Spectacular Summits & Ocean Views - A Guide to Exploring the Best East Coast Hikes

Since I’ve spent a lot of time living in the van exploring California, She Dreams of Alpine has focused a lot on the spectacular hikes on the west coast, from the John Muir Trail to the Trans-Catalina Trail to Yosemite. But the east coast is full of amazing trails and terrain to explore as well.

While the west is known for taller summits, the east has its own gorgeous mountain, like the White Mountains, the Adirondacks, and the Smokies. Check out a totally different landscape with the best east coast hikes!

WHAT YOU’LL FIND IN THIS GUIDE TO THE BEST EAST COAST HIKES

This guide to the best hikes on the east coast is split up into regions, so you can easily find the trails you’re looking for. We’ve included everything from easy day hikes to committing thru-hikes, so there’s something for everyone!

Here are the different areas we will cover in the post:

1. Hikes in the Northeast - Trails in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont, & Maine.

2. Hikes in the Mid-Atlantic - Trails in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia.

3. Hikes in the Southeast - Trails in North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, & Florida.

4. The Appalachian Trail - Info on the iconic east coast thru-hike.

5. What to Bring on Your East Coast Hike - Packing list for hiking on the east coast.

If you’re looking for specific information, feel free to skip ahead to the section you’re looking for!

Also, be sure to check out the bottom of this post to find more hiking trail guides and other additional hiking, camping, and backpacking resources!

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NORTHEAST HIKES

From the sea cliffs of Acadia in Maine to the majesty of the White Mountains, the northeast is filled with incredible hikes. Here are the best northeast hikes to explore.

WHITE MOUNTAINS

The White Mountains of New Hampshire are a destination for the best hiking in the northeast. Known locally as “the Whites,” these peaks make up the northern part of the Appalachian Mountain range.

Mount Washington

Standing at 6,288 feet, Mount Washington is the tallest peak in the northeast. Even though it is significantly shorter than many peaks in the western US, it is known as “the most dangerous small mountain in the world,” so you need to be prepared before attempting to hike it.

Mount Washington is especially challenging in colder months, and should only be attempted by experienced climbers. But even in the summer months, the extremely high winds and rapidly changing conditions can be dangerous, especially above treeline.

Still, Mount Washington is an excellent hike, and definitely one of the best east coast hikes to add to your bucket list.

Mount Chocorua

One of the most photographed mountains in the Whites (and in the world, according to the AMC), Mount Chocorua is only 3,940 feet at the summit but still offers amazing panoramic views.

There are many trails to reach the summit of Chocorua, ranging from moderate to difficult, with a fair amount of elevation gain. You can combine different trails to make a nice loop.

AMC Hut to Hut Hikes

The Appalachian Mountain Club maintains several huts in the White Mountains, and you can hike from hut to hut for a unique backpacking experience, no tent required.

Presidential Traverse

Challenge yourself on an epic day hike or a couple day backpacking trip on the Presidential Traverse. This hike takes you all the peaks of the Presidential Range in the White Mountains, hitting ten summits along the way.

Pemi Loop

For an awesome backpacking adventure in the Whites, hit the Pemi Loop. Located in the Pemigewasset Wilderness, this 30-mile trail takes you to the top of 8 summits, with 4 other optional summits on the side.

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ACADIA NATIONAL PARK

Acadia is a showcase of the Atlantic Ocean, and the shoreline hikes in this National Park will truly take your breath away. You’ll also find forested trails in Acadia, and plenty of peaks to summit, if that’s what you prefer.

Beehive Loop

If you’re ready for adventure, take on the Beehive Loop. Although this trail is short, at only 1.5 miles, it is not to be trifled with. The popular Beehive Loop is one of Acadia’s signature “rung and ladder” trails, which means you’ll face plenty of exposure along the way.

MOUNT KATAHDIN

Mount Katahdin might be most famous as the culmination of the northbound Appalachian Trail, but you can achieve the summit without thru-hiking the AT. You’ll find Katahdin in Baxter State Park, which limits daily visitors, so you’ll need to make a reservation to get in.

Mount Katahdin actually consists of 5 peaks, with Baxter Peak being the true summit. There are several different trails you can take to summit Katahdin, including the exhilarating and exposed Knife Edge from Pamola peak over to Baxter.

CLIFF WALK

The Cliff Walk in Rhode Island is not your typical idyllic nature hike. This 3.5-mile trail traces the cliff of Newport with the ocean on one side and lavish mansions on the other side.

Most of the Cliff Walk is paved, but in some sections you will have to hike on rocky ground, so proper footwear (aka NOT flip-flops) is recommended. Also, be aware that although the trail starts right in town, you won’t find any amenities along the way, so bring water and snacks.

