Find out more: 7 Most Charming Hikes In America You Will Fall in Love with

Hey there, trail buddies! It’s your friendly neighborhood hike-aholic here. You know that feeling when you’re huffing and puffing up a mountain, questioning all your life choices, and then BAM! – you reach the top and it’s like… wow? Yeah, that’s my drug of choice.

So, picture this: I’m scrolling through Instagram one day, seeing all these glamour shots of Yosemite and the Grand Canyon, when it hits me – where’s the love for the underdogs? The trails less ‘grammed, if you will. That’s when I decided to pack my trusty boots (and way too many granola bars) and set out to find some hidden gems.

Buckle up, buttercup. Here’s my totally subjective, possibly biased, definitely enthusiastic list of seven hikes that’ll knock your hiking socks off.

Lost Coast Trail, California

Okay, so you know how in movies, there’s always that perfect beach scene with no people around? Yeah, that’s the Lost Coast Trail. 24 miles of “am I dreaming?” views.

I nearly face-planted trying to watch seals while walking (pro tip: don’t do that), got lost in a redwood forest (not mad about it), and had a staring contest with the Pacific (spoiler: I lost). Oh, and heads up – check the tide charts unless you fancy an impromptu swim. Learn from my mistakes, folks.

Burr Trail Switchbacks, Capitol Reef National Park

While everyone and their mom is elbowing for space at Zion, I found myself practically alone on the Cassidy Arch Trail. It’s like hiking through a Dr. Seuss book – all weird rock formations and rainbow cliffs.

When I finally reached the arch, I may or may not have belted out “I’m the king of the world!” Thankfully, only a very judgmental lizard was there to witness it.

Black Elk Peak, South Dakota

I’ll be honest, I only ended up here because I took a wrong turn trying to find Mount Rushmore. Best. Mistake. Ever.

This hike is like stepping into a fairytale, complete with granite spires and thick forests. And the view from the top? Let’s just say I could see my house from there. Okay, not really, but I could see four states, which is pretty much the same thing, right?

Mount Mitchell, North Carolina

Listen, I’m an East Coast kid. I thought I knew mountains. Mount Mitchell schooled me hard.

This bad boy is the tallest peak east of the Mississippi, and boy, does it make you work for those views. But when you get to the top and see those Blue Ridge Mountains rolling out like waves? Worth. Every. Wheeze.

Devil’s Den State Park, Arkansas

I stumbled upon this place purely by accident (sensing a theme here?). The Yellow Rock Trail is like nature’s own fun house. One minute you’re squeezing through caves, the next you’re gawking at mountain views.

Pro tip: Go in fall. The colors are so vibrant, I seriously questioned if someone had slipped something into my trail mix.

North Cascades National Park, Washington

You know those desktop backgrounds of impossibly beautiful mountain scenes? That’s what hiking the Maple Pass Loop feels like.

I kept expecting Julie Andrews to come twirling around the corner singing about the hills being alive. Instead, I got a curious marmot who seemed very interested in my trail mix. Close enough.

Big Bend National Park, Texas

Last but not least, we’ve got Big Bend. Picture Mars, but with better tacos nearby. The South Rim Trail had me feeling like a proper explorer, complete with obligatory “I can see for miles and miles” moment at the top.

Bonus: I saw a roadrunner. Didn’t see any coyotes with ACME products though, so I think we’re safe.

So there you have it, folks – my totally unscientific, completely biased list of hikes that deserve way more love. They might not have the fame of Half Dome or the Grand Canyon, but trust me, they’ve got the views and the vibes.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some new trails to find. Catch you on the flip side, trail blazers!