Top 5 Hikes in the Eastern United States | Best Trails on the East Coast of America
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- čas přidán 9. 07. 2024
- The Eastern United States is home to the country’s longest marked footpath (Appalachian Trail), America’s favorite drive (Blue Ridge Parkway), and the nation’s most visited National Park (Great Smoky Mountains). This makes it a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The East plays host to some of America’s most picturesque mountains surrounded by trails with rugged terrain that is protected by some of the most extreme and unpredictable weather on the continent. From the unruly summits of New Hampshire to the rocky coastline of Maine and the blue tinted mountains of North Carolina, this is where hikers go to get their fill of natural challenges and breathtaking views. Thick, diverse forests, rocky hiking scrambles, babbling brooks, and stunning fall foliage are all part of the deal when you punch your ticket to the right coast's best trails. These are the Top 5 Hikes of the Eastern United States.
CONTENTS
00:00 Teaser Overview
01:46 #5 Beehive Loop
04:16 #4 Old Rag Mountain
06:43 #3 Mount LeConte
09:13 #2 Grandfather Peaks
11:45 #1 Franconia Ridge
14:14 Hike Compare Outro
5. Beehive Loop Trail, Acadia National Park, ME
The Beehive Trail is a flagship hike in Acadia National Park, Maine. It is an exhilarating hike that takes you up exposed rock cliffs using iron rungs on your way to spectacular oceanside overlooks. Although hikers are reminded that this is not for those with a fear of heights, many use this as an opportunity to overcome that apprehension and reap the rewards of breathtaking views.
4. Old Rag Mountain Loop, Shenandoah National Park, VA
Virginia is the home to Old Rag, the most popular - and most dangerous - hike in Shenandoah National Park. Due to its challenges and stunning scenery, it is often rated as one America’s best hikes. This circuit hike contains a lengthy and rigorous rock scramble that should not be taken lightly. Additionally, there are 2,700 feet of vertical gain over a ten mile loop. This is not for everyone, but for those who tackle it, fantastic rewards await.
3. Mount LeConte via Alum Cave Trail, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN
Within the borders of Tennessee you will find much of the Smoky Mountains as well as the 6,600 foot summit of Mount LeConte. The longest and highest hike on this list, the trail to Mount LeConte ascends 3,250 feet during the first half of a 12-and-a-half mile out-and-back. Although not as technically challenging as Old Rag, this hike is very strenuous in its own right. But with this effort comes the reward of breathtaking views from one of the nation’s top hikes.
2. Grandfather Peaks via Profile Trail, Grandfather Mountain State Park, NC
In the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina lies the iconic and notoriously rugged Grandfather Mountain. The Profile Trail is the steepest route from the base of the mountain to the top, giving hikers access to the three tallest peaks: Attic Window, MacRae Peak, and the tallest summit, Calloway Peak. Hikers be warned - this may be the most difficult and technical hike in the eastern United States. Those up for the challenge should be prepared for a slow and deliberate trek as you use ladders, cables, and all-fours to traverse rugged and sometimes unstable terrain. Throw in unpredictable weather that includes mountaintop winds that can reach up to 200 miles per hour, and you have an adventure in the making.
1. Mount Lafayette via Franconia Ridge Loop, Franconia Notch State Park, NH
Nestled in the Northern Appalachian Mountains of New Hampshire are the beautiful and rugged White Mountains, home to the Franconia Notch State Park and our famed Franconia Ridge Loop. This hike takes you from the trailhead up a strenuous 4-mile, 3,500 foot climb past a number of elegant waterfalls on your way to the rugged alpine tundra. Once there, you will encounter up-and-down exposed hiking as you traverse the famed knife ridge between three peaks: Little Haystack, Mount Lincoln, and Mount Lafayette. This rite of passage for adventure-seekers combines steep, rocky terrain entwined with a cascading brook and breath-taking panoramic views. Once experienced, there will be no question as to why this escapade is listed among National Geographic’s list of the 20 “World’s Best Hikes”. The rewards, however, are not simply provided; they must be earned.
While all of these hikes are very demanding, what makes each one difficult varies. This chart shows a variety of trail attributes - as well as the components that make each hike difficult. These top hikes may indeed take all the energy you have - but rest assured that it will be given back many-fold in return.
Hiked old rag it was definitely a challenge but very rewarding
I love the bee hive especially in early spring. If you do it in the fall you can start at the precipice trail and make a loop with the beehive. It’s a great hike do it every fall.
