Cooler temperatures, colorful foliage, and quieter trails make fall one of the best seasons for hiking. A new study from Pulsz has ranked the U.S. states to reveal which offer the best hiking experiences, factoring in both trail opportunities and environmental quality.
At the top of the rankings is Washington. With more than 5,100 trails spanning over 10,500 miles, it offers everything from coastal walks to alpine climbs. Its trails are well-loved, evidenced by over 1.7 million trail reviews, and the state ranks among the top five nationally for both maximum elevation gain and air quality.
Alaska comes in second, drawing attention with its dramatic landscapes. While the state averages just 26.6°F, limiting year-round hiking, it features the highest elevation gains in the country (over 20,000 feet) and the best air quality nationwide, making it a bucket-list destination for adventurers seeking remote, pristine wilderness.
California ranks third, leading the country in both total trail count and trail length, with 15,181 trails covering 18,467 miles. Its trails receive more reviews than any other state, over 5.7 million, reflecting its popularity and variety.
Colorado comes next, notable for its combination of trail length, elevation gain, and trail popularity. With nearly 5,800 trails covering more than 11,500 miles and over 2.5 million reviews, the Rockies continue to be a major draw for hikers seeking challenging terrain and breathtaking views.
Beyond the top five, Montana and Oregon impress with their scenic beauty and air quality. Montana’s 1,600 trails may be fewer than in some other states, but its trails offer high elevation gains and some of the most picturesque wilderness areas in the country. Oregon is celebrated for its natural beauty, it has the second-highest scenic score nationwide, and combines coastal walks, volcanic peaks, and dense forests across its 3,600 trails and 7,600 miles of routes.
On the other hand, these five states ranked at the bottom:
50 Mississippi
49 Alabama
48 Florida
47 South Carolina
46 Maryland
“When it comes to hiking, the best conditions are usually mild temperatures, low precipitation, and good air quality,” said Nicky, a spokesperson from Pulsz. “You want trails that aren’t too crowded, have clear signage, and ideally offer a variety of terrain so you can challenge yourself without getting overwhelmed.”
“For people just starting out, it’s important to pick trails that match your experience and fitness level,” he added. “Shorter loops or flat trails are perfect for beginners, while longer or steeper routes are better once you’ve built some confidence. And always check the weather before you head out, even small changes can make a big difference in comfort and safety.”
Methodology
The study ranked all 50 U.S. states for hiking using eight key metrics that reflect trail quality and environmental conditions. Each metric was weighted based on importance, with scores scaled from 0 to 100, where 100 represents the best performance. Metrics included number of trails, average temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural beauty (greenest states score), trail length, maximum elevation gain, and total trail reviews, with weights ranging from 5% to 15%. Data was sourced from AllTrails, Current Results, Destination Hikers, AirNow, and Thrillist.
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