In a new study, FitRated analyzed data from over 16,000 hiking trails in the U.S. to uncover the best and worst states for hiking, the top-rated trails in the U.S., and the best-hidden gem trails to avoid large crowds. All reviews and ratings were averaged using Yelp.
Some Study Highlights:
- Alaska, Arkansas, and Hawaii are the best states in the U.S. for hiking - Kenai Fjords National Park, Pinnacle Mountain State Park, and Diamond Head State Monument has the best hiking trails in each state, respectively.
- The High Line in New York, Diamond Head State Monument in Arkansas, and Runyon Canyon Park in California are the country's most popular and highest-rated trails.
- Hatcher Pass State Recreation Area in Alaska, Hawksbill Crag in Arkansas, and Moanalua Middle Ridge in Hawaii are some of the country's highest-rated “hidden gem” trails —great options for avoiding the crowds this summer.
- Overall, Kentucky is the worst state for hiking in the U.S. - 20% of all hiking reviews were three, two, or one star.