Mountain scenery on the Outcroppings trail at Chimney Rock State Park

Hiking is one of the best cardio activities, one of the rare few which is enjoyable at the same time as being calorie busting. Getting out on the trail is a great way to work up a sweat while also taking in the sights and sounds of nature. Planning a vacation near a great park can save you money and enable you to enjoy beautiful views which you would otherwise not get to see at home. While some trails simply offer you the opportunity to enjoy nature and get in a quality workout, others offer the added bonus of tremendous scenery.

I have been hiking for over 15 years, living in mountainous regions and planning trips around outdoor adventures. In this guide, I will feature some of the best mountain hikes which are reasonably easy for the regular gym goer.

1. Slate Mountain Trail

Amazing view of the San Francisco peaks via the Slate Mountain trail near Flagstaff, Arizona
  • Trail length & difficulty: 2.4 miles out-and-back. Moderately difficult due to the 800 foot elevation gain and high altitude (starts at 7300 ft)
  • Nearby vacation destination: Flagstaff, Arizona
  • Where to stay: Historic Hotel Weatherford
  • What to do in the vicinity: Check out the local dining & shopping scene in historic downtown Flagstaff

An often overlooked trail in Northern Arizona, hidden about halfway in between the quaint mountain community of Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon, is the spectacular Slate Mountain trail. This 2.4 mile out-and-back hike will take you on a high altitude journey to a mesmerizing overlook of the San Francisco Peaks. The highest mountain peaks in Arizona sits at an altitude of 12,000+ feet, and are best viewed in their uninterrupted state via this trail. I have hiked all over Flagstaff and surrounding areas, and this hike definitely featured the best mountain scenery!

The route travels nearly 900 feet in elevation in just over 2 miles. Luckily, the incline is gradual so the hike doesn’t feel nearly as hard as it appears. Once you arrive at the top, you will be happy that you put in the effort. The downhill journey will feel like a breeze. The real benefit of this trail is not solely the scenery, but moreso the rare solitude you will get to experience as you enjoy nature at its finest all to yourself. As this trail is pretty desolate, it is one of the few places in the state where black bears have been sighted.

2. Canyon nature loop at Catalina State Park

View of the tall Arizona Saguaro via the Canyon nature loop at Catalina State Park
  • Trail length & difficulty: 2 mile loop, Pretty easy (add a degree of difficulty if you hike during the super hot summer season).
  • Nearby vacation destination: Oro Valley, Arizona
  • Where to stay: El Conquistador Resort
  • What to do in the vicinity: Hike the Linda Vista trail, Brunch at Hacienda del Sol, Shop for authentic southwestern gifts at Happy Saguaro

Catalina State Park is one of the true gems of Southern Arizona. It’s worth planning a vacation to Tucson solely to enjoy the beauty of the awe-inspiring Saguaro cactus. Catalina features unending views of Arizona’s native cacti, plus the most incredible views of the Santa Catalinas, Tucson’s most grandiose mountain range. Because this park is located in suburban Oro Valley, the park remains pretty quiet, and thus, is a great spot for bird & wildlife watching (don’t be surprised if you see a bobcat roaming about).

While many of the trails here are a bit too arduous for the hot sunny summer season, the Canyon nature loop is short & flat enough to be enjoyed anytime of year. This 2 mile loop features splendid views throughout and is easy enough for casual hikers, yet impressive enough in beauty to please the most avid hikers as well. I lived in an apartment literallyk right across the road and enjoyed hiking this beauty several times per month: it never got old 🙂

3. Brasstown Bald

Scenic views of the Blue Ridge mountains from Brasstown Bald, the highest point of Georgia

Northern Georgia offers a plethora of wonderful hiking trails courtesy of its’ stunning location in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Brasstown Bald, the highest point in the state, can be accessed via a steep half mile trail. From the 4784 foot summit, you will be treated to mesmerizing views of 4 states including Georgia, Tennessee, and the Carolinas.

The trail is quite steep going up, although paved, so a bit easier on your joints. No need to hassle with hiking shoes for this one- regular gym shoes should be fine. The intensity will be worth it in the end for the enchanting 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains. While the Appalachians are gorgeous anytime of year, they really shine their best during the colorful fall season. Note that there is a shuttle option for those who can’t hike.

4. Pa’Rus Trail at Zion National Park

The gorgeous Pa'Rus trail at Zion National Park
  • Trail length & difficulty: 3 miles out-and-back, Easy
  • Vacation destination: Springdale, Utah
  • Where to stay: Majestic View Lodge
  • What to do in the vicinity: Take a cruise down the jaw dropping 57 mile long Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, Explore the cafes & shops of downtown Springdale.

Zion National Park is one of the most enchanting parks to add to your Western states travel bucket list. Even the name “Zion” translates to a place of peace in Hebrew. If you love hiking, nature, photography, and wildlife then you need to put Zion near the top of your travel bucket list. The most popular trails in the park are pretty intense. Those looking to start their trip on a more casual note should start with the Pa’Rus. The Pa’Rus trail is one of the easiest trails in the parks, but far from the least scenic.

This 3 mile multi-use trail is shared by hikers and cyclists due to its’ flat terrain. With peaceful views of the Virgin River and breathtaking views of the towering rock formations, there is never a dull view in sight on this trail. Start your visit to Zion off on a high note with this easy picturesque trail conveniently located right next to the visitors center.

5. Outcroppings trail at Chimney Rock State Park

Scenic vista of the Blue Ridge mountains and Lake Lure from Chimney Rock State Park in North Carolina
  • Trail length & difficulty: 499 steps (0.40 miles), Fairly strenuous
  • Nearby Vacation destination: Lake Lure
  • Where to stay: Chimney Rock Inn
  • What to do in the vicinity: Take a cruise on Lake Lure, Explore the shops & eateries of Chimney Rock Village

North Carolina offers no shortage of wonderful recreational opportunities. The state is jam packed with beautiful parks, drives, and natural wonders. And hence, there is no shortage of spectacular hiking adventures. Chimney Rock is (rightfully so) one of the state’s most popular tourism draws. The park’s name comes from the 500+ year old monolith which juts out high above the beautiful Hickory Nut Gorge.

A 499 step climb leads you to the top of this iconic rock outcropping. From here, it is nothing but beautiful nature as far as the eye can see. Gorgeous Lake Lure and the enchanting Blue Ridge mountains make quite a statement. While the staircase climb is quite steep, the views going up do not disappoint for a moment. The entire walk is rewarding with picture-perfect scenery anywhere you look – it’s easy to challenge yourself when the views are so fabulous. Those up for a challenge can connect to various other trails for a longer adventure.