east coast backpacking trips

15 Epic Hikes On The East Coast USA To Add To Your Bucket List

By: Author Robyn Robledo

Posted on Last updated: April 23, 2024

Every year I say, “This is the year we will finally make it to the East Coast!” but it never happens.  We’ve become so obsessed with sharp jagged mountains and hikes to alpine lakes that every summer we end up getting stuck playing in the Rockies or flying to the Pyrenees.  So to help boost my motivation to get to the East Coast, I’ve asked some fellow bloggers what their favorite epic hikes are on the East Coast of the U.S. and added the ones that are on my bucket list to help fuel our motivation to get out east and to hopefully inspire your wanderlust.

2023 Update: We have officially made it to the East Coast and this blog has been updated with a few more of our favorite picks for East Coast hiking!

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Here are 12 adventurous hikes that you should check out on the East Coast.  Let us know in the comments if you’ve done one or if there is another one we should add to this list.

Best Hikes on the East Coast in Maine

1 | precipice, orange and black and champlain north ridge trail loop , acadia np.

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Jess Curren | Outdoor & Travel (@currentlywandering) on Sep 11, 2018 at 7:36am PDT

Distance: 2.1 Mile Loop Elevation Gain : 1,059 feet Trailhead : Precipice Trailhead Coordinates

Did you say a hike with iron rungs and ladders, plus some boulder scrambling? I’m in!  And it’s in a National Park?  Pinch me, I’m dreaming!

I seriously don’t know what’s taking me so long to get to Maine! Our family loves national parks and adrenaline-filled hikes like Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park so naturally this short and scary 2 miler in Acadia would be right up our alley.

Note that this trail is closed between March 15 and August 15 due to falcon nesting and you don’t want to do this if it is raining.  Also, leave the hiking sticks in the car because you’ll want both hands ready for this one.  

While in Acacia, make sure to check out James @ Parks Collecting’s favorite hike, The Beehive as well as 3 other hikes he recommends in Acadia NP.

2 | The Beehive , Acadia NP

Distance: 1.6 miles round trip Elevation gain : 520 feet Trailhead : Beehive Trailhead Coordinates

The Beehive Trail is an epic hike because of the many technical aspects. It is named after the classic beehive shape of the cliff.

It’s not a long hike, but parts of the steep sides of the ‘hive’ are cliffs that have iron rungs permanently installed that you need to climb.  This, combined with narrow ledges with steep drop-offs, make this a bad choice for the faint-hearted, but a great choice for adrenaline junkies.

That being said, I did see families do this with careful supervision. At the top, hikers are rewarded with spectacular views of Sand Beach and Great Head Peninsula. If you want the view without the technical hike, there is an easy path up the back of the cliff – the Bowl Trail (but the technical aspects of the hike are half the fun!)

Best place to grab a bite or beer after The classic place to relax in Acadia National Park is the Jordan Pond House ( get directions here ).  You have the try the delicious popovers – a local specialty kind of like a light muffin, served with butter and jam.  The perfect way to unwind after your hike up the Beehive.

Thanks for the Inspo James! Click here to see easier hikes in Acadia NP that James recommends.

If you have little ones you are traveling with, Kelly at Wikebaby recommends doing Cadillac Mountain North Ridge Trail .

3 | Katahdin Dudley, Knife Edge, Saddle Trail Loop , Baxter State Park

Distance: 4.0 miles Elevation Gain: 2,624 feet Trailhead: Katahdin Trailhead Coordinates

With some sections bordering on technical climbing , it will help to harness your inner mountain goat spirit to complete the Knife’s Edge. As the name implies, the Knife Edge section is narrow and exposed, plus, the descent involves a steep scree slope and more scrambling over boulders.  Be careful doing this hike in windy conditions and not in the rain. 

There are other longer ways to access the Knife’s Edge such as via The Hunt Trail .

4 | The Mahoosuc Notch via North Pond Rd to AT , Appalachian Trail

Distance: 9.0 mile loop Elevation Gain: 2,559 feet Trailhead: Notch Trailhead Coordinates

While I have no desire at this point in my life to take on the challenging and tedious Appalachian Trail, the famous one-mile   of Mahoosuc Notch, which is said the be the toughest mile on the AT, sounds very exciting.

This one section of the AT requires climbing over boulders and scrambling through tight spaces so people with claustrophobia may want to skip this one.   After, there looks like some fun cliff jumping and swimming nearby at Frenchman’s Hole.

Epic hikes need epic gear! Our Kuhl pants have been everywhere with us and are truly one of our favorite hiking pants! My personal favorite, the women’s Splash Roll is one of my top picks. They’re stylish, comfortable, and durable and have been on adventures with us for 26 countries, which goes to show truly how long-lasting they are! The women’s Trekkr pants are another top choice, due to their slimmer fit and cinched capri-fit. Kuhl has a style for every hiker with skinny, straight, and relaxed fits for both men and women. “Fueled by independence,” Kuhl combines a mountain mindset with effectively designed, stylish apparel for active people. Shop now at Kuhl.com .

Best Hikes on the East Coast in New York

New York is high up there on our bucket list. While a day or two strolling through Central Park and eating in New York City sounds nice, it’s the mountains of New York that are calling our name. With all the epic hiking in the Adirondacks and Catskills mountains, not to mention climbing the Gunks, it’s crazy that we haven’t checked this state off the bucket list yet.

5 | Avalanche Pass and Avalanche Lake Trail , Adirondack Mountains

Distance: 10 miles Elevation Gain: 1,335 feet Trailhead: Avalanche Pass + Lake Coordinates

This is another strenuous hike that also requires climbing along ladders and bridges that are bolted directly into the cliff walls surrounding a lake.  If this one sounds a bit adrenaline-packed, there are other ways to take in the gorgeous views of Avalanche Lake that start from the same trailhead.

6 | Devil’s Path , Catskill Mountains

Distance: 21.8 miles (although you can shorten it and do just one-half) Elevation Gain: 8,172 feet Trailhead: Start Devil’s Path Here on the east side on Prediger Trail Head Road

Know for being one of the most difficult of its kind in the northeast U.S., this one is for bragging rights! While there are a variety of ways to hike Devil’s Path, we’ve got our eyes on the eastern half which takes you over 4 of the Catskill’s 3500 peaks – Indian Head, Twin, Sugarloaf, and Plateau . The strenuous ascent and descent over each pass reminds me of our epic backpacking trip through the Maroon Bell’s Four Pass Loop .

Check out TheOutbound for a thorough description of how to backpack Devil’s Path.

7 | Kaaterskill Falls , Catskills

Distance : 1.4 miles roundtrip  Elevation  Gain: 620 feet gain Trailhead : Laurel House Road

Kaaterskill Falls, recommended by Taima of Poor In A Private Plane, is located in the eastern Catskill Mountains of New York. This is an excellent hike in New York for those looking for a moderately easy hike with big returns. 

As one of the tallest two-tiered waterfalls in New York, with a 260-foot drop, it offers a fantastic view of the falls, which gives the opportunity to view the falls from two different perspectives. 

Because the hike to Kaaterskill Falls is relatively short but rewarding, it provides a perfect mixture of accessibility and adventure, so it is excellent for all skill levels, including children.

The hike’s highlight is the observation platform, where you can feel the falls’ mist and hear the thundering water. As you stand there, surrounded by the immense beauty of the forest and the falls, it’s easy to see why this spot is epic. 

From there, you can continue to either the upper or lower parts of the falls or extend your hike and do both. 

After your hike, consider stopping by the nearby town of Tannersville for a bite. Last Chance is a great spot to warm up with a cup of their french onion soup or their homemade macaroni and cheese. 

Kaaterskill Falls is an excellent hike to visit during a weekend trip to the Catskills or even on a day trip to nearby Hunter Mountain.

8 | Breakneck Ridge Hike , Hudson Valley

Distance: 3.7 miles Elevation Gain: 1400 ft Trailhead : Breakneck Ridge Coordinates

Looking for gorgeous views closer to New York City? Head to Hudson Valley to Breakneck Ridge, which our friends Katherine and Anisa at Two Traveling Texans highly recommend.

Breakneck Ridge is one of the best areas to hike in the Hudson Valley.  It’s easy to get to NYC (there is a direct train there on the weekends) and the views of the Hudson River are spectacular.

There are several different routes you can take, but the most popular one is to take the Breakneck Ridge (marked in white), then turn left on the red trail (Breakneck Bypass), and then another left on the yellow trail (Wilkinson Memorial), which will lead you back to the train.

The first part of the hike is the most challenging.  You gain most of the elevation in the first mile so at times it’s a bit of a scramble.  Don’t worry though, there are several spots to stop and take in the panoramic views. I felt a huge sense of accomplishment once I had completed the hike and the views were worth the struggle!  

It’s probably best to bring along a picnic lunch or at least some snacks as there are no facilities along the trail.  Afterward, if you want to celebrate your climb, the town of Cold Springs is 2 miles away or it’s just an hour and a half on the train back to Grand Central Station in NYC.

Need a gift idea for the hiker in your life? Check out our latest Gift Guide for Hikers

9 | Labyrinth & the Lemon Squeeze , Mohonk Preserve

Distance: 1 mile loop Elevation Gain: 291 feet Trailhead: Park here (but it will cost ya)

While in the Hudson Valley, check out one of the less risky scramble hikes. This route will force you to squeeze, duck, crawl, and climb class 3 across The Labyrinth, then take the ladders up “the lemon squeeze” to 360-degree views of 6 states!

This hike starts from a historic resort, Mohonk Mountain House, and is well-marked. The downside is that it cost $22 per person although there are supposedly other places you can start the hike from and pay less.

Click to get the trail details.

10 | Gothics via Lower and Upper Wolfjaw Mountains, Adirondacks

Distance: 15.2 miles Elevation Gain: 5,065 feet Trailhead: Start at ADK Trailhead

While in the Adirondacks, you might want to conquer Gothic Mountain, which requires cables to the summit. This full-day hike will reward you with 360-degree views and the pride in conquering not one, but four 46ers! Sounds epic to me!

Best Hikes on the East Coast in New Hampshire

11 | mount lafayette and franconia ridge trail , white mountain np.

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by New Hampshire Photos 📷 (@newhampshire_igers) on Jun 28, 2019 at 4:53am PDT

Distance: 7.8 mile loop Elevation Gain: 3,776 feet Trailhead: Lafayette Place Parking Area

With the best views of New England, this three-peak traverse is considered “strenuous and nerve-wracking.” Hiking along the ‘knife-edge’ between Mount Little Haystack, Lincoln, and Lafayette is sure to be a moment you’ll never forget.

12 | Table Rock , Dixville Notch State Park

Distance: 1.5 miles round trip Elevation Gain: 770 feet Trailhead: Table Rock Trail Head

Table Rock Trail, located in Dixville Notch State Park in northeast New Hampshire, is a moderately steep hike up to an absolutely stunning viewpoint shared by Stephanie of USA Adventurer.

After hiking through the woods, you’ll reach the summit, which is on a rather narrow, craggly rock with sheer sides and dropoffs. 

The summit overlooks Lake Gloriette, which is surrounded by tree-filled hills. This hike is incredible anytime, but is just insane during fall time when the trees are filled with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. I’d highly recommend coming for sunset, when the evening glow is shining on the lake and the hills and you can even watch the sun drop behind the horizon. 

While the view from the top is clearly superior, I do think it’s worth stopping at the pullout spots right by the lake – the views from the bottom are also really gorgeous! 

This is a can’t-miss stop on a New England fall foliage road trip.

Best Hikes on the East Coast in Virginia

While this hike is a bit of a detour from the hikes above, I had to throw it in because it just looks so fun! If your travels take you to Virginia and you love challenging hikes that test your fitness, you’ll want to check out Old Rag Mountain.

13 | Old Rag Mountain , Shenandoah National Park

Distance: 8.6 mile loop  Elevation Gain: 2,417 feet Trailhead: Old Rag Parking lot 

With about a mile of boulder scrambling, extremely steep switchbacks, and plenty of false summits, this is one of those strenuous hikes that will test your fitness level as well as your bravery. Get an early start because the scramble section gets crowded.

Best Hikes on the East Coast in Tennessee

Not exactly sure what area is officially considered the “East Coast” however we don’t think this blog is complete without mention of Tennessee, home of the most visited National Park in America: Great Smoky Mountains.

14 | Mount LeConte via Bullhead Trail, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Distance: 14.5-mile loop Elevation Gain: 3,913 feet Trailhead: Rainbow Falls Trailhead

Known as the 3rd highest peak in the Smokies and near bustling Gatlinburg, Mount LeConte is both a prominent peak and a popular peak. Crowds are a common concern around here, but not if you hike the secluded route up via the Bullhead Trail. The Bullhead Trail approaches LeConte’s from the Northwest side and chances are, you’ll only run into a couple of other hikers, if any.

The views at the top are vast and expansive and though the trail is already a long day hike, it’s worth the extra half-mile detour to Myrtle Point where the views are much clearer than the High Top summit.

15 | Clingmans Dome, Smoky Mountains National Park

Distance: 1.3 miles roundtrip out and back Elevation Gain: 337 feet Trailhead: Clingmans Dome Trailhead

Kristen Czudak of Yonderlust Ramblings shares the Clingmans Dome Trail  as one of the top East Coast hikes, both literally and figuratively.  It is the highest point in the entire state of Tennessee, as well as the highest point in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the entire Appalachian Trail.

Though it is a shorter hike, the Clingmans Dome Trail packs in a lot in just over 1 mile, with stellar panoramas overlooking the Smoky Mountains, a surprisingly challenging uphill grade that gets your heart pumping, trail intersections with the iconic Appalachian Trail, and a stunning viewing platform at the summit for unobstructed, 360-degree views!  

As an added bonus to hiking Clingmans Dome, there are dozens of additional hikes in the surrounding area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, as well as picnic areas, Visitor Centers, and the nearby bustling towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, both full of attractions, lodging, and dining.

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Tuesday 8th of October 2019

Great suggestions! Only comment is that the image for Beehive is not a picture from the Beehive hike, I live in New England and have done Beehive multiple times. Just want to be sure you are accurately displaying the trails mentioned above!

Wednesday 3rd of November 2021

Oh whoops, we'll update that as soon as we can!

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ADVENTURE TRAVEL , HIKING , UNITED STATES

13 best hikes on the east coast to add to your bucket list.

There are endless hiking opportunities along the east side of the US, with landscapes of rolling hills, rugged cliffs, forests, rivers, and waterfalls.

This side of the country has it all. Hiking has always been one of my passions when traveling, and while I didn’t get the chance to do the Appalachian Trail while visiting the country (trust me when I say it’s on my bucket list!), I did do a few smaller walks to get a glimpse of that beauty.

I just wish I was more prepared!

To give you the opportunity to plan ahead, I asked other outdoor lovers about their favorite hikes on the East Coast.

I know that I got inspired to go back to do more hiking, so let’s have a look at the best hikes on the East Coast so you can do it too!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. That means that if you make a purchase through one of those links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

Best hikes on the East Coast

Appalacian trail.

Recommended by Alice of Adventures of Alice

• Length of hike : 2190-miles/3524 km
• Hiking time: Depends on which part and ranges from 2 hours to 5/7 months to complete the entire trail
• Trail start and end: It starts in Georgia’s Springer Mountain and ends at Maine’s Mount Katahdin. However, you can join the train in different sections all over 14 states in passing through.
• Type of hike: Linear

A trail to rival all others, the Appalachian Trail is a feat only those with an iron will can accomplish. Spanning four states and 2,190 miles of backcountry America in its entirety from Georgia’s Springer Mountain up through Maine’s Mount Katahdin.

The trail passes through 14 states: Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee (you know what they say about the South), Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York (30 miles from the Big Apple), Connecticut, Massachusetts (don’t forget to visit!), Vermont, and last but not least Maine.

If you’re looking to see some of the East Coast’s most beautiful landscape, there is no better way than to hike the Appalachian Trail.

The trail runs through several gorgeous state parks with thick forests full of wildlife and beautiful lakeside vistas that go on for miles. You can start up in Greenwood Lake right down near Bear Mountain State Park then take your hike all the way into Connecticut if you’re feeling really adventurous.

If you’re  spending some time in New York , then it’s not too far of a ride from Grand Central Terminal on the Harlem Line. There are all sorts of trails at different lengths to choose from.

The shorter ones can range between 2 miles up to around 10-15 depending on how hard you want it or what type of scenery you like most. Longer trips could be as much as 90 miles long if you’re adventurous enough for such an endeavor!

However, the Appalachian Trail covers a lot more than New York. A few of the other highlights in other states include Dragon’s Tooth viewpoint in Virginia, The Pinnacle in Pennsylvania, Baldpate in Maine, and many more spectacular views along the entire 2190-mile trail.

If you opt for the entire hike, make sure you plan it well and don’t lack anything on your Appalachian Trail gear list , so you don’t run out of supplies.

Old Rag Mountain Loop, VA

Recommended by Sumeeta of Sumeeta Seeks

• Length of hike : 9.5 mi/15.3 km
• Hiking time: 5-7 hrs
• Trail start and end: State Route 600, Etlan, Virginia
• Type of hike: Circular

Old Rag Mountain Loop is the most famous hike in Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, and those who have traversed it know why.

This hike is not for the faint of heart and requires a fair bit of ascent and technical scrambling over boulders to make it to the summit. But the reward for all that effort is jaw-dropping 360 degree views of the Shenandoah Valley.

The loop is a nice change of pace from other popular hikes on the East Coast due to the diversity it offers – it begins as a more traditional hike with a gradual incline. Then you come upon the boulders which can be intimidating until you get the hang of them, followed by the stunning summit.

Finally, you’ll have a very mellow stroll down an old fire road back to the parking lot. So once you reach the summit, you can rest assured that the hard part is over.

The parking lot is located at State Route 600 in Etlan, Virginia. It’s a very popular hike and the lot fills up quickly, so be sure to go early in the morning to snag a spot.

Even better, go on a weekday if you can for easier parking and fewer people on the trail. Be sure to bring at least 2 liters of water and plenty of snacks.

Despite the difficulty and the crowds, Old Rag definitely lives up to the hype and is one of the best hikes on the East Coast for sure. You’ll not be disappointed!

West Rim Trail, PA

Recommended by Samantha of PA on Pause

• Length of hike : 30.5 miles/49.1 km
• Hiking time: 2-3 days
• Trail start and end: North trailhead in Ansonia, PA to South trailhead near Blackwell, PA

For a two to three-day backpacking trip, consider heading to the West Rim Trail at the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. Over 30 miles in north central PA, there is plenty of elevation change to keep things interesting. Plenty of campsites can be found all along the trail, making this a manageable overnight hike for most.

The trail features spectacular views of the 1,000 feet deep Pine Creek Gorge, also known as the PA Grand Canyon. The northern stretch of this trail, in particular, has many impressive vistas which makes it one of the best backpacking routes the East Coast has to offer.

As this hike is linear, if you are coming from out of town or do not have access to two vehicles for this hike, contact Pine Creek Outfitters. Located just a short distance from the Ansonia trailhead, they offer both shuttle and car delivery services along the trail.

Hiking in either direction is possible, but beginning at the south trailhead and proceeding north is the typical route.

The West Rim Trail can be hiked at any time of year, but fall is the best time to visit the PA Grand Canyon and take in the beautiful colors, despite larger crowds.

Winter access can be tricky due to snow and ice, so plan and prepare accordingly. Spring and summer lay out lush greenery, but can sometimes be overgrown and insects can be an annoyance.

IF YOU GO CAMPING MAKE SURE YOU CHECK OUT THE FOLLOWING POSTS:

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Fires Creek Falls Trails, NC

Recommended by Paula of Paula Pins the Planet

• Length of hike : 7.6 miles / 12 km
• Hiking time: 3-4 hours
• Trail start and end: Fires Creek Recreation Area, part of the Nantahala National Forest, in Hayesville, NC. 
• Type of hike: Loop

The United States is a paradise for outdoor lovers, with a large variety of areas to go hiking. If you’re looking for great hiking on the East Coast, the  Smoky Mountains offer some of the best hikes  in the country.

The Smoky Mountains National Park is situated between the states of North Carolina and Tennessee, and it’s the most visited national park in the United States for a reason. It is also one of the most epic national parks to visit in winter .

With over 150 hiking trails to choose from in a large variety of difficulty levels, you can find a hiking trail for everyone and there’s no wonder why it’s on so many people’s USA bucket list .

Among the hidden gems are the Fires Creek Falls Trails. This area offers a number of excellent hikes opportunities, with different trails to choose from. The main trail is a loop of 7.6 miles, with great views of the forest and waterfalls, and it’s also dog-friendly. This area is very rocky, and you can see a variety of drops and cascades along this beautiful hike.  

If you decided to venture on a longer hike in this area, the Fires Creek Rim Trail is 25 miles (40 km) long, and pretty much a loop. It starts at the Fires Creek Picnic Area and ends just up the road.

First, it follows the Valley River Mountains, and then it crosses a bridge connecting the Valley River Mountains to the Tusquitee Mountains, following the Tusquitee Mountains for the rest of its route.

Situated in one of the most epic national parks on the East Coast , there is no doubt this is one of the most beautiful hikes in the Smokey Mountains .

More hikes in North Carolina: Best waterfall hikes near Brevard

Great Channels, VA

Recommended by Erin of Go Hike Virginia

• Length of hike : 6.6 miles/10.6 km
• Hiking time: 4-5 hours
• Trail start and end: Channels Natural Area Preserve 

In Southwest Virginia, the 6.6-mile round-trip hike to the  Great Channels of Virginia  along the Brumley Mountain Trail at Channels Natural Area Preserve is a stunner, leading hikers to a breathtaking 20-acre maze of sandstone slot canyons.

Take it slow as you make your way to the slot canyons or you may miss one of the most fantastic viewpoints in Virginia. At the 3.0-mile mark, a hidden overlook lies tucked behind rocks and brush. Make your way out onto gigantic rocks to savor wide-open views of Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain, Virginia’s two tallest peaks.

Continue on, walking just under a massive fire tower, to reach the quizzical slot canyons. Plan to duck, squeeze, climb and crawl with child-like curiosity as you explore this sand-floored labyrinth atop Clinch Mountain within Channels State Forest.

This other-worldly sandstone maze was allegedly created by ice wedging and permafrost 10,000 years ago, much to the delight of present-day visitors.

A word to the wise. Leave a backpack or water bottle at the entrance to the slot canyons as a marker to help you find your way out when you’re ready to return to your car. It’s incredibly easy to get turned around inside these mysterious and fascinating slot canyons. There is no doubt this is one of the best East Coast hikes!

Maryland Heights Overlook trail, WV

Recommended by Jordan of The Solo Life

• Length of hike : 4.5 miles/7.2 km
• Trail start and end: Maryland information center

One of the most underrated and best hikes on the East Coast with a spectacular vista as payout is the Maryland Heights Overlook Trail, located across from  Harpers Ferry , West Virginia.

Technically located in Maryland, this trail is found at the junction of three states, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia, and two rivers, the Shenandoah and Potomac.

The main attraction of this hike is the stunning overlook at the top, which offers views of both rivers as well as Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. The hike and view become even more gorgeous during the fall, when the foliage puts on a show.

Parking is sparse at the start of the trail, so the best choice is to park across the Potomac River in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia and walk across the pedestrian bridge to access the trail. This also allows for the opportunity to explore Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, which has ties to the Civil War, the Niagara Movement, and the Appalachian Trail.

For a moderately challenging hike with a rewarding view at the end, the Maryland Heights Overlook Trail is a hike not to be missed.

Mount Marcy, NY

Recommended by Mark & Kristen of Where are those Morgans?

• Length of hike : 14.8 miles/23.8 km
• Hiking time: 7-11 hours
• Trail start and end: Adirondack Loj parking lot / Van Hoevenberg Trail (start and end)
• Type of hike: Linear return

Mount Marcy is the highest of High Peaks in New York’s ultra-popular hiking arena: the mighty Adirondack Mountains and without a doubt one of the best hikes in New York State . 

Located just 10 miles south of “miracle-on-ice” Winter Olympic host village Lake Placid, Adirondack Loj parking lot and the Van Hoevenberg trailhead await hikers’ arrival around 5am each morning.

Hiking to the top of New York’s tallest peak is a long and strenuous day, taking anywhere between 7-11 hours depending on hike pace and stops taken. 

But a stunning rolling hills landscape as far as the eye can see in all directions is more than worth the effort. On a clear day, views stretch as far as Montreal’s skyscrapers and Vermont’s Green Mountains.

Mount Marcy’s Van Hoevenberg trail  is a slow and gradual hike through dense forest and alongside gushing creeks. However, the last mile is completely open and exposed to harsh elements. Strong winds, rain, snow and ice are common outside of Summer months, requiring careful consideration.

Indian Falls waterfall marks the only real landmark of note along the Mt Marcy hike, located around the halfway point.

Summiting Mount Marcy is not just about far-reaching views, it’s a tough hike and a real accomplishment to stand on top of the highest point in New York. 

Now there’s just the 7.9 mile descent to contend with!

Three Ridges Loop, VA

Recommended by Cecilia & Scott of Lovicarious

• Length of hike : 14 miles/22.5 km
• Hiking time: 6-7 hours
• Trail start and end: Reed’s Gap trailhead

Three Ridges Loop  is a popular backpacking circuit along Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. The white-blazed Appalachian trail follows along the mountain crest offering three gorgeous vistas. At the same time, the blue-blazed Mau-Har Trail parallels Campbell Creek with several small waterfalls and natural pools.

Although the entire circuit can be completed in one day, many choose to divide the trail into two days with an overnight stay at one of the many dispersed campsites or Appalachian Trail shelters.

For some of the best backcountry camping along the east coast, set up camp along the scenic Mau-Har trail where the gentle sounds of the creek will lull you to sleep.

The Reed’s Gap trailhead is located about 30 minutes south of Charlottesville along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The parking lot is quite small so it’s recommended to arrive as early as possible. Head downhill along Beach Grove Rd. where you will see the trailhead for Three Ridges on the right.

Check out the best eco friendly camping gear here .

Lemon Squeeze, NY

Recommended by Taima of Poor in a Private Plane

• Length of hike : 5 miles/ 8 km
• Trail start and end: Mohonk Preserve Gatehouse

Located on the Mohonk Preserve in the Hudson Valley, NY, Lemon Squeeze is a fun and challenging hike for all ages. 

Unless you are a guest at the Mohonk House the best way to access this hike is to start at the Mohonk Preserve Gatehouse.

The hike starts and ends at the Mohonk Preserve Gatehouse and is approximately 5 miles roundtrip. Once inside the gatehouse, you will be given a map with directions. Follow directions for the Labyrinth, Lemonsqueeze. The first couple miles of the hike are pretty standard the fun begins as soon as you see the Mohonk House.

Continue to follow along until you reach the Labyrinth. This is the highlight of this hike. A 1-mile rock scramble that will have you twisting, turning, climbing, and crawling under rocks and finally squeezing through two boulders until you reach the Sky Top Terrace. 

The views from Sky Top are incredible so if you have friends or family that want to meet you up there and avoid the scramble there is an alternate route. 

Fees for this hike start at $22 per person but is a great thing to add to your list if you’re visiting the Hudson Valley .

Bear Den Mountain, NY

Recommended by Maddy of Madelyne on the Move

• Hiking time: 2-3 hours
• Trail start and end: Bear Den trailhead from the Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort

The Bear Den Mountain hike located in Wilmington, NY (just 15 minutes from downtown Lake Placid) is a must if you’re in the area.

The easiest way to access the trailhead is from the Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort, which is conveniently located right around the corner from the Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA. The campground has RV sites, tent sites, and cabins if you’re interested in camping in the area.

