There’s our summer bucket list and then there’s our summer hiking bucket list and today we’re talkin’ trails. Here are just a few of the most beautiful hikes we absolutely cannot wait to go on this summer along with a hiking packing list to ensure you’re prepared for the great outdoors. Let’s get started!
What to Pack for a Hiking Adventure
It’s super important to be prepared before you hit the trails because you never know what could happen along the way. (Though of course we only wish good things for you!) So whether you’re new to camping or an old pro, here are a few things you should make sure you have on you.
- A sturdy, comfortable hiking backpack
- Weather-appropriate clothing (and don’t forget rain gear for any surprise summer showers!)
- Extra pairs of extra thick socks
- Ample food and water (as in, extra supply, just in case)
- Navigation tools that don’t require WiFi
- First aid kit
- Knife or multi-tool
- Map
- Whistle
- Lighter/matches and firestarter
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Prescription medication
- Insect repellant
- Flashlight
Okay, now it’s time to talk trails!
Appalachian Trail, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
(image via: roadtrippers)
The Appalachian Trail practically goes around the entire world (okay, not even close) but it does stretch from Georgia to Maine, so you can opt to hike the whole thing or bits and pieces. Today we’re just bragging on Shenandoah National Park because just look at it. Here you’ll find the oldest rocks in all of Virginia, the Shenandoah salamander, and a whole lotta black bears, so be careful out there!
John Muir Trail, California
(image via: erin exploring)
The mountain views leave us speechless, so you can see why we’re just itching to hit this trail. Stretching over 200 miles long this trail winds through a number of must-see spots such as Yosemite, John Muir, and Ansel Adams Wildernesses, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks.
Grinnell Glacier Trail, Glacier National Park, Montana
(image via: earth trekkers)
If views are what you’re after, then look no further than pretty much any trail at Glacier National Park, but Grinnell Glacier trail especially. This trail is just over 10 miles long and hikers will get to enjoy Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine, as well as Grinnell Falls, Angel Wing, Mount Gould, and Grinnell Lake. And good news if you fancy a boat ride, that’s an option too!
Continental Divide, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico
As you can tell from the extensive lists of states this trail winds through, not only is this an epic long-distance hike but you’ll see everything from dessert to mountain ranges to forests along the way!