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Anybody else miss summer vacation, or just us? Unless you’re a teacher, funemployed, or working somewhere with a remarkably generous PTO policy, the warmer months of the year are probably much like the rest of it: You pull your shifts, enjoy your weekends, and grab time in the woods where you can.
Well, this is the year to do it better: Even if you can’t strike out on a 2,000-mile adventure, recapture that feeling of summer freedom by making the most of the time you do have. We’ve collected 58 of the best summer hikes from our archives, split across six different articles. The adventures here range from dayhikes that pack in the views from beginning to end to multi-day adventures that will give your body and mind space to wander. Aim your boots at the horizon, and get ready for one fantastic season.
The Top 5 Coastal Hikes in the U.S. for Breathtaking Views
Beach vacation or hiking vacation? We say: Why choose? On these hikes, which range from California’s rugged 53-mile Lost Coast Trail to shorter trips in Virginia and Oregon, you’ll feast on horizon-spanning vistas, spot whales, seabirds, and other wildlife, and fall asleep listening to the waves.
These 7 Magnificent Mountains Are the Best Summit Hikes in America
Picking the best mountaintops in the United States is a fool’s errand, but we gave it a try anyway. Some of these peaks are walkups, while others take genuine skill to ascend. Whichever you pick, though, you won’t regret the effort.
10 Unforgettable Trips to Make a Backpacker for Life
Take a person on a backpacking trip, and they’ll get to enjoy the wilderness for a few days. But use that opportunity to instill a love of backpacking in them, and you’ll have given them a lifelong gift. From the Everglades shoreline to Sequoia’s Tall Trees, these 10 perfect trips will do just that.
The 101 Best Miles of Hiking in the National Parks
America’s national parks are home to some of the most spectacular hiking in the world, b
ut some of it is just a cut above. These 16 trails collectively make up 101 miles of the worthiest terrain around.
Take a Stroll Across the Sky on These 10 Perfect Ridgeline Hikes
From 2025