The trail starts along a river, but you’ll spend most of the hike in the woods. Incredibly rewarding views at the end make this hike worth the effort.

After gaining 1,300 ft. of elevation, you’ll reach a rock outcropping that offers sweeping views of the Adirondacks.

If you’re there during the spring or summer, you’ll see the mountains covered in beautifully lush trees. If you’re there during fall or winter, you’ll see stunning fall colors or snow capped mountains.

While you can’t go wrong visiting the Adirondacks anytime of year, the incredible fall foliage is just one of many  reasons to visit the Adirondacks . 

Babel Tower, NC

Recommended by Anna of PaddlingSpace

• Length of hike : 1.3 miles/2.1 km
• Hiking time: 2 hours
• Trail start and end: Starts on Old NC 105 and ends where it intersects the Linville Gorge Trail

The Linville Gorge is located in the mountains of North Carolina and contains some of the toughest hiking in the state. It’s known as the grand canyon of the east because of the steep canyon walls plunging down to the Linville River.

The Babel Tower hike begins right off of Old NC 105 which is a gravel US Forest Service Road. The trail is only 1.3 miles but it quickly descends to the river and there is an elevation change of 843 ft within that short distance.

The rhododendrons and trees along this trail are beautiful and there are multiple overlooks of the gorge along the way down. Babel Tower runs into the Linville Gorge Trail where you can walk along the river and lounge on a boulder or take a dip.

This is the perfect trail to pack a picnic and your hammock to make a day trip out of it. The hike down doesn’t take long but the hike back out will likely take almost double the time.

There are beautiful wildflowers in spring and summer here and during the fall you won’t find a prettier spot to see the changing colors.

Shark Valley Trail, FL

Recommended by Martin of Travel Explorator

• Length of hike : 15.8 miles/25,4 km
• Hiking time: 4-6 hours
• Trail start and end: Shark Valley Visitor Center

Shark Valley Trail is a well-known trail in the Everglades National Park of Florida. To get there, you need to take the Tamiami Trail (U.S. Highway 41) and reach the Shark Valley Visitor Center where you can start it.

The trail has a wide abundance of plant life and also offers a stunning view of wildlife. The Everglades national park is famous for its population of alligators that swim in the waters and are often found resting near the trails.

Apart from just gators, there are also various bird species that roam the park, plus turtles and fish. It’s 15.8 miles long and loops around.

Halfway through the trail, you’ll reach an observation tower that is 65 feet high and offers an incredible view of the green marsh surrounding the area. It’s a suitable trail for all hiking levels, and the views it offers make it so that anyone of any age can enjoy it.

Apart from hiking the trail, you can also bike it if that’s what you prefer. While you do need to pay an entrance fee ($15.00 if hiking or $30.00 per car) to enter the park, the views you’ll get here are well worth the cost since you won’t get them anywhere else. 

Gorge Trail, NY

Recommended by Neha of Travelmelodies 

• Length of hike : 1.5 miles/2.4 km
• Trail start and end: Starts at the Main Entrance and ends at the Upper Entrance

Watkins Glen State Park  is one of the parks on the East Coast famous for its stunning natural beauty. The best way to explore the park is by hiking the 1.5 miles Gorge trail.

The trail begins near the Visitor Center at the Main Entrance and traverses through the beautiful waterfalls and caves in the park. There are 19 waterfalls, bridges and tunnels spread along the park. These provide some amazing photo opportunities with stunning views of the gorge. Most of the trail route is made of stone steps or even muddy puddles. There are around 800 steps to climb along the trail.

Some of the iconic stops along the trail are – Cavern Cascades, Glen Cathedral, Central Cascade, and Rainbow Falls.  It is amazing to walk behind the Cavern Cascade and Rainbow waterfalls. Central Cascade is the highest waterfall with a plunge of more than 60 feet. The last point is the Jacob’s ladder that leads to the Upper entrance by climbing 180 steps.

Just standing and gazing at the water falling off, walking over the bridges, and passing through the tunnels, makes this trail unlike any other. Summer season is the busiest time for the trail and it is advised to start the hike early in the morning. The trail opens from around mid-May to October depending upon the weather.

 Pro Tip: Wear sturdy shoes as parts of the trail are wet and tend to get slippery. Note: There are no restrooms along the trail and pets are not allowed.

Hiking on the East Coast reflections

I think we can all agree that there are some pretty amazing hikes on the East Coast for all levels. With so varied terrain, this part of the country is awesome for hiking. Whether you like waterfalls, breathtaking views, or scrambling, the best hiking trails on the East Coast have it all!

Make sure you always follow the leave no trace principles whenever you spend time in the outdoors. No matter if it’s a national park or not it’s important to respect the natural wonder we are so lucky to call Earth.

Happy hiking!

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6 Best East Coast Hiking Destinations

• All Inspiration and Destinations
• Canadian Rockies
• New Hampshire
• New Zealand
• North Carolina
• Vancouver Island
• Washington State

While often overshadowed by the mountain majesty of the West, the East Coast is home to some of America’s most picturesque mountains and trails. From the rocky coastline of Maine to the rugged peaks of New Hampshire and the rolling mountains of North Carolina, the Eastern seaboard offers countless hiking opportunities. If you’re looking for deciduous forests, babbling streams, and striking fall foliage, you won’t be disappointed. 

The East Coast features diverse terrain and unpredictable weather conditions. So, it can be challenging to pick the best place to embark on a hiking adventure. To make planning your next trip a bit easier, we’ve compiled six of the best places to enjoy a hike on the East Coast. Take a look at the exceptional hiking destinations featured below. We’ve outlined what sets them apart, what you should do and see, what types of travelers would enjoy them, and the best time to visit. So where is the best hiking on the East Coast? Hopefully, our guide helps you find the hiking destination that’s right for you!

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Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park features some of the most stunning hiking in the northern United States. This magical region where land meets sea is a premier spot for oceanside hiking, biking, and overall outdoor exploration. The park is fantastic for beginner hikers, but with over 150 miles of varied trails, Acadia National Park has something for everyone. The park is three hours from Portland and just under five hours from Boston, so it might not be the most accessible spot on the list, but its remote nature is part of its charm!

What makes it special

Acadia’s location along the coastline results in remarkable ocean views from nearly every trail. The majority of the park’s 47,000 acres is situated on Mount Desert Island, with other portions of the park on the Schoodic Peninsula and Isle au Haut.

Who will like it

• Beginner hikers 
• Hikers who enjoy short hikes with jaw-dropping views
• Families seeking kid-friendly trails

Things to do

• Beat the crowds with a sunrise hike to the park’s highest point on the Cadillac North Ridge Trail
• Travel to Isle au Haut by mail boat to experience the beauty of Acadia from a new perspective. Plus, you’ll find eighteen additional miles of hiking trails. 
• Take a scenic drive on Park Loop Road and make pit stops for short hikes and photo ops
• For an advanced challenge, hike the Precipice Trail and enjoy the views from the summit of Champlain Mountain

Time of Year to Visit

You’ll find beauty to enjoy at any time of year in Acadia National Park, but hiking conditions are prime from late spring to early fall.

Spring (May-June) means cooler temps and fewer crowds, which makes for ideal hiking conditions. Late April can be pleasant but expect snowmelt and muddy trails earlier in the month. If you visit in early May (before Memorial Day weekend) you might just have the trails to yourself!

Fall (September-October) is definitely one of the best times to visit Acadia because of the cooler temperatures. While the summer crowds have gone home, fall brings crowds of its own, so it’s best to explore early in the morning or just before sunset.

The summer months (July-August) are the park’s busiest months, so if you must come during this time, try some of the park’s less popular trails.

The winter months (November-March) are quiet in Acadia and the snow-covered expanse is better suited for snowmobiling and skiing.

Vermont ’s hiking is without a doubt some of the best the East Coast has to offer — with thousands of acres of mountain terrain, rolling hills, quaint towns, and stunning scenery. It’s no surprise that so many flock to this small New England state to hike each year. Vermont’s Green Mountains run for 350 miles from north to south and house some of the best hikes in the region.

Looking for some peace and quiet? With hundreds of miles of hiking trails and a small population, Vermont is one of the best places to find solitude outdoors. Looking to conquer a challenging summit? Or maybe you’re feeling a low-key meadow stroll? Vermont’s varied terrain has you covered.

• Hikers of all ability levels
• Hikers with dogs
• History buffs
• Solitude seekers
• Enjoy a challenging 6-mile round trip day hike to the top of Camel’s Hump (4,083 ft)
• Take a guided hike on the Long Trail, America’s oldest long-distance hiking trail, to enjoy 360 views and Vermont’s glorious fall colors
• Soak in views from Mount Mansfield, the highest point in the Green Mountains (4,395 ft)
• For a kid and dog-friendly portion of the Long Trail, hike up Stratton Mountain

Time of year to visit

You can enjoy the beauty of Vermont year-round, however, the state’s hiking trails are most accessible from late spring to early fall. (April-October)

Fall is undoubtedly one of the best times to visit Vermont for the fall foliage . Starting in late September and the beginning of October, the leaves begin to change color, resulting in glorious swaths of red, orange, and gold.

Winter in Vermont brings unpredictable weather, freezing temperatures, and trail closures. During this time, the mountainous areas are better suited for snow sports like skiing and snowshoeing!

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The White Mountains

The rugged White Mountains, which span across north to central eastern New Hampshire and a portion of western Maine, offer some of the most challenging hikes on the East Coast. Located just over two hours from Boston, the Whites feature nearly 8,000 miles of hardwood forests and magnificent alpine peaks.

This mountainous region includes the Presidential Range, home to Mt. Washington, the most prominent and tallest peak in the northeastern U.S. The Whites also have an extensive hut system where hikers can stay in comfortable overnight lodging in remote alpine areas.

• Day hikers looking for a challenge
• Backcountry campers
• Mountaineers

Things to Do

• Enjoy a moderate hike up Mount Eisenhower for 360 views
• Embark on a hut-to-hut trek to experience the Appalachian Trail and the Presidential Peaks
• Hike (or drive) to the top of Mount Washington

The weather in the White Mountains is known to change suddenly, so it’s best to plan your visit according to the seasons. (But always check the weather the day-of before your hike, and prepare for harsh conditions!)

Late Spring (April-May) marks the start of hiking season in the Whites, but be on the lookout for icy trails.

With mild temperatures, the summer months (June-August) tend to be the best time to hike in the White Mountains.

Winters (November-March) in the White Mountains can be harsh and while hiking may be possible in some areas, the trails are most enjoyable in the spring and summer.

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Shenandoah National Park

This expansive wilderness, located just an hour from Washington D.C., is a hiker’s haven filled with cascading waterfalls, scenic trails, and rich historical landmarks. The park has four convenient entrances, which are connected by Skyline Drive, the park’s historic, winding, tree-lined road that extends for 105 miles and features nearly 70 scenic overlooks of the surrounding Shenandoah Valley to the west and Piedmont to east.

What Makes it Special

The park is studded with old-growth forests and a variety of wildlife, but it’s the park’s rich history that makes SNP especially unique. There is history around every corner in Shenandoah and many of the park’s trails showcase old cemeteries, structures, and settlements.

Who Will Like It

• First-time campers and backpackers
• Hikers with dogs (Shenandoah is one of a few national parks that allow dogs on trails!)
• History lovers
• Enjoy a moderate hike up Hawksbill Mountain, the park’s highest point, for stellar 270 views of Massanutten Mountain to the west, Stony Man Mountain to the north, and Old Rag Mountain to the east
• Drive along scenic Skyline Drive, the park’s winding artery which features countless scenic overlooks and trailheads
• Hike the 4-mile round trip trail around Rapidan Camp, the camp that was once a presidential getaway built by President Hoover
• Enjoy a short and sweet sunrise hike to the top of Bearfence Mountain for unbelievable 360 views of the surrounding Shenandoah Valley

Spring months (March-May) bring blooming flowers and less crowded trails. 

The summer months (June-August) are by far the busiest, but you can’t beat cooling down in one of the park’s many swimming holes. 

Visiting in the winter (November-March) also has its benefits, as you get more expansive views without the foliage. However, Skyline Drive often closes due to inclement weather, so parts of the park may not be accessible in the winter months.

Blue Ridge Mountains

Spanning from southern Pennsylvania to northern Georgia, the Blue Ridge Mountains are 615 miles of sensational beauty. These stunning mountains are most accessible from Asheville, North Carolina — which makes a great basecamp. However, you can find great hiking all along the Blue Ridge Parkway, the scenic bypass that connects Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains.

With cascading waterfalls, expansive views, and peaceful hardwood forests, the Blue Ridge Mountains are a southeastern gateway into another world. No matter whether you’re a novice hiker or more experienced and looking for a challenge, the Blue Ridge’s nearly 400 miles of hiking trails offer a little something for hikers of any ability.

• Road trippers 
• Beginner to experienced backpackers
• Enjoy a challenging hike to the top of Mt. Mitchell (6,684 ft.), the highest peak east of the Mississippi River
• Embark on a guided backpacking trip to Shining Rock Wilderness to see stunning Appalachian views and waterfalls
• Go for a scenic drive down the Blue Ridge Parkway where you’ll find endless trailheads and scenic overlooks

The spring and fall months in particular (April, May, September, October) bring the best hiking weather to the Blue Ridge. 

Summer is also a wonderful time to visit, but expect crowds and traffic at times.

Since the temperature doesn’t typically drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, winter hiking is accessible, but inclement weather often causes closures on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Guided Hikes in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) is the most visited national park in the country and with its endless outdoor offerings, it’s easy to see why. The park is great for hikers and campers of all skill levels, but is best suited for those looking for a more challenging East Coast trek. 

The Great Smoky Mountains are an East Coast gem with incredible mountain vistas, pristine wilderness, and diverse wildlife. The park is also the most biodiverse National Park and is home to more than 65 species of mammals, over 80 types of reptiles and amphibians, over 200 varieties of birds, and nearly 70 native fish species!

• Day hikers looking for easy to strenuous hikes with major payoffs
• Roadtrippers looking for easy photo ops
• Biology lovers
• Backpack Spence Field Loop, one of the park’s many wonderful backcountry trails, to see stunning views of North Carolina and springtime wildflowers
• Drive up to Clingmans Dome (open April-November) to take in expansive views from the park’s highest point
• Hike through an old-growth forest to Ramsey Cascades, the park’s biggest waterfall standing at 100 ft

The summer months (June, July, and August) are three of the park’s busiest months so if you visit during this period, expect crowds at the park’s most popular spots.

To avoid the summer crowds, consider visiting the Smokies during the spring and fall months. April and May are wonderful times to enjoy the Smokies’ wildflowers and budding trees.

September and October bring crisp fall air and a glorious palette of fall colors.

Even the winter months are a great time to enjoy the Smokies, as they bring even more viewpoints, quieter trails, and temps that usually don’t drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

GSMNP Hiking and Backpacking TOURS

Before You Go

It’s worth noting that you do need to pay to enter any of the national parks listed above — either with an individual park pass or the America the Beautiful Pass . With any mountainous area, weather can (and does!) change quickly. So, be sure to pack proper gear and equipment including a raincoat, an extra layer and socks, and sturdy hiking boots. Oh, and don’t forget your camera! Happy trails.

About Stephanie Stevens

Stephanie is a freelance writer and traveler passionate about conservation, sustainable living, and mindfulness. While born and raised on the East Coast, her curious nature has led her to live and travel around the U.S. and abroad. When she’s not busy writing you can find her drinking coffee, backpacking, or on a trail run in the Maryland woods. Follow her adventures on Instagram @stephytrees.

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Best Backpacking Trips in the Eastern U.S.

So far, we've covered just about every major area of the U.S. in our “Best of” round-up posts. With natural beauty galore and a little bit of everything ranging from green mountains to lush valleys, sandy beaches to swampland, we couldn't leave out the eastern U.S.! After all, many of the states along the eastern seaboard house sections of one of, if not the, most popular long-distance trails in the country: The Appalachian Trail. And, believe it or not, the most visited national park in our system is the Great Smoky Mountains, spanning between southeastern Tennessee and western North Carolina.

Whether you're looking for a quick weekend getaway or a week or month of solitude, our list has something for backpackers of all levels. So, pull up a chair and read on to find inspiration for your next great backpacking adventure in the eastern U.S.!

Featured Photo: Presidential Range (Photo by Chris M Morris )

The White Mountains of New Hampshire are known as one of the most scenic (and difficult) areas along the Appalachian Trail. For a taste of what they have to offer, take a 3-day hike on the Pemi Loop. This challenging 31-mile loop affords some of the best views of these mountains and the Presidential Range with perhaps one of the best lookouts on Mt.Liberty early on in your journey. The trail also affords the opportunity to summit 8 of the 48 “4,000 footer” mountains of NH and has plenty of spur trails along the way to climb even more on the list. You can find out even more about this trail in our full article .

Virginia Triple Crown

Want to hit up some of the most remarkable spots in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia in one fell swoop? Then simply head out on what is touted as the state's “ Triple Crown Loop”. This is the perfect long weekend trip as it is about 32 miles in length and can be done in just a few days. You'll hit up the aptly named Dragon's Tooth rock formation, traverse Tinker Cliffs, and witness one of the best vistas east of the Rockies at McAfee Knob. In fact, the latter is said to be the most photographed spot along the AT, and for good reason! If all of that sounds enticing, read our  full write-up on the Triple Crown Loop .

While you're in the area, don't miss out on visiting the equally stunning Shenandoah NP too!

Mountains-to-Sea Trail

Who says you have to choose between mountains or sea when it comes to hiking? If you're up for a long-distance trek, the new Mountains-to-Sea Trail may be just what you're looking for. This 1,175-mile journey begins near the popular Clingman's Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains NP and runs across just about every kind of terrain you can think of in North Carolina, from stream-filled forests to farmland to coastal swamps. You'll end the trail with a bang too atop the “tallest sand dune on the east coast”. It is worth noting that the trail is still a work-in-progress, so you should look for detours and re-routes before your visit.

Bartram Trail

The more you get into backpacking, the more long-distance trails you discover. The Bartram Trail, located in western Georgia and North Carolina, is one such trail that is still relatively unknown. In fact, it has been voted as the best long-distance trail for solitude by Backpacker Magazine readers. This makes it the perfect location for some relaxation in nature in the wooded Southeast. The trail is long enough that detailed information can be found for each state's respective section. The Georgia section is perfect for hikers of all skill levels, with the most rigorous part being the climb up Rabun Bald. The trail also passes numerous waterfalls, creeks, and scenic gaps. Check out our full write-up for more information on this section.  

Mt.Sterling Loop

No list of the best hikes in the eastern U.S. would be complete without at least one of the awesome trips in the Great Smoky Mountains. With its breathtaking views, it's not surprising why Mt.Sterling is one of the most popular spots for day hikers and backpackers alike to visit. The gurgling streams, shady forest, and waterfalls make the strenuous climb more bearable. 

This is another great weekend trip at around 17-miles altogether, easily making it a 2 or 3-day trip. Keep in mind it's popularity, though. Be sure to get your campsite reservations as far in advance as you can.

Grafton Notch Loop

The eastern seaboard can be a busy place with all of the major cities along its coast, but you can't beat the remoteness of northern Maine when you're looking for some time away from all of the hustle and bustle. Not only is there the infamous 100-Mile Wilderness section of the AT, but many other shorter backpacking trips, including the Grafton Notch Loop. This relatively new trail, located in the Mahoosuc Mountains, takes you across 39 miles of crest lines, affording amazing views of the surrounding range and even into the Presidential Range next door in New Hampshire. All of this dispersed with walks through thick woods past babbling brooks and small waterfalls makes for an unforgettable time on the trail.

Art Loeb Trail

The Art Loeb Trail, located in the well-known Pisgah National Forest, is yet another great backpacking adventure brought to you by the state of North Carolina. This 30-mile, 4-day trek will take you up some steep inclines to be rewarded with top-notch views. Be sure to bring your wayfinding skills and sense of adventure as some areas of the trail are not marked well, if at all. Other than the scenic views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains and beautiful wildflower meadows, extend your trip by heading up Cold Mountain. Head over to the full write-up for more information on this challenging trail.

Presidential Traverse

If the Pemi Loop isn't enough of a challenge for you, traversing the entire Presidential Range should be! If you're not familiar with the area, don't let the short distance fool you. (The hike is only 26-miles in length.) This area of the White Mountains is arguably one of the most difficult and unpredictable hiking areas east of the Rockies. Mt.Washington's science center has recorded the second-lowest temperature on record for the entire world! In other words, don't underestimate this trail. Only the most experienced hikers should attempt this hike and even then you only have a short window in the summer months to do so. However, the forested lowlands and panoramic views atop the peaks can't be beat.

Mount Marcy, Mount Skylight + Gray Peak Loop

The Adirondack Mountains, located in the northeast corner of New York, are arguably one of the most scenic (and overlooked) natural areas in the eastern U.S. One of the most popular hikes, especially if you're looking for a challenge, is trekking the Mount Marcy, Mount Skylight, and Gray Peak Loop. If bagging three of the state's 46 High Peaks in one day, including the highest point of Mt.Marcy at 5,344 feet, isn't enough, there are several lakes, streams, and waterfalls along the way, including the origin of the Hudson River. Bonus: Camping options abound, from a traditional campground near Marcy Dam to lean-tos and designated sites along the trail.

Whether you're looking for a quick, weekend getaway to the mountains or a cross-state adventure, our eastern states have plenty of backpacking trails for hikers of all skill levels.

Have you hiked any of the trails on our list? What is your favorite East Coast trail? Tell us about it in the comments section below!

If you're looking for more hike ideas, read some of our other guides filled to the brim with amazing hikes throughout the country.

Best Backpacking Trips in the Midwest Best Backpacking Trips in the Rocky Mountains Best Backpacking Trips on the West Coast Best West Coast Mountain Backpacking Trips Best Backpacking Trips in the Desert Southwest Best Spring Break Backpacking Trips Best Winter Backpacking Trips Top 8 Family-Friendly Backpacking Trips in the U.S. Top 10 Long Weekend Backpacking Trips

For even more amazing backpacking trips visit   The Trailhead, our interactive hike map . It contains a curated list of dozens of hikes, each with a detailed writeup that contains everything you need to know.

Finally, check out our   comprehensive list of backpacking articles that cover just about everything there is to know about backpacking. If you're just starting out, our   Backpacking 101 section  covers all the basics. If you already have a few trips under your belt, you can find more advanced topics covered in our   Expert Articles .

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Best Backpacking on the East Coast

The East Coast is the home of some of the most beautiful landscapes and picturesque mountains. From the rugged peaks of New Hampshire to the rocky coastline to Maine, the scenic views are pure delight. If you are looking for babbling streams, deciduous forests, and breathtaking trails, check our recommendations below for the best backpacking on the East Coast . And if you are looking for proper gear on your next outdoor adventure, check here for the best deals on sleeping bags, tents, pads, and everything you might need on such a trip.

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The Long Trail, Vermont

While the East Coast features unpredictable weather conditions and diverse terrain, it can be quite challenging to pick the best place for camping or sightseeing. Vermont is a place that offers thousands of acres of mountain terrain, beautiful towns, rolling hills, and amazing views. It’s a popular place among locals and other states’ tourists throughout the year. 

The ultimate Backpacking Trail to do in Vermont is the Long Trail . It is the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the US and is where Benton Mackaye, the man who came up with the idea of the Appalachian Trail, was inspired to create the AT atop Stratton Mountain in southern Vermont.

And what makes this place so special are the mountains and the small population. It’s a place where you’ll find peace, solitude, and relaxation. If you are an animal person and you bring your dog on every hike, Vermont is the right choice for you. You can enjoy a 6-mile round trip up to the Camel’s Hump and enjoy the views from atop Mount Mansfield. The Log Trail traverses both of those epic mountains.

The best time of the year to visit Vermont is probably the fall when amazing sceneries will take your breath away. However, all year round is available and in the winter period, you can go snowboarding or skiing.

Copyright: Unsplash I License: CC0 Public  Domain

Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is a national treasure. It’s an hour from Washington D.C. and it’s every hiker’s ultimate dream. Scenic trails, cascading waterfalls, and historical landmarks are located in this park. Its road of 105 miles features around 70 scenic views. There’s a variety of wildlife, old forests, and a lot of trails where you’ll see cemeteries, settlements, and structures. It’s affordable for hikers of all abilities, family trips, history lovers, and solitude seekers.

You can enjoy a hike up the Hawksbill Mountain, drive along the Skyline Drive, hike around Rapidan camp which was once a presidential camp, and enjoy a sunrise hike to the top of Bearfence Mountain. The best time of the year to visit the park is spring. And summer probably, but bear in mind, this period is the busiest throughout the year. 

The Beehive, Acadia

The Beehive trail is the best one yet. It’s named after the classic beehive shape of the cliff and with its steep sides of the cliff, it’s the ultimate trail for experienced hikers. Combined with the narrow ledges, the trail is not recommended for those weak of heart and those scared by heights. However, it’s the best choice for adrenaline seekers.

You can even see families taking the courage to hike and conquer this beast. And later being rewarded with the amazing views of the Great Head Peninsula and the Sand Beach. If you don’t want to go through the trouble of hiking all the way up through the narrow-shaped cliff, there’s an easier path. The Bowl trail is a more appropriate path and easier to hike on. But, hey, we all have our type of fun!

Katahdin Dudley, Knife Edge, Baxter State Park, Saddle Trail Loop

All of these hiking trails are part of your technical climbing to complete the Knife’s Edge. the Knife’s Edge is a narrow and exposed section with a steep scree slope and large boulders. We do not recommend taking a hike in windy weather conditions, and not in the rain because it might be dangerous. The Hunt trail is a longer path to access the Knife’s Edge, so you can decide which path you’ll take.

Blue Ridge Mountains

The Blue Ridge Mountains are located from northern Georgia to southern Pennsylvania. If you go on this hike, you’ll enjoy 615 miles of pure beauty. These mountains are decorated with expansive views, cascading waterfalls, and hardwood forests. Whether you are an experienced hiker or you are looking for a new adventure as a novice, the Blue Ridge’s trail has something for everybody. 

You can enjoy a challenging hike to the top of Mountain Mitchell, take a guided backpacking trip to Shining Rock Wilderness and go for a scenic drive along the parkway. The best time of the year to visit the mountains in summer, fall, and spring. Summer is usually crowded, so you might want to organize your trip in the fall or spring period . And since the temperatures do not usually drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, you can go winter hiking as well. And enjoy the great scenery. The hiking choices are limitless, yours is to decide what type of hike you prefer!

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31 Best East Coast Hikes for Your 2024 Bucket List

Thinking about tackling some of the best East Coast hikes? You’re in the right place! With diverse terrain ranging from surprisingly rugged mountain peaks to tranquil beaches, the best hikes on the East Coast have a little of everything. This guide highlights over 30 of them!

When it comes to exploring The Great Outdoors, the East Coast is a treasure trove of natural beauty and adventure just waiting to be discovered.

Interestingly, though, except for a few iconic trails (we’re looking at you, AT and Cadillac Mountain), hiking enthusiasts largely overlook it .

People tend to associate epic hiking with The West—and with heavy hitters like Yosemite , Zion , literally all of Colorado , Glacier National Park , and the Grand Canyon in Arizona , that’s understandable. 

At the same, time, most folks think of iconic place like New York City, the Florida Keys, Washington DC, and visiting Niagara Falls when they hear ‘East Coast.’

But don’t be so quick to dismiss an East Coast hiking trail. From rugged coastal cliffs to gorgeous mountain ranges, the best hikes on the East Coast offer an impressive range of trail experiences .

Lace up your boots and join us as we explore over 30 of the best East Coast hikes. We included everything: family-friendly trails, challenging treks, iconic hikes, and off-the-beaten-path gems. 

