Scenic drives are all well and good but sometimes it's nice to swap four wheels for two feet and embrace the opportunity to connect with nature. And by slowing down the pace, the landscape details you’d otherwise overlook come into sharp focus: the first flower buds to awaken in early spring or the dewdrops that cling to a spider’s web on a damp day in fall. Sometimes, the best hikes are the most crowded, but with a little effort, you can track down a trail that’s relatively quiet. Even popular routes can deliver tranquility outside peak season. Here are six peaceful hikes in the U.S. to get you started.
Ovens Mouth Preserve - Maine
A pedestrian bridge connects the two peninsulas of this coastal trail system in southern Maine. Characterized by pine forest, serene coves, and unspoiled salt marshes, this preserve offers stunning water views along five miles of well-maintained hiking trails. The eastern part is easiest, but for a more challenging hike opt for the western section which boasts more roots and rocks. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife such as otters and deer; birds such as herons, terns, ducks, and ospreys are also often spotted. Pack a picnic, grab one of the waterfront benches, and time your visit to catch the dramatic change in sea level.
Anastasia State Park - Florida
Backed by dunes, the hard-packed sand of Anastasia State Park provides the ideal place for a peaceful walk. This Floridian gem sits opposite its oldest settlement, St Augustine. Although the park is no secret, it’s large enough that you can find the space to be alone with your thoughts. The ebb and flow of the waves, coupled with squawking gulls and pelicans, provide sufficient white noise to drown out any distractions. In the marshes lining Salt Run, you’ll also be treated to the sight of great blue herons, wood storks and roseate spoonbills. Stroll along the curved shoreline and eventually you’ll find yourself at the Matanzas Inlet, with a view of St Augustine across the water.
Lost Coast Trail - California
California’s Lost Coast Trail is hidden in plain sight. A pedestrian-only stretch of coastline that promises wilderness and solitude, the trail hugs the Pacific shore in the far northern reach of the state. Hikers enjoy rock pools and deserted beaches, headlands strewn with wildflowers, and an array of wildlife that includes elephant seals, sea lions, bobcats, deer, and otters. It’s essential to keep abreast of tide times and weather conditions, as parts of the route can be impassable at high tide – marine fog and wind-whipped surf are not your friends. To complete the entire trail, you’ll need to allow a minimum of three days and secure the necessary backcountry permits for overnight camping.
Hatcher Pass - Alaska
The glacial valleys and granite peaks of Alaska’s Talkeetna Mountains are popular with hikers but this vast landscape is able to accommodate everyone without feeling overrun. Hatcher Pass is easily accessible from Anchorage yet you’ll still find the peace and solitude you crave without too much trouble, particularly if you avoid summer weekends and seek out offshoot trails. Hiking paths lead to alpine pastures where spring wildflowers give way to ripe blueberries by late summer. Wildlife is abundant, making sightings of small creatures such as marmots or pikas likely. Look out for ptarmigan in the tundra, while falcons and eagles soar overhead.
Wind River Range - Wyoming
The Wind River Range forms part of the Rockies and contains seven of its largest glaciers, more than 1,300 mountain lakes, and 40 peaks over 13,000 feet tall. Erosion has left a breathtaking landscape of jagged granite peaks, arêtes, cirques, and hanging valleys. This is the backdrop to some of Wyoming’s most scenic hikes; ten trailheads open up a plethora of routes. Watch out for moose in the meadows that line the Sweetwater Gap trail or admire the Bighorn Mountains from the shores of Willow Lake. If you crave solitude, try Little Half Moon Hike, which rewards walkers with peace and quiet as they gaze at Little Half Moon Lake and Half Moon Mountain. Experienced hikers will relish the challenge of the high-altitude Cirque of the Towers Overlook Trail with its exposed terrain and extreme weather.
La Verkin Creek Trail - Utah
Zion National Park might not be the first place that comes to mind if you’re considering options for a peaceful hike. However, the La Verkin Creek Trail provides an opportunity to enjoy some of Utah’s most breathtaking scenery without the crowds. This 14-mile out-and-back route is strenuous and not for the unfit – not least because the return leg is uphill. Begin at the Lee Pass Trailhead and take in the striking view of the Kolob Finger Canyons as you cross Timber Creek. From there, you’ll need to hike a further seven miles, some of it along sandy river banks, to an overlook that gives you an unfettered view of Kolob Arch. Measuring 287 feet across and with rock that’s 75 feet thick, this is one of the largest natural rock arches on the planet.
