If you’re a hiking enthusiast and love the great outdoors, finding a city that caters to your passion is essential! The United States is home to countless cities that offer incredible access to trails, parks, and natural beauty. Whether you prefer coastal hikes, mountain treks, or desert landscapes, there’s a perfect city just waiting for you to call it home!
Here are our top 5 U.S. cities to move to if you enjoy hiking and the outdoors:
1. Seattle, Washington
Seattle is a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a mix of urban culture and access to some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the Pacific Northwest. Within a short drive from the city, you can find yourself amidst lush forests, majestic mountains, and beautiful coastlines.
Hiking Highlights:
Mount Rainier National Park: Just a couple of hours from Seattle, Mount Rainier offers some of the best hiking in the country, with trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging backcountry routes.
North Cascades National Park: Known as the “American Alps,” this park features rugged peaks and deep valleys with trails that offer incredible vistas and diverse wildlife.
Rattlesnake Ledge: A popular day hike just 30 miles east of Seattle, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Rattlesnake Lake.
Why Seattle?Seattle’s unique location gives you access to mountains, forests, and water, making it a fantastic place for those who enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. The city itself is green and scenic, with numerous parks and a vibrant community of outdoor enthusiasts.
2. Asheville, North Carolina
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a haven for hikers and nature lovers. The city is known for its vibrant arts scene, craft breweries, and welcoming community, but its true charm lies in the surrounding mountains and forests.
Hiking Highlights:
Pisgah National Forest: A vast area with miles of trails, waterfalls, and panoramic mountain views. Popular hikes include Looking Glass Rock and Graveyard Fields.
Blue Ridge Parkway: This scenic drive offers numerous pull-offs with access to short hikes, breathtaking overlooks, and picnic spots.
Mount Mitchell: The highest peak east of the Mississippi River, Mount Mitchell offers challenging hikes and rewarding views at its summit.
Why Asheville?Asheville combines small-town charm with big outdoor adventure. The city’s proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains makes it a prime location for those who want easy access to hiking trails, as well as a thriving community of like-minded outdoor lovers.
3. Portland, Oregon
Portland is a city that truly embraces the outdoors, offering countless opportunities for hiking within and just outside city limits. With its vibrant culture, farm-to-table food scene, and environmentally conscious residents, Portland is an excellent choice for those who love both urban and natural environments.
Hiking Highlights:
Forest Park: One of the largest urban forests in the U.S., Forest Park has over 80 miles of trails, including the popular Wildwood Trail.
Columbia River Gorge: A short drive from Portland, this area features some of the most stunning hikes in the Pacific Northwest, including Multnomah Falls and Eagle Creek.
Mount Hood National Forest: With over 1,200 miles of trails, Mount Hood offers everything from short day hikes to multi-day backpacking trips.
Why Portland?Portland’s location between the Oregon Coast and Mount Hood makes it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy a variety of landscapes. The city’s commitment to sustainability and green living also aligns well with the values of many hikers and nature lovers.
4. Bend, Oregon
Bend is quickly becoming a hotspot for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a high desert climate and an endless array of recreational activities. With its sunny weather and easy access to mountains, rivers, and forests, Bend is an excellent location for those who love to hike, ski, and explore the outdoors.
Hiking Highlights:
Deschutes National Forest: Offers a diverse range of hiking trails, from easy river walks to challenging mountain climbs, such as South Sister and Tumalo Mountain.
Smith Rock State Park: Known for its rock climbing, Smith Rock also features several hiking trails with incredible views of the Crooked River and surrounding rock formations.
Newberry National Volcanic Monument: Offers unique landscapes with trails that lead through lava fields, obsidian flows, and to beautiful lakes like Paulina Lake.
Why Bend?Bend combines the charm of a small town with the amenities of a larger city, making it an attractive destination for those who love outdoor adventures. Its location in Central Oregon provides access to a wide range of landscapes, from high desert to alpine mountains.
5. Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City is often associated with skiing, but it’s also a fantastic destination for hiking enthusiasts. Surrounded by the Wasatch and Oquirrh mountain ranges, the city offers a variety of trails that cater to all skill levels, from easy nature walks to strenuous mountain hikes.
Hiking Highlights:
Big Cottonwood Canyon: Located just 20 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City, this canyon offers numerous trails, including the scenic Lake Blanche Trail and Donut Falls.
Mill Creek Canyon: A favorite among locals, Mill Creek Canyon offers a variety of trails that range from easy strolls to challenging climbs, such as the Mount Aire Trail.
Antelope Island State Park: Located in the Great Salt Lake, this park offers unique hiking opportunities with stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
Why Salt Lake City?Salt Lake City offers a unique blend of urban and outdoor living. The city’s proximity to several mountain ranges and national parks makes it a great base for those who love to hike and explore nature. Additionally, Salt Lake City has a growing food scene and a welcoming community that values an active lifestyle.
So, whether you’re drawn to the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest, the stunning desert landscapes of Utah, or the rolling mountains of North Carolina, there’s a U.S. city perfect for your hiking adventures. Hopefully one of these places ends up being the perfect spot to break in those hiking boots (and call home!).
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