This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission — at no cost to you — if you click or make a purchase through any of them. For more information, read my  disclosure statement . I appreciate you! https://chasingtrailblog.com/five-day-glacier-national-park-itinerary/

Jump ahead to:

AllTrails for Hiking on the East Coast

1. haystack mountain, norfolk, 2. gordons pond trail, rehoboth beach, 3. circle b bar reserve, lakeland, 4. river rapids nature trail, hillsborough river state park (tampa), 5. brasstown bald, 6. mount yonah, should you get an america the beautiful pass, 7. the beehive trail, acadia national park, 8. cadillac mountain, acadia national park, 9. howe brook trail, baxter state park, 10. precipice trail, acadia national park, 11. artist’s bluff, franconia notch state park, 12. flume gorge, franconia notch state park, 13. mount washington via tuckerman ravine, 14. bonticou crag, mohonk preserve, 15. connetquot river state park preserve, 16. kaaterskill falls, catskill mountains, 17. keuka lake outlet trail, seneca lake, 18. taughannock falls, finger lakes (cayuga lake), 19. gorge trail (rainbow falls), watkins glen state park, 20. black balsam knob, asheville, 21. rough ridge trail, blue ridge parkway, 22. pinnacle mountain trail, table rock state park, 23. rainbow falls trail, jones gap state park, 24. killington peak, 25. monroe trail to camel’s hump, 26. dark hollow falls, shenandoah national park, 27. humpback rocks, blue ridge parkway, 28. mcafee knob, catawba mountain, 29. mount rogers, grayson highlands state park, 30. sharp top trail, blue ridge parkway, 31. star trail, roanoke, 31 of the best east coast hikes.

Before we dive into all the places you can find an awesome East Coast hiking trail, we should probably define what we’re calling the “East Coast.”

We went off the World Population Review’s definition. This includes: Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey,  New York , North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina and Virginia .

Cell phone coverage is spotty at best in a lot of East Coast hiking areas. We highly recommend downloading a trail map to use offline before your hike. Your best bet, hands-down, is AllTrails.

You need AllTrails Pro in order to access this feature, but it’s WELL worth it — and super affordable! Plus, you can get a FREE 7-day trial when you sign up HERE , so you can try it before committing.

AllTrails+ — Your first week’s on us. Then only $35.99 a year (that’s $2.99 a month)!

Psst …While you’re at it, download directions to the area in Google Maps, or get a physical atlas to keep in your vehicle.

Best East Coast Hikes | Connecticut

• Distance: 0.8 miles out-and-back
• Difficulty:  Moderate
• Elevation gain: 220 feet
• Pet-friendly? Yes
• DETAILED TRAIL NOTES

Haystack Mountain is a hidden gem in the heart of the Litchfield Hills . It combines natural beauty, panoramic views, and a bit of history, making it a must-add to your New England bucket list.

This East Coast hiking trail is short but steep , and well-marked. As you climb Haystack Mountain, you’ll pass through dense hardwoods and hemlocks, and an abundance of mountain laurel , so this hike is especially scenic in the fall, late spring, and early summer.

The highlight of this hike is the historic stone observation tower at the summit . It was built in 1929 and offers 360-degree views of the Litchfield Hills, Berkshires, and Catskills. 

Views from the tower’s open medieval-style stone windows face west, so Haystack Mountain is best for a sunset hike . Pack a picnic, or, at the very least, some trail mix and a good local beer.

At just over 1.5 miles, this hike is suitable for hikers of all levels , including families with children. The well-maintained trail has gentle inclines and stone steps, but nothing difficult or technical.

Start your hike from the parking lot and head straight up to the summit. The road to the upper trailhead closes from November through late April, but you can still hike Haystack Mountain .

However, in order to do so, you’ll need to park in the lower lot and hike about one mile each way on the Tower Loop Trail (yellow blaze). Alternatively, you can simply hike along the road for two miles each way, a great option for those wanting a longer hike. 

Best East Coast Hiking Trail | Delaware

• Distance: 6.4 miles out-and-back
• Difficulty:  Easy
• Elevation gain: 55 feet

Looking for an easy hike near Rehoboth Beach , Delaware ? The Gordons Pond Trail is for you.

This 6.4-mile, out-and-back trail goes from Rehoboth Beach to Lewes, and you can start at either end. The elevation gain is only 55 feet, so it’s a fun, relaxing walk, no matter how experienced you are at hiking. Many bikers enjoy the trail as well. 

The most interesting feature of this East Coast hiking trail is that unique waterfowl love to gather here when the weather is warm . You’ll have the chance to see some threatened species, like piping plovers.

Visitors don’t need to pay any entrance fee, and there is parking at both the Lewes and Rehoboth Beach ends. There are also free public toilets at the Rehoboth Beach end. The trail welcomes dogs , as long as you keep them on a leash. 

If you don’t mind crowds, summer is the best time of year to do this trail because the weather is perfect, there are plenty of birds, and you will also be able to enjoy the surrounding beaches. Just keep in mind mosquitoes come out in the summer, so bring bug spray, as well as your sunscreen.

If the summer crowds bother you, the weather in the area is warm and mild in April and May or September and October.

Contributed by Stella from Around the World in 24 Hours

Best East Coast Hikes | Florida

• Distance: Variety of trails ranging from .25 – 6 miles
• Difficulty:  Easy to moderate
• Elevation gain: Negligible
• Pet-friendly? No
• DETAILED TRAIL NOTES  

One of the best hikes on the East Coast can be found, surprisingly, in Florida . 

Circle B Bar Reserve is a favorite among hikers, photographers, and birders for stunning vistas and abundance of wildlife. In fact, you might have seen photos and videos of Circle B Bar on social media; it’s the place where big alligators often cross the trails , providing amazing photo ops.

With a plethora of trails to explore , everyone who visits finds one to fit their fitness and hiking levels. 14 individual trails offer hikes as short as .25 miles. Or, combine them for over 6 miles of trails. 

Favorites include Alligator Alley Trail , which might sound intense but is a leisurely 1.2-mile out and back walk that gets you up close and personal with the area’s famous reptilian residents. 

If you’re feeling a bit more ambitious, combine multiple trails which naturally form a couple of loops around tranquil lakes and through marshy wetlands.

Alligators are abundant along all the trails. Nesting herons, sandhill cranes, squirrels, and other animals are also seen often.

Circle B Bar Reserve was named for the cattle ranch that operated on the grounds for decades. Polk County obtained the property in 2001 and began work to return the land to a more natural state.

Today, it encompasses more than 1,200 acres where animals live unbothered. Rangers often close trails, especially Alligator Alley, during mating season when alligators are more aggressive, for the safety of the gators and the people who visit to see them. 

Circle B Bar Reserve is west of Lakeland, easily accessible from US 98. Lakeland offers numerous hotels, good restaurants, museums, and a number of other beautiful parks and preserves to visit.

Plus, Tampa’s big-city amenities are just 40 minutes away. There are also many places to go kayaking with manatees in the Tampa area !

Suggested by Cristina from Wander Florida

• Distance: 1.3-mile loop

Hillsborough River State Park, located in Thonotosassa, Florida, spans over 2,990 acres. It’s a picturesque destination that offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and tranquil surroundings, making it easily one of the best things to do in Tampa !

The state park is home to diverse ecosystems, including lush forests, scenic trails, and the meandering Hillsborough River. One of the park’s highlights is its popular hiking trail known as the River Rapids Nature Trail .

This East Coast hiking trail is a moderately challenging 1.3-mile loop. The scenic hike takes you through a variety of habitats, showcasing the park’s natural beauty.

With only minimal elevation gain (as expected for any Florida hike), it’s suitable for beginners and families alike! Leashed pets are welcome, making it a pet-friendly option for outdoor enthusiasts. You will also find restrooms and picnic areas at the trailhead.

The best time of year to hike the River Rapids Nature Trail is the mild seasons of spring and fall, when temperatures are pleasant. Florida summers are hot and humid, so plan your hike accordingly, taking breaks and staying hydrated along the way.

It is also highly recommended to bring bug spray, to ward off pesky insects. Plenty of parking is available, and an entry fee of $6 per vehicle is required for park admission.

Contributed by Destiny from Guided by Destiny

Best East Coast Hikes | Georgia

• Distance: 1.2 miles out-and-back
• Elevation gain: 426 feet

You can literally reach new heights on the Brasstown Bald hike, a short but exhilarating trail to the summit of Georgia’s highest peak .

Although the hike is just over a half-mile each direction, the grade gets as steep as 12% . You’ll feel a sense of accomplishment like no other!

From the Brasstown Bald Visitor Center near the parking lot, follow the half-mile paved path up to the summit. While it’s not technical, don’t underestimate the steepness . This is definitely not a hike for anyone with mobility issues or those with knee issues. 

Thankfully, the vast majority of this East Coast hiking trail is in the shade. There are also several benches stationed along the trail, so you can take short breaks.

At the summit, the reward is nothing short of spectacular. Brasstown Bald stands 4,784 feet above sea level, offering 360-degree views .

On clear days, you can see four states : Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. In stark contrast, you can often see cloud inversions up here, especially at sunrise or sunset. Interpretive plaques placed around the observation deck explain which peaks you can see.

The Brasstown Bald shuttle runs daily year-round from 10:00 – 4:30 pm. Rides are included in admission fees, and the shuttles run continuously. Hop on if you’re not up for the steep climb (it’s steep up AND down!). You can also hike up, then take the shuttle back, or vice-versa.

We made this into a day trip while we were in town to experience a Helen Georgia Christmas . Even in the dead of winter, the weather and views were pleasant!

• Distance: 4.1 miles out-and-back
• Difficulty:  Moderate to challenging
• Elevation gain: 1,453 feet

Hiking Mount Yonah is one of the best things to do when exploring the beautiful state of Georgia.

It’s close to the adorable Bavarian village of Helen , and this East Coast hiking trail makes a great activity when visiting the area! The views of North Georgia from the top are beautiful and make this hike worth every step.

The hike is just over four miles out and back, has 1,453 feet of elevation gain, and will take about three hours to complete.

It’s ranked “hard” on AllTrails, but definitely doesn’t require you to be a super experienced hiker — there are no technical parts. It’s the elevation gain that makes this hike a great workout!

There’s a large, free parking lot at the start of the trail. Just be sure to put “Mt. Yonah” into GPS, as opposed to “Yonah Mountain” to take you to the right place.

We hiked Mount Yonah during our  Christmas trip to Helen , but any time of year would be great. The foliage turns in October and the town famously gets decked out for the holidays in November, so it’s also a fantastic option for places to go for fall break with family .

Shoulder seasons (March-May and September-November) would definitely be the nicest weather!

Mount Yonah is also super dog-friendly . We took ours and they loved it, and there were plenty of other dogs on the trail, too!

Recommended by Tori of Tori Pines Travels

Pssst …before we get into our next destination, do you have your annual national parks pass  yet?

This little pass works at all 63 national parks and 2,000+ other federally-managed recreation sites. National monuments ( Mount Rushmore ), recreation areas ( Lake Powell ), epic campsites, and more!

Read more about it in our complete guide HERE !

Best Hikes on the East Coast | Maine

• Distance: 1.5-mile loop
• Elevation gain: 500 feet

The thrilling Beehive Loop Trail belongs on every Acadia National Park bucket list ! Nestled along Maine’s famously dramatic, rugged coastline, this short trail offers a unique challenge and breathtaking views.

As a bonus, Acadia is an easy drive from all the fun things to do in Portland !

Like the Precipice Trail, another of the best East Coast hikes (which we detail below!), The Beehive Trail has those infamous iron rungs . Many people even call it “Mini Precipice.” The Beehive is shorter, however, and has significantly less elevation gain. 

Park in the Sand Beach parking area. Note that this section of Acadia is particularly busy , so pack plenty of patience and be prepared to loop around a few times to find parking. 

As you make your way up, you’ll use the iron rungs and rails, and inch along narrow, exposed cliffsides . These sections are the reason The Beehive Trail is rated “hard,” so go as slowly as you need. Pause (often!)  to catch your breath and savor the stunning scenery.

At the summit, your efforts are richly rewarded. Enjoy a quintessential Acadia view: jaw-dropping vistas of Sand Beach, the “Bowl,” and the vast Atlantic.

To complete this East Coast hiking trail, finish the loop. Instead of coming down the cliffs and rungs, you’ll descend stairs in a forested area on the back side of The Beehive’s summit. 

• Distance: 4 – 6.7 miles (multiple summit options)
• Elevation gain: 1,120 – 1,550 feet

Cadillac Mountain is the tallest mountain on the eastern seaboard and is known as being the first place the sunrise hits in America ! Standing at 1,530 feet, this peak looks over the islands that surround Acadia National Park  in Maine.

There are two trails that take you to the summit of Cadillac Mountain , and both are counted among the best hikes on the East Coast.

The first is South Ridge Trail , a 6.7-mile out-and-back hike that takes you up 1,548 feet of elevation.  This ascent is less steep and more gradual than the other route, but has more mileage .

You ascend to Eagle’s Crag, a beautiful lookout, but then drop in elevation a bit before the true climb up Cadillac. A major plus to this trail is that you can start from Blackwoods Campground , which is inside of the park.

The second trail to summit Cadillac Mountain is the North Ridge Trail . This hike is 4.2 miles out-and-back, and is significantly steeper than the South Ridge Trail , with an elevation gain of 1,128 feet.

This trailhead is on the Park Loop Road, with VERY limited parking nearby. There’s also more open rock faces and less tree coverage, making for a sunnier, more exposed ascent.

Whichever of these two East Coast hikes you choose, the ascent up Cadillac is moderate but not difficult . Both trails are also appropriate for well-trained, leashed dogs. 

Fun fact: Acadia has a well-earned reputation as being one of the most dog-friendly national parks !

Cadillac Mountain is best hiked from May through October . This way, you avoid the muddy run off from spring and the dangerous ice in winter.

Suggested by Amanda from Life Has Its Perks

• Distance: 5.6 miles out-and-back
• Elevation gain: 750 feet

How many of the best hikes on the East Coast involve a canoe trip ?! For this reason (and many others, in fairness), Howe Brook Trail in Baxter State Park will forever be one of my favorite hikes of all time .  

Start your adventure by renting a canoe or kayak at the South Branch Pond Campground ranger station/home, right at the water’s edge.

Note: if you’re not into the canoe aspect, you can instead hike one mile along the Pogy Notch Trail . The trail follows the shore of Lower South Brand Pond, then connects with Howe Brook Trail. 

If you’re paddling, go straight across the serene Lower South Brand Pond. The distance is roughly one mile, and we did it in about 30 minutes, taking our time (and plenty of pics!). Keep your eyes peeled for loons moose!

At the trailhead on the far shore, start your 1.9-mile trek through the forest. Howe Brook Trail meanders through mossy woods, alongside the namesake brook much of the entire time .

There are also several small cascades, often referred to as Lower Falls, and tons of perfectly circular “potholes.” It was far too cold during our visit, but rangers told us these holes make fantastic natural bath tubs .

Howe Brook Trail is pleasant and leisurely for the most part , but does get a bit rocky and gains some elevation toward the end. While it’s never difficult or technical, it’s often muddy. 

Your final destination is 20-foot-tall Howe Brook Falls , an impressive waterfall plunging straight into a crystal-clear pool. 

Local tip: the drive to Baxter State Park is long no matter where you’re coming from, BUT it’s scenic and there are plenty of interesting stops. For example, there are several adorable farm stands in the Amish communities. This region is one of the best places for Maine whoopie pies !

• Distance: 2.1-mile loop
• Difficulty:  Challenging
• Elevation gain: 1,059 feet

Located in Acadia National Park, the  Precipice Trail is one of the best hikes on the East Coast.

Although only 2.1 miles, this trail gains over 1,000 feet of elevation   and is (appropriately!) listed as “hard” on AllTrails . The loop trail should take you about two hours to complete.

Most of the trail is technically not considered a hike, but instead an iron rung climb . Acadia is home to four of these types of hikes, with the Precipice Trail being the longest and most difficult .

You’ll climb straight up for about 600 feet — without any harnesses, of course — and then walk along ledges with metal handrails.

This East Coast hiking trail is definitely not for the faint of heart! But if you’re very careful, it can be an incredible experience. The stunning views over Maine and the Atlantic Ocean alone are worth it!

You’ll want to accomplish this hike from mid-August to mid-October . The weather is beautiful, fall foliage is at peak, and summer crowds have died down.

This time also offers the safest weather conditions, as attempting this trail during rain, snow, or ice is very dangerous . The trail also closes periodically from mid-April to mid-July for falcon nesting.

Last, the Precipice Trail is definitely not pet-friendly . This is because the majority of the hike requires holding onto the iron rungs.

Recommended by Adam and Kathryn of Adventures of A+K

Best Hikes on the East Coast | New Hampshire

• Elevation gain: 436 feet
• Pet-friendly?  Yes

Artist’s Bluff is one of the most iconic  hikes in the New Hampshire White Mountains for good reason!

The short but steep trail leads to a stunning view of a small lake, perfectly framed by mountains. It’s especially beautiful in the fall , when you can admire a fabric of red, orange, and yellow fall leaves. 

You can hike to Artist’s Bluff as an out-and-back trail, or extend it into a loop that includes Bald Mountain . The Bald Mountain viewpoint offers a different perspective, plus is less crowded.

Whether you hike the entire loop or not, the trail includes a few steep sections and tree roots to step over. If you go to Bald Mountain, there’s an additional short rock scramble to reach the summit. The hike is rated moderate, but is also family-friendly.

Understandably, as one of the best East Coast hikes for fall foliage , Artist’s Bluff gets very crowded during autumn. In fact, if you’re in Boston in the fall , you’ll likely hear tons of locals talking about day-tripping here on weekends (it’s just two hours from the city!).

If you want to avoid throngs of people, you’re best off visiting at sunrise on a weekday.

You also have two choices of where to park : either at Lot 4 or the Cannon Mountain RV Park. The RV park is closer if you only want to see Artist’s Bluff, but either parking lot works great if you’re hiking the full loop.

Suggested by Lydia from Lost With Lydia

• Distance: 2.2-mile loop
• Elevation gain: 482 feet
• Pet-friendly?  No

Flume Gorge in New Hampshire is a hike through natural geological wonders. There are volcanic and glacial marvels in the White Mountains of New Hampshire with many viewpoints to stop and admire.

The starting point of the hike is the Flume Gorge Visitor Center, in Franconia Notch State Park.

This loop walk is about two miles and not terribly difficult, but does involve lots of stairs and uphill sections . Plan on about 1.5 hours, or more if you want to stop here and there.

There is adequate parking, and a good cafe, perfect for a post-hike cup of coffee. Importantly, visitors must buy tickets in advance , either online or at the visitor center.

Highlights of interesting stops on the Flume Gorge  trail:

The Glacial Boulder – A giant boulder weighing about 300 tons that moved during the Ice Age and stayed here. 

The Flume covered bridge – A beautiful historic covered bridge across the Pemigewasset River.

Flume Gorge – Steep stairs and boardwalk leading to the best views of Flume Gorge. The granite wall rises to 70 feet. 

Avalanche falls – A spectacular sight to stop and enjoy the views and take photos.

Liberty Gorge – Another awesome view point.

Sentinel Pine Bridge and Pool – A deep basin in the river that is 40 feet deep and 150 feet in diameter, surrounded by huge cliffs.

Contributed by Jan from Leisurely Drives

• Distance: 7.6 miles out-and-back
• Difficulty:  Strenuous
• Elevation gain: 4,255 feet

Looking for a more challenging trail on the East Coast ? The Tuckerman Ravine trail, which ascends Mount Washington in New Hampshire, is an ideal option.

The 7.6-mile out-and-back trail is widely considered a difficult route — though the last mile is the trickiest , when you need to scramble over loose (and often wet) rock. But the reward from the top is a majestic view, well worth the sore knees.

With an intimidating elevation gain of 4,255 feet, the path is steep but well-marked and popular . So, if you have a solid level of fitness, this should be an enjoyable challenge. That said, leave your furry friends at home, since Tuckerman Ravine isn’t suitable for pets .

Although we don’t detail it here, you can also switch to the Lions Head or Huntington Ravine trails  as you climb. 

Tackle this East Coast hike between April and September. Spring is perfect if you want to catch the ravine when it’s filled with melted snow and delicate ice formations. However, be careful, as this can make the trail very slippery.

There’s plenty of parking available near the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, near the trailhead.

Seasonally, there are also a couple of hiker shuttles that offer one-way rides up and down the mountain . This is ideal if you’re worried about making it back down before the sun sets, but know that it comes with a high price tag. Most shuttles run between $20-50 per rider. 

Contributed by Lauren from The Adventure Manual

BEFORE YOU HIT THE TRAIL, CHECK OUT THESE OTHER HIKING ARTICLES: 

• Beginner hiking tips
• National parks annual pass guide
• Best hydration packs
• Best hiking leggings
• Hiking tips for families

Best East Coast Hikes | New York

• Distance: 2.3-mile loop 
• Elevation gain: 567 feet
• Pet-friendly? Although leashed pets are allowed in Mohonk Preserve, this hike involves a serious rock scramble not suitable for dogs. You can hike the back half of the loop out and back with a dog.  

The  hike to Bonticou Crag is super fun if you have a sense of adventure…and don’t have a fear of heights!

This East Coast hiking trail starts with a walk through the woods and passes along an old carriage road for part of the way before arriving at the bottom of a rock slide.   

If you want an easy option, go left and climb a fairly gentle path to the top of the crag. More fun, though, is the rock scramble up to the top. The trail is clearly marked, but involves pulling yourself up large rocks , with exposed drop offs on one side, so it’s not for the faint of heart . 

At the top are breathtaking views over Mohonk Preserve and the Hudson Valley. 

Rather than climbing down the rock scramble, which is dangerous, continue along the top of the ridge and then descend along a gentler path to complete a loop. 

There are several interconnecting trails you can add on if you want to prolong your adventure.  

Bonticou Crag is in Mohonk Preserve, which is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Anyone 16 or older needs to buy an annual membership or pay a day use fee (currently $15 per person). The trail starts at the Spring Farm Trailhead, where there are also restrooms. 

At less than two hours from Manhattan , a day trip to the Hudson Valley is something you should put on your NYC bucket list !

Suggested by Ian James from Hudson Valley Discovered 

• Distance: 1 – 8 miles

Long Island, NY  is often overlooked when it comes to hiking and outdoor activities; however, it has so much to offer — including tons of hiking trails. In fact, one of the best East Coast hikes is at Connetquot River State Park Preserve.

Located in Oakdale (Suffolk County), this park offers 3,473 acres and a wide array of wildlife. You may see deer, waterfowl, and fish from the hatchery.

In terms of hiking, Connetquot has 50 miles of trails . There are five individual trails, one of which is part of the Long Island Greenbelt Trail, and then an array of unmarked trails. All trails are considered easy , making them some of the best hikes on the East Coast for families.

If you want to pass by the fish hatchery, consider taking the Yellow (1 mile out-and-back) or Red (3.4 miles out-and-back) trails. Long Island is relatively flat, so you won’t encounter much elevation gain here. Instead, you’ll walk by pleasant ponds and streams.

Because this is a preserve, there are no pets or biking allowed . However, you can fly fish, and during the winter, there’s also cross-country skiing.

Visiting Connetquot State Preserve is great all year, but if you love fall foliage, you’ll experience some incredible colors during this time . Note there’s an $8 admission fee per car.

Suggested by Sam Opp of Find Love and Travel 

• Distance: 1.6 miles out-and-back
• Difficulty:  Easy-moderate
• Elevation gain: 400 feet

Beautiful Kaaterskill Falls is located in the Catskill Mountains of upstate New York. The two-tiered waterfall has long been a popular East Coast hiking destination, and even inspired painters of the Hudson River School of Art. 

Hiking to Kaaterskill Falls  is not difficult. The trail is well-maintained, with newly installed steps in some sections . While there is moderate elevation gain, this trail is suitable for families and is also pet-friendly . 

Prior to your hike, park at the lot at the end of Laurel House Road. Parking is free all day, and port-a potties are located in the lot.

From the parking area, you will descend a stairwell toward the falls. Along the way, you can stop off at the viewing platform where you’ll be rewarded with beautiful panoramic views of the falls and surrounding mountains.

Once you reach the falls, you can continue your hike along the river toward State Route 23A. As you approach the end of the hike you’ll be treated to another waterfall view: the smaller but equally lovely Bastion Falls .

Kaaterskill Falls stands out in the region for its long-term popularity, beautiful scenery, and sheer magnitude as a two-tiered waterfall. As a moderate and relatively short hike, it’s also a great choice for novice hikers or those interested in a quick dose of nature.

Be sure to visit Kaaterskill Falls in autumn , when the surrounding forests are awash in blazing oranges, reds, and yellows.

Contributed by Tamar of World by Weekend

• Distance: 13.5 miles out-and-back
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation gain: 278 feet

Seneca Lake is the perfect choice for a hiking holiday, with over 20 trails in the immediate area . The backdrop is postcard-perfect, filled with tranquil, unspoiled nature where you can take scenic walks along the lake.

The landscape’s grandeur, the lake’s shimmering waters, and the regio n’s vineyard-rich valley makes this the ultimate vacation spot. Away from the hustle and bustle of life, it’s perfect for hiking. 

There’s one trail in particular  worth doing around Seneca Lake with easy to moderate difficulty. The 6.5-mile (one way) Keuka Lake Outlet Trail is exceptionally dog-friendly , plus bike and horse-friendly. You can hike as far as you wish, but the end has an incredible view of waterfalls.

And at the end of the day, if head to  Belhurst Castle Winery on Seneca lake , which is essentially a  winery with lodging . If you’ve ever wanted to stay in a castle, then this is the ultimate choice! 

Not far from bustling New York City, Belhurst Castle Winery on Seneca Lake is a spectacular getaway, not only as a luxury castle-come-hotel , but due to their incredible winery, too.  

Suggested by Adriana from Wanderlicious

• Distance: 3.5 miles out-and-back (shorter option available)
• Elevation gain: 593 feet

This gem nestled in the heart of New York’s Finger Lakes region promises a bucket-list-worthy adventure.

Taughannock Falls itself drops 215 feet straight down a cliff face , making it the longest single-drop waterfall in the Northeast. Fun fact: it’s 33 feet taller than Niagara Falls !

You can drive right to the overlook and view Taughannock Falls from above, but what fun is that?! Instead, explore this East Coast hiking trail, which combines the North Rim and Gorge Trails . 

Start from the Taughannock Falls Overlook , taking the North Rim Trail for about 1.5 miles. You’ll gradually descend into the gorge , enjoying Cayuga Lake views before you do. 

The real magic unfolds when you hit the Gorge Trail . This not-quite-1-mile path takes you along the creek into the gorge, where you’ll come face-to-face with the waterfall’s colossal beauty. It’s easy to see why this is widely considered one of the best hikes on the East Coast!

Just before reaching Taughannock Falls, you’ll pass a small tiered cascade known as Little Falls or Lower Falls . This is a popular swimming area in the summer, although it’s actually prohibited.

For what it’s worth, I hiked here in mid-October when the creek was really low, and didn’t see these falls at all — so they may be seasonal.

Once you reach impressive Taughannock Falls, take a few minutes to (literally!) soak in the view before heading back. Keep in mind that your hike back to the overlook will be uphill .

You can also hike just the Gorge Trail   to the base of Taughannock Falls. This route is just under one mile each way. If you’re taking that option, simply start from the lower parking lot and disregard the North Rim portion of this guide.

