Trekking in North America
Much of North America’s vast landscape is best explored on foot, giving visitors the opportunity to retrace the footsteps walked by the continent’s original settlers centuries ago. From leisurely strolls through grassy parks to expeditions through untamed wilderness, trekkers of all ages and experience levels are bound to find unforgettable experiences.
Icefields Parkway - Alberta, Canada: This majestic mountain highway connecting Banff, Yoho, and Jasper national parks features some of Canada’s most breathtaking scenery. The Columbia Icefields, immense glaciers, Athabasca Falls, and Peyto Lake are just a few of the sights greeting trekkers along the way.
Yosemite and the High Sierra - California, US: The towering summit of El Capitan, tumbling Nevada Falls, and the flat face of Half Dome are just a few of the spectacular sites trekkers will see in this beautiful and diverse region of California. The demanding walks here are recommended for experienced trekkers.
Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve - Alaska, US: There are only 30 permanent residents in this vast Alaska area that is almost the size of New Jersey. Trekking here is recommended only for the most experienced trekkers since the area is so isolated, but it’s a pure escape from civilization for those adventurous enough to make the journey.
Grand Canyon and Sedona - Arizona, US: The majestic Grand Canyon is one of the most impressive sights to begin this unforgettable trek through Arizona’s most spectacular high desert landscape, quiet Ponderosa pine forest, and stunning red sandstone formations of Sedona.
Appalachian Trail - New Hampshire, US: This trail, passing through 14 states from Maine to Georgia, is one of the continent’s best-known long-distance treks, but the most scenic section is the 30-mile journey through New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Cascading waterfalls, green valleys, and Mount Washington, the highest mountain in the north-eastern US, are just a few of the sites along the way.
Chilkoot Trail - Alaska, US: Those hoping to strike it rich during the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush called this trail ‘the meanest 32 miles in history.’ Nowadays, most trekkers use more positive words to describe the temperate rainforest, mountainous panoramas, and nearby historic mining town of Dyea.
Adirondack mountains - New York, US: The tranquil atmosphere, mountain scenery, and extensive trail network of this northern New York region is among one of America’s best-kept secrets. The Adirondack Park region is larger than Yellowstone and Yosemite national parks combined. The rocky, sometimes slippery terrain may be difficult for less experienced trekkers.
Vermont, US: This small state boasts over 700 trail miles for trekkers to enjoy. Vermont’s sparkling streams, green forests, and unspoiled landscape have earned its nickname, the Green Mountain State.
Columbia River Gorge - Oregon and Washington, US: Nowhere are the Pacific Northwest’s river valleys, majestic glaciers, towering mountains, and cascading waterfalls more abundant than in the scenic Columbia River Gorge. This area is also home to three active volcanoes.
Point Reyes - California, US: The national seashore of Point Reyes is a popular spot for bird watching and trekking along its 147 trail miles filled with pristine bays, lagoons, and nearly 20 percent of California’s wildflower species.
John Muir Trail - California, US: This Californian trail beginning in the Yosemite Valley, following the Sierra Nevada, and ending at the continental US’ highest peak of Mount Whitney is considered one of the world’s most scenic and beautiful hiking trails.