MOUNT GREYLOCK

Located in the western part of Massachusetts, Mount Greylock is the highest point in the state at 3,491 feet. The Mount Greylock Summit Loop trail is a 6.6 mile hike with awesome views of the Berkshires from the top.

BLUE HILLS RESERVATION

Just a bit south of Boston, the Blue Hills Reservation offers 125 miles of hiking trails to escape the city. You also can get a nice view of the city skyline from many of the trails,.

There are hikes for all ability levels in the Blue Hills., from the less-than-a-mile loop around Houghton’s Pond to the more challenging Skyline Loop, which includes the summit of Great Blue Hill and features an awesome view of Boston in the distance.

GREEN MOUNTAINS

The Green Mountains stretch the length of Vermont, and the 272-mile Long Trail runs the whole way from Massachusetts to the Canadian border. Green Mountain National Forest also includes hundreds of miles of other trails to explore the mountains and forests.

MID-ATLANTIC HIKES

The mid-Atlantic region features some of the best hikes on the east coast. From New York to Virginia, there are thousands of miles of awesome trails to explore.

ADIRONDACKS

Making up a massive area in upstate New York, the Adirondacks are a mecca for hiking. You’ll find some of the best hikes in the US here, including 46 peaks that rise above 4,000 feet (people who hike all of them are known as “46ers”). If you’re looking for a challenge, Mount Marcy is the tallest peak in New York.

And the Adirondacks contain over 2,000 miles of trails, so you’ll find something for everyone. Highlights include Rainbow Falls, Mount Arab, and Poke-O-Moonshine Mountain.

CATSKILLS

The Catskills are an awesome outdoor getaway about 2.5 north of New York City, and you can get there via car or public transit. You’ll find great hikes for all levels in the Catskill Mountains, from short overlooks to steep summits.

One can’t-miss hike in the Catskills is Kaaterskill Falls, where a 1.5 mile out & back trail will take you to the tallest two-tier waterfall in New York State. You should also check out the awesome views on one of the five fire tower hikes in the Catskills, such as Balsam Lake or Hunter Mountain.

SHAWANGUNKS

Commonly known as “the Gunks,” the Shawangunk Ridge near New Paltz, NY is renowned as a rock climbing destination, but it also offers great hiking. The Gunks includes the Mohonk Preserve, Sam’s Point Preserve, and Minnewaska State Park. Check out Gertrude’s Nose Trail for a moderate loop hike with excellent views.

Labyrinth & Lemon Squeeze

For a unique hiking experience, try the Labyrinth and Lemon Squeeze on the grounds of the Mohonk Mountain House. (Be aware that there is a $30/person day hiking fee.) Although this hike is only a mile long (out & back), it is a full-body effort with lots of scrambling and, of course, squeezing! After you’ve wormed your way through, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views from the Sky Top cliff.

SENECA ROCKS

Get an amazing view of the landscape of West Virginia with a hike to the top of Seneca Rocks. Located on the North Fork River, Seneca Rocks rises 900 feet from the banks, and a 2.5 mile out & back trail will take you to the top. The summit views are definitely worth the hike up the steep switchbacks!

SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK

Shenandoah National Park showcases the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, and the 500 miles of trails will take you through forests and give you sweeping views of the Shenandoah Valley. Try the White Oak Canyon Trail to splash in waterfalls and swimming holes or Hawksbill Loop for an easy hike that leads to views from the highest point in the park.

Old Rag

Probably the most popular hike in Shenandoah, Old Rag features lots of rock scrambling and breathtaking 360 degree views from the summit. The Old Rag hike is a difficult 9.5 mile loop with about 2,500 feet of elevation gain.

SOUTHEAST HIKES

Hiking in the southeast will take you through beautiful landscapes of lush forests and rolling hills. Of course, there are plenty of mountains to summit, too!

LOOKING GLASS ROCK

Looking Glass Rock is a special place in Asheville, North Carolina. Located in the Pisgah National Forest, the curved walls of this large rock formation reflect light, hence the name. It’s a moderate hike (around 6 miles round trip) to the top of Looking Glass Rock, where you can soak in some incredible views.

ART LOEB TRAIL

Whether you’re looking for a multi-day backpacking trip or a shorter section hike, the Art Loeb Trail provides lots of options in western North Carolina. The trail is divided into four sections, and Section 3, Black Balsam to Deep Gap, with stunning views of the Appalachian Balds mountain peaks. You will find many campsites along the way if you want to spend a few days backpacking the entire Art Loeb Trail.

MOUNT LECONTE

If you’re visiting Great Smoky Mountain National Park, you can’t miss Mount LeConte. The most popular hike to the top is the Allum Cave Trail which is a challenge at 11 miles out & back with 2,900 feet of elevation gain. On your way to the summit you’ll pass the interesting Arch Rock formation, the beautiful Inspiration Point overlook, and the striking Allum Cave Bluffs.

GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN

Grandfather Mountain is an outdoor playground off the Blue Ridge Parkway near Linville, North Carolina. The Grandfather Trail to Calloway Peak is a steep 4-mile trail with cables & ladders across a stunning summit ridge. Most of the trails, including the Mile High Swinging Bridge, are part of the non-profit Grandfather Mountain Park, which requires you to purchase an admission ticket online.

ROAN MOUNTAIN

Roan Mountain is more than just a mountain – it’s actually a 5 mile long ridge that is part of the Blue Ridge Mountains. You can hike a section of the Appalachian Trail from Carver’s Gap across the ridge over the tops of Round Bald, Jane Bald, and Grassy Ridge Bald. Nearby Roan Mountain State Park in Tennessee offers more hiking options.

RED RIVER GORGE

You’ll find lots of cool hiking trails in the Red River Gorge Geological Area, aka “The Red.” Located in the Daniel Boone National Forest in eastern Kentucky, the Red River Gorge is full of incredible rock formations and cliff bands. Check out the Indian Staircase, the Sky Bridge, or one of the many stone arches.

THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL

The most iconic trail on the east coast is the Appalachian Trail, which runs 2,200 miles from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. Whether you want to thru-hike the whole thing or section hike a few parts, hiking the Appalachian Trail is an obvious part of any east coast hikes bucket list.

SECTION HIKES

You can experience the best parts of the Appalachian Trail by doing a section hike. Some of the best section hikes on the Appalachian Trail include many of the hikes we’ve mentioned in this post, such as the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, and the Roan Highlands in Tennessee and North Carolina..

THRU-HIKE

The ultimate east coast hike and one of the best hikes in the US is a thru-hike of the entire Appalachian Trail. Thru-hiking the AT is a huge commitment and will take several months to complete, but it is an epic experience you will never forget. If you feel compelled to take on this adventure, check out these 7 tips for thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail.

WHAT TO BRING ON AN EAST COAST HIKE

Below are some of the essential items to bring on any east coast hike. This is not a comprehensive list, so be sure to consider the terrain and check the weather where you’ll be hiking to pack appropriately.

*Please note that some of the below links and in this post are affiliate links.

1) Hiking Boots: Make sure to have some good hiking boots that you break in before hiking on the east coast. My favorite hiking boots are the Teva Montara Hiking Boots. I've never had an issue with blisters in these boots, and they are waterproof and lightweight. These are my go-to hiking boots!

2) Trekking Poles: Trekking poles will come in super handy on the steeper east coast trails. I love the Black Diamond Trail Pro Shock Trekking Poles. Michael and I both have these. They have a set for women (blue) and men (red). I've owned a pair of cheaper trekking poles in the past and they broke fairly easily. These are almost indestructible. I've been using the same pair for almost 5 years now, and they are still going strong.

3) Water Bottle and CamelBak: CamelBaks are awesome for hiking! They are the easiest way to stay hydrated, and I typically always bring one with me. I recommend getting one that has at least a 3 liter reservoir. Also consider bringing a Nalgene or water bottle for backup. Then, if a leak develops in my CamelBak, I can at least transfer water to the Nalgene and still be OK.

4) GPS: I am a data nerd, and you should be too! I know so many people don’t utilize GPS when they hike, but I consider it an essential piece of gear and there are many great options. My favorite GPS is the Garmin GPS 64sx.

5) Bug Spray: When hiking in the humidity on the east coast, it’s always a good idea to bring some of this just in case. I prefer the wipes for hiking and backpacking because they are lighter and easier to pack.

Be sure to check out my ultimate hiking gear packing list for all of my gear recommendations!

DOWNLOAD OUR HIKING PACKING CHECKLIST:

So that you can hit the trails with peace of mind knowing that you didn’t leave anything essential behind!

Which east coast hike is at the top of your to-do list? Let us know in the comments!

LOOKING FOR MORE HIKING ADVENTURES?

Check out these awesome hikes in other areas:

• 25 Best Hikes in Yosemite National Park

• 15 Best Sedona Hikes That You Need to Do

• 10 Best Great Basin National Park Hikes

• The Ultimate List of Best Hikes in the World

NEED HIKING & BACKPACKING RESOURCES?

Check out these guides full of information to help you get started hiking & backpacking:

• Hiking 101 - The Essential Hiking Gear List (+ a Downloadable Packing Checklist)

• The Ultimate 3-5 Day Backpacking Packing List (+ a Downloadable Packing Checklist)

• 15 Rookie Mistakes To Avoid Your First Time Backpacking

• 9 Must-Know Backpacking Safety Tips

Cheers,

Allison - She Dreams of Alpine

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