• Distance: 1.5 miles out-and-back
• Elevation gain: 450 feet

When I think of the best hikes on the East Coast, I immediately picture Rainbow Falls in Watkins Glen. This Finger Lakes trail is like something straight out of an Indiana Jones movie , with stone steps, bridges, and a whopping 19 waterfalls . 

Despite its mysterious vibes, amazingly, this hike is super accessible. It’s very literally in the heart of Watkins Glen, a charming small town.

Start on the Gorge Trail, which takes you into a canyon, following meandering Glen Creek. You could probably hike the Gorge Trail in right around an hour, but trust me, you won’t. Instead, you’ll stop to take pictures 4,382 times, because the scenery gets better and better as you go!

Cavern Cascade and the Spiral Tunnel are some of the trail’s most photogenic spots, but the real stunner is Rainbow Falls .

Here, you’ll find a visual overload of spectacular scenery: a series of pools, a tiered waterfall, a beautiful stone staircase and bridge, and the main attraction,  a curtain of water you can walk behind . 

The Gorge Trail officially ends shortly after Rainbow Falls, but many people use it as their turnaround point and simply retrace their steps.

If you continue on, you can cross the Mile Point Bridge and take the South Rim Trail back, or take shortcuts via the North Rim and Indian trails.

Best Hikes on the East Coast | North Carolina

• Distance: 1.2 – 3.7 miles
• Elevation gain: 350 – 780 feet

If you’re looking for a ridiculously scenic hike around Asheville, NC , the Black Balsam Knob Trail is one of the best options in town, hands down.

It’s perfect for nature enthusiasts and offers more than one way to experience it : either via a quick 1.2-mile loop or a longer 3.8-mile out-and-back hike . This makes it a great hike in Asheville, whether you’re aiming for a quick nature walk or something more challenging. 

The elevation gain is pretty moderate, about 600 feet, so it’s suitable for just about all hikers regardless of experience level . Plus, it’s pet-friendly , so you can bring your furry hiking buddy along. Just be sure to keep them on a leash for safety. 

Black Balsam Knob is beautiful for much of the year, but the best time to hit the trail is from late spring through early fall , when the wildflowers are in full bloom and the surrounding forest is lush and green. You can catch some amazing fall colors here , too, if you’re aiming for that instead!

All in all, Black Balsam Knob is a great hike for just about anyone and serves as the perfect way to soak in those beautiful views that Asheville, NC is famous for!

Pro tip: Bring a camera or your phone so you can take a few IG-worthy pics. Trust me, you’ll regret it if you don’t. 

Recommended by Pierre of Wayfare With Pierre

• Distance: 4.7 miles out-and-back
• Elevation gain: 839 feet

Hidden away in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western North Carolina, the Rough Ridge Trail  is a classic East Coast hike. It takes you to one of the most stunning overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway , just 30 minutes from Boone . 

If you can, try to tackle this East Coast hiking trail between the second and third week of October . Not only will the weather be cool and crisp — and perfect for hiking, but you’ll enjoy stunning fall foliage unlike anywhere else in the country.

You should also try to stop at the Rough Ridge Overlook at either sunrise or sunset , since the panoramas at this time of day are extra special. 

The trail itself starts at Milepost 302.8 on the parkway, and the hike to the three main Rough Ridge Overlooks is only about 0.8 miles .

However, one of the things that makes this one of the best East Coast hikes is that it’s part of the longer Tanawha Trail . Depending on how energetic you feel, you can hike along the Tanawha Trail for up to 13 miles round-trip. 

Rough Ridge is uphill and over varying terrain, but is also a well-maintained trail (think stairs and boardwalks ). It should be manageable for people of all ages and different abilities, since you can just hike to the three main overlooks and then return to your car. 

Contributed by Victoria from Southern Trippers

Best East Coast Hikes | South Carolina

• Distance: 7.8 miles out-and-back
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Elevation gain: 2,319 feet

Pinnacle Mountain Trail is one of my favorite East Coast hiking spots. It’s located in Cleveland, South Carolina, at Table Rock State Park . 

Several years back, my wife and I took our dog on this 8.4-mile-long hike. It stands out as one of my favorite hiking memories for a couple of reasons.

One, the views! When you ascend Pinnacle Mountain Trail, it’s breathtaking. From Bald Knob Overlook, you can see the expanse of South Carolina mountains that run along the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Pinnacle Mountain is the tallest mountain entirely within SC , at 3,415 feet.

Also, the view you get walking along Mill Creek Falls and the bridge is charming. 

Second, it’s a strenuous hike that will push your endurance (at least it did for me!). It ended up take about five hours, though we did stop at various points to take in the scenes and have a meal!

Suggested by Lee Hutton from Augusta Planet

• Distance: 4.4 miles out-and-back
• Elevation gain: 1,181 feet

Rainbow Falls Trail is a spectacular hike near Cleveland, South Carolina, USA . This trail has a granite cliff and is surrounded by granite walls, giving it a rugged look. The trail’s elevation makes it a moderately challenging route.

This East Coast hike begins in Jones Gap State Park , a pleasant walk to the Middle Saluda River. The trail divides into two paths, passing several campsites along the way. Follow the red-blazed trail up to the waterfall .

The hike eventually starts to get more difficult, as there are wooden steps, rocky hills, and steep paths. 

Rainbow Falls is pet-friendly, as long as dogs remain on a leash. The best time to visit this trail is really any time from March to October. During the spring, the boulders are covered by several plants and wildflowers are abundant. 

Once at the top, the view is incredible. The water falls over 100 feet and slides down the wall of granite, creating a picture-perfect backdrop. 

Jones Gap State Park charges a $6 admission fee for adults, $3.75 for seniors, and $3.50 for children under 16. Kids 5 years and younger are free. 

Contributed by Ruma from The Holiday Story

Best Hikes on the East Coast | Vermont

• Distance: 7.2 miles out-and-back
• Elevation gain: 2,470 feet

If you’re searching for a rewarding East Coast hiking trail that offers panoramic views and a physical challenge along a tranquil wooded path up to an enjoyable scramble, consider tackling Killington Peak via Bucklin Trail   in  Vermont . 

Along this dog-friendly   trail , expect minimal or zero cell service and only a handful of fellow hikers. The lack of people alone makes this one of the best hikes on the East Coast!

Start your walk with a 2-mile gradual forested ascent, which becomes steeper and more challenging until reaching the summit with an impressive elevation gain of 2,473 feet .

From the top of Killington Peak, savor unobstructed 360-degree views of Vermont’s Green Mountains . Remember to bring lunch! In good weather, you won’t find a better spot for a picnic.

To access the trailhead, drive 3.9 miles along Wheelerville Road from the US-4 intersection. A marked gravel parking lot with prominent trailhead signage confirms you’re in the right spot. 

On your way back down, follow signage leading to Irene Falls , nestled along Brewers Brook. It’s the perfect place to refuel, take a break, and give your tired feet a soothing soak.

This hike is especially well-suited for the summer. However, if you plan to undertake it in spring or winter, be prepared for icy and snowy conditions at higher elevations . Bring the right gear, like snowshoes, crampons, and ice axes, if you plan to summit. 

Contributed by Janice Moskoff from Gather and Go Travel

• Distance: 6 miles out-and-back
• Elevation gain: 2,588 feet

If you’re looking for a popular and scenic route up one of Vermont’s iconic peaks , the Monroe Trail to Camel’s Hump is your go-to hike.

This 6-mile out-and-back trail offers a moderately difficult experience for hikers, with a steep elevation gain of 2,588 feet. It’s pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your leashed dog along !

The best time to enjoy this hike is from early summer through early fall. It can, however, also be tackled in the winter for those who enjoy the challenge! Keep in mind the trail gets icy, wet, and treacherous in winter and spring.

The Monroe Trail is in the Green Mountains and starts at the end of Camel’s Hump Road in Duxbury, Vermont.

It’s easily accessible with ample parking, and no permits or fees are required, making it convenient for spontaneous adventures. It can get crowded, especially on weekends, so an early start is recommended.

Camel’s Hump is renowned for its breathtaking vistas. Especially from the summit, where you’ll enjoy a 360-degree view that stretches from the Adirondacks to the White Mountains . The trail is well-marked and offers a mix of forested sections and rocky terrain. 

Facilities are limited, so come prepared. There are no restrooms or water sources on the trail. Pack a lunch or bring snacks. You can’t go wrong with jerky, dried fruit, trail mix, or cheese for hiking .

Also, pack a warm, windproof layer for the summit!

Suggested by Heather Kasvinsky from This Noshtalgic Life

Best East Coast Hikes | Virginia

• Elevation gain: 583 feet

Dark Hollow Falls is a beautiful waterfall hike on the East Coast. Reach it by hiking down from the top of a mountain ridge (so the ascent is on the way back up). Although it’s short, it’s steep and the hike back up can be challenging.  

The trail is incredibly beautiful . It follows a small creek and has lovely scenery through the woods. The highlight, of course, is one of the  most beautiful waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park .   

You first arrive at the top of the falls, before continuing down a steep path beside the falls to the bottom. This is where you have a great view of the gorgeous 70-foot waterfall dropping down several tiers into a calm pool at the bottom.  

Because the trail is inside Shenandoah National Park, there’s a fee to enter — or you can use your annual national parks pass. Parking is free and the parking lot (located at Mile 50.7 on Skyline Drive ) is a good size, but this is the most popular hike in the park , so it can fill up.  

Pro tip: consider camping in Shenandoah National Park to beat (some of) the crowds . Big Meadows is the closest campground to Dark Hollow Falls, as well as one of the largest and most amenities-packed. 

The falls flow year-round, but are their fullest in spring and after rains. Fall is the most popular time to visit Shenandoah due to the spectacular fall foliage.   

Suggested by James Ian from Parks Collecting 

• Distance: 4.2-mile loop or 2 miles out-and-back
• Elevation gain: 1,112 feet

Humpback Rocks is a great loop hike on the Blue Ridge Parkway, just south of Shenandoah National Park . It’s a spectacular spot to enjoy a 360-degree view of the valley and surrounding mountains.

The Humpback Rocks Loop Trail is free to enjoy, and the parking lot fits about 30 cars, so arrive early to secure a spot. There is more parking at the Humpback Rocks Visitor Center and Mountain Farm Outdoor Museum , 0.2 miles up the road.

Hike the loop counter-clockwise to reach Humpback Rocks quickly. It takes about 30 minutes to get to the top. This path is for those looking for a challenge. You will go through the steepest trail section first, quickly gaining elevation. There are benches along the trail if you get tired.

You can take the same path back or continue hiking the loop once you reach Humpback Rocks. The alternate route is more relaxing, but three times as long. Either way, wear sturdy shoes with plenty of traction.

Consider hiking this trail in the evening to admire the sunset from the top . Get there early to beat the crowd for the best viewing spots, and bring a snack to enjoy. A flashlight would also help on the way back, as it gets dark fast after sunset.

Suggested by Anastasia from Travel Realist

• Distance: 8 miles out-and-back
• Elevation gain: 1,654 feet
• Pet-friendly?  Yes – but notably, the hikers’ shuttle is not

Virginia’s  McAfee Knob  is generally considered to be the most photographed spot on the entire Appalachian Trail . Arguably the MOST famous East Coast hiking trail, the AT zigzags across 14 states from Georgia to Maine.

It’s a 4-mile hike to reach the famous rock protrusion, the ultimate perch for picturesque vistas. From here, you’ll see North Mountain, Roanoke Valley, and Catawba Valley.

There are two ways to reach McAfee Knob .

The majority of hikers take the Appalachian Trail all the way to McAfee Knob , passing two wood hikers’ shelters – Johns Spring Shelter and Catawba Mountain Shelter – on the way to the rocky overlook.

A second option is to take the McAfee Knob Trail, a wide fire road, for the first 2.5 miles, then hook up with the AT for the last 1.5 miles to McAfee Knob.

Many hikers take the Appalachian Trail on the way up, then the McAfee Knob Trail on the way down for a gentler descent . 

Either way, it’s an 8-mile round-trip hike, with an elevation gain of 1,600+ feet . It’s a moderate, easy-to-follow hike , which should take no more than 5-6 hours to complete any time of year.

To alleviate congestion at the trailhead, a seasonal shuttle operates on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays March through November. McAfee Knob is one of the most popular East Coast hikes, after all! Shuttle runs start at 7:00 am all season, but end between 5-7:00 pm, depending on the month.

The shuttle runs every 30 minutes between the satellite parking lot and the main trailhead lot, and it costs $5 per hiker, each way . It’s a cash-less system, so online reservations are required .

Of note, the hike is dog-friendly, but the shuttle is not (service dogs only). 

Suggested by Erin Gifford of Go Hike Virginia

• Distance: 10.5 miles out-and-back
• Elevation gain: 1,778 feet
• Pet-friendly?  Leashed pets welcome

The Mt. Rogers Trail embodies all the best qualities of Virginia hiking . It has the rolling hills, the lofty views, the wildlife, and the history! 

Located in Grayson Highlands State Park , this hike lives up to its highlands namesake, transporting hikers into views reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands . 

Mount Rogers also has several other claims to fame that make it one of the best East Coast hikes. It’s the highest point in Virginia , and home to herds of wild ponies .

Additionally, the majority of the hike is on the iconic Appalachian Trail , where you can potentially chat up section hikers and thru-hikers.

Entrance fees to Grayson Highlands State Park are $10 per vehicle on weekends from April through October, and $7 otherwise. The park is open from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, but if you arrive earlier, you can self pay at the entrance booth . 

No permits are required for day hiking Mt. Rogers. There’s designated parking for both overnight and day hikers at the Massie Gap Trailhead, although it does fill up quickly during peak season. Finally, there are bathrooms near the trailhead and the Visitors Center.  

Contributed by Kristen Czudak from Yonderlust Ramblings

• Distance: 2.9 miles out-and-back
• Elevation gain: 1,272 feet

One of the very best hikes on the East Coast is Sharp Top Trail off of the Blue Ridge Parkway .

This hike is roughly three miles round-trip, and is a picturesque trail for those looking to spend some time in The Great Outdoors and appreciate the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountain views . 

This hike has about a 1,300 feet elevation gain as you make your way up to the top of the mountain. 

During your journey, you’ll be primarily hiking through forested areas with a few lookout points along the way. As you peek from the lookouts, you’ll catch views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, the Peaks of Otter Lake, farm land, and some small cities off in the distance. 

Once you get to the top of the mountain, you will have panorama views of greenery, mountains, and cities in the distance. There’s even a small hut at the top of the mountain that is perfect for escaping the sun or rain for a bit. 

This  central Virginia hike is an excellent, moderately challenging route on the East Coast, great any time of year. However, it is particularly incredible during the autumn months , when you can catch fall foliage in full swing! 

Suggested by Abby of Trekking Prices

• Distance: 3.7 miles out-and-back
• Elevation gain: 813 feet
• Pet-friendly? 

Although the Mill Mountain Trails system in  Roanoke, Virginia , offers over 10 miles of trails, the most popular is the Star Trail. This medium-difficulty, 3.7-mile loop is also one of the most rewarding East Coast hikes . 

The trail leads to a vantage point where you can see the entire Roanoke Valley , including downtown and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Another highlight at the top is the Mill Mountain Star , which has been shining brightly over the valley since 1949.

Find the Riverland Road Trailhead near the water tower, where there’s also 15 parking spots. And feel free to bring your (leashed) pup . Note, however, that the trail is closed to bikers and horses .

While on the trail, you’ll encounter runners, walkers, birdwatchers, and those simply wandering to enjoy the seasonal flowers.

Spring and fall are perfect for hiking Roanoke’s Star Trail, but autumn brings a beautiful foliage display in late October. Winter truthfully isn’t the ideal time for this hike, and summer can be extremely hot.

Wear hiking shoes or sneakers with a grip, as some of the trail is loose gravel . The summit is accessible by car and has a small park, so you may see drive-up visitors taking in the view. One bonus to having a park up here is that bathrooms are available .

Once you’re done hiking, grab a bite to eat or explore all downtown Roanoke has to offer.

Contributed by Jennifer Prince of Hill City Bride

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Taryn is happiest when she's outside and always up for an adventure — especially if it involves a hike, sunset, road trip, or limited cell service.

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10 of The Best Hikes On The East Coast USA

• by Jonny Duncan
• July 21, 2023 July 21, 2023

The east coast of the U.S.A. has some stunning areas of natural beauty to hike and these are 10 of the best hikes on the east coast that you can do.

They offer a diverse range of hiking opportunities, from rugged mountains and scenic coastal trails to picturesque forests and waterfalls.

If you love hiking and are on, or visiting, the east coast U.S.A., then some of these are must-do hikes.

Best Hikes On The East Coast

1. appalachian trail (multiple states).

Spanning over 2,190 miles, the Appalachian Trail is one of the most famous long-distance hikes in the world. It traverses through 14 states, from Georgia to Maine, offering breathtaking views, challenging terrain, and a true wilderness experience.

Hiking the Appalachian Trail is a remarkable experience that provides hikers with unforgettable memories and a deep connection with nature and is one of the best hikes on the east coast.

2. Franconia Ridge Loop (New Hampshire)

Located in the White Mountains, this 8.9-mile loop hike offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks, including Mount Lafayette and Mount Lincoln and traverses a section of the Appalachian Trail.

The exposed ridge offers panoramic vistas and is especially popular during the fall foliage season. However, it’s considered a challenging hike due to its steep ascents and exposed ridgelines.

It’s also a popular hike, so starting early will help you beat the crowds and find parking at the trailhead before you start your hike.

3. Old Rag Mountain (Virginia)

Old Rag is a challenging 9-mile loop hike in Shenandoah National Park. It features rocky scrambles, beautiful vistas, and a rewarding summit experience. The hike is known for its great views of the Virginia countryside.

It offers a thrilling and challenging hike and unique rock formations. The hike involves rock scrambling and is not recommended for beginners or those with a fear of heights.

If you’re up for the adventure, it’s a must-visit destination in Virginia for hikers.

4. Mount Katahdin (Maine)

As the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, Mount Katahdin offers a challenging and rewarding hike.

The Knife Edge trail is a famous section that connects Baxter Peak to Pamola Peak, giving breathtaking views along a narrow ridge and is easily one of the best hikes on the east coast.

The Helon Taylor Trail is an alternative route to the summit of Mount Katahdin, offers excellent views and avoids the exposed sections of the Knife Edge.

5. Breakneck Ridge (New York)

A short drive from New York City, Breakneck Ridge is a steep hike with panoramic views of the Hudson River. The 3.7-mile loop trail is known for its challenging rock scrambles and rewarding vistas.

The Wilkinson Memorial Trail is an easier alternative to the Breakneck Ridge Trail. It is still a moderate hike but is less steep and rocky, making it more suitable if you’re looking for a less intense experience while still enjoying beautiful views.

Although one of the shorter hikes on this list it’s great for the views.

6. Shenandoah National Park (Virginia)

Shenandoah National Park has a variety of hiking trails that traverse the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, where some of the best hikes on the east coast can be found. Some of these hikes in Shenandoah National Park are the Hawksbill Summit, Old Rag Mountain, and Whiteoak Canyon, which features stunning waterfalls.

The Old Rag Mountain hike is one of the best ones to do (as mentioned above) and can be challenging in parts with some rock scrambling but you get great views from the summit.

Hawksbill Mountain has the tallest peak in the park and is a good one to do to get to the summit for epic views.

7. Mount Washington (New Hampshire)

Known for its extreme weather conditions, Mount Washington offers challenging hikes and incredible views. The Tuckerman Ravine trail is a popular choice, providing a steep and strenuous ascent to the summit.

The Lion Head Trail is a good alternative to the Tuckerman Ravine Trail, as it is less steep and more sheltered from harsh weather conditions. It joins the Tuckerman Ravine Trail near the Lion Head rock formation, providing you with a safer option during bad weather.

There are other trails in the area that you can do but the two mentioned above are the best for hiking up to Mount Washington.

8. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee/North Carolina)

The Great Smoky Mountains offer a multitude of hiking options and some of the best hikes on the east coast.

The Alum Cave Trail, Charlies Bunion, and the Appalachian Trail through the park are all popular choices, showcasing the park’s diverse ecosystems.

The Alum Cave Trail takes you to the Alum Cave Bluffs and offers stunning views along the way while the Laurel Falls Trail takes you to one of the park’s best waterfalls.

The Ramsey Cascades Trail gives you views of some of the old-growth forests and the tallest waterfall in the park.

9. Acadia National Park (Maine)

Acadia National Park features a variety of stunning hikes with ocean views, rocky cliffs, and forested trails and has some of the best hikes on the east coast. It’s a popular destination for a reason!

Some of the best hikes in Acadia National Park include the Precipice Trail, Jordan Pond Path, and Cadillac Mountain Summit Loop.

The Precipice Trail is one of the harder ones to do as it involves climbing iron rungs and ladders along the cliffs.

If you want a more easy trail, especially if you’re with children, then do the Jordan Path Trail which is moderate and has great views of the mountains.

10. Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Ohio)

While not traditionally considered an East Coast destination, Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers beautiful hiking trails.

The Ledges Trail, Brandywine Gorge Trail, and the Towpath Trail are some popular choices and some of the best hikes on the east coast.

The Ledges Trail takes you through sandstone cliffs while the Brandywine Trail takes you to one of the national park’s best waterfalls.

Best Hikes on The East Coast

The east coast offers some stunning places for hiking and out of these 10 best hikes on the east coast, you’re sure to find one (and more) that you will love.

For more on travel on the east coast U.S.A. take a look at my article on the 10 best national parks on the east coast to visit .

Also for more hiking in the U.S.A. take a look at the 10 best hikes in the Midwest .

I recommend using  SafetyWing Travel Insurance  for your trip, just in case, it’s best to be prepared.

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6 Eastern Fall Hikes to Catch Epic Colors

With its mixed hardwood forests, the east coast has some of the country's best fall leaves. see them before they're gone on these six hikes..

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Dockery Lake Trail, Dockery Lake Recreation Area, GA

Zigzag along a rushing creek on this 6.8-mile out-and-back to an optional overnight on the Appalachian Trail. From Dockery Lake (rainbow trout fishing here), nab views across rolling Appalachian ridges. Parallel cascading Pigeon Roost Creek, crossing the year-round stream three times. At the Miller Gap turnaround (dispersed camping, no permit required), glimpse hardwoods transitioning to reds, oranges, and yellows by late September. 

Local tip:  “You’ll see 100-foot-tall white pine and hemlock in the area near the creek.” -Taylor Hamilton, Blairsville, GA

High Ground Loop, Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, SC

Skirt six wildlife-packed ponds on this 8-mile loop on the Carolina coast. At .9 mile, reach Ibis Pond, home to its namesake waterfowl as well as great egrets and tri-colored herons. Continue through a maritime forest of live oaks, palmetto, and longleaf pines to overlook a salt marsh where bald eagles and osprey soar. Beware: Five- to 8-foot alligators lurk in Nini Chapin Pond (keep a distance of at least 20 to 30 feet). 

Local tip: “You’ll start to see ducks, such as blue-winged teal, at Osprey Pond in September.” – Amy Ochoa, Hardeeville, SC 

Mt. Major, Mt. Major State Forest, NH

Glimpse the 70-square-mile, glittering Lake Winnipesaukee on this 3.8-mile loop to a 1,786-foot peak on the lake’s western shore. Climb through oak and birch to reach the summit ledge at mile 1.6; look north to see the first reds and yellows of fall creeping into the beaver ponds below (color peaks mid-October). Watch for hawks and vultures soaring overhead, then return to the trailhead on the hemlock-shaded Brook Trail. 

Local tip: “In fall’s lower humidity, the lake appears bluer, and you can also see Mt. Washington more clearly.” -Art Richardson, Alton, NH 

Slippery Rock Gorge, McConnells Mill State Park, PA

You’ll trace a whitewater creek through a 200-foot-deep gorge on this 11.4-mile out-and-back. Hike through a hemlock forest to crest a ridge above the creek near mile 2; in mid-September, look for migrating sharp-shinned and Cooper’s hawks. Follow the gorge east to descend to the water’s edge. Turn around at Eckert Bridge, or continue on a 2-mile spur loop to see the park’s namesake 19th-century wood-and-stone grist mill. 

Local tip:  “About a mile in, there’s a vista overlooking forested Hell’s Hollow Gorge from a few hundred feet above.” -Jake Weiland, Portersville, PA 

Foothills-Double Oak Loop, Oak Mountain State Park, AL

Cross an 80-year-old stone dam and crest a 1,260-foot peak on this 7.5-mile loop. Pass the pine-shrouded banks of Old Lake, where a waterfall cascades 50 feet from the dam on its southwestern edge. Look for migrating warblers, juncos, and buntings in the canopy as you ascend the spine of Double Oak Mountain. Snag a view of the surrounding ridges by taking the .5-mile spur at mile 7 to the Eagle’s Nest Overlook. 

Local tip: “Look for reddish fox squirrels with black-and-white faces (they’re larger than other squirrels).” -Emily Cook, Pelham, AL

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10 of the Best Weekend Backpacking Trips in the US

Easily one of the best ways to spend a long weekend, regardless of the time of year, is trekking a trail over rocky mountain passes, along breezy coastlines, or in deep, verdant woodlands. Whether you make plans to revisit an old favorite or knock a new one off your bucket list, backpacking always presents a memorable adventure.

From Southeastern classics like Roan Mountain, to New England treasures like a hut-to-hut trip in the Presidentials, to epic and challenging trails in the Tetons, here are some of America's greatest backpacking trips.

1. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

19 miles, 1-2 days, Easy

The view of Grand Portal Point from a distance (along the North Country Trail). Rachel Kramer

Situated in the upper Midwest, the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a see-it-to-believe-it sort of landscape with towering sandstone cliffs, impossibly blue lake waters, waterfalls, beaches, and dense woodlands. It also happens to be home to a 42-mile section of the 4,600 mile North Country National Scenic Trail along the south shore of Lake Superior, stretching from Munising, MI, to Grand Marais, MN.

Backcountry camping is available at 14 campgrounds along this 71,400-acre linear park. In the winter, under the right conditions, mammoth ice caves form, attracting thousands of visitors.

The 4.4 miles of the lakeshore path between the Mosquito and Chapel rivers is the most popular section of the North Country Trail. It follows the cliffs through deciduous forest and over sandy sections within view of Grand Portal Point and Lake Superior.

Most hikers start and end their day hikes at Grand Sable Visitor Center on the north end. Further south, the Coves Group to Munising Falls is an ambitious 19.2-mile trek. Yet another option is to start at Munising Falls at the southern end and take a ferry to Grand Island National Recreation Area. A popular marathon and 50K is run around the perimeter of the island in July, switching from clockwise to counter-clockwise year to year.

2. Superior Hiking Trail

18 miles, 1-2 days, Moderate

Taking in the views of Lake Superior Adam Kahtava

The Superior Hiking Trail is a 310-mile long footpath in northeastern Minnesota that follows the ridgeline on the North Coast of Lake Superior.

Most accessible is the 40-mile southernmost section through Jay Cooke State Park to the northern boundary of the city of Duluth. There are no campsites there, and due to flood damage in 2012, parts of this section remain diverted.

To the north, however, is the 18-mile stretch from Silver Bay to Country Road 6 where views of the Big Lake and smaller glacier-scoured lakes are frequently in view through the birch and maple canopy. The colors peak in late September and early October, if you can time your trek then. (Avoid the trail in May and early June, when the clouds of mosquitoes and black flies at their thickest.)

This section of the SHT includes a short but steep climb up Mount Trudee to a 30-foot waterfall on the Baptism River. If you don't catch a glimpse of the deer, wolves, or mountain lions known to inhabit the region (don't worry; they're more afraid of you than you are of them), you may still see their tracks.

