What day hikes are worth the drive? And what trail info do you need to have an unforgettable time? Here’s 6 of my favorite day trip hikes across America. Each location can be found on the interactive map below. But if you want to know more about each check out the brief description and helpful links as well.
Black Elk Peak (South Dakota)
Southwestern South Dakota is home to two National Parks (Badlands and Wind Cave) and Mount Rushmore. But one of the most memorable places is the day hike to the top of Black Elk Peak in Custer State Park.
This 1+ million view video explains how to fit all these South Dakota experiences into a single weekend.
This hike can be completed from the parking lot in just a few hours. What you will see is the exposed rocky and mountainous landscapes and vistas you expect from travels west in Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and California.
Dune Climb at Sleeping Bear Dunes (Michigan)
The Dune Climb is the main feature among the collection of sand dunes on the northwestern shore of Michigan. Among the other features includes one of the best places in the Midwest to see the sun rise and sun set from the same spot (watch this video to find out where).
You can drive right up to the Dune Climb address parking lot:
6748 S Dune Highway, Glen Arbor, MI 49636
You probably won’t need more than a half hour to make it to the top of the main Dune, but that’s not what makes this hike worth the drive. If you continue on to the shores of Lake Michigan you will be hiking several miles and spending several hours at least. This hike doesn’t remind me of anything (and I’ve traveled 10,000 human powered miles across the United States).
Bring water, sun screen, and a headlamp in case you get lost.
Watch this video to see why Sleeping Bear Dunes is worth the drive
Knife Edge at Mount Katahdin (Maine)
There are multiple routes to the top of Mt. Katahdin (an iconic natural landmark an common terminus of the Appalachian Trail thru-hikers). The first route was completed in 1804 (Abol Trail). The most difficult of the routes will incorporate the 1.1 mile Knife Edge between Pamola and Baxter peak.
Mt Katahdin is the highest point in Maine and provides a 360-degree view of unobstructed wilderness.
On the east coast there are dozens of 4,000 to 6,000 foot peaks that provide a cinematic view. What attracted me to Katahdin specifically, was a particular route that matches the view with a memorable challenge.
There are multiple routes that incorporate Knife Edge. What’s shown above is the combination of routes we took. From the Roaring Brook Campground we took the Helon Taylor trail to Pamola Peak. From there we took Knife Edge to Baxter Peak. Then down the mountain we took the Saddle trail to the Chimney Pond trail back to the Roaring Brook Campground where we parked the car. In total the 11 trail miles took us every bit of 10 engaged hours (we were not slacking). (My buddies fitbit suggested we walked between 13-20 actual miles)
I share some more details of this Knife Edge hike I completed back in 2018 on this blog.
Mount Mitchell (North Carolina)
You can drive to the top of the highest point east of the Mississippi River in North America. While the drive is gorgeous, the view is the perfect reward if you complete the day hike from the bottom of the mountain.
The out and back hike from the parking lot is less than a half mile. But to complete the Mt. Mitchell Trail out and back you’ll need a full day for they 11.2 mile round trip.
Old Snowy Mountain (Washington)
Mount Rainier is the most visited tourist attraction in Washington (and that is well deserved). But if you want another unforgettable day hike in the area, check out Old Snowy Mountain. This 15 mile round trip hike will take you all day, but the reward will be standing above the clouds with unobstructed views of both Mt. Ranier and Mt. Adams.
Old Snowy Mountain via Snowgrass Trail
Mt. San Jacinto (California)
If you’ve made it this far down the list you’re up to the challenge of a difficult day hike. Mount San Jacinto is a side-quest for those passing through on the Pacific Crest Trail, but it’s memorable in its own right.
This 12 mile out and back will give you chilly views of the Palm Springs Desert. This was one of my favorite parts of thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in 2016.
Mt. San Jacinto from the Tramway Trail