the 7 best hikes in the u.s.
1) Cascade Canyon Trail - Jackson, Wyoming (10 Miles)
The Grand Tetons should be on every American's bucket list and the Cascade Canyon Trail is the perfect opportunity to see everything that this amazing mountain range has to offer. The hike starts with a 15-minute boat ride across Jenny Lake and proceeds to climb over 1,000 feet to the pinnacle and lookout point. Exciting features along the way include the impressive Hidden Falls, a traverse along a steep ledge, Inspiration Point, and great views of the "Cathedral Group." More info here.
2) Looking Glass Rock Trail - Brevard, North Carolina (6.5 Miles)
This 4-hour hike (strong hikers can do it in 2-3 hours) rises over 1,700 feet to an impressive North Carolinian lookout (don't be disappointed at the summit, keep walking past the summit to get the great views!). Often deemed a romantic hike, many couples like to plan their summiting time around sunset and pack a picnic (wink, wink). As a note, if nudity makes you uncomfortable, this may not be the hike for you as locals traditionally do the hike in the buff. Get more information here
3) Angels Landing - Hurricane, Utah (5 Miles)
Located in the beautiful Zion National Park, we recommend to tackle this hike in the morning before the heat becomes unbearable. This hike, however, is not for the faint of heart, it is especially not meant for those with a fear of heights. After 2 miles of paved walkways, the trail takes a turn for the strenuous with dramatic cliff drop offs for the final half mile (some chains have been added for support). The summit is well worth it with soaring views 1500 feet above the canyon. More info here
4) Alum Caves Bluffs Trail - Gatlinburg, Tennessee (4.4 Miles)
Although pretty moderate in difficulty, this hike will bring you to some amazing features and great views of the Tennessee landscape. Inspiration point, with views of Little Duck Hawk Ridge and Myrtle Point, is just around two miles from the trailhead and the historical Alum Caves is just another 0.2 miles after. For those looking to get a bit more exercise in, the trail continues to the summit of the 6,593 foot Mount LeConte. More information here
5) Sunset Ridge on Mansfield Mountain - Underhill, Vermont (6.6 Miles)
Mount Mansfield is the highest mountain in VT, however, there are many aspects of this hike that will make you forget about the 2,600' climb. For example, Dogs are allowed on this hike (leashes required), so you can be distracted by bringing along your furry friend, and the majority of your time will be spent above treeline, so you'll be rewarded with great views. More information here
7) Conundrum Hot Springs - Aspen, Colorado (17 Miles)
We saved the best for last. Great views are...well...great but nothing can beat a hot spring. 8.5 miles from the trailhead (located in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness) lies Conundrum Hot Springs. A moderately difficult hike with a start elevation of under 9,000' and an end elevation just over 11,000'. Most hikers leave early to secure one of very few legal camping spots. Once you claim a spot, you only have one more choice to make: bathing suit or birthday suit? More information here
So what are you waiting for?
Chip Malt is a Rhone employee who has visited over 60 countries in the past couple years. He joined full time at Rhone in July 2015 and works in strategy and growth. Contact at chip@rhoneapparel.com or follow on instagram @ malt355
