Washington: Cougar Mountain Regional Wildlands Park

Fifty miles of trails that offer great waterfall views to the beginner hiker. Popular because of its well-marked trails, the park also offers subtle remainders of times gone by, when coal mining was the main industry in the region. Hike along the streams and against hillsides for a chance to spot bits of coal. Lush vegetation and rich fauna (bears, coyotes, and bobcats live here) attract enthusiasts from around the country. Guided tours are available from the King County Parks and Recreation Department.

West Virginia: Cranberry Wilderness

A black bear sanctuary, the Cranberry Wilderness offers a unique opportunity to spot these magnificent animals while hiking the unspoiled 35,000 acres of the park. Deep woods are cut by glistening mountain streams, justifying more than one stop along the way. Hike the Williams River's Middle Fork to cross historic ruins of a 19th century logging camp, century old trees, and cascading brooks.

Wisconsin: Blackhawk Ridge

For some of the best trails in Wisconsin, head to Blackhawk Ridge. Peek through the hardwood forests on your way up for amazing views of the Wisconsin River valley. Snow doesn't clear until mid-June, so be prepared if hiking in spring. Mushroom hunting is popular in the trails, and so is wildlife spotting and photography.

Wyoming: Grand Teton National Park

Two hundred miles of trails offer the right intensity for any hiker, from beginner to advanced. Because of sudden weather changes, the trails at the park can be tricky --You can set off on 80 degree sunny weather and then get caught up in a lighting and hail storm midway in the trails. Extreme caution is recommended. Follow the trail up to Lake Solitude for spectacular views, or take a boat ride up to Cascade Canyon and hike among secret mountain waterfalls. Brown bear cubs (and their zealous mothers) are a frequent sight in the park.