Take a break from the bustle and hustle of the city to enjoy the wilderness.

Alabama: Chinnabee Silent Trail

Arizona: Havasu Canyon

A permit is a must, since Havasu is located inside the Havasupai Indian Reservation. Havasu Canyon offers a unique opportunity to explore a Supai Indian village, swimming holes, and 19th century mining remains. Caves, mining routes, metal stairs hooked to the side of the vertical sandstone formations, and cascading waterfalls are all frequent sights along the trail. Get a camping permit to make this unique experience a complete adventure.

Arkansas: Butterfield Trail

Once used as a stagecoach route, the 14.5-mile loop trail starts just outside the park's visitors center. Especially beautiful after spring rains fill Butterfield Falls and the numerous currents alongside the path. Easy and sharp sections mix throughout the trail, allowing for breathing breaks. Great summit view of neighboring hilltops.

California: Mount Whitney

The highest point in the continental US offers a strenuous 10.7-mile hiking trail ascending over 6,000 feet. Permits are required (and should be reserved well in advance) to hike up the mountain, and hikers usually camp on the trail, dividing the ascend into two to four days. It's possible to do a one-day hike up Mount Whitney, but this is only recommended to very experienced hikers, as altitude sickness becomes a serious problem. Bears are common and approved food canisters are a requirement in order to secure a permit. EXTRA: Located at the eastern end of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome is a granite dome almost five thousand feet high. Once considered unclimbable, it can now be ascended by following a 8.5-mile trail that starts on the valley floor. Once near the top, hikers use the aid of metal cables raised on posts (there since 1919) to reach the rounded summit.

Colorado: Colorado Mines Peak

A great winter hike, when the snow-covered land scares away most of the other hikers. Climb the 1000 feet to the top for good views all around. A good hike for families and beginners, it may get dangerous because of electrical storms during the summer months. 

Florida: Ocala National Forest

Dubbed the “crown jewel” of the Florida trails, Ocala is the second largest National Forest in the state. Hardwood forests and long-leaf pines mix with ponds and swamps abundant in local wildlife. Recreation areas are located in sectors along the trail, and offer opportunities for camping or picnicking.

Georgia: Cohutta Wilderness Area Trails

Numerous river crossings (up to 42 times in the appropriately named Jack Rivers Trail) cut through the trails and guarantee a wet hike. Rivers can become dangerous after heavy rains, when the currents gain extreme speed and power. From easy walks to rocky sections, the trails offer plentiful opportunities for observing native plants and wildlife.

Kansas: The American Discovery Trail

The 570-mile long trail follows on the footsteps of the pioneers through gravel or paved roads, crossing Kansas side to side. Western outlaws also used this route to cross the land. On the way, stop at the Old Kaw Mission and Museum and the Fort Larned National Historic Site. Two wildlife refuges afford incredible opportunities to interact with local wildlife. Summer temperatures can reach 110 F, so be well prepared.

Kentucky: Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave, the largest cave system in the world, comprises over 360 miles of passageways plus hundreds of rooms. Every year, new routes and connections are discovered, extending hiking routes by the miles. Hike through the tunnels and caverns for a chance to see unique wildlife (such as blind fish) and gypsum crystal formations. Steep drops, narrow tunnels, and dark passageways are part of the hike –Make sure you can deal with them before undertaking the journey.

Louisiana: Driskill Mountain

Louisiana's highest point offers great hiking trails that are a favorite among history-buffs looking for ruins and old foundations. Paths follow a straightforward line and it's very hard to get lost, even with the few signs marking the way.   

Minnesota: Pow Wow Trail

A solitary hike in moose country, most of the area is a wild camper's paradise. Beaver dams make some crossings a little bit of a challenge, and some sections become slippery after heavy rains. The 29-mile loop is a trip back in time reaching secluded lakes and cascading brooks.

Mississippi: Black Creek Valley

A nice, easy hike following pine-covered paths and gentle creeks. For an added challenge, venture into the forest and across the river. There's a short uphill section before you end up deep into the Black Creek wilderness. Great hike if you're looking for silence and isolation.

Missouri: Babler State Park

Best known for its ancient forest, the park offers four short trails and great opportunities to encounter wild turkey and plenty of raccoons. The trails get muddy after heavy rains, so go well prepared. Some of the trails are interconnected and allow for a longer walk if so desired.

