Best Summer Hiking Near Cities

Not all of us are capable of trekking the wilderness. If you’re a city slicker trying to get some fresh air, check out one of these hiking spots located near urban areas.

Mount Tamalpais State Park, San Francisco, Calif.

San Francisco might be the best major city for outdoorsman, with plenty of attractions catering to kayakers, mountain bikers and hikers. Just 20 miles north of the city, you find 6,300 acres of redwoods, wildflowers and grasslands.

Great Falls Park, Washington, D.C.

If you need a respite from the history and politics, the whitewater rapids at Great Falls Park will drown out the hot air from downtown. If rafting is too intense, you can at least watch the adrenaline seekers from a three-mile loop overlooking the falls.

Big Waterfall Trail, Salt Lake City, Utah

Salt Lake City is another great basecamp for adventurers. The surrounding wilderness has a variety of trails for beginners and experts alike. The Big Waterfall Trail is best for city slickers.

Turtle Head Peak, Las Vegas, Nev.

It’s easy to get trapped in the casinos, so take one day of your vacation to see Nevada’s amazing natural beauty. Turtle Head Peak is a particularly great spot, with a view of Sin City from 6,300 feet in the air.

Colombia River Gorge, Portland, Ore.

The area surrounding Portland has plenty of trails to keep you occupied. Even if you get tired of the Columbia River Gorge, you can check out Mount Hood National Forest, Twin Lakes Snowshoe Trail or even the beach on Oregon’s west coast. Hiking enthusiasts can also take on the state’s 50 Hikes Challenge.

Bear Mountain, New York, N.Y.

New York is another big city where an adventure is just a short trip away. Bear Mountain is located 50 miles north of Manhattan, a 1,100-foot climb that sits on the Appalachian Trail.