Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Travel

Forget overcrowded national parks – these are the best hiking trails in national forests

Enjoy nature the way it was intended — without hordes of tourists

By
Pisgah National Forest yellow flowers with pine trees.
Debby Hudson / Unsplash

National parks are full of majestic landscapes and are among the most sought-after vacation spots in the country. But as beautiful as they are, these parks often suffer from a curse of their own success — overcrowding. The sheer volume of visitors can sometimes shatter the tranquility of nature, making it difficult to fully appreciate the serenity you sought. Fortunately, we have compiled a list of the best hiking spots in national forests, where you can escape the throngs of tourists in the national parks and reconnect with the great outdoors.

Pisgah National Forest path through the trees.
Adisa F / Unsplash

Pisgah National Forest: North Carolina

Catawba Falls Trail

With an elevation of 1,932 feet and a hiking distance of just 3 miles, the Catawba Falls Trail is a perfect escape from crowded national parks. Located in the southeastern reaches of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this trail leads to the enchanting Catawba Falls, formed by the headwaters of the Catawba River. Along the way, hikers are treated to the sight of not one, but two beautiful waterfalls, making this hike a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.

Recommended Videos

South Toe River Loop

For a longer but equally serene hike, the South Toe River Loop offers an elevation of 3,282 feet and a 3.5-mile journey. Starting and ending at the Black Mountain Campground, this trail winds its way along the river, flanked by towering trees and majestic mountains.

Related

Graveyard Fields Trail

With an elevation of 5,289 feet and a hiking distance of 2.9 miles, the Graveyard Fields Trail is a fantastic hike along the Blue Ridge Mountains. Named after the stumps that dot the landscape, resembling gravestones, this trail isn’t only rich in natural beauty but also steeped in history. It’s an excellent place for foraging blueberries or catching a glimpse of a black bear, offering a unique and adventurous experience for hikers.

Shawnee National Park
Kevin Wright / Unsplash

Shawnee National Forest: Illinois

Little Grand Canyon Trail

Shawnee National Forest in Illinois is full of amazing hikes, and the Little Grand Canyon Trail is no exception. This 3.4-mile loop trail near Pomona offers a moderately challenging route that rewards hikers with awe-inspiring views. While it’s a popular area, the natural beauty of this trail makes it worth sharing with fellow outdoor enthusiasts.

Garden of the Gods

Head out on the 6.4-mile loop trail near Equality, Illinois, and you’ll find yourself in the enchanting Garden of the Gods. This moderately challenging route takes an average of 2 hours and 41 minutes to complete, and it’s a favorite spot for hikers, horseback riders, and walkers alike. While you might encounter other adventurers along the way, the stunning rock formations and sweeping views will make it all worthwhile.

Jackson Falls Trail

If you’re interested in birding, camping, or hiking, the 4.2-mile loop trail near Simpson, Illinois, offers a moderate challenge and ample opportunities for exploration. The best times to visit are between March and October, and while you may cross paths with other nature lovers, the natural beauty of the area will provide a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle.

El Yunque National Park
Eric Ardito / Unsplash

El Yunque National Forest: Puerto Rico

Mount Britton Tower Trail

Escape the crowds on this 1.6-mile out-and-back trail near Naguabo, East Region, of Puerto Rico. This moderately challenging route leads to Mount Britton Tower, offering stunning views of the surrounding rainforest. While it’s a popular area for hiking, the lush greenery and vibrant wildlife make it an unforgettable experience.

El Yunque Trail

Venture along this 5.4-mile out-and-back trail near Carata de la Mina, East Region. With a moderately challenging rating and an average completion time of 3 hours and 24 minutes, it’s a popular spot, so you’ll likely encounter other hikers. However, the year-round accessibility and the sheer beauty of El Yunque National Forest make it a must-visit destination.

Angelito Trail

For an easy and quick escape into nature, try the 0.7-mile out-and-back Angelito Trail near Luquillo, East Region. While this trail is popular, taking an average of just 20 minutes to complete, the beauty of El Yunque National Forest is undeniable. Even with the potential for other hikers, the tranquil atmosphere and lush surroundings provide a sense of solitude.

Sequoia National Forest
Josh Carter / Unsplash

Sequoia National Forest: California

Tokopah Falls

Located near Hartland, California, this 3.8-mile out-and-back trail is moderately challenging and takes approximately 1 hour and 44 minutes to complete. While this trail is popular for camping, hiking, and running, it’s still a serene escape amid towering giants. Keep in mind that dogs are not allowed on this trail, which ensures a peaceful experience.

