Some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on America's Byways can only be truly appreciated on foot. Witness the countryside the way it should be seen--up close and personal!
Maine has some of the most coveted hiking destinations, and with one visit, it's easy to see why. See the unspoiled backcountry of the Acadia Byway as you backpack through your choice of more than 100 miles of hiking trails that wind through mountain meadows to show off beautiful views of the Atlantic. Hike Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the coast north of Rio de Janeiro. Reach the summit before dawn and you can be the first person in the country to see the sun rise!
Want an adventure? Test out your best all-season gear on what could arguably be called the pinnacle of US hiking trails. Certainly the longest, the Appalachian Trail runs through 14 states, and is known for both its strenuous terrain and its gorgeous Southern and Eastern backcountry. You can access the trail from several byways. Enjoy some of the most beautiful secluded forested areas with functioning trails near the Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway in Georgia. Or hike through Great Smoky Mountains National Park near the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina and the Cherohala Skyway in North Carolina and Tennessee. On the Appalachian Trail you can traverse diverse and challenging terrain all the way from Georgia to Maine!
If you're looking for an uncommon expedition, don't pass up the mix of urban trails and undisturbed desert paths farther west. The Jemez Mountain Trail in New Mexico contains some of the most renowned hiking trails in the West due not only to the mild climate and colorful desert landscapes, but also to its unique terrain and unusual formations. Be sure to make the hike to Battleship Rock, an interesting rock formation in the Jemez Mountains, and one of the area's premier hiking destinations.
America's Byways provide ways for you to really see nature--without the frills of technology. Become inspired by nature and gaze into the horizon for miles, or hike treacherous rock to really test your limits.
