One-Week Spring Break Hikes

Spring break is a great chance to get outside, enjoy the changing seasons and soak up a little of the first warmth of the season. If you’re the rugged, outdoorsy type, taking a long hiking and camping trip can help you get into the zone for the coming summer. Although there are tons of options for week-or-so-long hikes in the United States, these are a few with easily customized length and varied ranges of difficulty.

The Vermont National Guard on Jay Peak © National Guard | Flickr

Jay Peak/Long Trail

Jay Peak is the northernmost point of the Vermont Long Trail, which runs the length of the state. The Jay Peak portion of the trail is only four miles long, but the moderate difficulty means it can be slow going. The Long Trail is more than 272 miles long, and it covers all of the Green Mountains. Definitely not for the amateur hiker, but a great option for those looking to challenge themselves.

Pamola Peak, Maine © Sjohnwilkin | Dreamstime

30-Mile/100-Mile Wilderness

Part of the Appalachian Trail, the 100-Mile Wilderness in Maine is for serious hikers who can handle wild terrain. It’s considered the wildest section of the entire trail. But if you’d rather take on something a little less challenging, the first 30 miles of the 100-Mile Wilderness will provide some of the most beautiful views with far less time commitment.

Franconia Ridge on Mount Lafayette in New Hampshire’s White Mountains © Manon Ringuette | Dreamstime

Franconia Ridge Traverse

The Franconia Ridge Traverse is an 8.9-mile trail that crosses the peaks of six mountains, from Mount Lafayette to Mount Liberty. Walking along the top of mountains means no forest cover and sometimes unpredictable weather, so playing it safe is extra important!

This Tennessee trail is only 5.6 miles long and could be completed in as little as four hours, but it is extremely challenging. Taking it extra slow and enjoying the experience of camping in Tennessee’s wilderness can make it manageable, and provide a great adventure. The landscape is beautiful, with waterfalls, lush forests and rock formations.

Honey Creek Loop, Tennessee © Michael Hicks | Flickr

Honey Creek Loop

This Tennessee trail is only 5.6 miles long and could be completed in as little as four hours, but it is extremely challenging. Taking it extra slow and enjoying the experience of camping in Tennessee’s wilderness can make it manageable, and provide a great adventure. The landscape is beautiful, with waterfalls, lush forests and rock formations.

Native American Petroglyphs on Brithing Rock, Hurrah Pass, Utah © Kwiktor | Dreamstime

Hayduke Trail’s Hurrah Pass

The Hayduke Trail itself is an 812-mile trail crossing the Utah-Arizona border, but the Hurrah Pass is a 47-mile section ending in Canyonlands National Park. It’s not easy by any means, and anyone who hikes it should have experience with desert backpacking. But if you enjoy spending time in the Western wilderness, it’s a great option!

Harbor Seals on Northern California’s Lost Coast © Daniel Schreiber | Dreamstime

The Lost Coast

Plan at least three days for this 24-mile hike. The Lost Coast is pretty epic, as one of the largest undeveloped stretches of the Californian coast. The pristine beaches and sweeping forested hills are unbelievably breathtaking, and create a challenging hike that ends in an amazing reward.