Listen up, Blueprinters: summer is almost over and the weekend is in sight!
Can you believe it is already mid-August? If you don’t have plans to spend your days off in the great outdoors this weekend, then we think your time is a-wastin’.
Hiking is one of our favorite ways to get some exercise and enjoy this beautiful landscape of ours. We’re planning to fill up our BKR water bottles, stow away our phones, and grab our favorite person for some fresh mountain air. We’ve gathered some of the best hikes this US of A can offer with hopes of inspiring you to do the same!
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
The Grand Canyon, simply put, offers some of the most beautiful and unique views that can be found on Planet Earth. Hiking the trails, however, is not for the faint of heart. Folks should be sure to fully prepare themselves for the descent and the returning ascent.
Diablo Lake, Washington State
How dreamy is that water? The glaciers surrounding this North Cascades lake grind rocks into a very fine powder that makes its way to the water through creeks. The powder stays suspended in the lake, giving the water its vibrant shade.
Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee & North Carolina
This massive range features over 800 miles of hikable trails and countless streams and waterfalls. Most of it can be hiked all year round due to the southern climate, too.
John Muir Trail in Yosemite National Park, California
The JMT is 215 miles long and features the most scenic vistas of the larger Pacific Crest Trail. It begins in Yosemite National Park and ends at Mount Whitney, which is the highest point in the continental United States.
Arches National Park, Utah
Make sure your water bottles are full for these desert hikes because it can get toasty! Arches National Park has tons of trails, ranging in difficulty from beginners to hard-core. The longest trail at 7 miles, Devil’s Garden, takes you past eight separate arches!
Old Rag Mountain, Virginia
Old Rag Mountain is one of the most popular hikes in the United States, but that doesn’t mean it is easy! Located in the gorgeous Shenandoah Valley, this trail gets super busy in the summer months despite its rugged terrain. The views alone are worth all the sweat!
Photo credits: Grand Canyon, Diablo Lake, Great Smoky Mountains, Arches National Park, Yosemite, and Old Rag Mountain.