Congress Trail

The 2.9-mile loop trail near Hartland, California, is an easy route that takes an average of 1 hour and 19 minutes to complete. This is a popular destination for hiking, snowshoeing, and walking in the beauty of Sequoia National Forest. However, please note that dogs are not allowed on this trail.

Marble Falls Trail

For a longer and more challenging hike in Sequoia National Forest, try the 6.3-mile out-and-back Marble Falls Trail near Stony Creek Village, California. With an average completion time of 3 hours and 23 minutes, this trail is popular among camping, hiking, and running enthusiasts.

View from Angels Landing, Zion National Park, Utah
evenfh / Adobe Stock

Closing thoughts

When national parks become too crowded, it’s time to explore the lesser-known adventures within our national forests. Whether you’re in North Carolina, Illinois, Puerto Rico, or California, there are plenty of hiking trails waiting to be explored. These trails offer the perfect opportunity to escape the crowds, immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, and create unforgettable outdoor adventures.

For more hiking ideas and info on our national forests, check out the U.S. Forest Service site.

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
Sarah Joseph
Sarah Joseph
Contributor
Sarah is a lover of all things outdoors. With a bright sense of adventure and a heart for the mountains, she is always…
This popular Great Smoky Mountains trail will be closed for 18 months — where to hike instead
You won't see this Great Smoky Mountains Favorite for another 18 months. Here's why.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Laurel Falls Trail is a popular destination at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Seeing over 300,000 hikers annually, it's one of the park's most iconic trails. While Gatlinburg was largely spared by Hurricane Helene, Laurel Falls Trail has become unsafe due to loose, broken pavement and other safety hazards. This is largely because the trail hasn't been repaved at all since the trail was made in 1963. The National Park Service is committed to the safety of this trail, so the park has funded a rehabilitation project to give Laurel Falls Trail a well-deserved makeover.

This project will be extensive. The National Park Service reports that they will be making huge upgrades to the trailhead parking area, expanding it by about fifty parking spaces and adding a designated pathway with a guardrail to connect pedestrians to the trailhead. They will also be repaving all of the trails and installing new educational signage along the way to provide wayfinding, bear safety, and Leave No Trace guidance.

Read more
Your guide to Yellowstone’s winter secrets
Now's the best time to visit Yellowstone. Here's why
Amphitheater Mountain at Yellowstone National Park in winter

For most of the year, Yellowstone National Park is flooded with visitors, even with timed entry and reservation systems in place. Visits to Yellowstone plummet once the snows start coming, so if you're allergic to crowds, winter might just be the best time to visit. But don't think that you'll be sitting around, snowbound and twiddling your thumbs! There's so much to do at Yellowstone National Park during the coldest months of the year. Here's your complete guide to Yellowstone in winter, complete with our favorite ways to make this winter getaway the best one yet.
What to expect at Yellowstone in winter

Even though winter sees fewer crowds, Yellowstone still has a $35 entry fee unless you choose one of the park's special free-entry days. This ticket is valid for seven consecutive days. If you plan on visiting other nearby parks like Grand Teton National Park, consider purchasing an "America the Beautiful" pass, which gets you access to both parks.

Read more
An adventurer’s guide to getting around Acadia National Park 
Here's how to make the best of your trip to this national park in Maine
Thunder Hole, Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia National Park is one of the most visited parks in the entire U.S., seeing almost 4 million visitors this past year. It's easy to see why. Instituted as a national park in 1919, this piece of Maine is home to gorgeous forests, boulder-strewn clifftops, and a stunning coastline all in one place. One of the main draws is that it's one of the best places to see fall colors, but it's also stunning to visit during any time of year. If you want to experience some of the best scenery New England has to offer, here's everything you need to know to make your trip a huge success.
The lay of the land

Acadia National Park spreads across two-thirds of Mount Desert Island, a 108-square-mile island off the northern half of Maine’s coast (called "Down East" in these parts). Mount Desert Island also contains the town of Bar Harbor, which has hotels, restaurants, cafes, outdoor suppliers, and several worthwhile museums. Smaller towns like Northeast Harbor and Southwest Harbor provide a more low-key stay with fewer crowds.

Read more