Nevada: Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Leave Las Vegas behind and experience the true heart of Nevada by hiking through the 65-million year old Keystone Thrust Fault. Red sandstones rock formations line up on the sides of the fault, and offer a look into what was once a heavily-exploited quarry. Small canyons and grey limestone formations are easily accessible from Sandstone Quarry, and homestead ruins are the worthy reward for hiking Pine Creek Canyon, a two-mile loop abundant in giant pine trees. Indian artifacts and wild burros are a frequent sight. Both are protected and cannot be disturbed.

New Mexico: Sierra Blanca

The summit of Sierra Blanca falls on the Mescalero Indian Reservation, which means that, technically, you need a permit to climb all the way to the top. Whether you're only hiking part of the way or are willing to risk it to the top without a permit (most people do), get an early start. The stunning view of snow-covered peaks merits the long, demanding hike up. Hiking and climbing are possible in winter, but you should be experienced in dealing with deep snow and slippery ice passages.

North Carolina: Mt. Mitchell

The highest peak of the Appalachian Mountains offers several options for the day hiker, usually starting on the road off the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, through a conifer forest, and to the top. An observation tower and snack bar at the summit offer amazing sunset views. Wildflowers are plentiful in the warmer months, and the fall offers an impressive array of fiery golds and reds.

Oklahoma: Black Mesa

A long but relatively flat hike crossing dessert-like scenery, full of eight-foot tall cacti and powdery sandstone. The steepest climb is on the south side of the Mesa, through private lands. Red-tailed hawks and butterflies circle above the trails.

South Carolina: Kings Mountain

Starts at the visitor's center and take the Battlefield Trail, a short loop around British Major Patrick Ferguson's burial site and numerous historic points. For a more challenging day, hike up by following the 16-mile Kings Mountain Hiking Trail, which crosses horse trails and fire towers. Stroll up the manodnocks (small mountains) for views of neighboring flatlands.

Tennessee: Big Frog Mountain Trail

A demanding five-mile hike up the Big Frog Mountain. Make it to the top and you'll be rewarded with clear mountain vistas and crystaline streams. The whole area is a sanctuary for black bears and wild boars, although it is rare you would run into one. For a unique experience, snorkle the Conasauga River or camp in one of the primitive campgrounds in the vicinity. 

Texas: Dinosaur Valley

The fossilized dinosaur footprints are the park's main attraction. Over 100-million years old, how many can you see depends on the river level –In spring, some of them are completely covered by the rising waters. A very short trail leads to The Blue Hole, a popular swimming hole that seemingly was just as popular among dinosaurs, if you count on the numerous 3-toed footprints around the ledge. For longer hikes, take the trails that follow the Paluxy River into a high plateau. Enjoy the dessert-like wildlife, with plenty of turtles, lizards and rodents (the cuddly kind).   

Utah: Zion National Park

Red sandstone gives way to high deserts, waterfalls, and sandstone wilderness in one of the most varied ecosystems in the US. Hike the Riverside for a unique experience among tall rock walls and easy streams, or take the West Rim Trail to Angles Landing, an indescribable strenuous hike up winding trails carved on the blue mountains. Experienced hikers can attempt the Parunuweap Canyon Trail, a solitary, steep hike through a narrow exit canyon and up the side of Mt. Carmel Junction. Extremely tough but well-worth it. Zion's National Park's consistently ranks as one of the top five hiking places in the country.

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Alaska: Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve

Extending 115 miles along the Canadian border, the preserve features numerous historic sites left behind by the gold rush era of the late 1800's. Peregrine falcons and black bears are signature sights.  

Hawaii: Hanakapiai Falls Trail

Breathtaking cascading waterfalls are the highlight of this trail. The hike is long and strenuous and although no permits are needed for day hikers, most travelers get a multi-day permit that allows them to camp in the area and extend their hike for several days. Plan in advance, as passes are highly in demand and hard to come by. Numerous streams cut the trail, making for beautiful but slippery scenery. Sturdy boots are a must, and so is being in good shape. Hike the 4-mile steep trail to the main area and you'll be rewarded by a chain of falls cascading down green and blue mountain rocks. A must see if you're in Hawaii.

District of Columbia: Columbia Island

Great views of Washington DC are one of the main highlights of the island. A favorite among dog-owners, the island offers easy trails that also attract families and older hikers. The island is basically a giant garden, abundant in daffodils and flowering bushes. Easily accessible by public transportation from the city center.