle stop to learn more about the processes that have shaped today's landscape. Please Note : Program topics can change due to unforeseen schedule changes. Programs may also be canceled due to adverse weather, for visitor or employee safety, or because of staffing shortages caused by emergencies such as fire or medical conditions.
This program is held beside the flagpole at the Memorial Plaza. Called to Action is a ranger program revisiting the Flight 93 story within the context of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack. This 30-minute program is held where visitors can sit on benches and listen to a ranger talk about aspects of the terrorists' plan, personal stories of passengers and crew members, as well as the obstacles the passengers and crew members overcame to thwart Flight 93 from hitting the terrorists' planned target.
After the American Revolution but before becoming the nation’s first president, George Washington had another revolutionary idea – a canal system that would promote expansion into the Ohio River Valley and beyond. Join us at the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center to learn more about George Washington’s life, explore his dream of a canal system along the Potomac River, and discover how that vision helped to shape American expansion and commerce for over a century.
Explore the world of hybrid animals! Did you know that the mules that used to pull boats along the C&O Canal were hybrid animals? Mules are a cross between a horse and a donkey and inherit the best parts of each of their parents, just like many other animals. Visit with a park ranger to learn about hybrid animals, what they are, and their animals superpowers. You can even create your own hybrid animals!
Free Ferry Weekend Celebrate Boston Harbor Islands opening weekend with a FREE trip to Georges Island! Explore Georges Island’s expansive fields and the historic Fort Warren. Catch the ferry to Georges right from Downtown Boston’s Long Wharf North… for free! Saturday, May 30 Sunday, May 31 Getting Tickets: Tickets are first come, first served, and can be picked up at the Boston Harbor City Cruises Ferry Center at Long Wharf North beginning at 8:00 AM. No advance reservations. Arrive early, as this event will sell out fast! This event cannot accommodate groups – 5 tickets allowed per adult Ferry Schedule: Ferries depart from Gate 5 . Ticketed passengers should plan to be in line at least 15 minutes before their ferry departure time. Boston to Georges Island: 10:00 AM | 12:00 PM Ferries from Georges back to Boston depart the island at 1:00 PM & 3:00 PM
Join us at the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center for a ranger program and learn more about the history of the C&O Canal! A ranger will present a program with accompanying hands-on learning activities on topics including 19th-century fashion, the history of National Park Service rangers, period music, and more!
Visitors are invited to join a short tour and talk at the Cumberland Terminus Visitor Center exploring the history of the Potomac River corridor as a vital transportation route through the Appalachian Mountains. The program highlights the active years of the C&O Canal while also examining the people, trade, and ideas that moved through the region before the canal was built and after its operations ended. Through stories of transportation, industry, and daily life, participants will gain a broader understanding of the canal’s role in shaping the region’s history.
This program is held beside the flagpole at the Memorial Plaza. Called to Action is a ranger program revisiting the Flight 93 story within the context of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack. This 30-minute program is held where visitors can sit on benches and listen to a ranger talk about aspects of the terrorists' plan, personal stories of passengers and crew members, as well as the obstacles the passengers and crew members overcame to thwart Flight 93 from hitting the terrorists' planned target.
This program is held beside the flagpole at the Memorial Plaza. Called to Action is a ranger program revisiting the Flight 93 story within the context of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack. This 30-minute program is held where visitors can sit on benches and listen to a ranger talk about aspects of the terrorists' plan, personal stories of passengers and crew members, as well as the obstacles the passengers and crew members overcame to thwart Flight 93 from hitting the terrorists' planned target.
Built in 1801 by Abner Cloud, Jr., the house is considered one of the finest examples of Federal architecture in Washington D.C. Pre-dating the construction of the C&O Canal, the home of Abner Cloud served as the center of the family farm and fishing business. Tour the Abner Cloud House and learn more about early 19th century farming, architecture, and the people who lived and worked on the property. The three-story, stone home is operated in parntership with The Colonial Dames of America and is open for tours on the first Sunday of each month from 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm. The Abner Cloud House is located at Fletchers Cove . Admission to Fletchers Cove and the Abner Cloud House is free.
Acadia National Park protects the natural beauty of the highest rocky headlands along the Atlantic coastline of the United States, an abundance of habitats, and a rich cultural heritage. At 4 million visits a year, it's one of the top 10 most-visited national parks in the United States. Visitors enjoy 27 miles of historic motor roads, 158 miles of hiking trails, and 45 miles of carriage roads.
In the early 1900s, paleontologists unearthed the Age of Mammals when they found full skeletons of extinct Miocene mammals in the hills of Nebraska -- species previously only known through fragments. At the same time, an age of friendship began between rancher James Cook and Chief Red Cloud of the Lakota. These two unprecedented events are preserved and protected here... at Agate Fossil Beds.
Established in 2000 to preserve, protect and interpret traditional Native Hawaiian culture and natural resources, Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail is a 175-mile corridor encompassing a network of culturally and historically significant trails. This "trail by the sea" traverses wahi pana (storied landscapes), ancient Hawaiian sites and over 200 ahupuaʻa (traditional land divisions).
The first railroad to cross the Allegheny Mountains, the Allegheny Portage Railroad was the final piece of the Pennsylvania Main Line Canal. "The Portage" opened in 1834, marking the first time that there was one, direct route between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. All things to all people, it served merchants, passengers, slaves in pursuit of freedom, and soldiers from the Mexican War.
An oasis in the desert, Amistad National Recreation Area consists of the US portion of the International Amistad Reservoir. Amistad, a Spanish word meaning "friendship," is known for excellent water-based recreation, camping, hiking, and rich cultural history dating back nearly 5,000 years. Amistad is also home to a wide variety of plant and animal life both above and below the water.
Given its remote location and challenging weather conditions, Aniakchak is one of the most wild and least visited places in the National Park System. This landscape is a vibrant reminder of Alaska's location in the volcanically active "Ring of Fire," as it is home to an impressive six mile (10 km) wide, 2,500 ft (762 m) deep caldera formed during a massive volcanic eruption 3,500 years ago.
23,000 soldiers were killed, wounded or missing after twelve hours of savage combat on September 17, 1862. The Battle of Antietam ended the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia's first invasion into the North and led Abraham Lincoln to issue the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation.
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, located at the northern tip of Wisconsin's Bayfield Peninsula, features 21 stunning islands, a scenic 12-mile shoreline along Lake Superior, and is located within the ancestral homeland of the Ojibwe people. Established in 1970, the park showcases picturesque sea caves, sandy beaches, and the largest collection of lighthouses in the National Park system.
The Appalachian Trail is a 2,190+ mile long public footpath that traverses the scenic, wooded, pastoral, wild, and culturally resonant lands of the Appalachian Mountains. Conceived in 1921, built by private citizens, and completed in 1937, today the trail is managed by the National Park Service, US Forest Service, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, numerous state agencies and thousands of volunteers.
On April 9, 1865, the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia in the McLean House in the village of Appomattox Court House, Virginia signaled the effective end of the nation's largest war. Questions remained: could the nation reunite as one? How would emancipation be realized?
Discover a landscape of contrasting colors, land forms, and textures unlike any other. The park has over 2,000 natural stone arches, hundreds of soaring pinnacles, massive rock fins, and giant balanced rocks. This red-rock wonderland will amaze you with its formations, refresh you with its trails, and inspire you with its sunsets.
Located at the confluence of two rivers, Arkansas Post has served as a gathering place for many cultures throughout human history - it represents cultural cooperation, conflict, synthesis, and diversity.
Showing 1–12 of 275 parks
