15 Hikes with Scenic Water Views
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Hiking is a wonderful way to explore the natural flora and fauna of a new area, birdwatch, get in some exercise and sunshine, and enjoy some fantastic scenery. Featured below are 15 wonderful easy-moderate hikes, each featuring a beautiful vista of a creek, lake, the coast, or any other body of water. I have had the unique opportunity to live in several coastal states, as well as travel to many beautiful areas featuring lakes and rivers. A scenic water viewpoint can make an already fabulous hike even more mesmerizing. Below I have featured a few of my favorite hikes with stunning waterfront backdrops.
Also be sure to check out my best waterfront bike paths post. Note: this list does not include mesmerizing waterfalls (they deserve their own page!), so please check out my post featuring bucket list waterfalls guide!
1. Outcroppings trail at Chimney Rock State Park
Location: Western North Carolina
Upstate South Carolina is a gorgeous area to hike and explore nature. This mountainous region in the majestic Blue Ridge foothills is home to many beautiful waterfalls and state parks. Chimney Rock is a very popular tourist destination for good reason. Although admission is quite pricey at $17pp, the trails are gorgeous and well-maintained. The park is named after a 535 million year old granite rock named “Chimney” for its’ unique shape. The iconic 494 step Outcroppings trail, also known as “the Ultimate Stairmaster,” features incredible viewpoints of the Hickory Nut Gorge as well as Lake Lure, another popular tourist destination where you can take a narrated boat ride and explore Dirty Dancing filming locations. Another must-do at the state park is hiking to 404 foot tall Hickory Nut Falls, the 2nd tallest waterfall in the state.
2. Vikingsholm trail at Emerald Bay State Park
Location: South Lake Tahoe, California
Lake Tahoe is easily one of the most beautiful vacation destinations in the country. If you love nature, hiking, skiing, boating, mountain scenery, and/or lakes, then you should add this gem to your vacation bucket list. Beautiful Emerald Bay State park is located just 12 miles north of South Lake Tahoe and it’s a must visit for any hikers looking to enjoy the best-of-the-best Tahoe has to offer. The relatively easy 1.7 mile long Vikingsholm trail is a great place to start your adventure. The trail begins at a stone overlook area on Hwy 89 and begins a downhill descent to Vikingsholm Castle (tours available 7 days a week). Fabulous views of Lake Tahoe, “One of the clearest lakes in the world” throughout. If you are up for a more intense & exciting adventure, consider hiking the popular (but difficult) Rubicon trail which connects to DL Bliss State Park.
Check out my Tahoe vacation guide
3. Ocean View Loop at Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge
Location: Middletown, Rhode Island
One of the often overlooked gems in Rhode Island is Sachuest Point, the most beautiful of 5 natural wildlife refuges in the state. This nature oasis is located just outside of Newport, so a great add on activity after exploring the Mansions, Cliffwalk, or the gorgeous beaches in the area. If you are looking for something free to do in the area, save yourself some money, hassle, and avoid the crowds and commotion in favor of a relaxing and picturesque hike at Sachuest. The 1.5 mile long Ocean Loop trail features relaxing views of fresh and saltwater marshes and Sachuest Bay, plus ample opportunities for bird watching, photography, and wildlife watching. After your hike, relax at Sachuest (Second) Beach – one of the best in the Newport region.
Check out my Newport vacation guide for more fun
4. Mt. Battie trail at Camden Hill State Park
Location: Camden, Maine
Camden, “Where the Mountains Meet the Sea,” is one of the most gorgeous places on the coast of Maine, and possibly New England. The quiet seaside community offers plenty in the way of recreation. Camden Hills State Park is the gem of the region. The challenging, yet short Mt. Battie summit hike offers 360 degree panoramic views of Camden and Penobscot Bay. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Mt. Washington. A picture-perfect postcard view if ever there was one. Alternatively, you can opt to drive up Mt. Battie road, however, you would be missing out on a scenic and gorgeous natural adventure! After a tiresome day hiking, take a stroll around downtown Camden, home to many shops and restaurants (Camden Deli serves delicious food and offers scenic waterfront dining!).
Check out my Camden Hills hiking guide
5. East head loop trail at Myles Standish State Forest
Location: Carver, Massachusetts
Myles Standish State Forest is the oasis of the Southeast Massachusetts. This beautiful, large (13,000 acre), quiet forest is the place to hike, horseback ride, bike, and enjoy photography and wildlife in southeast Massachusetts. It’s the largest recreation area in the region and easily accessible from many nearby tourist destinations like Plymouth and Cape Cod. The 2.6 mile East Head trail features relaxing views of the East Head reservoir. The hike meanders through dense pine and spruce forest and is rarely crowded. It’s a wonderful place to get lost in nature for an hour or 2. Fall is the best time to visit as the temps are perfect, the foliage brilliant, and the crowds basically non existent. After hiking, check out nearby Plymouth, home to historical attractions, whale watching, and many local shops and restaurants.