Rockier and more technical sections of the SHT are favored by the trail runners who race out of Lutsen, MN, in May (25K and 50K) and September (26.2, 50 and 100 miles).

3. Roan Mountain Highlands

14 miles, 1-2 days, Difficult

The views from these ethereal highlands are stunning and constant, and bring to mind visions of Scotland and Wales. Joe Giordano

Roan Mountain is a 20-mile massif that lies along the Tennessee-North Carolina border. It consists of five sub-peaks, and is divided into two sections by Carvers Gap. To the west of Carvers Gap are Roan High Bluff and Roan High Knob, with Tollhouse Gap and Rhododendron Gardens lying between the two peaks.

A 14-mile section of the Appalachian Trail traverses the Roan Mountain between Carvers Gap and Highway 19E along the northern border of TN and NC. Heading south from 19E, plan to hike 8 miles to the Overmountain Shelter, a.k.a. “The Barn.” Stay inside with other backpackers or pitch your tent in its vicinity. Either way, you’ll be waking to a spectacular sunrise over the valley.

Pack up and trek the final tough 5 miles over three balds. As you approach Carvers Gap, you'll cross Grassy Ridge, the longest stretch of grassy bald in the Appalachian Mountains.

4. Grayson Highlands State Park

7 miles, copious bouldering, 1-2 days, Moderate to Difficult

Camping among the rhododendrons in Virginia's Grayson Highlands Jake Wheeler

Within southwestern VA lies the Jefferson National Forest. And within the forest lies Grayson Highlands State Park , a gateway to Mount Rogers and to a number of miles along the Appalachian Trail.

To summit Mount Rogers, the state’s highest peak at 5, 729 feet, there’s a 6.7-mile Mount Rogers National Recreation Trail from the Grindstone Campground six miles east of Troutdale. Or take the scenic 2.3-mile Wilburn Ridge Trail from the state park. There are no views from the forested peak, but on either route you’re likely to encounter wild ponies and clusters of exposed and inviting boulders.

In fact, both AT thru hikers and day visitors would do well to check out the bouldering scene in the Grayson Highlands. The Listening Rock Trail offers the most bouldering opportunities, followed by the AVP and Boneyard areas. Climbers take in beautiful top-outs, especially after conquering the Highland Highball, in the Highlands Bouldering Area.

Backcountry camping is not allowed within Grayson Highlands State Park, but camping is allowed in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area (MRNRA). Hikers traveling north on the AT exit the park when they cross Big Wilson Creek. You’re welcome to camp across the creek, just past the Wise Shelter fence.

5. Standing Indian, NC

24-mile loop, 1-2 nights, Moderate

The Standing Indian Shelter McDowell Crook

A two-night stay is recommended to fully take in the Standing Indian Loop in NC’s Nantahala National Forest. Fifteen miles of the 24-mile Standing Indian Loop is on the Appalachian Trail, but all of it showcases the Nantahalas’ most impressive and beautiful features.

Knowing you start the trek at 4,000 feet makes the multiple 5,000-foot peaks a little less intimidating. For the AT, the Standing Indian trip is a moderate hike. All the better, as the views along the way are some of the most stunning you'll find in the Smokies.

From the Standing Indian Campground, travel up the Long Branch Trail until it connects with the AT. Mt. Albert is only 5.5 miles from the trailhead, but plan to spend your first night at the summit. In the morning, drink in the panoramic view before descending to Carter Cap, where there's a shelter and water. Expect to spend most of the day walking along a ridge with sweeping views.

Gradually you’ll make your way to the treeless and spectacular peak of Standing Indian itself. There is one small campsite on this bald, so if you want to snag it, you'll need to begin your second day very early in the morning.

On your final day, head back down to the Standing Indian Campground on the 7-mile Kimsey Creek Trail through dense hemlock groves and rhododendron tunnels. Keep in mind that in the early spring months, you’re likely to find snow and ice on this side of the mountain.

6. The Long Trail

23 miles, 2 days, Difficult

Some of the views you'll find along the Long Trail in Vermont Nate Merrill

The Long Trail, the oldest long-distance hiking trail in America, is a 272-mile footpath that follows the main ridge of the Green Mountains from the Massachusetts-Vermont stateline to the Canadian border. The Long Trail stretches the length of Vermont and crosses the state’s highest peaks.

It can take nearly three weeks to thru-hike the Long Trail and the 53 mountains (27 of which are 3,500 feet or higher) along it. It can be tackled section by section, too.

One of the toughest sections, the 23 miles from Birch Glen Camp northwest to the Buchanan Shelter, includes 8,000 feet of climbing and descending—including 1,700 feet at a 17 percent grade to the summit of Camels Hump . The exposed scramble over rock slabs pays off with views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks to the west, Mount Washington to the east, and Mount Mansfield to the north.

The descent along the ridgeline bottoms out with a 3.6-mile hike to the outskirts of Jonesville, VT. Stay overnight at the Duckbrook Shelter or wait to camp on the western slopes of Bolton Mountain at the Buchanan Shelter. There are six shelters along this stretch, thanks to the Green Mountain Club which built the trail between 1910 and 1930 and maintains it to this day.

7. Presidential Traverse, NH

23 miles, 1-2 days, Difficult to Moderate

Overlooking the White Mountains of New Hampshire after a strenuous climb Ry Glover

The Presidential Traverse in the White Mountains of New Hampshire is nearly 23 miles long with close to 9,000 feet of elevation gain. Best hiked from north to south, to bag the highest of 10 peaks first, the traverse demands a dawn-to-dusk effort if you don’t have three to four days to spare.

The traverse is almost entirely above the treeline, where the whiteout conditions are common and can cause one to turn back. Besides the right apparel, a map and compass are essential.

The first day is the toughest, with 4,000 feet to climb over the 3.8-mile Valley Way Trail to the peak of Mt. Madison. Continuing south on the Gulfside Trail, backpackers summit Adams and Jefferson to earn the right to lie down in the grass of Monticello Lawn.

Appreciate the rest, because Mt. Washington—the highest peak in the White Mountains—is next. Expect bad weather before reaching the snack bar at the summit, which tourists reach by road and rail.

From there the climbing is largely over, while the views of the southern Presidential range are not. The Crawford Path, the oldest continually maintained footpath in the U.S., leads to the Lake of the Huts and Mount Monroe. The going only gets easier past mounts Franklin, Eisenhower, Pierce, and Jackson.

8. Olympic National Park

Mileage varies, 1-3 days, Moderate to Difficult

With roughly 600 miles of trails, there are essentially endless opportunities for backpacking in Olympic National Park David Fulmer

At 1,442 square miles, Washington's Olympic National Park is nearly twice as large as Great Smoky Mountain National Park, and 300 square miles larger than Yosemite. The park has more than 600 miles of sensational trails, the majority of which are designated wilderness by the National Park Service, and 60 miles of craggy and picturesque coastline.

The backpacking options are numerous, but summitting Mt. Olympus, the tallest peak in the park, is a must. A campground within the park’s Hoh Rainforest is open year-round, so stay there and you can also enjoy backpacking the trail to Royal Basin and the Upper Royal Basin beyond where unparalleled views of glacial mountains and tarns await.

Easier hikes, from LaPush to Shi Shi and the popular Ruby Beach, are also often rewarded with whale sightings.

9. Teton Crest Trail

25 miles, 2-4 days, Difficult

Backpacking along Paintbrush Divide, arguably the most scenic stretch along the Teton Crest Trail Brian Saunders

If the Teton Crest Trail is not on your bucket list, it should be. Check it off by taking on the 25-mile section between Death Canyon to Cascade Canyon, and conquer the Alaska Basin and Hurricane Pass in the process.

The Phillips Pass Trailhead, halfway up Teton Pass, is the place to start. Plan to camp at Alaska Basin where a permit is not required because it lies just outside the boundaries of Grand Teton National Park.

Return to the park the next day to go up and over Hurricane Pass, and down into the South Fork of Cascade Canyon. End your Crest Trail trip there or head up the North Fork of Cascade Canyon to your last campsite. That would give you another day to hike Lake Solitude as well as Paintbrush Divide and Paintbrush Canyon , stopping at the North Jenny Lake parking area.

10. Old Rag in Shenandoah National Park, VA

10 miles, 1 day, Difficult

Breathlessly drinking in the views of Shenandoah National Park David Fulmer

The Old Rag Loop is the most challenging of the more than 500 trail miles within Shenandoah National Park in VA. It may be only 10 miles, but it takes 8 hours to complete, according to the National Park Service. They're not joking.

The most popular way to hike the Old Rag Loop is up the Ridge Trail, across the rock scramble to the summit, than down the Saddle Trail to the Weakley Hollow Fire Road.

The first two miles of the wooded trail gets increasingly steeper, and the vegetation changes noticeably. Once you're out of the woods onto the ridgetop, the scrambling over giant granite boulders begins. From the summit, you can breathlessly drink in the 200,000-acre expanse of the Shenandoah National Park, a portion of which is federally designated wilderness.

From here it is advisable to take the Saddle Trail, a fire road, back to your vehicle. It's 1.2 miles longer but much flatter and quicker.

Written by Joel Patenaude for RootsRated in partnership with Superfeet.

For many backpackers, America’s Triple Crown of Hiking — a title bestowed for completing the Appalachian Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, and the Pacific Crest Trail — is a life-list aspiration. But, beyond the country’s legendary long trails, there are plenty of other iconic treks. From the glacial peaks of the Cascades to the thickly forested foothills of the southern Appalachian Mountains, here are a few of the country’s most spectacular backpacking trips .

The Lost Coast Trail, California

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Threading a rugged stretch of coastline devoid of highways, with few signs of human encroachment, northern California’s Lost Coast Trail showcases a region where rugged peaks seem to dissolve into the ocean. The route includes both a 24-mile stretch in the Kings Range National Conservation Area along with a 22-mile section in the Sinkyone Wilderness State Park — but the longer, northern portion is more popular.

Following a route cradled by the Kings Range and the Pacific Ocean, the trail negotiates stretches of coastline pocked with tidal pools and frequented by northern elephant seals. And, between December and April, gray whales migrating between the Baja Peninsula and summer feeding areas in Arctic waters can be spotted offshore.

Showcasing one of the most remote national parks in the continental U.S., the Greenstone Ridge Trail traverses the heart of Isle Royale National Park, following the ragged ridgeline that forms the island’s backbone. Along the way, the 42-mile footpath meanders through boreal forests and then skirts moose-browsed lakes and weathered ridgelines, offering photogenic views of Lake Superior.

Backpackers also have the chance to encounter Isle Royale’s most famous residents — the gray wolves believed to have arrived on the island during the winter of 1948, courtesy of an ice bridge that connected the atoll with the Canadian mainland. And, for a few creature comforts, there are lodging options bookending the trail. At the southwestern end of the island, the Rock Harbor Lodge offers cozy camper cabins , and in Rock Harbor at the trail’s northeastern terminus, the lodge features lakeside rooms and self-catering cottages.

Rambling through northeastern Pennsylvania’s aptly named Endless Mountains region, the Loyalsock Trail is an idyllic East Coast ramble. Situated almost entirely in Pennsylvania’s 115,000-acre Loyalsock State Forest, the 60-mile footpath meanders through mixed hardwood forests of maple and black cherry, passing celestial overlooks, secluded glens, and more than three dozen cascades, including the 80-foot Angel Falls.

Near Highland Lake, a portion of the trail also traces the route of the Sheshequin Path, a regional route first used by the area’s Native American inhabitants and later by troops during the American Revolution and resourceful freedom seekers traveling north along the Underground Railroad.

Just outside Aspen, in Colorado’s Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, the Four Pass Loop is a dazzling Elk Mountain sampler, highlighted by the twin peaks of the Maroon Bells — a dream for landscape photographers. Studded with a conglomeration of four different 14,000-foot summits (also known as 14ers), the 27-mile circuit navigates stands of aspen and ponderosa pine, unearthly alpine passes, and glassy lakes, also offering trekkers the chance to spy burly bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and browsing moose. And in the spring, backpackers are also treated to technicolor meadows bursting with blooming aster, columbine, and lupine.

Providing a taste of Big Bend National Park’s diverse natural ecosystems, the 30-mile Outer Mountain Loop rambles from the sun-seared lowlands of the Chihuahuan Desert to the fir and pine woodlands of the Chisos Mountains, along a route adorned with biodiversity-rich canyons, soaring mesas, and the bare-bone remains of old ranches.

Scorching temperatures and shadeless stretches of trail mean the circuit should only be attempted during cooler seasons — and water is always unreliable, so backpackers have to strategically cache provisions for the trek. But, there are plenty of payoffs, too. The protected area is an International Dark Sky Park, and a hotspot for biodiversity, known to harbor more than 400 different bird species.

A high country ramble without any extreme climbs, the Teton Crest Trail showcases a postcard-worthy landscape overshadowed by ragged, sn0w-glazed peaks. Weaving through Grand Teton National Park in northwestern Wyoming, and dipping into the adjacent Jedediah Smith Wilderness and Bridger-Teton National Forest, the trek negotiates mountain passes and unearthly alpine tundra, topping out at 10,700 feet and treating backpackers to an intimate close-up of the rugged granite face of Grand Teton. Beyond the heady landscape, the route also provides ample opportunity to catch a glimpse of the park’s resident megafauna, including moose, elk, and grizzly bears .

A 31-mile tour of the western corner of the 45,000-acre Pemigewasset Wilderness , the largest wilderness in New Hampshire, the eponymous Pemigewasset Loop serves up some of the most spectacular scenery in New England, along a route studded with eight high peaks. And, with close to 10,000 feet of total elevation gain, the White Mountain circuit features extensive stretches above treeline, including the iconic Franconia Ridge, a knife-edge crest offering a panorama filled with peaks of the Bonds and the Presidentials.

For a break from tent camping , the seasonal Galehead Hut , managed by the Appalachian Mountain Club, is situated near the circuit’s midpoint and offers home-cooked meals and cozy bunkhouse accommodations for backpackers.

Named for hiker and local trailblazer Art Loeb, the 30-mile Art Loeb Trail treats backpackers to an exquisite sampling of western North Carolina’s merging mountain ranges. Stretching from the Davidson River to the flanks Cold Mountain, the namesake for Charles Frazier’s 1997 novel, the footpath snakes through the 500,000-acre Pisgah National Forest and the rugged Shining Rock Wilderness. Above the Blue Ridge Parkway, the loftiest portion of the trail strings together four different bald summits, topping out at 6,214-foot Black Balsam Knob and offering expansive views extending to the Great Smoky Mountains .

Just outside Bend, Oregon’s Three Sisters Loop treats backpackers to an eyeful of three of the state’s highest peaks — a trio of glacier-glazed stratovolcanos known as the Three Sisters — all rising to elevations above 10,000 feet. The 50-mile circuit circumnavigates a geologically rich swath of the 281,190-acre Three Sisters Wilderness, the second largest wilderness area in the state, garlanding a landscape etched with alpine lakes, unearthly lava fields, and wildflower-flecked meadows.

Portions of the route also follow the path of the Pacific Crest Trail, and traverse the Obsidian Limited Entry Area. And while North Sister is extinct and Middle Sister is dormant, South Sister, the youngest of the trio, remains an active volcano.

In the Appalachian highlands of southwest Virginia, a 60-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail rambles through the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, a 200,000-acre swath of the Jefferson National Forest crowned by the state’s highest peak. Offering a bite-sized portion of Virginia’s 530-mile chunk of the legendary footpath, the 60-mile stretch of trail sluices through the treeless highlands flanking Mount Rogers, traversing alpine meadows grazed by wild ponies, shadowy spruce forests, and icy trout streams.

For a break from the backcountry, the trail weaves through Grayson Highlands State Park just south of 5,729-foot Mount Rogers — and the hiker-friendly town of Damascus is perched on the southwestern edge of the national recreation area.

There are a few factors to consider when deciding the best time of year to go on your backpacking adventures. If you’re backpacking in the U.S., then spring (late April to early June) and fall (September to early November) are considered the best backpacking seasons. Summer can be hot and crowded, while winter brings snow and challenging conditions. However, specific regions might have their own variations.

Here are some additional tips for choosing your backpacking season:

• Research the specific area you plan to visit to understand its unique climate and seasonal variations.
• Check the weather forecast before your trip and be prepared for changing conditions.
• Consider your experience level and choose a season that matches your capabilities.
• Don’t be afraid to be flexible and adjust your plans based on the latest information.

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The prospect of standing on top of the world has lured thousands of mountain climbers to Mount Everest since the first successful attempt by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay 70 years ago. Commercial expeditions began in the 1990s, and since then — not counting the 2015 season disrupted by the catastrophic earthquake or the recent Covid-affected seasons — the number of climbers has increased dramatically.

Climbing Mount Everest may be popular, but the difficulty of reaching the highest point on earth should not be underplayed. Ignoring the hefty price tag associated with an Everest expedition, there's the sheer physical exertion of climbing to that altitude. Unless you plan to recreate Killian Jornet's feat of summiting twice in one week without supplementary oxygen — don't try this — then you'll need to set aside serious time for your ascent to the top of the world. So exactly, how long does it take to climb Mount Everest? Mount Everest climbing timeline

When you’re out for an overnight hike in the wilderness, you need to be amply prepared for the experience. At a minimum, that means having a map for self-navigation, plus packing water, food, a good tent, and your best hiking boots — you get the picture. You’ll also want to make sure you pack things properly so you don’t create an overly cumbersome pack, which can lead to a miserable slog along the way, or worse, injury and strain that can bring your planned outdoor adventures to a sudden end.

Learning how to properly pack a camping backpack is just as important as what you put in it. Learning how to pack a tent inside a backpack will allow you to focus on the things that really matter, like spotting wildlife along the way, not tripping over tree roots, and keeping your Instagram stories fresh with new videos from the backcountry. Here's the low-down on how to pack a tent in a backpack like a pro in six easy steps. How to pack a tent in a backpack (internal frame)

The Sunshine State has long been synonymous with pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, and, of course, world-class golfing experiences. Florida’s rich history with golf dates back to the late 19th century, when affluent northerners seeking respite from the harsh winters discovered the state’s beautiful climate and sprawling landscapes. As such, Florida naturally became a popular choice for golfing retreats. Its flat terrain, dotted with natural water hazards and framed by swaying palm trees, provided the perfect canvas for golf course architects to create masterpieces that only continue to grow in popularity.

Today, Florida boasts a wide array of golf resorts that cater to players of all skill levels. Let’s take a look at some of the best golf resorts in Florida, each offering fun golf experiences as well as luxury accommodations and gorgeous scenery. World Golf Village, St. Augustine

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Home » North America » USA » East Coast

EPIC East Coast Road Trip Guide (2024)

If you want to explore America’s past and sample some of its splendor, then you can’t go wrong with an East Coast road trip!

On the East Coast, you’ll discover some of the most significant historical sites in the entire nation, not to mention a huge array of landscapes and an even greater diversity of people. While the West Coast gets most of the attention for its weather, natural beauty, and upbeat residents, the East Coast is usually considered the foundation of the nation.

But planning a road trip alongside the Atlantic Ocean can be stressful. With so many states and so many places to stop, it can be hard to know what NOT to miss and what you’d be better off skipping.

And that’s exactly why I wrote this East Coast Road Trip insider guide : so YOU know exactly what to do and where to stay along the USA’s Eastern Seaboard.  We’ll cover a wide range of topics over the course of this article including some East Coast road trip itineraries, food, lodgings, and sticking to a budget during your vehicular adventure.

Now without further ado, here’s everything you need to know to have an EPIC East Coast Road Trip!

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

A note on the format of this guide: Because the East Coast is massive and we have already written separate guides on New England, New York City, and Florida, this article will often refer you to other sources too. In order to best understand the East Coast, it’s very advisable to read these separate articles alongside this guide.

East Coast USA Road Trips Costs

Renting a car for your east coast road trip, where to stay on your east coast road trip, best east coast road trips, places to visit on the east coast, east coast road trip tips, apartments and hotels on the east coast, renting a car or campervan on the east coast, final thoughts on an east coast road trip.

It’s hard to say how much the average cost of a road trip up the East Coast will be because there are so many routes one could take, not to mention each state is more or less expensive.

Almost every expense associated with going on an East Coast driving trip, including gas, lodging, food, drink, and whatnot, will vary depending on the state which, again, makes costs difficult to gauge.

I can say with certainty, however, that going on a road trip along the East Coast–like traveling in the USA as a whole– will not be cheap. All of the aforementioned costs add up very quickly and can be a substantial burden on your wallet. This is especially true if you’re the type of traveler who doesn’t pay attention to their spending…

Luckily you have us; we’re always looking for ways to travel cheap and love sharing the best tricks with you, the readers. Even if we are unable to travel on $10/day like in our favorite countries, we can at least help you minimize expenses. Plus, there are plenty of East Coast budget adventures to be had.

A ballpark estimate for an East Coast road trip budget would be around $175-$225 . This covers food, lodging, a rental car, gas, and entertainment.

There are a couple of things that you need to be mindful of while driving in the USA :

• Gas will be your biggest expense as you’ll be traveling a lot; more than you’re probably expecting.
• Hotels and lodging will be very expensive in popular destinations e.g. New York City, Florida beach resorts, the national parks, etc.
• Food will cost more or less depending on how often you eat out and how much you cook for yourself.

Average Costs of an East Coast Road Trip

This breaks down exactly how much you can expect to spend while traversing the East Coast.

Rental Car: $30 – $100/day

RV Rental: $100 – $300/day

Gallon of Gas: $3.50 +

Cheap Airbnb: $80 – $100

Hotel room: $130 – $150

Hostel: $15 – $35

Campground: $0 – $50

Sandwich: $4 – $9

Beer at a bar : $4 – $8

Coffee: $2-$5

Attractions : $0-$20

Dinner for two: $25 – $75

If you are a resident of the US then you probably have a vehicle to drive across the Eastern seaboard. If you are coming from elsewhere though, then you will need to rent a car for your trip (unless of course, you can fit it in your suitcase…).

The US remains the land of the motor-vehicle and getting hold of one is pretty easy as long as your the licence and the money. I personally used Booking.com to find a car rental last time I was in the US and can recommend it. It is the best car rental aggregator I have tried and scours a LOT of rental options. I also find it easier to use an app and company I am already familiar with rather than sign up with a random site that I will never use again.

Looking for specific accommodation recommendations? Here are some of the top places to stay on an East Coast road trip:

Best East Coast Mountain Getaway: Bear Ridge Lodge

The Bear Ridge Lodge in New Hampshire is the absolute PERFECT East Coast road trip stop. The beautiful, secluded log cabin has been featured in several magazines and boasts epic mountain views without any neighbors in sight. You can relax on the beautiful porch, use the stone fireplace as a nightcap, or start a hike anytime as miles of trails are right outside the door. The lodge can sleep up to 8 guests and is a 15-20 minute drive from restaurants and stores.

Best East Coast Oceanside Cottage: Island Beach Living

Located on Pass a Grille beach alongside Florida’s West Coast, this idyllic oceanside cottage is the perfect beach stop on your East Coast road trip. Peaceful, secluded and free from the perils of mass tourism that plague most of Florida’s beaches, this cottage is literally steps from the ocean, and comes with a cycle! You can also utilize the full kitchen, or if not, several restaurants and shops are also within walking distance. This beach cottage can host two guests, and also has an outdoor shower to wash off after a sandy day!

Best Airbnb in Boston: Historic Beacon Hill Apartment

This Boston Airbnb is the best in the city for several reasons. First off, it’s located in a historic brownstone and is just minutes from the T and just a bit longer to some of Boston’s most iconic attractions. The booking gives you the entire apartment, which was recently renovated and can accommodate up to 3 guests. The picturesque space is well maintained and even has a fully functioning kitchen if you want to save money on meals!

• Boston to Washington D.C – 7 days
• East Coast Historical Road Trip – 14 days
• Ultimate East Coast Road Trip – 21 days

Below is a list of suggested itineraries for driving the East Coast of America. Varying from 7 days to 21 days in length, they cover many of the East Coast’s top attractions.

Each itinerary provides day-by-day highlights, which are meant to give you some good East Coast road trip ideas.

The USA is  blisteringly beautiful. It’s also blisteringly expensive! Visiting two national parks in day can run you $70+ in entry fees.

Orrrr… you kick those entry fees to the curb, buy an annual ‘America the Beautiful Pass’ for $79.99,  and get unlimited access to ALL 2000+ federally managed sites in the States totally FREE!

You do the math. 😉

Boston to Washington D.C – 1-Week East Coast USA Road Trip Itinerary

This is a great East Coast road trip if you only have 7 days, and you want to explore some of the USA’s best and most historic cities: Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C.

With 7 days you can see each of these cities’ highlights and best cultural attractions, and camp one night in Shenandoah National Park.

• Boston’s Freedom Trail
• Fenway Park Walking Tour and Game
• Exploring Manhattan and Brooklyn
• Philly’s Liberty Bell
• The Lincoln Memorial
• White House
• Shenandoah NP and the Blue Mountains

Hyatt Regency Boston

Freehand New York

Hotel Baron (D.C.)

• Boston – Sam Adams Brewery
• Brooklyn – Brooklyn Brewery, Smorgasburg
• Philadelphia – Monk’s Cafe, Evil Genius, Yards, Love City, and Crime and Punishment for a good brew. Northern Liberties neighborhood, and Steve’s Prince of Steaks for… cheesesteak.
• Washington D.C. – Adams Morgan and The Shaw for nightlife.

Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park

• Governor’s Ball (June in NY)
• Tribeca Film Festival (NY)
• Philly Beer Festival (February)
• By the People Art Festival (Washington D.C in June)

Things to Do in 7 Days on the East Coast

• See the highlights of Boston
• Watch a game at Fenway Park
• Walk along the Freedom Trail
• Explore the Boston Commons
• Go on a Little Italy food tour
• Hit the food markets in NY
• Eat and go out in SoHo and Chelsea
• Walk the Highline
• Cycle in Central Park
• Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art
• Get some views from the top of the Empire State Building
• Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge
• Explore Brooklyn’s nightlife
• Eat some NY pizza .
• Walk around historic Philadelphia including Liberty Bell and Independence Hall
• The Betsy Ross House
• Visit the Museum of the American Revolution .

Explore the historical sites of Washington D.C.:

• Lincoln Memorial
• Washington Monument
• Capitol Hill
• The Smithsonian Museum
• The White House

PLUS take a scenic drive in the beautiful Shenandoah National Park and camp in the woods.

Many of the activities on this itinerary are great for history buffs and learning about the East Coast’s culture.

Historical Route from Boston to Savannah – 2-Week East Coast USA Road Trip Itinerary

With an extra week, you can really explore the East Coast’s most significant historical and cultural attractions. Any history buffs will love this East Coast itinerary as it will start with you exploring Boston and end all the way down to Savannah, Georgia, exploring some of the country’s most significant attractions along the way.

Along the way, you’ll pass through NYC, New Jersey, Philadelphia and the Gettysburg, D.C, Williamsburg + Fort Raleigh, and the must-visit Charleston.

• Plymoth Plantation
• Fort Raleigh
• Roanoke Island
• Myrtle Beach
• Apple Hostels of Philadelphia
• ARC THE HOTEL Washington DC
• Charleston – The Obstinate Daughter, Lewis Barbecue, and Bangkok Lounge for drinks and karaoke.
• Savannah – The Grey and Fox and Fig
• Scenic route on the Carolina coast to Savannah
• The entire Blue Ridge Parkway
• Savannah Music Festival (March)
• MOJA Arts Festival (Charleston)

Things to Do in 14 Days on the East Coast

Here are some of the best things to do in 2 weeks on the East Coast!

