Hiking through America’s national and state parks offers unparalleled scenic beauty. From towering granite cliffs to vibrant red rock canyons, the diverse landscapes of America’s national and state parks are unforgettable. However, to fully enjoy these landscapes, it is essential to prioritize your safety. Here are ten of America’s most scenic parks, paired with crucial hiking safety tips to ensure both a memorable and safe adventure.

Glacier National Park, Montana

Glacier National Park | Image credit: US Department of the Interior, Flickr

Often referred to as the “Crown of the Continent,” Glacier National Park offers over 700 miles of trails winding through some of the most stunning landscapes in the United States. Hikers will be able to witness both towering peaks of the Continental Divide and the serene waters of alpine lakes. The park provides a wide and diverse array of hiking experiences suitable for all skill levels, and visitors can even enjoy free guided hikes and stargazing events.

Safety Tip: Always check the weather forecast before heading out. Mountain weather can change rapidly, and it is essential to be prepared for sudden temperature drops and storms.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho

Yellowstone National Park | Image credit: Gregory Smith, Flickr

Spanning 2.2 million acres across three states, Yellowstone has diverse wildlife, expansive hiking opportunities, and, of course, beautiful scenic views. Visitors exploring the various trails will be able to view geysers, hot springs, and abundant wildlife.

Safety Tip: Maintain a safe distance from wildlife. Animals such as bison can be unpredictable and have been known to charge when approached too closely.

Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite National Park | Image credit: Sridhar Saraf, Flickr

California’s most visited park is famous for its impressive waterfalls and enormous granite rock formations. Here hikers will find an abundance of scenic hiking trails and camping opportunities. Stopping by the Tunnel View overlook will offer hikers a showstopping view of Yosemite Valley.

Safety Tip: Know what time the sun is going to set so you can plan your hike accordingly. Many trails can often take longer than expected, so it is wise to ensure you return before it gets too dark.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Grand Canyon National Park | Image credit: Grand Canyon National Park, Flick

Grand Canyon National Park, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, is known for its scenic views so magnificent that no picture caught on any camera can capture its vast scenic beauty. Offering some of the most breathtaking views in the United States, the park provides endless hiking opportunities for all. The popular Rim Trail provides access to many scenic views, while Bright Angel Trail offers a view into the canyon, revealing its iconic rock formations.

Safety Tip: Prepare for sun exposure; the canyon’s lower elevations can become extremely hot. Wearing sunscreen and light-colored clothing will help protect yourself from the sun.

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Grand Teton National Park | Image credit: Jeff Gunn, Flickr

This wild wonderland features jagged snow-capped peaks, numerous lakes, and vast forest, with over 250 miles of trails to explore. The Cascade Canyon Trail showcases glacier-carved canyons, waterfalls, and more, making it a favorite among nature photographers and scenic enthusiasts.

Safety Tip: Research the trails before leaving; it will help you understand how difficult and long the trails are. This will help ensure your route matches your fitness level and experience.

Fall Creek Falls State Park, Tennessee

Fall Creek Falls State Park | Image credit: Michael Hicks, Flickr

Known as the best state park in the U.S for waterfall enthusiasts, Fall Creek Falls offers over 26,000 acres of cascades, gorges, streams, forest, and, of course, waterfalls. The park includes numerous scenic overlooks, providing a stunning view of the park’s vast natural beauty.

Safety Tip: Remember to wear supportive footwear. The park’s trails can often be rugged and slippery, especially near waterfalls and streams. Wearing sturdy non-slip shoes will help prevent accidents.

Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio

Hocking Hills State Park | Image credit: Amarnath, Flickr

Nestled in the heart of Ohio, Hocking Hills is a haven for hikers. Its diverse landscape offers many caves, cliffs, waterfalls, and lush forests to explore. Each trail in the park unveils a new natural wonder, such as Old Man’s Creek Trail, which showcases the park’s popular sandstone formations and cascading waterfalls.

Safety Tip: Stay on marked trails. While the thought of exploring off-trail paths can be tempting, it is crucial to remain on designated trails to ensure safety and preserve the park’s delicate ecosystem.

Dead Horse Point State Park, Moab, Utah

Dead Horse Point State Park | Image credit: Granger Meador, Flickr

Encompassing over 5,000 acres of high desert, this park offers trails surrounded by canyons, cliffs, and the beautiful Colorado River. Dead Horse Point State Park offers a popular 8-mile hiking trail that has numerous scenic overlooks along its path. As an international Dark Sky Park, it is also an excellent spot for stargazing after a long day of hiking.

Safety Tip: Wear proper hiking clothing. Environments such as the desert can be harsh, with intense sun during the day and cooler temperatures at night. It is important to dress in layers and choose breathable fabrics to stay comfortable while enjoying the view.

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Big Sur, California

Julie Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Big Sur | Image credit: J. Stephen Conn, Flickr

Adjacent to the Pacific Ocean, this park features the widely known, 300-foot redwood trees and the famous McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall cascading into the ocean. Hikers will also discover many trails along the coast offering a breath-taking view during their journey.

Safety tip: Pick a trail that matches your ability, experience, and fitness level, especially when it comes to coastal trails. They can often be challenging due to uneven terrain and proximity to cliffs.

Chimney Rock State Park, Asheville, North Carolina

Chimney Rock State Park | Image credit: Domenico-Convertini, Flickr

Referred to as one of the best state parks to visit in America, Chimney Rock State Park sits on over 8,000 acres of land, offering hikers plenty of trails to explore. Specifically, the Chimney Rock Trail leads hikers up to a 315-foot freestanding rock offering beautiful views of the entire park.

Safety Tip: Learn basic navigation skills. Being able to turn off your cellphone or lookup from a map will allow you to soak in the beautiful sites around you.

The trails we explore today are part of a legacy that future generations deserve to inherit. Parks and open spaces are more than just scenic getaways; they are vital to the health of our communities, our environment, and our shared quality of life. Yet in many places, these natural treasures are undervalued or overlooked. That is why Scenic America is working to ensure that parks and open spaces are prioritized, protected, and accessible to everyone.

If you believe state and national parks should be protected, now is the time to speak out. Help Scenic America in advocating for the preservation and development of our natural resources. Join us, so that the trails you hike today are still there tomorrow.