7 Unforgettable Summer Hikes (And What To Bring)
Summer might be the best time of year to break out those hiking shoes that have been collecting dust and hit the trails. These day hikes across the U.S. are perfect for warm summer excursions, and all you need is some water, a map, and a sense of adventure.
Recommended: 9 Mountain Peaks to Hike Before Summer is Over
1. Citrus Hiking Loop in Withlacoochee State Forest, Florida
A favorite for backpackers training for long-distance hikes, the Citrus Hiking Loop is a series of various looped trails that cover more than 40 miles throughout the Withlacoochee State Forest in west-central Florida.
You'll find palm trees, marshes, rolling hills, boardwalk bridges, and varieties of Cypress along this hike, but you'll also run into plenty of mosquitos. These popular trails are open to horseback riders and bikers, so keep an eye out as you stroll and be courteous if you meet them.
Don't Forget: Heading out on a day hike in Florida without bug spray is a bad idea, no matter what time of year. If you want to avoid strong chemical repellents with DEET, day hikes natural yet effective repellent made with essential plant oils like geranium, citronella, and lemongrass to repel mosquitos, ticks, gnats, flies, and fleas. The combination of essential oils also smells much better than your typical bug spray and is gentle on the skin.
2. Mount Timpanogos Trail near Deer Creek State Park, Utah
This difficult, nearly 17-mile out-and-back trail is picked up in Aspen Grove, about a 15-minute drive from Deer Creek State Park. The area is a favorite for backpacking, birding, and camping, for its alpine beauty, soaring vistas, and bounty of wildlife.
Initially, the trail has many switchbacks interspersed with waterfalls, including the beloved Stewart Falls. There are also small water crossings, very appreciated in the summer months, and plenty of dazzling views as you ascend. The trail eventually arrives at the Hidden Lakes basin and then the well-known Emerald Lake. Hikers then continue towards the saddleback adjacent to a boulder field where it joins the Timpooneke trail. Here are outstanding views of Utah Valley. The final ascent travels up the ridgeline to the summit.
Don't Forget: The boulders near the saddleback and the summit make for some fun rock scrambling. Be sure to wear the right shoes for the trail and the rocks.
3. Richardson Creek Trail near Lake Lincoln State Park, Mississippi
There are plenty of beautiful trails in Mississippi, but if you have to pick just one, Richardson Creek Trail through Homochitto National Forest may take top billing. It is a quiet hike alongside marshes and lakes in the storied Southern forest. The plant life in the woodlands is exceptionally diverse with over 850 species of vascular plants, such as ferns and horsetails.
This hike is a moderately challenging loop that is beautiful to visit at any time of the year. The loop is just under 10 miles long and has a modest elevation gain of about 850 feet. Lake Lincoln State Park is about a 50-minute drive from the trailhead.
Don't Forget: Like our call-out for DEET insect repellent in Florida, the same goes for this hike in Mississippi. You will want some strong repellent against the insects in this moist, wooded environment.
4. Fall Creek Recreation Trail in Fall Creek State Recreation Area, Oregon
This is a classic Pacific Northwest hike characterized by pines, thick vegetation, and plenty of lakes and streams. This out-and-back trail has about 1,300 feet of elevation change and a total length of up about 12 miles round-trip.
It’s nearly impossible to lose your way on this trail. Simply start near the Dolly Varden Campground and follow the trail alongside Fall Creek for nearly the entire trip. Bring along your swimsuit, since there are many pools beside the trail for a quick - or leisurely - splash.
Near the end of the trail, you will veer off slightly from the creek. This is the ascent to Slick Creek Cave, a shallow cave that Native Americans used as a camp during hunting trips.
Don't Forget: It's a good rule of thumb to never head outdoors in the Pacific Northwest without a solid rain jacket to avoid getting a surprise soaking while out on the trails.
Camp Nearby at Meadowlark RV Park
Recommended: Pacific Northwest RV Road Trip Itinerary
5. Breakneck Ridge near Clarence Fahnestock State Park, New York
One of the most popular trails in the country, the Breakneck Ridge Loop is both challenging and scenic. At just under three miles, what this hike lacks in length it makes up for in steepness. Be prepared to scramble over slippery boulders using all four limbs as you make your way up and around the Hudson Highlands.
Once you make it to the top of the ridgeline, sit down for a moment and take in the panoramic views. There is an alternative, less challenging route to this trail, so if you're not into technical climbing, keep a lookout for X's on the trail, which mark the easiest path up. The trailhead is just a 15-minute drive from Clarence Fahnestock State Park.
Don't Forget: Even though this is a relatively short hike, the terrain does call for more than a simple sneaker. Choose a sturdy, waterproof (or waterproofed) hiking boot with superior traction to help you scramble up the rocks with ease.
Camp Nearby at Interlake RV Park & Campground
6. West and East Lake Trail Loop at Backbone State Park, Iowa
This gem of a hiking trail takes you through thick forests alongside two lakes. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, the trail takes about 2.5 hours to complete and has little elevation gain at about 600 feet.
The trail initially follows the Maquoketa River and then rounds alongside the full length of Backbone Lake. The trail then loops away from the lake and across the river back to the starting point.
Don't Forget: If you don't want to bring a change of clothes but might want to take a dip, simply wear a pair of quick-drying hiking shorts so you don't have to worry about keeping dry at creek crossings and swimming holes.
Camp Nearby at BEYONDER Getaway at Lazy Acres
Recommended: Guide to Summer Hiking Clothes
7. Twin Falls Trails near McKinney Falls State Park, Texas
A summer hiking mainstay in Austin, this trail features plenty of scenery and chances to cool off in Barton Creek. Just minutes from downtown Austin, this 8-mile trail follows Barton Creek from Zilker Park to Scottish Woods and only has one real hill (appropriately called the Hill of Life) at about the halfway point.
The rest of the trail is a mix of (sometimes muddy) terrain passing high limestone cliffs, live oaks, and plenty of swimming holes. Don't miss Sculpture Falls—a beautiful spot complete with an old-fashioned rope swing. Spring often brings plenty of rain to Texas, so come summer, the swimming holes should be full and jam-packed with people eager to beat the heat. There are also several great opportunities to rent a paddleboard or kayak along the route.
Don't Forget: If ever there was a trail calling for a quality pair of water shoes, this is it. Some of the swimming holes and surrounding trails can be quite rocky and slippery, and it's nice to be able to keep your shoes on the entire time instead of constantly pulling them off and on each time you want to take a dip.
Camp Nearby at Riverbend RV Park
Are you ready for your adventure? Plan your camping trip!