• Visit Bunker Hill
• Spend a day at Plimoth Plantation
• Visit the New-York Historical Society
• And the 9/11 Memorial and Museum
• Spend a day at Battery Park
• Visit Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.
• National Museum for African American History
• National Gallery of Art

Visit Colonial Williamsburg and the first English settlement

PLUS stop by Wilmington or Myrtle Beach, visit the plantations outside Charleston, and walk the cobblestone streets of Savannah.

Ultimate East Coast USA Road Trip – 3-Week Itinerary

This is the  ultimate 3 week East Coast itinerary. While the previous itinerary focuses on cities and historical sites, this itinerary also leaves plenty of room to discover this side of the coast’s best beaches, hikes, and parks.

Unlike the previous routes, we’ll be starting in Maine, one of the United States’ gems. If you like good seafood and great beer, you’re going to love Maine.

Next, you’ll continue down the East Coast in a similar fashion as itinerary #2, but will also visit Acadia National Park (in Maine) Shenandoah National Park, Asheville, and the Smoky Mountains.

This is the best itinerary for you if you want to explore some of the country’s most beautiful forests and beaches as well as the most eccentric concrete jungles. Make sure to check out some awesome bed and breakfasts in Maine along the way.

• Acadia National Park
• Aloft Miami Brickell (Miami)
• Generator Hostel (Miami)
• Scenic route on the Carolina Coast to Savannah
• Blue Ridge Parkway
• Florida Keys highway
• Asheville Wine & Food Festival (August),
• Brewgrass in Asheville (October)
• Daytona 500 (February)
• Ultra Miami Music Festival (March)

Things to Do in 21 Days on the East Coast

• Grab a lobster roll in Portland Maine and explore the craft brew scene.
• Watch the sunrise in Acadia National Park before anyone else in the US.
• Stop by Camden Hills State Park on your way to Boston to gawk at some quintessential New England coastline.
• Explore some of the country’s most famous campuses like MIT and Harvard in Cambridge.
• Outside of Boston, visit Walden Pond where Henry David Thoreau lived.
• Visit NYC’s best landmarks and neighborhoods.
• Eat yourself full in Queens.
• Visit all of Philadelphia’s historical landmarks.
• Explore Washington D.C’s National Mall.
• Visit some of the country’s best museums like the Smithsonian.
• Drive along the Skyline Drive in Shenandoah.
• Camp in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
• Visit the hipster town of Asheville and Biltmore Estate.
• Explore the Charleston plantations and Carolina coastline
• Check out the Savannah Historical Center.
• Driving through Florida: Amelia Island, Castillo de San Marcos, Daytona Beach, and every beach in between.
• Hang out at on the beaches of Clearwater.
• Explore the historic city of St. Augustine.
• Take a boat ride in the Everglades.
• Explore Wynwood, stay on Miami Beach, and admire Brickell’s galleries.
• Shopping in Miami.
• Hit the town at night too; this is one of the best places to party in the USA..

PLUS, for more nature, visit Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and take a  Key West road trip to the Florida Keys, where you can check out places like Bahia Honda State Park, Key Largo, the southernmost point of the US and, of course, the legendary Key West itself.

Want to save money on accommodation?

We got you. For reals.

Below is a list of the best road trip destinations on the East Coast. Study them well and decide which ones you like the most.

New England Road Trip

New England is often considered the cradle of American society because of its role in the early colonial days. Many of America’s original colonies were founded here but much of their remnants still remain. It’s one of the most quaint places to visit in the United States .

Those on a road trip on the Northeast Coast of the USA will find a treasure trove of historical sites, not to mention amazing coastal scenery, hearty food, and memorable locals too.

New England is a large region that is composed of 6 different states: Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine, so in this section, we’re only going to be able to highlight the best of New England.

Staying in Boston is guaranteed to be a good time. It’s one of the best cities on the East Coast and it’s a truly awesome place to explore.

When in Boston, be sure to check popular local attractions like Fenway Park, Boston Commons, Trinity Church, and Uptown. Try attending a sports match, which is like church for Bostonians, and be sure to grab a drink in a local New England pub. I also HIGHLY recommend staying in Cape Cod for a few days if you get the chance.

The rest of New England is defined by pastoral villages, rugged coastline, and expansive woods. A bed and breakfast in Vermont is the perfect place to unwind in lush, mountainous greenery while famous coastal destinations like Acadia National Park, and the Connecticut Coastline are unlike any other beaches in the USA.

There are a ton of awesome bed and breakfasts in Connecticut where you can stay in a historical building and enjoy that welcoming East Coast hospitality.

Also consider driving through the New England countryside, particularly around the Litchfield Hills, Mohawk Trail, and the White Mountains. If you’re on an East Coast road trip during the autumn, you’ll be treated with the magnificent fall foliage that New England is so famous for.

New York Road Trip

New York, New York. It is the very symbol of the USA and probably its most well-known city. It is a bewildering busy place with an insane amount of people, who bounce around the city like atoms in a nuclear reactor. New Yorkers like to say that if they can make it in this city, then they can make it anywhere because where else could they feel so alive?

Traveling in New York City shouldn’t be taken lightly–the city is an absolutely enormous place that has more districts than one can count. It would take a lifetime to explore all of NYC’s neighborhoods – and I’m about to explain New York in the course of around 300 words. If you think this is a vastly underwhelming number, then we agree.

NYC is one of those places that’s absolutely worth spending some time in– staying in NYC is quite the experience!

New York is one of the greatest economic engines on the entire planet. This city churns out more money than most countries. Its skyline, which is one of the most recognizable in the world, is a representative of the city’s financial success. At the same time, New Yorkers, reaping the benefits of the economy, like to celebrate after a paycheck, often.

Hotels and Airbnbs are often expensive in and around the Big Apple, but elsewhere in the state you can look at staying in New York motels which are designed for road trippers!

As for gastronomy, people love to eat and drink in NYC. This city hosts one of the craziest nightlives in the world and more world-class restaurants than I can bother to imagine. Meeting up with friends after a hard day’s work or just visiting a local attraction like the MET, One World Trade Center or Central Park , is undoubtedly the top thing to do in New York.

There’s more to New York than just the city. Be sure to visit the oft-forgotten Upstate New York. Niagara Falls , the Hudson Valley , Catskills , and the picturesque stays in the Adirondacks should all be included on a road trip from New York.

New Jersey Road Trip

New Jersey is often seen as the butt-end of New York City – a state that only serves as a giant suburb for New Yorkers who want to settle down but still be close to the city. While its close proximity to the top places in NYC is certainly a boon – you can literally see Manhattan across the Hudson in New Jersey – it’s much more than New York’s backyard.

New Jersey has a lot to offer those on a road trip down the East Coast USA, including mountains, some of the best beaches in the Northeast, and lots of agrotourism opportunities. In fact, a bed and breakfast in New Jersey is so much cheaper than staying in the Big Apple, that many tourists visiting New York opt to stay in Jersey City/Newark and commute in.

The greatest density of people in New Jersey is in Jersey City/Newark , which, to little surprise, is right next to New York City. These places are often used as a cheaper base for exploring the city but are worthy of seeing as well.

As for what to do in Jersey City , you can eat and drink just as well as in NYC and, best of all, enjoy the best views of skyline without having to deal with the massive crowds. Newark has an excellent selection of museums and art galleries.

Most who visit New Jersey head straight for the beaches, which are very fine. Atlantic City , infamous for its gangsters and casinos, is the most visited coastal city in New Jersey and arguably the most famous resort town on the East Coast. Though many come here for more carnal reasons, Atlantic City still benefits from some gorgeous beaches and surfing opportunities.

Other popular beach getaways include Belmar, Asbury Park , the Wildwoods , and Sandy Hook . You can also opt to stay on Cape May for a truly spectacular Jersey seaside experience.

Few people realize that New Jersey has mountains! The Kittatinny Mountains , a subsection of the Appalachians, run along the western edge of the state and offers many hiking trails. Further south is the expansive Pine Barrens , which is great for camping and berry picking.

Pennsylvania Road Trip

Pennsylvania is one of the most historically significant states in the entire USA. The state has been the theater for many of America’s most important revolutionary events and has also been the birthplace of many of its greatest industries.

Coal, steel, mining, and even Amish woodworking are among Pennsylvania’s proudest exports and each of these paint a clear picture of what the state is today. A road trip through Pennsylvania will be an excellent insight into middle American life, both old and new.

You can’t pass through the state without visiting Philadelphia , which is one of the most historical cities in the USA. Philadelphia’s most important landmarks include the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall , the latter of which is where the Declaration of Independence was signed.

Philadelphia also hosts a wide variety of museums and historic sites that are some of the finest on the East Coast. Most famous is the Philadelphia Museum of Art , which, aside from having an excellent collection, also hosts the steps that Rocky Balboa trained on.

The rest of Pennsylvania is mostly rural. Much of Pennsylvania’s natural splendor is found here, and it’s particularly beautiful if you stay around the Poconos , Lake Eerie, and the Laurel Highlands . Famously, the Amish also live in the Pennsylvania countryside, mostly around Lancaster .

If you make it as far as Pittsburgh in the western portion of Pennsylvania, you’ll be rewarded. Pittsburgh was once the steel capital of the USA and, though it had a couple of rough years, is now becoming one of the coolest East Coast cities. There are plenty of great places to stay in Pittsburgh too.

Maryland and Delaware Road Trip

Maryland and Delaware are two of more historically significant states in the country. Much of their two histories are defined by the vital Chesapeake Bay , which served as an extremely important waterway during colonial days.

Nowadays, Maryland and Delaware are pretty quiet and mostly act as residences for rich folk from DC. The states still benefit from being located next to the Chesapeake – the seafood here is some of the best on the East Coast and there are lots of little coastal haunts worth checking out. These, in addition to the many historical attractions, make both states worth seeing.

Baltimore , Maryland is the largest city in the region and hosts the densest collection of attractions. Staying in Baltimore , made famous for its criminal elements thanks to The Wire , is not nearly as dangerous as it used to be and is actually one of the most desirable cities on the East Coast.

It has several interesting neighborhoods -like eclectic Fell’s Point , vibrant Hampden , and the artsy, somewhat ritzy Midtown – that make Baltimore worth visiting. Visit these areas and be sure to grab a famous Blue Crab around the Inner Harbor .

East of Baltimore is the Chesapeake Bay and the Delmarva Peninsula, which is where you’ll find most the region’s coastal charm. The Delmarva is shared by both Maryland and Delaware. Interestingly, the peninsula is culturally unique from the rest of the Atlantic states in that it identifies more with the South for both historical and geographic reasons. You’ll find many awesome cabins in Maryland to make a pit stop in these coastal towns.

Delaware is a very small state situated almost entirely on the Delmarva Peninsula . Almost all of the state’s attractions are found in Wilmington and on the coast.

Although it’s the largest city in Delaware, there isn’t a whole lot to do in Wilmington aside from maybe visiting nearby Brandywine Country . The Delaware Coast at least has some nice beaches. Noteworthy Delaware beaches include Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach .

You can also check out some of the cool best bed and breakfasts in Delaware , many of which are ideally located close to the beach!

Washington DC Road Trip

Washington DC is the glorious yet under-privileged nation’s capitol. It’s a perfect example of American exceptionalism and, at the same time, economic stratification. At the end of the day, staying in Washington DC is one of the best cities on the East Coast to visit, if not for its sheer beauty then for its relevant social dynamics.

Few can argue against how gorgeous the city of Washington DC is. The city itself is the product of a city planning movement that was meant to represent a new age in America. As such, Washington DC is designed to be a very modern metropolis with perfect gridwork and several large areas designated for monuments.

Most of DC’s top things to do monuments are located in or near the Mall District – a 2-mile long park that runs through the center of the city.

Most of the city’s greatest landmarks, including the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument , the Smithsonian Museum , and the White House are located in this park. The Mall District is certainly one of the must-see places on any East Coast road trip route and makes for a very lovely day of walking.

On the edges of the Mall are the rest of Washington DC’s most iconic places . North is Adams Morgan and The Shaw , which is where you’ll find much of the city’s surprisingly active nightlife.

East is Capitol Hill where most of the United States’ politics are done. South is the gorgeous Jefferson Memorial and, across the Potomac River, the hallowed Arlington Cemetery .

One should definitely add the outskirts of the city to their Washington DC itinerary to experience a “realer” side of the capital, where gentrification is in full effect. Much of DC’s satellite neighborhoods, where most natural-born residents are from, were socially neglected in the 90s.

Nowadays, these districts are being renovated aggressively and, in the process, are losing their identity. Visit H Street, Columbia Heights , and the Near Northeast for a taste of the new DC, both the good and bad of it.

Virginia Road Trip

Virginia is a transition state where Southern culture begins to take hold. As the former capital of the US Confederacy during the Civil War, the state is certainly not lacking its historical landmarks.

Virginia also has some of the finest scenery in the Eastern United States–you’ll even find cool wonders like the Natural Bridge State Park. Those on a road trip down the East Coast will be both delighted and captured by Virginia’s beautiful cabins that give a full dose of nature.

Richmond is the capital of Virginia. It’s a very old and historically significant city that has been around since the Colonial days. Much of its original architecture was destroyed in a great fire that occurred after the Confederates fled the city but, regardless, Richmond is still full of history and pride.

Virginia Airbnbs are plentiful in Richmond and beyond–do try them out for a more local, residential feel.

Richmond is a fairly spread-out urban area with several neighborhoods. Strewn sparsely among them are several museums dedicated to everything from poetry to historic landmarks. Aside from these, Richmond is also an arc for art and music and there are several clubs spread throughout the city.

The Virginia Coastline is where you’ll find the largest population in Virginia in addition to the usual beachside resorts. Here you’ll find Virginia Beach, Chesapeake , and Norfolk , which sort of combine to form their own metropolitan area. This part of Virginia has lots of excellent beaches to lay on but most of them are family-oriented. Staying in Virginia Beach is a great choice if you want to relax for a bit.

The interior of Virginia is mountainous and is home to a couple of beautiful national parks, like Shenandoah . Many people visit Virginia to see these parks and make road trips on the gorgeous Skyline Drive .

There are many quaint bed and breakfasts in Virginia that offer an authentic experience and are usually in renovated historical buildings. I highly recommend checking one out and experiencing that warming East Coast hospitality.

You can navigate this route all the way to the Great Smoky Mountains if you want, and can take a break at any time to go on hikes or to visit local landmarks. The Natural Bridge and the town of Winchester are good stops.

Consider taking part in the Brew Ridge Trail , which is one of the best East Coast brewery road trips!

North Carolina Road Trip

If there were one Mid-Atlantic state that offered the most, then it would probably be North Carolina . North Carolina has beaches, interesting cities, awesome mountains, and, of course, plenty of southern charm.

There are several urban centers in North Carolina. Charlotte is the largest city in the state and is becoming increasingly hip each and every day with more and more things to do . There are many cool Charlotte Airbnbs to choose from for your stay.

It’s a working man’s city with a booming economy and growing entertainment district that will soon be the next Southern jewel. It is, admittedly at the moment, still a bit dull compared to some other East Coast cities though. But you can find some cool and trendy North Carolina Airbnbs to enjoy your road trip stop at–for a much better rate than New England, that’s for sure.

Raleigh and the surrounding communes of Chapel Hill and Durham are much more fun. These cities are home to several universities, including the popular North Carolin State University and Duke , which means that there are lots of young people looking to have a good time.

The cities themselves are often ranked as being some of the most livable in the country and so make for great East Coast road trip stops.

The North Carolina Coast is awesome, filled with white sandy beaches and some of the best destinations for an East Coast road trip. Here you’ll find the extremely historical Roanoke Island as well as Kitty Hawk aka the birthplace of modern aviation. Some of the best beaches in North Carolina are Holden, Carova, Carolina, and Corolla .

North Carolina’s greatest treasure may be the fabled Great Smoky Mountains , which is home to some fantastic hiking trails. Cloaked in mist and legends of bootleggers, the Smokies are one of the most storied parts of the USA and, consequently, the most visited national park as well.

Be sure to stay in Asheville while in the Smokies, which is hands down one of the best East Coast cities to visit. Asheville has an amazing art and beer scene, and is often compared to eccentric places like Austin, Texas and Portland, Oregon. The grand Biltmore Estate is also near Asheville.

Charleston to Savannah Road Trip

Charleston (South Carolina) and Savannah (Georgia) are two cities that are fighting for your attention! Like squabbling children who want mommy to listen to them, these two cities have been in a fierce competition for generations. Visiting both of these cities will definitely be a highlight on your East Coast USA road trip.

Charleston is often considered to be the quainter and more intimate alternative to Savannah. It’s a small city that hosts some of the most well-preserved Southern architecture in the region. The French Quarter, Magnolia Plantation, Rainbow Row , and Boone Hall are all wonderful examples. A night in Charleston should definitely be prioritized, as should the epic Charleston City Market.

Savannah, on the other hand, is often seen as the larger and more charged of the two cities. As the birthplace of Georgia and a vital economic center for the South, a stay in Savannah has become much grander and, some locals would argue, more fun than Charleston.

Though Savannah lacks some of the singularly amazing landmarks that Charleston has, it still has that classy Antebellum style that we love about the South.

Savannah’s Historic Quarter is one of the largest in the USA and is most well-known for its gorgeous cobblestone streets and large public squares. Forsyth Park is a fantastic place to spend some time in, and there are also a lot of historic Georgia vacation rentals you can spend your trip in. Taking a walking tour in Savannah is arguably one of the best things to do on an East Coast road trip.

In the end, there are too many intangibles when it comes to Charleston and Savannah. The best way to experience these cities is just to visit them and compare the two yourself. Note how each prepares local Southern food and how each has worked to preserve their respective images.

Both the states of South Carolina and Georgia are much bigger than Charleston and Savannah. There are also lots of things to do in Myrtle Beach with kids. Consider visiting this beach resort town in South Carolina for your family getaway. Alternatively, head to Kiawah Island for an ocean escape.

A ways inland is Atlanta , which is the largest city in Georgia and arguably the cultural capital of the Deep South.

Florida Road Trip

Welcome to Florida ! Home to amazing tropical beaches, abundant sunshine, and most of the East Coast’s retirees. If you’ve been craving some Vitamin C and some delicious Latin food, you should be very excited to visit Florida.

If you’ve made the arduous road trip from Maine to Florida, congratulations – your beach chair and pina colada are waiting for you.

Florida is a gorgeous state with a shit ton of attractions and cities to visit. Staying in Florida is sure to be one hell of an experience. There isn’t another state quite like it, for better or for worse.

In order to better understand the Sunshine state, we highly recommend you read it.

The first place most people think when they hear Florida is Miami. (Cue corny Will Smith song.) Though much of what you hear about Miami is true – it’s glamorous, full of amazing beaches, and sometimes a shitshow – there’s a lot more to it.

Visiting Miami also means getting to experience an amazing art scene, which is best experienced in the Design District, Wynwood , and Midtown neighborhoods.

Thanks to its enormous immigrant population, Miami also has some most authentic Latin and Caribbean communes outside of their respective regions. Be sure to visit Little Havana and Little Haiti for the amazing cultures and food.

While Miami is safe for tourists, avoiding the neighborhoods of Overtown, Liberty City, and Opa Locka are musts. Luckily, there’s nothing for travelers to do in those places anyway.

The rest of Florida is defined mostly by endless stretches of beach, swamps, and Southern hospitality. The Everglades are one of the most important wetlands in the nation and are an impressive natural wonder.

Stunning beaches are a dime a dozen in Florida though the ones around the Emerald Coast, Tampa Bay, Florida Keys, and Atlantic Coast are particularly great (and yes, that’s just about everywhere.)

The only thing more numerous than beaches in Florida is Southern folk. Contrary to popular belief, only the area around Miami is predominately Latin – Central and Northern Florida are more similar to the Deep South. Expect lots of BBQ, fried gator, and charm. Places to stay in St. Augustine still have much of their Spanish colonial history and make great places to stay for a rest stop.

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These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

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Off The Beaten Path East Coast Road Trip Ideas

Want to expand your road trip on the East Coast? Try connecting it with one of these other regions! They’re a bit off the beaten path but are worth visiting.

Why not just continue all the way into the Great White North for some good Canadian fun, eh?! With lovely people, hugely fun cities, and some of the most beautiful landscapes in North America, it’s no surprise that visiting Canada tops many’s bucketlist.

Visit the likes of Montreal , Toronto , Nova Scotia , and Newfoundland to experience some of the best of Canada.

2. Appalachia

The Appalachian Mountains are the greatest mountain chain on the East Coast, which separates it from the Midwestern and Great Plains regions. It is a relatively isolated place that, over the years, has developed its own distinct culture and identity. Renting a cabin in West Virginia will give you a real look into Appalachian life, which is notably different from most other US states.

Tennessee and Kentucky, though Southern leaning, are arguably a part of this region. There is no better way to experience the Appalachians than the epic Appalachian Trail, which traverses a staggering 2,200 miles and takes over 6 months to complete.

Perhaps you’re the type who likes frigid weather and lots of dairy products? Make a detour to the Midwest then for a chance to experience some of the warmest hospitality in the country.

Surrounding the Great Lakes are welcoming states like Michigan and its up-and-coming capital Detroit, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Illinois that have been the subject of much love and ridicule (because of those funny accents). The Midwest hosts a number of cool cities–you cant go wrong with a visit to Chicago or Minneapolis.

4. Deep South

If you’re looking for pleasant winter weather and a chance to experience more Southern comfort, why not head further inland into the Deep South to Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. If you drive through Alabama, check out some of the cool and unusual hotels in Birmingham and stay for a few extra days to sample some of the real staples of Southern living.

Larger cities are quite cosmopolitan–you can’t drive through the region without visiting New Orleans ! On the other hand, states like Mississippi and Alabama are where things just get plain weird.

Historical East Coast Road Trip Attractions

Want to travel through America’s history? Then stop by one of these many historical East Coast road trip attractions to learn more about how the US was made!

• Bunker Hill (Charlestown, Massachusetts) – Site of one of the earliest and most important battles in the American Revolutionary War. A granite obelisk now stands at this location. One of the first monuments erected in the USA.
• Plimoth Plantation (Plymouth, Massachusetts) – An open-air museum located on grounds of the former Plymouth Colony. Attempts to recreate life as the settling English pilgrims experienced it.
• Gettysburg (Pennsylvania) – Battleground for the largest battle of the American Civil War. Gettysburg was a decisive victory for the Union and it proved to be a turning point in the conflict. A sobering cemetery and military park are the only remains of the fight.
• Mt Vernon (Alexandria, Virginia) – Former home and plantation of the USA’s first president, George Washington. Open 365 days per year as ordained by the president himself.
• Colonial Williamsburg (Virginia) – A section of modern Williamsburg that was preserved in order to appear like an original colonial settlement. Includes American colonial buildings, educational tours, and actors dressed in anachronistic apparel.
• Biltmore Estate (North Carolina) – An enormous mansion built by the Vanderbilts, one of the foremost tycoon families of the American Gilded Age. Still owned by the Vanderbilts and still the largest private dwelling in the USA.
• Fort Raleigh (North Carolina) – The preserved remains of the Roanoke Colony, the first-ever English settlement in the USA. Shrouded in mystery as the residents famously disappeared after they lost contact with the crown.
• St. Augustine (Florida) – A modern-day city that actually has some of the most significant Spanish colonial architecture in the country. The impressive Castillo de San Marcos is the grandest and most popular attraction in the town.

National Parks on the East Coast

The national parks are among the must see places on the East Coast as they offer some of the most spectacular scenery in the region. Consider stopping by one of the following parks…

• Acadia (Maine) – A jewel of the Northeastern coastline. Features some of the best and most rugged coastal scenery in the United States. Great beaches, great fall foliage, and great attractions for a road trip up the East Coast. For easy access to the national park, we recommend staying in Bar Harbor as it’s one of the nearest towns.
• Shenandoah (Virginia) – A slim national park that is mostly visited by those making the superlative Skyline Drive. Mountainous scenery that bursts into color during the autumn. Lots of hidden vistas and waterfalls available to hikers.
• Great Smoky Mountains (North Carolina) – One of the best places on the East Coast, though it’s actually a bit far from the ocean. Spending time in the Great Smoky Range means visiting the highest mountain chain in the entire Eastern USA. One of the most ecologically diverse places in the USA and officially the most visited national park in the country. The “smokey” title comes from the frequent fog that likes to hang around the mountains.
• Congaree (South Carolina) – A very large and well-preserved tract of hardwood forest that hosts some of the largest trees on the East Coast of the USA. It floods regularly, which brings in huge amounts of nutrients for local ecosystems. Overall, a very ecologically diverse park.
• Everglades (Florida) – Massive wetlands that are one of the most important natural habitats in the USA make Everglades National Park a must see. Features endless groves, glades, and inlets that hide several threatened species including the Florida panther, manatee, and the American crocodile. Usually explored by airboat or on foot via several trails.
• Dry Tortugas (Florida) – A small chain of keys that hosts the astounding Fort Jefferson, which is the largest brick masonry structure in the Western Hemisphere. Being a part of the iconic Florida Keys , Dry Tortugas also has excellent diving opportunities and that beautiful Caribbean water. Can only be reached by boat.
• Biscayne (Florida) – A offshore park that shelters an enormous amount of aquatic life. A very popular place among divers and fishers. 90% of the park is located in the ocean so camping and hiking opportunities are pretty limited.

East Coast Scenic Drives

Choose any one of these scenic routes listed below to gain more East Coast road trip ideas! Each one features more of the best places on the East Coast to visit.

• Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia/North Carolina) – The most scenic road trip on the East Coast. A very long road that traverses the Blue Ridge Mountains and connects Shenandoah with the Great Smoky Mountains.
• Skyline Drive (Virginia) – A road that runs the length of Shenandoah National Park, which is arguably the most popular destination in the park. Offers breathtaking views of the mountains and also provides access to several hiking trails, including the ACT. Connects with the Blue Ridge Parkway in the south.
• Kancamagus Highway (New Hampshire) – A spectacular East Coast road trip route through the White Mountains. Most popular during the fall when the mountains explode with autumn color. Several campgrounds and viewpoints are found along the 35-mile stretch.
• Florida A1A (Florida) – A highway that runs the entire length of Florida’s Atlantic Coast. The route hugs the entire coastline to Miami and affords amazing views of the ocean. Also includes the Florida Keys Scenic Byway, which is arguably one of the most beautiful roads in the USA.
• Acadia National Byway (Maine) – Ring road that offers the best sights of Acadia National Park . Most of the park’s top attractions can be reached via the byway including Sandy Beach and Jordan Ponds. Popular in fall when the trees are changing colors as well.
• Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad (Maryland) – A historical East Coast road trip route that follows the trail of the Underground Railroad – one of the most important escape routes for African slaves during the Civil War. Along the way, you’ll visit many museums, churches, and former residences that educate you about the railroad. Not very scenic but very humbling. Baltimore is a very cool city if you fancy hanging out a few days.

A few insider tips to help your East Coast Road trip go just a lil’ bit smoother!

Getting Insured

Do you need Travel Insurance for your trip? Even if you’re only going for a few days, that’s more than enough time to get smote by wrathful angels. Have fun on your road trip, but take it from us, overseas medical care and canceled flights can be seriously expensive – insurance can, therefore, be a life-saver.

Travel mishaps can and do happen and it is well worth thinking about insurance before you leave home.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Top Tips for Broke Backpackers

Below is a list of East Coast road trip ideas for saving money. Try and practice these as much as possible.