That is a great tip. I didn’t know you could do that. It’s on our bucket list! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.
I’ve done 3 of 5 on this list. Quality list and good info for anyone planning hikes in these areas.
Thanks for the comment. I'm sure there are other great hikes, but these are our favs! Congrats on tackling the 3. You have 2 to go. ;-)
I have yet to do Old Rag and the Grandfather Peaks, but I agree all the others are awesome and a lot of fun:). Thank you for sharing!
We are happy to hear that you agree with our picks. We hope you keep Old Rag and Grandfather on your radar! Thanks for the comment!
Pretty excellent list. I did Old Rag multiple times in the past (great rock scrambles!), and Leconte once. Also did the Beehive, partly, until my sister balked at a particularly exposed iron rung section, and we had to go back down. Sissy sister!
I like how old the footage shows you driving to the area
The audio was all over the place in this vid, but it was a really good vid so that makes up for it!
Great video guys hope to hike all 5 in the next few months
That's an aggressive timeframe. It took us much more than a few months. But you should be thrilled with the experience if you do it. If you would, please leave a comment once you take those hikes. We would love to hear about it!
Just found your channel, what a treat! I have done 4 out of 5.... have to get to Grandfather Mountain! Franconia Ridge my favorite to date.
Welcome to our channel! If you have done those other hikes, you are a great candidate for Grandfather Mountain. That is the one hike in our backyard. An absolutely wonderful place and a challenging, rewarding hike, indeed! Thanks for the comment.
I did leconte a few weeks ago and I had to wear my micro spikes. Super icy half way up and snow was knee deep on me on some parts. Spring and fall would be great to go again.
I ended up doing 19 miles. Went to rainbow falls and back down to the alum cave parking lot.
I only did partial of grandfather mountain because it was icy and snow. Didn’t get to macrae peak because I had my dog and couldn’t do the ladders and I didn’t have spikes at the time either. Ended up turning around because I got too cold. Want to go back to that too.
Sound like quite the hike to Leconte. It was our first trip when we attempted Leconte years ago that we realized that it is best to bring spikes in the winter. At Grandfather we were able to navigate the ladders with spikes, but a dog would not be so lucky. Grandfather will call your name for a return! "The mountains are calling - and I must go!" Thanks for commenting.
Old rag was definitely harder than I thought, I tell people that’s probably the limit of hiking before needing ropes. Passed a family doing this with very small children. Thought they were insane and alittle bit reckless..
Yes, indeed. If you get any more aggressive terrain, you’ll need ropes, cables or ladders. Love the old rag! Thanks for taking the time to comment.
No mention of the Great range traverse in the Adirondack's? Hands down one of the top 5 hardest hikes in the country
I think you have a good point - which means we need to travel there and check it out. Thanks for the tip.
What time do you usually head out to start these hikes?
Most of these are longer hikes, so we try to start (i.e. get to the trailhead) between sunrise and 8am. Crowds can be a factor too, which is why we started Beehive at sunrise. If you're not close to the trailhead, it might mean some driving in the dark. The only exception is in the winter when crowds are lighter and temperatures are lower - a later start might be little better.
Have you guys done Mt Katahdin. In Baxter state park.
No, but we would love to! Looks fantastic. But it’s quite the journey to get there from North Carolina. Some day, though. Someday soon…
I'm surprised Mount Katahdin in Maine isn't on here
There are good arguments that Katahdin should be on this list. A bit more remote that the others, our list has a little more mass appeal. But the Katahdin hike itself is indeed worth of consideration. Thanks so much for the comment. You are right to bring it up.
@@criscale3667there are many hikers on Katahdin most days
Did Franconia ridge last year and it was unbelievable. Be aware of the weather before you go fyi.
Oh my! Weather checking is very, very important. Some of the most brutal weather in the country is in that area. Thanks for the reminder!
Need to put wva on the list
I’m so glad to hear you say that. I want to visit Seneca Rocks. Where do you recommend?
@@criscale3667 check out dolly sods lions head an chimney top on you tube
@@allowatt123 amen! But let’s keep that to ourselves 🤫
5. Cadillac Mt. via Dorr Mt. Trail - Acadia National Park, ME
4. Old Rag Mountain - Shenandoah National Park, VA
3. Baxter Creek Trail to Mt. Sterling - Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NC
2. Grandfather Trail - Grandfather Mountain State Park, NC
1. Massie Gap to Mt. Rogers on the Appalachian Trail - Grayson Highlands State Park, VA