One of the great things about moving is discovering the landscape of your new environment, which will likely consist of some great natural trails. Read on to learn about the top five trails to explore after your move, in a few of the country’s stunning national state parks.
Grand Canyon Rim Trail, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
If you’re moving to Phoenix, check out the Grand Canyon Rim Trail at the Grand Canyon, a four hour drive north of Phoenix.
The Grand Canyon is a 277 mile-long, 18 mile-wide, one mile-deep gorge of the Colorado River, known for its striking rock layers and breathtaking beauty. The Grand Canyon Rim Trail is a flat walk, mostly paved, with excellent views of the canyon, up to 12 miles long.
Lady Bird Johnson Grove Loop, Redwood National Park, California
If you’re moving to Sacramento, check out the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Loop at Redwood National Park, a six hour drive north and west of the city.
This park, consisting of nearly 40 miles of California coastline, contains some of the oldest and tallest trees on earth. A popular and simple hiking trail is the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Loop, a one mile loop that visits some of the most ancient groves of redwoods in the park.
Ute Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
If you’re moving to Denver, check out the Ute Trail at the Rocky Mountains, only a two hour drive from Denver.
The Rockies are a gorgeous major mountain range, over 3,000 miles long, and boast over 300 miles of hiking trails, with sub-alpine and alpine views. Ute Trail is an easy, four mile hike with large meadows, rich wildlife, mixed forests, and great views of open Alpine Tundra.
Andrews Bald, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
If you’re moving to Nashville, check out Andrews Bald at the Great Smoky Mountains, a 3.5 hour drive west of Nashville.
Covering 800 square miles, this park is known for its ancient mountains and remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture. Hike the Forney Ridge Trail to Andrews Bald, a 3.5 mile hike through high elevation forests to the wide-open “bald” area, where on a clear day you can see panoramic views for miles.
Anhinga Trail, Everglades National Park, Florida
If you’re moving to Miami, check out the Anhinga Trail at the Everglades, just an hour’s drive from Miami.
The Everglades are the country’s largest subtropical wilderness, providing an important habitat for many rare and endangered species. Anhinga Trail is a short (.08 miles), wheelchair-accessible trail of raised boardwalks that lead visitors through vast saw grass marsh prairie and some of the deepest waters in the park.
You’re sure to encounter some amazing sights and challenging terrain on these and the many other trails offered in these and other state national parks.
What are some of your favorite trails you’ve discovered after moving to a new area, whether in a large state park or just in your local neighborhood? Comment below.