• Use vehicle relocation services: These brilliant services offer huge discounts to people on the condition they get a vehicle to a certain place at a certain time. No joke, you can rent a car sometimes for as low as $1/day! Availability is very limited though, so keep a watchful eye on the sites. Check immova and Cruise America to start with.
• Rent an economy car: Prices can be as low as $25/day depending on the time of year and how far in advance you reserve. Economy cars are also more fuel-efficient so you’ll save on fuel.
• Camp: Unless you want to fork out big bucks for a lodge, you have to camp. Campgrounds are way less expensive and sometimes even free. Check out this post for a breakdown of the best tents to take backpacking .  If you’re feeling really adventurous and want to save some cash, consider picking up a backpacking hammock.
• Sleep overnight in an empty lot: Though not technically legal, people sleep in parking lots all the time. Make sure the lot is safe by asking around. Walmarts are reportedly good places to park overnight as they allow overnight parking.
• Buy an America the Beautiful Pass : Seriously, if you’re visiting more than two national parks, you’d be a fool not to buy this.
• Cook your own food: Eating out can be very expensive. Cook your own food as much as possible to save – I recommend bringing a portable backpacking stove . Otherwise, have a fancy night out at a food cart.
• Do free shit: There are lots of free activities on the East Coast! From hiking to laying on the beach to going to the local monuments; all of these things cost you nill. Be sure to keep your ear to the ground for all things free in the East.
• Pack a filtered water bottle : It’s good for your wallet and the environment. Purified water is easy to come by in the States versus other countries.

Feeling a little gross after hanging out in the Great Smoky Mountains ? Got sand in every crack and corner of your body after laying on the beach too long? Maybe it’s time to take a break from your camping road trip on the East Coast and to check into a hotel.

Thankfully, hotels are everywhere in the USA and come in all shapes and sizes–there’s even quite the selection of USA budget hotel chains . You could perch yourself in a high-rise condo in the middle of the city or perhaps laze away in a small inn on the countryside.

If you’re on a budget East Coast road trip and need to cut costs, you’ll most likely have to settle for cheaper guesthouses and motels . These types of accommodation are fairly generic, drab, and offer a pretty limited amount of amenities. If you’re using hotels in more expensive states, than you’ll still end up paying $80/night minimum.

No matter what you end up choosing though, one thing is for certain – hotels on the East coast are expensive. Airbnbs in the US are a much better option than chain hotels most of time, and you can see plethora of reviews beforehand.

If you needed to save the most money on your East Coast road trip, then you should take advantage of hostels and campgrounds .

They are by far the most affordable type of accommodation on the East Coast, and are actually quite fun to stay at. Though hostels in the USA can be a little weird (we know: we’ve stayed at several), most are perfectly decent even if they’re not as rad as the ones in Europe or Asia.

Best Places to Stay on the East Coast

Here are some of the absolute best places to stay on your East Coast road trip:

East Coast Camping Road Trip

Spread across the entire Eastern seaboard is an endless variety of campgrounds set amongst dozens of landscapes. An East Coast camping trip is a fantastic way of seeing everything that the region has to offer, and you should rarely be left uninspired by the amazing selection.

There are all kinds of campgrounds in the East that offer a wide range of amenities and rates. Generally speaking, there are four types: private, public, dispersed , and backcountry . Below is a brief explanation of each.

• Private – Larger campgrounds that offer the most amenities including communal kitchens, showers, and maybe onsite restaurants. Most appropriate for demanding campers. Most expensive as well. Payment is made through the office of the owners.
• Public – More basic campgrounds that offer limited but crucial amenities. Running water, electricity, and bathrooms should be but are not always present. Good prices. Payment is made to a public organization either online or via a drop box at the camp.
• Dispersed – aka wild camping, primitive camping . Camping in an area that is not an official campground but is still legal. Little to no amenities. Almost always free.
• Backcountry – Camps located in the wilderness areas. Almost always require a hike to reach. Often no facilities so campers must bring food, cooking gear, camp supplies, etc. Permits are usually required and can be arranged at a nearby ranger station.

A lot of campgrounds, especially those at the national parks, can fill up very quickly. Consider booking a campground ahead of time to ensure that you have a spot.

If there are no campgrounds left at a specific place, there may be walk-up sites available, which you’ll need to arrive early to claim. If you strike out on the walk-up sites as well, there may be overflow camping nearby.

You can definitely camp for free while on a road trip down the East Coast! Most of these campgrounds are pretty remote or located on some sort of specially mandated land.

Each state offers different types of free backcountry camping so you will need to research each. To get started, check this website for a compendium of free camping on the East Coast.

Camping on the East Coast – Gear Checklist

The East Coast has some of the finest camping in the whole country. You could sleep in your car or an RV while traveling on the East Coast but sleeping outside under the stars is way more fun. Having a good tent will keep you comfortable on those chilly nights and give you lots of flexibility when it comes to finding a place to sleep.

Here are some other essentials that we recommend adding ton your road trip packing list …

Travel Security Belt

This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.

Microfiber Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.

‘Monopoly Deal’

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Don’t forget the insect repellent either!

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

Renting a car is the most popular way of getting around the Eastern USA. There are a myriad of car rental agencies here that offer varying deals and varying models.

To find the best rental car deal in the USA, use search engines that compare the prices of individual companies. I personally like using rentalcars.com as they’ve never failed to give us a great price.

You can also rent an RV or campervan, which means you don’t have to worry about packing camping gear. You will have to empty and refill the various water tanks though, which will require a visit to the proper facilities. RVs also cost more to rent, use more gas, and demand higher prices at campgrounds.

You can drive your own campervan around the country, but this is only practical if you already own one and are importing it into the country, or have a long enough US visa to make the most out of your wheeled home.

I suggest booking a campervan with Outdoorsy as they usually have a good selection and good prices. Better yet, Broke Backpackers also get a $40 discount with Outdoorsy! Just use the coupon code “BACKPACKER” when checking out.

The roads are generally very good and a sedan or economy car should deliver you to most of the East Coast’s top destinations. Only in the most remote portions of the Appalachia and the swamplands will you need to be concerned about having 4-wheel drive.

If you need any extra motivation to book that trip, here is the perfect mix of cheesy and inspirational road trip quotes . I’m sure they’ll give you the nudge you need.

Tips for Saving Money on Car Rentals in the US

• Reach out to vehicle relocation services, like Imoova and Cruise America , as a way of saving heaps of cash on rentals.
• Car insurance isn’t always mandatory in the USA but is highly encouraged. This being said, you don’t necessarily have to buy car insurance from the company you’re renting from. Purchase a RentalCover.com policy to cover your vehicle against any common damages such as tires, windscreens, theft, and more at a fraction of the price you would pay at the rental desk.
• Many credit card companies offer free car insurance if you book the car with the proper card. Call your credit card company for more information regarding terms and conditions.

Best Time to Visit the East Coast

The East Coast is a massive region that is subject to more than a dozen different climates. While on a road trip along the East Coast, USA, you could potentially experience rain, sunshine, snow, and tropical storms – all in the course of a few weeks!

Depending on what you want to do, you could visit the East Coast at any time of the year. Summers generally have the most reliable weather though you might get dumped on in Florida.

On the other hand, if you were on an East Coast road trip in the winter, you could totally go skiing in New England and then surfing in Florida! Just don’t forget a high-quality ski jacket .

I have broken the East Coast into three different climate categories. These are broad generalizations and, in reality, each state has much more complex weather patterns. These categories are relevant enough for you to understand how the weather works on the East Coast.

Northeastern States (New England -> Pennsylvania) – These states are subject to 4 distinct seasons with cold, snowy winters and warm, semi-humid summers. Winters in these states can be frigid as the Canadian winds wreak havoc. Summers are mostly mild but heat waves are still common.

Central Atlantic States (Maryland -> Georgia) – These states receive more regular rainfall throughout the year and less dramatic temperature swings. Winters are still relatively cold and summers are the hottest time of the year, which means that these states are still classified as having 4 seasons. Though rare, Georgia and the Carolinas can actually receive snow in the winter.

Tropical States (Florida) – While the climate of Northern Florida is more similar to Georgia’s, Southern Florida is textbook tropical. Rain comes in bucket loads during the summer, sometimes dangerously in the form of hurricanes. Winters are mild and clear.

Food on the East Coast

A road trip on the East Coast will afford endless opportunities for you to try different foods. The food of this region is so diverse and so different that it’s not possible to put all of it into one category (except, of course, a delicious category).

Each state has its own local delicacies. You could make a culinary road trip from Maine to Florida in pursuit of these dishes and it would certainly take up a lot of your time and attention!

But let’s briefly talk about what you’ll find on each part of the East Coast…

New England is famous for its seafood , which is often baked, stewed or steamed to divine results. Chowder is perhaps the most famous dish here, though you can’t go wrong with a good ol’ clambake or lobster roll. On that note, Maine lobster is highly regarded. Food in Boston is particularly famous for its clam chowder, Boston baked beans, and being a legendary baseball city, hot dogs.

New York City has just about every type of food imaginable because of its enormous immigrant population. You can seriously eat some of the best food from around the globe in one city. If there was one or two foods that could be called true New York food, it might be bagels and pizza . As pizza in the city is often priced at backpacker-friendly rates, just pair it with a cheap NYC hostel for an affordable adventure.

Pizza and, for that matter, Italian food is fairly common in the Atlantic states. Some places, like New Haven (Connecticut) and Scranton (Pennsylvania) even claim to have the best in the world.

The sandwich is also a staple of the East Coast and comes in many varieties. New Jersey is famous for inventing “the sub” while you can’t say you’ve visited Philadelphia’s tourist attractions without savoring its very well-known Philly cheesesteak.

As we drive further south the food begins to change. Southern cooking becomes the dominant trend and BBQ and fried foods are heavily featured. The Carolinas are particularly famous for their version of BBQ, though the Georgian variety is no slouch either.

Finally, Southern Florida has some of the best Caribbean and Latin food that you’ll eat in the USA. Cuban, Jamaican, Dominican, South American – all of these culinary styles are represented very well in Miami and the surrounding area.

Get your Buzz On

The East Coast is called the Beast Coast for a reason – people get wild on a regular basis and throw some of the best parties in the USA! You can party in a myriad of ways while on a road trip up the East Coast – you could go to a speakeasy in New York City, drink with rowdy Southies in a Boston dive, rub shoulders with politicians in Washington DC or dance all night in Miami. The possibilities are limitless.

Just make sure you know your personal limits (and that of your wallet) before dabbling in drug tourism, that’s all!

Drinking on the East Coast, particularly in the bigger cities, is by no means cheap though. Cover charges, exorbitant drink prices, and taxi fees add up very quickly; you could easily drop more than $100 in a single night.

I advise drinking at local dive bars for the cheapest drinks and taking advantage of the ubiquitous happy hour. You can get a beer for as low as $1 in some bars.

Beer is probably the most popular drink on the East Coast and is found in abundance at nearly every bar. No matter which bar you end up in, you’ll usually have a huge selection of domestic, craft, and imported choices. Best of all, it’s usually the cheapest drink!

One idea is to go on a brewery tour of the East Coast! There are hundreds of breweries on the East Coast making everything from shitty lagers to divine ales. I suggest visiting Brooklyn Brewing, Wicked Weed in Asheville, Ommegang in upstate New York, and Creature Comforts in Athens, Georgia.

Marijuana is legal for recreational use in several New England states! While on a Northeast coast road trip, you can drop by a dispensary and pick up a dime bag. All you need to buy weed is an ID proving that you’re over 21 and cash.

Be sure to brush up on local laws and don’t bring marijuana across state borders (especially into illegal states).

Being a Responsible Backpacker

Remember to be a respectful camper while on your East Coast road trip. Depart from the grounds at a decent hour, follow leave no trace principles , and be very, very aware of fire bans.

Reduce your plastic footprint: Perhaps the best thing you can do for our planet is to make sure you do NOT add to the plastic problem all over the world. Don’t buy one-use water bottles, the plastic ends up in a landfill or in the ocean.

I know it can be hard, but do your best to use the least amount of plastic water bottles that you can. Refill the ones that you do buy! Use a GRAYL GEOPRESS . Refill at your hostel/guest house! There are plenty of ways to reduce plastic!!!

Pack a tough and cool travel water bottle. You’ll use it every single day whether you are traveling or not! Be a responsible traveler , and grab a Grayl!

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

I hope this epic East Coast road trip guide has prepared you for your overland journey along the Atlantic Ocean. This region of the country is filled with unique landscapes, plenty of history, and some truly delicious food.

Traveling here will help you get to know the US, and give you a look at the diversity within it. Just look at the differences between Miami and Maine!

This is a lot to take in, but remember that road trips can be spontaneous. That’s half the fun! On the other hand, if you just can’t quite decide where to start, you can’t go wrong with the Ultimate East Coast Road trip, which truly hits all the best stops on this side of the United States.

So make those last-minute van repairs or secure your rental.

An East Coast road trip awaits !

Updated April 2023 by Samantha Shea from Intentional Detours .

Made it this far? You get 15% OFF to book a place to stay ! Offer valid exclusively for Broke Backpackers 😉

Share or save this post

Great! very informative article. Keep it up.

I noticed a typo. The South Carolina State University is not located in Raleigh, NC. It should read North Carolin Satate University.

Awesome high level ideas for the ultimate East Coast road trip! As a Florida local, I’d recommend travelers check out some of the smaller, lesser-known FL West Coast areas like Anna Maria Island just south of Tampa or Sanibel if you’re heading even further south. All said and done, your guide did Florida justice — from visiting the Dry Tortugas to trying our BBQ and fried gator.

Wow, really long and informative article! Don’t have much to add but two tips that fall under the category general (obvious) advice:

– Don’t set the stops in stone and don’t try to keep a timeline. Take your time to explore places and stay flexible. Your trip will benefit greatly. – Keep a track of gas stations on your route. Because obviously there’s nothing worse but to run out of gas on a rainy day in the middle of nowhere…

Totally agree! You should really check out that ViaMichelin app for gas stations and what not. It’s brilliant.

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Backpacking in the USA , Road Trips

The best east coast road trips in the usa.

The road trips aren’t listed in any particular order so take a look through them all before you decide!

This website contains sponsored and affiliate links. If you click through the links on this page and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support. [Learn more]

Planning Your East Coast Road Trip

These East Coast road trip itineraries will give you some great ideas for road trip destinations, but take your time and decide exactly what you want to see, and when you will be going.  The seasons and weather can have a big impact on where you choose to go!

These road trips are roughly ordered by destination from South to North.  Some road trips work well as a weekend getaway , whereas others are longer and could take several weeks.  There are some incredible National Parks on the east coast so consider prioritising those.  You could even combine some road trip itineraries, so take your time to explore! 

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Make sure you give yourself enough time to drive between stops safely, and include plenty of breaks for food, toilet stops and to have a rest from driving.

If you’re wondering what to pack for a road trip then check out this road trip essentials post with a printable road trip checklist!

Raleigh to New Orleans Road Trip

Explore some of the best southern cities in the United States by taking a  road trip from Raleigh to New Orleans .  You’ll visit a National Park, a number of important Civil Rights Movement sites, and four state capitals!

Kick off the journey in Raleigh, North Carolina and head south to Congaree National Park and Columbia, South Carolina.  Then continue through Augusta and Atlanta, Georgia into Montgomery, Alabama, a city that played a key part in the Civil Rights Movement and with Martin Luther King. From there, continue on to Mobile, Alabama and Biloxi, Mississippi before arriving at your end destination, the fabulous New Orleans , Lousiana.

This road trip takes you through 6 states clocking in at just under 1000 miles and 15 hours of driving.  While it can be done in as little as 2 days, you can easily spend a week or even two weeks on this path exploring each of the culturally rich cities along the way.

By Julia, The Cure for Curiosity

Miami to the Everglades and Ten Thousand Islands, Florida

The Everglades National Park is an ecosystem and a World Heritage Site, located in the sunny state of Florida, 80.5 miles (130 km) from Miami , approx. 1:30 hour driving.  This road trip makes a great day out to visit this heaven for outdoor lovers, with loads of nature, many hiking trails to choose from, and water activities like kayaking and the traditional airboat. 

To get to the Everglades, drive west from Miami on the U.S. Highway 41. You’ll pass through Miami’s outer suburbs before entering the largely undeveloped wetlands, making it a beautiful drive to observe the nature of this unique place. 

If you are planning to visit the Everglades for a few days or choose to stay overnight, the best option for accommodation is Everglades City. In this little charming fishing village, you can find shops, restaurants, accommodations, and places to rent a canoe, kayak, bicycle, and also, you can take boat and airboat tours.  

Another must-visit place during your trip to the Everglades is the  Ten Thousand Islands Wildlife Refuge , the second largest mangrove forest in the world forming fascinating labyrinths of water and islands with very rich wildlife, including some endangered species.   

By Paula, Paula Pins the Planet

Florida’s Overseas Highway:

Florida’s Overseas Highway, frequently referred to as the “Highway that Goes to Sea”, is one of, if not the, best road trips on the East Coast.

The Overseas Highway is a little more than 100 miles and can be completed from Miami to the Florida Keys in as little as four hours. However, to make the most out of your vacation, you should plan a couple of days traveling along the Overseas Highway to stop at some of the area’s best attractions!

The best place for diving and snorkeling on this East Coast road trip is at Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Learn more about the history of these exhilarating activities at the History of Diving Museum located on mile marker 83.

Finish your road adventure Key West, park your car and jump on a ferry heading towards the  Dry Tortugas National Park  for a fantastic last day in the sun!

By Ellie, Ellie’s Travel Tips

Orlando, Florida to Savannah Georgia

All the fun of Orlando to the picturesque city of Savannah is perfect for a road trip. You need at least a week to really do this journey justice and take in the varied landscape. Start your journey with all the attractions in Orlando (there are some great  Orlando day trips to take here too so it’s good to use as a base) before snaking north along the coastline.

Stop off at beautiful Amelia Island with its miles of sandy beaches, the perfect place to relax. Then head further north into Georgia and the old world charm of Jekyll Island. Stay at the Jekyll Island Club and cycle your way around the island – don’t miss picturesque Driftwood Beach with its fallen tree limbs scattered across it.

Then it’s time for the more vibrant Saint Simons Island with its attractions and opportunities for active pursuits like kayaking and hiking. Finish up in the southern gem city of Savannah with its colourful houses, wonderful parks and great foodie scene. This is a road trip that really brings in the best of these two states.

By Nichola, Globalmouse Travels

Charleston, South Carolina to Savannah, Georgia

Driving from Charleston to Savannah is a fantastic one-way, 107-mile East Coast road trip. Since these cities are located just two hours apart, you’ll spend less time in the car and more time exploring each city.

Five days is the perfect amount of time for your road trip—spend two days in Charleston, two days in Savannah, and one day traveling!

While you’re in Charleston, visit Boone Hall Plantation for beautiful scenery and a sobering history lesson, and snap a picture at the Pineapple Fountain or Rainbow Row. Stop at Poogan’s Porch for a delicious brunch, or FIG for a fancy dinner.

On your way to Savannah, stop at Kiawah Island for some relaxing beach time and learn how tea is made at the Charleston Tea Garden.

Once you arrive in Savannah, go on a spooky Ghost Tour, stroll through Forsyth Park, and visit historic City Market and River Street. Savannah has incredible places to eat , as well. Enjoy an upscale dinner at The Olde Pink House, order an ice cream cone at Leopold’s, and get brunch at The Collins Quarter.

By Brittany, Travel by Brit

The Outer Banks of North Carolina

The Outer Banks of North Carolina is an amazing US East Coast road trip destination. Most visitors to the OBX barrier islands typically spend a week in a vacation rental beach house and break up the 95-mile coastal scenic drive into a few excursions.

One day, drive north to Corolla and see the wild horses and drive on one of USA’s longest unpaved beach roads. Another day drive south to Cape Hatteras National Seashore and visit USA’s tallest lighthouse, learn about the 600 shipwrecks and pirate history, and hike in the marshes.

In between, visit Kitty Hawk (where the Wright Brothers were the first humans to fly), Nags Head, and other NC coast scenic attractions. 

Some of the best  things to do in Outer Banks  include enjoying the beach sun and fun, magnificent sunrises and sunsets, and tasting the abundant fresh produce and seafood (especially shrimp and crabs).

As for activities in the Outer Banks, try your hand at kayaking in a maritime forest, hang gliding on the largest sand dune in the eastern US or riding horses on the beach. You could even fly over the Outer Banks in a vintage open cockpit airplane!

By Charles, McCool Travel

Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway– which stretches from Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia– has to be one of the best road trips in the United States of America. 

It’s the longest linear park in the US, traveling through Jefferson, George Washington, Nantahala, and Pisgah National Forests. The majority of the 469-mile scenic route was completed in 1966, but the gorgeous 8-mile stretch between the Linn Cove Viaduct and Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina wasn’t finished until 1987.

There are 200 remarkably scenic  Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks  along the way, offering stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, wondrous waterfalls, and verdant valleys. There’s also wildlife such as Black Bear, White-tailed Deer, Wild Turkeys, and countless other birds. 

Driving the 45 mph speed limit without stopping, you could theoretically cover the whole route in 15 hours. But that would totally defeat the purpose. The BRP’s stunning scenery encourages you to slow down and soak in the majestic beauty of one of America’s largest remaining stretches of wilderness. 

There are no billboards, gas stations, neon signs, or other commercial interests along the route. Just jaw-dropping scenic views, which reach their dynamic peak when the colors of autumn are at their most splendiferous.  

by Bret & Mary, Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide

Washington DC to Charlottesville

One of the best east coast road trips is the drive from Washington, D.C. to Charlottesville, Virginia. This road trip isn’t exactly far, but a popular overnight or weekend trip for many. The drive from DC is about two and a half hours one way.

Start in the city and visit all the Smithsonian Museums and check things off your  Washington, D.C. bucket list . In the early to mid-morning when you are done in DC, head for Charlottesville. The best part of the drive is taking the detour to see Skyline Drive, which in the fall, is one of the best drives in the country!

Charlottesville is known for the Monticello Wine Trail and has dozens of fantastic wineries to enjoy, which is the big attraction to visit. The Napa of the east. Don’t miss Pippin Hill, King Family or Early Mountain!

By Nicole, Bucket List Lists 

Virginia’s Eastern Shore

Take a 2 to 4-day  road trip on Virginia’s Eastern Shore  to enjoy beautiful parks and wetlands, local seafood, and quaint beach towns. It’s just 65 miles from Chincoteague to Cape Charles, but there is plenty to do on this scenic peninsula.

Begin your trip at Chincoteague, a cute town full of casual local restaurants and family-friendly activities. Here you can explore the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge where wild ponies, made famous in the children’s classic Misty of Chincoteague, still roam free. Next door is Assateague National Seashore where you can climb a lighthouse or spend the day at a spacious Atlantic beach.

Heading south, spend a night in the quaint waterfront town of Onancock, home to art galleries and excellent dining. Your final stop is the cute beach town of Cape Charles. Rent a golf cart to explore around town and check out excellent restaurants, unique shops, and a quiet Chesapeake Bay beach. End your trip with a drive over the dramatic 17.6-mile Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel.

By Julie, Fun in Fairfax VA

From Pennsylvania to New York’s Thousand Islands

A road trip to New York State’s Thousand Islands is full of wonderful on and around-water adventures, from physical or cultural activities to food and wine.  I’d suggest spending two weeks on this loop drive from Eastern Pennsylvania to Thousand Islands and back.

A cultural must-see is the incredible Corning Museum, 4 hours north of Pennsylvania, with fascinating sculptural and scientific exhibits, and a chance to try glass blowing. Enjoy hiking at nearby Watkins Glen State Park which showcases 19 gorgeous waterfalls, and eat outdoors at the Harbour Hotel overlooking the lake, or explore the Seneca Lake Food and Wine Trail.

Thousand Islands is 2.5 hours north. Discover its mainland of Alexander Bay, Clayton, Henderson Harbor, Oswego, Sackett’s Harbor, and the beautiful state parks – Keewaydin, Cedar Pointe, Grasse Pointe, and Dewolf. Wellesley Island State Park in the middle of the St. Lawrence Seaway is a great starting place to explore historic areas, waterways, and natural beauty. 

Spend a day in a rental boat cruising the St. Lawrence where there are 1500+ small islands.  Scenic boat tours are a must – Singer Castle, Boldt Castle on Heart Island, or sunset dinner cruising. Don’t miss the Antique Boat Museum, the largest North American collection of antique and classic boats.

Heading 2.5 hours south, visit Cayuga Lake, the longest Finger Lake near Ithaca, NY. Hike, walk, drive to the 150+ waterfalls. Explore beautiful Taughannock Falls State Park and enjoy the fruits of the area on the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, have homemade ice cream, and stop at the cheese farm to end your road trip.

By Wendy, Adventurous Retirement

New York to Jamestown

The busy city life of New York through to the sleepy towns of the south and the origins of modern day USA are there for all to see on this fantastic road trip. You’ll need around two weeks to see the sites properly and have time to stop off along the route.

Begin in New York – packed full of great attractions, museums and fun and there are some wonderful family hotels in New York to make it a really comfortable stay. Next stop is Philadelphia which is a wonderful city to explore from its iconic Art Museum to Reading Terminal Market to try the local food, it’s another city to enjoy for as long as you can.

Moving on, stopping briefly in Baltimore at the National Aquarium which shouldn’t be missed before heading in to Washington DC. This is another great stop off with the fantastic museums of the Smithsonian taking up the lion share of your time.

Finish off this road trip at the historic sites of Williamsburg and Jamestown to find out about the origins of the USA and the hardships of the early settlers. This is a road trip full of variety and great history, and one of the best east coast road trips you can get!

By Nichola, Family Hotel Expert

New York to Boston

Those looking for a quick and fairly manageable road trip will love the drive from New York City to Boston. You’ll get to see two of the East Coast’s major cities as well as the beautiful coastline along the way.

Make sure to do this road trip during summer when temperatures are warm and ideal for sightseeing. Alternatively, this area of the US is especially beautiful during the fall when the forests are tinted orange and make a great photo subject.

With just over 200 miles this road trip takes around 3,5 hours one way although you could drive for slightly longer and take the scenic road through Providence. Definitely make a stop in New Haven for some fantastic museums and beautiful architecture. This is the perfect weekend road trip although you could also spend up to a week if you want to see more of Boston and New York City.

Victoria, Guide Your Travel

Boston, Massachusetts to Portland, Maine

If you’re looking for a fabulous New England road trip, consider a one-way road trip from Boston to Portland, Maine.

While only about 112 miles divide the two coastal cities, a large percentage of the region’s treasures lie between them– many of which are located either right on Interstate-95 or a short detour away. You could easily extend this road trip up to 5 days, or squeeze many of the sights into a long weekend.

After you’ve explored everything Boston has to offer, you can start your trek by stopping in the nearby historic towns of Salem , where the infamous Salem Witch Trials took place and Plymouth, home to the Plymouth Rock.

Other quaint places to visit along the route include Newburyport, Rockport, and Ipswich, which all have breath-taking views of the rocky coastline and splendid First Period architecture. Be sure to grab a bite at regional legend Ipswich Clam Box.

Crossing into New Hampshire , you can take a detour to its capital, Concord, or continue north to Portsmouth, an adorable city on the border with Kittery, Maine.

Once you cross into Maine, be sure to stop at one or two of Maine’s quintessential beach towns like York or Ogunquit, and as you enter Portland, don’t miss the Portland Head Light lighthouse at Cape Elizabeth and indulge in some authentic Maine lobster at the Lobster Shack at Two Lights nearby.

By Tegan & Alex, Why Not Walk Travel Guides

Portland Maine to Bar Harbor

The 170-mile drive from Portland, Maine to Bar Harbor is a gem. Right after leaving Portland, you can discover the town of Freeport which offered great shopping, not only at the headquarters of the famous LLBean clothing maker, but also at the tourist duty-free shops around town.

