Hikers who appreciate solitude as they travel do not have to visit far-off places. Some of the best spots for a solo hike are right here in the USA. Check out these less-traveled trails for a memorable experience.
Pro tip: don’t forget your camera: you’ll want memories to treasure and share.
Guest article by: Jason Gordon
Trail #1: Lost Lake Trail, Alaska
- This trail is 7.3 miles (15 miles if you count the Primrose Trail) of unparalleled beauty. The diverse scenery—rain forest, meadows, lakes—is enhanced by a backdrop of snow-covered mountains.
- All these visual delights and easy-to-traverse terrain combine to this a serene setting for solo hikers.
- Spending the night here provides an additional bonus: brilliant stars and the spectacular Northern Lights.
Trail #2: Fall Canyon, Death Valley, California
- This secluded ravine is tailor-made for a lone hiker. On a windless day, there is total quiet. The 4.5-mile-long path meanders between many-hued walls and is dotted by exquisite cave-like passages.
- It is not a difficult hike—even with its covering of loose gravel.
- Be sure to bring water and wear a head covering and do not plan a summer visit: temperatures soar past the century mark.
Trail #3: Teton Crest Trail, Wyoming
- Hiking from south to north along this 39-mile trail, which measures 8,000 feet at its lowest point, affords magnificent views of the mountains.
- The trail is a bit strenuous but well worth the effort. Glaciers, spiky peaks, and beautiful waterways like Lake Solitude combine to make this a must-see.
- Plan on spending several days here to make the most of what the trail has to offer.
Trail #4: Lake Katherine, New Mexico
- The Windsor Trail is a little-used, moderately difficult 13.2-mile long trail. The scenery to and around Lake Katherine is stunning, which makes it one of the most beautiful places to visit in America.
- The trail is ideal for either a day trip or a longer stay.
- As the lake attracts a number of visitors, camping elsewhere affords a more serene environment for the hiker who treasures solitude
Trail #5: Great Range Traverse, Adirondacks, New York
- Covering twelve mountains along its 25 miles, this trail is among the most difficult in the country.
- Hikers can take in the incredible scenery all at once or in segments.
- Steep climbs along the Cable Route (so called because of a cable in place to assist hikers in the area) provide for some awesome mountain views.
Trail #6: Long Trail, Vermont
- This 272-mile-long path in the Green Mountains is ideal for a day, weekend, or longer trek. The trail, dubbed Vermont’s “footpath in the wilderness” scales mountains and takes the hiker along forests, alpine flora, and peaceful ponds.
- Both the neophyte and experienced solo traveler will delight in the diverse landscape.
Trail #7: Davidson-Arabia Nature Preserve, Georgia
- The short, easy-to-traverse Mountain View Trail is a new, less-well-known path.
- The trail winds through a forest and past a lake. At its end, visitors can hike to the summit and take in its impressive view of treetops.
- The pathway is home to the rare diamorpha, a plant beautiful in any season. Solo hikers will find it hard to believe they are in the metro Atlanta area.
Wherever you are, there is a memorable hiking experience just around the corner. Enjoy the journey!
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