Zone 9
Appalachians (Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia)
Pennsylvania
Mount Minsi
5.5 mile loop; 964ft. vertical change; Moderately Strenuous
The Mount Minsi Trail is definitely overshadowed by Mount Tammany on the other side of the Delaware Water Gap. We thought, “Why not climb Mount Minsi and look across at Mount Tammany?” and the idea was born. The trail is very nice and while the top is forested, a view nearby is excellent along the Delaware River and surrounding area.
Maryland
Lakeside Loop Trail
5.3 mile loop; 246ft. vertical change; Easy to Moderate
The great thing about the Lakeside Loop Trail is that much of the trail offers views across the lake and the surrounding mountains. Jump in the water if the day is hot, and enjoy the natural setting.
West Virginia
Raven Rock Trail
2.5 miles out & back; 439ft. elevation gain; Moderate
The Raven Rock Trail in Coopers Park State Forest is short, but the views at the end make it worth the trouble. Just be careful of the cliffs at the viewpoint.
Virginia
Strickler Knob Trail
8.6 miles out & back; 2,140ft. elevation change; Strenuous
Some would say that Strickler Knob has some of the best views in the Mid-Atlantic Region. However, you’ll have to work for it: there’s no official trail, and the route is considered a bushwalk.
North Carolina
Basin Creek
11.0 miles out & back; 1,815ft. elevation gain; Moderately Strenuous
There’s not much in the way of views along Basin Creek, but the idyllicness of the waterfalls and the streamside trail will make up for them. Go after a heavy rain to make the stream crossings a bit more fun – or to get a bit wetter while crossing the creek.
South Carolina
Yellow Branch Falls
3.4 mile out & back; 255ft. vertical change; Moderate
Some would describe Yellow Branch Falls as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the area – perhaps the most beautiful in South Carolina. Go after a rainfall for the best flow.
Georgia
Long Creek Falls
3.8 mile out & back; 610ft. elevation gain; Moderate
Hike a section of the AT plus a few other trails to get to Long Creek Falls. The flow continues throughout the summer, making it a great hike with a reward year-round.
Zone 10
New England & Atlantic Coast (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Delaware)
Maine
Gorham Mountain Loop
3.6 mile loop; 485ft. vertical change; Moderately Strenuous
Explore Acadia National Park via the Gorham Mountain Loop that combines iron-rung-ladders, views, and more. It’s challenging, but there are routes to avoid the most difficult sections if you’re looking for an easier stroll in the park.
New Hampshire
Mount Kearsarge North Trail
5.8 mile out & back; 2,487ft. vertical change; Strenuous
Enjoy fantastic views across the White Mountains while hiking the northern trail up Mount Kearsarge. A fire lookout at the top is another popular attraction.
Vermont
Moss Glen Falls
4.2 miles out & back; 613ft. elevation change; Easy
The trail to Moss Glen Falls is short enough to be enjoyable to many hikers and families, but it’s also fairly overlooked – so you might have the route to yourself!
Massachusetts
Pamet Loop
5.4 mile loop; 121ft. vertical change; Moderate
Explore Cape Cod on the Pamet Loop, a pathway along the beach and through the seaside forest. Colonial-era cottages add another element of variety.
Connecticut
Pine Mountain
4.1 mile loop; 393ft. vertical change; Moderately Strenuous
There’s history, there’s forest, and there’s views along the Pine Mountain Trail. Watch out for poison ivy and ticks in the summer months.
New Jersey
Hacklebarney Loop
4.1 mile loop; 187ft. vertical change; Moderate
While Hacklebarney State Park was once a haven for summer picnickers, today it’s more of a hiker’s paradise. Get “lost” on the park’s trails as they wind along streams, through the forest, beside waterfalls, to stone monuments, and more. More trail maps can be found here.
Delaware
Prickly Pear Trail
3.6 mile loop; 7ft. vertical change; Easy
Enjoy an easy and fun hike or bike ride on the Prickly Pear Trail. Located in Delaware Seashore State Park, the loop is the perfect length for a family hike or ride.