And then there is the city of Bangor which used to be a timber hub, although now is probably most famous for being the home of novelist Stephen King.  Horror fans might like to visit his house, and although you can’t go inside, you can admire the wrought-iron gates decorated with bats and spiders.

Next, visit the quaint town of Bar Harbor with its romantic tall ships and waterfront places for delicious lobster meals.  Bar Harbor guards the entry to Acadia National Park, the crown jewel of the North Atlantic Coast. Its top attractions Cadillac Mountain, Sand Beach, Jordan Pond, Thunder Hole, and the highest headlands called Otter Cliff were all worth the drive!

The whole drive can take less than three hours, but as with any road trip the joy is in taking your time and exploring the stops along the way.  

By Carol, Cruising Past Seventy

Vermont Road Trip

A road trip the length of Vermont is full of charming villages and scenic beauty. Starting in the south in Battleboro, see the nearly West Dummerston Covered Bridge, one of over 100 covered bridges in Vermont.

Next head up Route 100 through the heart of the Green Mountains, stopping at picturesque villages along the way. Stowe, a famous ski town, is delightful in the warmer seasons too. Take a gondola ride for marvelous views of Mt. Mansfield, the highest peak in Vermont.

The next stop is Burlington with its vibrant foodie scene and craft breweries. Don’t miss a gorgeous sunset across Lake Champlain from Waterfront Park.

The final leg of the trip is through the bucolic Champlain Islands . Search for the roadside miniature stone castles of South Hero Island ad enjoy the area’s agrotourism and fine wineries.  Take a full three days to enjoy this approximately 200-mile route.

By Karen, Outdoor Adventure Sampler

Fall Foliage Road Trip in New England

Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York are must visit for the fall, and combining them in a fall foliage road trip is ideal. Fall colors change North to South, so start as far North as you can. Every year the leaves change at different times but in general it’s best to plan this trip from the last week of September, through the first few weeks of October.  One to two weeks is recommended to make the most of the area.

Start in Maine and explore Acadia National Park. Drive through the park or get out and hike. Next head to New Hampshire. In New Hampshire, stop by Dixville Notch State Park and from there head to the White Mountains and drive along Kancamagus Highway. There are stops and hiking trails along the entire drive that take you through some of the most vibrant fall colors in New England.

From New Hampshire, head to Vermont, which looks like it’s straight out of a storybook. Woodstock, VT is full of photogenic farms to take photos of. Woodstock is also a cute town to explore and there are several restaurants and shops to enjoy wandering through.

In New York, head to the Adirondack Mountains. Lake Placid is a great town to stop in and there are beautiful hiking trails throughout these mountains. There are also beautiful places to take photos to take right off the side of the road if you don’t feel like hiking.

By Jenny, Limitless Hiker

I hope these gorgeous east coast road trips have given you some inspiration for your American road trip itinerary – I have certainly added a lot more to my USA bucket list !  If you are planning a road trip do let me know, I love being out on the open road!

Want More Travel Tips for the USA?

• The Best West Coast National Parks
• The Best East Coast National Parks
• The Best National Parks to Visit in Winter
• The Best National Parks to Visit in Spring 
• The Most Accessible National Parks
• The Best Places to See Fall Foliage
• The Best West Coast Road Trips
• The Best East Coast Road Trips
• The Cheapest Places to Travel in the USA
• The Ultimate US Bucket List
• The Best Vacation Spots in the US
• The Best Cheap Weekend Getaways for Couples

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Just to let you know, this post may contain paid or affiliate links, which help to maintain Tales of a Backpacker and give me the chance to keep travelling, and to keep creating awesome content for you!  I only recommend goods and services I believe are useful and reliable.

Hi! I'm Claire Sturzaker, a 30-something foodie traveller who loves to enjoy the best of a destination without breaking the bank. I'm here to help you and all women backpackers to plan their best budget travel adventure. I am an avid supporter of female solo travel, and took my first solo trip 20 years ago! I love to write about travel, hostels, backpacking and van life.

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Backpacking In California: 23 Amazing Spots You Must Visit

Our two favorite things to do in the outdoors in California is hike and camp. Why not combine the two with a backpack camping trip? We know camping in Southern California is very popular with families to couples and folks with their dogs, but for the more adventurous, finding cool spots for backpacking in California is even more exciting.

There are some amazing spots for backpacking in California, from the Bay Area of San Francisco to Southern California and everywhere in between. Some favorite places for backpack camping include Joshua Tree , the Lake Tahoe area, Yosemite National Park and the Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park areas. Much of these wilderness areas are more ‘hard core backpacking’ for those with experience and the legs to carry themselves further than a couple of mile hike.

For those of you who are new to this outdoor adventure, we share relatively easy, doable backpacking trails here in California to consider for your first (or second or third!) backpacking camping trip with or without kids. As we explore more of the backcountry camping options throughout California, we will update this list.

Don’t miss our top tips and backpacking hacks for beginners !

Jump to a Heading Below

23 Overnight Spots for Backpacking in California 

Are you looking to get out into the backcountry?  It has become one of our favorite past times to really get off grid and see some really remarkable landscapes that just wouldn’t be possible on day trips. Below we share some easy beginner trails as well as some longer hikes even a few segments of the JMT that can be done on short stints.

Crystal Cove State Park

Many people know of Crystal Cove for their great tidepooling and over the beach camping spots, but there are also several primitive backcountry camps that are available. The three different locations are Lower Moro (2.25 mi, 875 elev. gain), Upper Moro (3.15 mi, 975 elev. gain) and Deer Canyon (2.9 mi, 1,110 elev. gain). Even though these aren’t long trails, there is a decent amount of elevation gain to consider especially when you are wearing a weighed down pack!

The trails are busy during the day with those on a day hike, but once the sun sets, this becomes your little oasis of nature. Crystal Cove State Park is one of the best family friendly backpacking trips as it’s a short trail, meaning you can pack it out and get back home pretty quickly if it all falls apart.  Note, there is little shade at the camping area, which can be very hot during the summer months.  Also, as with most backcountry campsites, there is no fire allowed other than a camp stove. 

Catalina Island Backpack Camping

Catalina is often thought of as the best destination for both starter hike-in camping as well as for multi-day thru hikes. The Trans-Catalina Trail is a 40-mile trail that traverses the entire island. Many backpackers do this in 4-5 day camping trips.  This epic trail is not easy, but is one that is worth the effort. 

Don’t despair though, there are options for those without the stamina to go for so long! For the shorter options, you can take the ferry to Two Harbors, where you will hike 5 miles from Two Harbors to Little Harbor. Little Harbor Campground was rated “One of the Best Campgrounds in the West” by Sunset Magazine, so it’s popular and requires advance reservations.

Backpack camping at Catalina does take a bit of advance preparation since you have to take the boat across in advance and camping is allowed only in the established campgrounds, which do require reservations. If Little Harbor is full, you could attempt to hike to Parsons Landing which is a bit further (around 7 miles one way). For both of these sites you can reserve water and firewood in a locker that will be waiting for you. For Little Harbor you can also have an ice chest with food delivered as an added bonus. This is a wonderful addition to help ease your load. Find out all you need to backpack Catalina Island on our ultimate guide .

Channel Islands Camping

Another island getaway that is a perfect introduction to backpacking in California is the Channel Islands . Some might say this is a cheater option as you don’t have to actually backpack very far to camp on the Channel Islands. You can hike to camp in the backcountry, but you can also get off the boat and walk not too far to an established campground. 

We recommend this as a great starter backpack camping trip since you have to pack in and out all of your stuff, but you don’t necessarily have to hike that far from where the boat drops you off! It helps you learn what is needed for backpacking camping, how much weight you can carry comfortably without putting too much stress on your body carrying it a long distance. 

There is one established campground on each of the islands: above the Landing Cove on Santa Barbara (.25 mile, steep uphill), on the east islet of Anacapa (up stairs about .5 mile hike), at Scorpion Canyon on Santa Cruz (.5 mile flat hike), at Water Canyon on Santa Rosa (1.5 miles from pier, flat), and above Cuyler Harbor on San Miguel (1 mile; steep uphill).

In addition to the established campgrounds, there is limited backcountry camping options as well. Del Norte campsite near Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz Island is the only option for year round backcountry camping and is about 3.5 miles hike from Prisoners Harbor. Also, during certain times of year, backcountry beach camping is allowed on Santa Rosa Island, but the nearest site is about a 9 mile hike.

Read up more about what you need to bring with you, how to make reservations and how to purchase boat transfers here . 

Mount San Jacinto State Park

One of the most beautiful areas of Southern California that is often overlooked is the San Jacinto State Park. This park located near Idyllwild is beautiful year round – with snow often late into the season even. Here your options are to either hike in from Idyllwild (a long hike!) or to take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up from Palm Springs. Note: Parking is free in the tram parking lot. 

Backpacking camping at San Jacinto is a great option even with young kids.  There are such beautiful meadows and alpine areas you will feel miles away from civilization even if you take the easy way and take the tram up! Once you arrive to the top of the tram, you will need to hike around 2.3 miles to Round Valley . Here you will find water (usually, but bring enough and filtration) and several beautiful established campsites. This is an amazing first backpacking option when the tram is operating and the restaurant is open – meaning you could even make it a multi-night campout without worrying about bringing so much food since you could always pop into the Mountain station for refreshments! 

Note: You will need a permit and that permit at the time of writing goes through the regular mail! Applications can be found here . 

Hoegee’s Camp in the San Gabriel Mountains

Another great option for those of us looking for backpack trips in Southern California is Hoegees Camp. This backcountry campsite lies along Winter Creek in the canyon adjacent to Sturtevant Falls . Both trails begin from Chantry Flats. (Note: An adventure pass is required to park at Chantry Flats).

And while the hike to Hoegees Camp does not offer a waterfall like Sturtevant Falls, it does offer a 4.25-mile out-and-back hike through a lush canyon with only about 700 feet of elevation change. Hoegee’s Camp was a resort for hikers back before the 50s. Now it offers vault toilets, picnic tables and fire rings on 14 first come first serve sites. These are free and available year round. 

The directions are fairly straightforward. Start at Chantry Flats and descend along the paved trail for 0.6 miles to Roberts Camp. After crossing the bridge at the bottom of the pavement, you will come to a junction; make sure to turn left onto Lower Winter Creek Trail at this point. You will pass a few wilderness homes and concrete dams along the way before arriving to Hoegee’s Camp.

Gould Mesa Campground

One of our favorite backpacking in Southern California camping sites that I even fear to publish is Gould Mesa in the base of the Angeles Forest.  From the parking area below JPL, this is a 2 mile, mostly flat hike to the campground. During the day you will see lots of people passing in front of your camp, but as the night falls, you will get this beautiful riverside area all to yourself. We find this to be one of the best backpacking camping sites for newbies. It’s not a long walk in or out, it’s flat and there is a creek nearby to keep the kids occupied all day!

This campground is a first come first serve site, so you would need to get there super early on a weekend to make sure you procure a site. Week days are still busy, but less competitive. Fires are allowed in the established fire pits and there is one pit toilet for your use.

Piedra Blanca Wilderness Camp

One of our favorite hikes in the Los Padres National Forest is the Piedra Blanca trail. This is also a great area to check out for your first backpacking in California camping trip. The Piedra Blanca Camp is located on the Gene Marshall-Piedra Blanca Trail about 2.1 miles from the Piedra Blanca trailhead. This is backcountry type camping area with a few fire rings and access to a year round creek. I do believe there are a few secret hot springs out this way, but that would require a much much longer hike to access, which we have yet to do. 

When you are here, you have several options on where to go backpacking. You can go towards the Piedra Blanca Camp which is the left at the trail junction or you can head around 4.2 miles towards Bear Creek Campground. Again these are popular spots for first timers so you won’t be alone out here. 

You will need an Adventure Pass to park at the trailhead. Note: the parking lot fills up VERY quickly on weekends, so plan to arrive no later than 8 a.m. Check in with the Ojai Ranger station before you head out to check on current fire restrictions.

Want a packing list for your next car camping trip with kids? Download and print our extensive family camping packing list here !

Barker Valley in the Palomar Mountains

Barker Valley in the Palomar Mountains, located in northeast San Diego County is probably not best for your first backpacking trip, but is a great one when you want a little more challenge. To backpack camp at Barker Valley, you will need to obtain a permit from Cleveland National Forest. The best time of year to camp here is late spring when there is water in the creek and it is not too cold. 

The hike isn’t too strenuous, however, you must hike down about 1000 feet in elevation to the river to camp, which means you will hike back up it when you leave. It clocks in at about 6.5 miles total, so it’s not over the top strenuous, but also not one of the easiest.  Once you work up to this type of backpacking camping trip, you may never go back to the short and simple hike-in spots! Note: This area is notably colder than you think, so pack for cooler weather! 

Joshua Tree Backcountry Camping

One of the beautiful things about camping in Joshua Tree is there are a number of first come first serve sites throughout the park for car camping, but there are also a number of places and opportunities for backpack style camping both within the park and just outside of it. The biggest obstacle to backpack camping in Joshua Tree is that you have to bring all of your own water.

The rule here for off grid camping is as long as you are 500 feet from any trail and 1 mile from a road and not on day use land, you are good to go. Make sure that you are also very good at leave no trace. One recommended location is to take the Boy Scout trail and camp west of it. 

In addition to the camping options inside the park, there is also dispersed camping just on the outskirts of the actual park. Most campers suggest heading to the 29 Palms area for BLM land. If you need more information on what to do while in Joshua Tree or 29 Palms , we have you covered. We have spent so much time here exploring from when my son was a toddler to a pre-teen!

Cedar Glen Backcountry Camp (aka IceHouse Trail)

Cedar Glen Backcountry Camp in the San Bernardino Mountains is a backcountry camp located about 2.75 miles and about 1,200 feet in elevation from the Icehouse Trailhead (following the Chapman Trail at the split). While this camp is higher elevation, the hike isn’t too strenuous for those carrying their gear. The camp area has space for a group as well as smaller more covered up areas away from the trail. There are no established markers (like fire rings) for camp however. 

To camp here you will need to obtain a free permit from the Mount Baldy Visitor Center (909.982.2829). The only fires permitted at the camp are camp stoves also with a prearranged permit. Even though this camp doesn’t have any amenities, it makes a good base for hiking in the area or to try out your backcountry camping skills. 

Horsethief Canyon to Pine Valley Creek

Horsethief Canyon Trailhead runs through Cleveland National Forest’s Pine Creek Wilderness and is perfect for backpacking at any one of the shady campsites near Pine Valley Creek. This is a relatively easy hike both into and out of the canyon, with easy access to water, making this a perfect backpacking trip for newbies to get their first taste of backcountry camping.

Follow the trail to around 1.5 miles, where the trail veers away from Horsethief Creek and approaches Pine Valley Creek. Once you reach the banks of the creek at 1.6 miles, you can look around the area for a spot to settle in for the night. While here, enjoy the cottonwood trees and search for some of the grinding holes on the boulders along the west side of the water hole.

You will need to obtain a permit in advance of your overnight trip through the Cleveland National Forest. Fill out this form , fax it to the Descanso District, and wait for them to mail it back to you. Call to find out if they have managed to update their system yet to make it easier!

Kitchen Creek to Fred Canyon (A PCT Hike/Camp)

Have you ever dreamed of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)? Well here is your chance to do a portion of the hike and camp along the way too. The beauty of hiking the PCT is the ability to set up camp most places. In this area, dispersed camping is allowed on National Forest land off Kitchen Creek Road and Thing Valley Road. 

This short and easy segment (about 3 miles in and 3 miles back) offers nice views of the surrounding area with little incline or elevation change (550 gain if walking uphill from Kitchen Creek and downhill if walking from Fred Canyon). This short distance makes it great for families or beginning backpackers. The best time of year to do this trail is summer, fall or spring as winter can get cold. 

Note: A National Forest Adventure Pass is required to park. The trailhead has space for 3-5 vehicles. Parking at the Fred Canyon Road end requires a high clearance vehicle to pass through the road. No facilities until Cibbets Flat at the turn-around area. A visitor’s permit can be obtained locally from the Descanso Ranger District in the Cleveland National Forest. 

Buckeye Trail in the Los Padres Forest near Big Sur

Big Sur is one of the most beautiful places in California for camping – whether it is car camping or backpack camping. One of the best trails to try out in the area is the Buckeye Trail. This moderately difficult, albeit beautiful trail has ocean views and travels through oak groves, redwood groves, chaparral.

The Buckeye Trail is 8.6 miles long in total, with several campgrounds dotted along the way. Beginning at the abandoned Salmon Creek Guard Station the trail winds its way north-northwest along the coastal slope, offering sweeping views of the coastline.  After passing above and within view of the Southern Redwood Botanical Area, the trail arrives at Buckeye Flat. From Buckeye Flat, the trail continues north through Cruikshank Camp before descending to Villa Creek Camp.

If you can make it all the way to Villa Creek, you will be rewarded with redwood trees and tranquil sounds of flowing water.  To start your hike, park at the now closed Salmon Creek Ranger station off Hwy 1. 

Recent visitors report an overgrown trail with quite a bit of poison oak at the first .5 mile. Also let it be known it’s a somewhat strenuous hike with somewhat steep drop offs. 

Big Pine Lakes

Big Pine Lakes in the Eastern Sierra Nevadas is a total backpacking in California bucket list experience and may not be accessible for all families. Big Pine Lakes is located in the Inyo forest, about 4 hours from Los Angeles off Hwy 395. This is a popular summer hike for those looking for epic views and photo opportunities. Hiking to Big Pine Lakes is a 5 mile one way steep uphill hike in high elevation, but if you can manage to get up there, you will be rewarded with beautiful glacier lakes and an empty camping area!

This is a true backcountry camping experience with no established grounds. However, the great news is that there is plenty of fresh cold water (always filter!) so you do not need to bring a ton with you. That said, you are required to bring a bear container as there are bears in this neck of the woods. See below for more on recommended gear for any backpack camping trip. This trip also requires a permit for camping that you can get on Recreation.gov .

Chickenfoot Lake in Little Lakes Valley

Another fantastic spot for backpacking in California, also located in the eastern Sierra Nevadas, is at Chickenfoot Lake on the Little Lakes Valley trail .  This is a popular spot for fishing and backpacking in California. Beginning your journey from the Mosquito Flat Trailhead, you will hike around 3.5 miles to the lake before setting up camp. Even though you might think 3.5 miles isn’t very far, this is at 10,000+ foot elevation and is considered a moderate hike, especially with a 30 pound pack on! That said, it is only 1000 feet in elevation, making this one of the easiest backpacking trips we have found in the Eastern Sierras.

You will need a wilderness permit which can be found on recretion.gov 6 months in advance or as a walk up option 2 weeks before  your hike date. This is a very popular hike, so permits are often difficult to come by. 

Obviously there is water available at the lake, but make sure to bring adequate filtration (we love this water filter !). And don’t forget the camera/phone chargers. This is one of the most beautiful sites (other than Big Pine Lakes) on this list and you will want a ton of photos!

An extension on this hike is Rock Creek to Mammoth Lakes clocking in at around 38 miles. You will need transport at the other end, but a cool trail exiting Duck Lake. 

Duck Lake & Pika Lake

Another great Eastern Sierra backpacking trip that is worth exploring is to Duck and Pika Lakes outside of Mammoth. We first looked at this hike as part of a 5 day thru hike, but realized it can also easily be done as a simple backpacking trip. Many people do this as a day hike, but it is about 10.5 miles round trip, so why not spend the night up by the lake and explore more from there? Going all the way to Pika Lake, you will see Arrowhead Lake, Skelton Lake, Barney Lake, Duck Lake and Pika. Stunning views make this a favorite so you won’t be alone up there!

The whole hike to Pika Lake and back is about 10.5 miles round trip and roughly 2,000 ft of gain. Again permits are required and can be found at recreation.gov.

John Muir Trail Section Hiking: Tuolumne Meadows to Devils Postpile

Have you ever wanted to hike the JMT , but just not sure you can manage either the time off or the stamina to hike 220 miles in one go? Well, one option is to hike the JMT in segments. There are a ton of great segments to do as section hikes. One of our favorite is from Tuolumne Meadows to Devils Postpile. This section takes in some of the most scenic parts of the trail such as Thousand Island Lakes.

This trip can be done in 2-5 nights depending on your fitness and level of comfort. It is about 38 miles one way. In order to do this trail, there are a bit of logistics to sort out, but during the summer months the YARTS and the Reds Meadow Shuttle make this very doable. 

Yosemite Thru Hike – Happy Isles to Tuolumne

Another fantastic backpacking in California bucket list trip that everyone hopes to do someday is the first segment of the JMT from Happy Isles to Tuolumne. Again, during summer this trip is made easier with shuttles so that you can go one way without worry. We recommend taking a couple of days to do this trip to really enjoy it. Serious thru-hikers often do it in just 1 night, but we like to take our time! Park your car at Tuolumne where you will finish, take the YARTS shuttle to Yosemite Valley and off you go. This can also be done in reverse which makes it mostly downhill and it is easier to get permits as well. 

Backpacking to Minaret Lakes

Although this can be done as a long day hike, why not backpack and spend a little more time here really soaking up the sights? This can easily be a 1-2 night trip. I would recommend hiking to Minaret Lake or as close to it as you can make so that you can see the alpenglow over the minarets in the morning. The round trip for this trail is 16 miles. 

Getting here during summer requires a little bit more of effort and planning. If you drive down before 7 a.m. you can drive and park in the overnight hikers parking lot. If not, you will need to take the Reds Meadow/Devils Postpile shuttle to get to the trailhead. Once on the shuttle, you will get off at stop #6. There is water and bathrooms here to use before you set off. 

Permits are also required for this hike. You need a permit for Minaret Lake, not the northern section of the JMT.

Backpacking Green Lake Near Bridgeport

Green Lake is a hidden gem tucked away near Bridgeport, California that is a perfect backpacking route for beginners. Getting into the trail requires a long drive down a 9 mile dirt road, but it can be passed with most vehicles easily. This is an out and back trail covering around 6 miles total. An overnight permit is required for any backpacking trip in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, which can be found on recreation.gov . A beautiful blue-green (actually) lake awaits you. this is perfect for a 1 or 2 night backpacking adventure with plenty of area to explore around the lake.

Rae Lakes Loop in Kings Canyon National Park

One of the most beautiful backpacking trips you can do in the SEKI area is the Rae Lakes Loop . This multi-day loop trail is around 42+ miles in total, but can be adjusted for those looking for less mileage. Starting at Road’s End in Kings Canyon, this summer backpacking is perfect for experienced hikers and even newbies. For newbies I might suggest going from Woods Creek trailhead up to Rae Lakes and then returning the way you came. For those looking for a bigger challenge, you can cross Glen Pass (at 12,000 feet) and head along the John Muir Trail / Pacific Crest Trail before heading back towards Roads End. 

The Lost Coast Trail

One of the few great beach trails for backpacking in California is the Lost Coast Trail. This  25-mile, no-elevation gain, beach trail in Northern California ‘s biggest obstacle is planning around the tides! The best time of year to go is between May through October. Before picking a date,   check the tide  because some sections are impassable at low tide. You will want to make sure that the low tide times are during the day so you can pass through sections easily.

You can start from either the North (Mattole Beach) or the South (Black Sands Beach in Shelter Cove). Both offer a similar experience but the logistics vary in particular transportation. Going from Mattole is the preferred way if you plan to take the shuttle as it only runs northbound.

Permits are required to hike the Lost Coast Trail, which you can get 3 months in advance on  Recreation.gov . Permits are released 3 months ahead at 7am PT.

High Sierra Trail

Another fabulous California thru hike to consider is the High Sierra Trail which starts in Sequoia National Park , ending at Mt Whitney. This 73 mile one way trip is often done in 6 to 8 days. The biggest challenge in this trail, other than the elevation gain is transportation as the start and end are so far apart! The best time to do this trail is summer as the passes and mountain area can be covered in snow much of the rest of the year. Permits are required and released 6 months in advance.

Things to Consider for Backpacking in California

As you prepare for your first or 10th backpacking trip, you will need to consider a few things. 

• Destination: How far can you go? Do you need a permit? Is there water available? What is the best season?
• Gear: What type of gear will you need? Will you pitch a tent or try hammock sleeping? What about filtration for water? Do you have all the lightweight gear necessary?
• Food: What will you eat and drink? Will you be able to pack light enough to carry it all, but have enough food for your trip? How will you cook it? Clean it?
• Leave No Trace: Are you prepared to pack in/out all of your belongings, including your poop?

Essential Packing List for Backpacking in California

Check out our backpacking pack list (with free printable).

A backpack of some sort is a necessity. Most people recommend getting anything from a 45 liter to 60 liter pack. For two adults who can split things up between you, you could probably get away with a bit smaller pack, but bigger will always allow more versatility. Try not to pack your bag to more than 20% of your body weight for maximum comfort. 

Backpacking Tent

A lightweight backpacking tent will probably be the most expensive item you will purchase, but in the end it will be worth it to have a light durable tent. We like the Nemo Dagger lightweight tents . They are light, easy to put up and just fits two people with sleeping mats, but there are various options. Remember every little ounce adds up on each item.

Sleeping Pad

We use the Sea to Summit sleeping pad and the Therma-rest Ultralite Pad. 

Sleeping Bag

There are a variety of great lightweight sleeping bags. The most important thing to keep in mind is the weather that you plan to camp in and the weight. One great bag is the REI Joule 21, which is a great 3 season pack that is light but also very warm. Other options are Feathered Friends for lightweight down sleeping bags or Enlightened Equipment Ultralight quilts. We love our Zenbivy quilts with sheets that attach to our mats. 

Trekking Poles

We love our Black Diamond poles we have had since our trip hiking the narrows in Zion many years ago!

If you plan to be off the radar quite a bit, getting a reliable GPS device is essential. We recommend the Garmin Inreach Mini . You never know when an emergency will strike or you need to contact someone. 

Get the smallest lightest one you can. We like the Biolite headlamp, but there are a ton of options. If you do have space, consider also bringing a small solar light and/or power bank as well in case you have battery problems.

First Aid Kit

REI has a ton of great backpacking first aid kits that are also waterproof which can be essential for longer backpacking trips. 

Camp stoves will be one of your most important items for cooking. The top brand used by most backpackers is Jetboil . They have so many different options, which are small, light and boil water quickly. Another option people have recommended is the MCR Pocket Rocket stove and/or the full mess kit with stove . Test out a few, feel how heavy they are, see how they work for you before you set out in the wilderness. 

Water Purification

Water purification is an important thing to consider when backpacking in California. Not all sites will have access to water, but if they do, you will always need to filter the water. Many people use the SteriPen , water bottles (we have this one ) that filter or even gravity bags that filter between the two bags. Our preferred is the Platypus Quickdraw. 

Cups/B owls

The idea thing here is to bring thats that are super light and can be used for multiple purposes. Check out various options, but this on e is useful and light for us. 

Leave No Trace Poop Kit

Have your baggie ready for tissues and a trowel handy to dig your holes. 

Figuring out what to eat is some of the most difficult decisions for backpacking. Here are a few favorites we have on our list: Instant coffee sticks, apple & cinnamon instant oatmeal, nuts and seeds, coffee glazed almonds, Inner bean black bean snack, banana chips, just mangos, oven baked cheese bites, peanut butter pretzels, mini peanut butter crackers, garlic basil linguine pasta (from Trader Joes: cooks in 2-4 min), chicken broth packets with couscous. Other options are freeze dried foods from REI. We have heard the Pad See You by Backpackers Country is delicious, but haven’t tried it yet! 

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Have you been to any of these spots for backpacking in California? We have so many on our bucket list including the “Lost Coast” in northern California, adventuring on the John Muir trail and maybe even someday we might find ourselves backpacking near Mount Whitney!

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