Hiking is a pastime which is suitable for almost anyone, and it's good exercise! From gentle walks to dangerous trails, people with all levels of experience can enjoy walking the great outdoors. However, these 13 American hikes are not for the inexperienced or the faint-hearted. Some of them are deadly and all are for seasoned climbers and hikers. The list is not exhaustive as there are plenty of amazing and terrifying hikes all over the country! Take a look and see what you think!
Ruckle Ridge Loop, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
This area is extremely well-known for difficult hiking conditions. There are many almost-vertical sections as well as mossy rock or root ladders. Once you get past 'The Catwalk', things get far easier.
Angel's Landing, Zion National Park, Utah
You only need to walk 2.5 miles to get to 'Angel's Landing' when you arrive at 'Zion National Park', but it is a difficult journey. With sheer drops, uneven footing and very slippery rocks, there have been at least 5 fatalities there.
Great Range Traverse, Adirondacks, New York
For this hike, you need to walk 25 miles, including nine peaks. There are 700 foot drops to watch out for too.
Slickrock Creek Trail, Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness, North Carolina
This 21.7 mile, 360 foot elevation looping trail is considered to be the hardest one in the southern 'Appalachians'. The name probably gives that away!
Hoh-High Divide Traverse, Washington
This 45 mile-long trail is hard. It takes approximately 4 days to get through the valleys, rivers, rain forest and meadows. Oh, and you'll also need to bring an ice ax right up until the late summer!
The Three Apostles, Colorado
This is another 4 day hike which will take you up to a 14,003 feet summit. The area is notorious for thunderstorms, and footing is unsure at the best of times.
King Ravine Trail, New Hampshire
The 'King Ravine Trail' is one of the least-traveled parts of the 'Presidential Range'. Hikers have to climb 1,100 vertical feet in half a mile and there is also a subterranean section to contend with. The weather here is considered by the 'US Forest Service' to be the worst in America.
Devil's Path, Catskills, New York
As the name suggests, this place is not for the faint-hearted. The 23.6 mile trail involves tackling seven peaks, with six of those being more than 3,500 feet high. And, the path gets wet and iced-up at night.
Cactus to Clouds Trail, Mt. San Jacinto from Palm Springs, California
Temperatures while walking this trail are very high in addition to the potential of hail and rain. There is no water available on the trail either so it's imperative you carry plenty with you for the journey to the top of 'San Jacinto' (10,834 feet).
Rover's Run Trail, Alaska
This is another hard trail with the added danger of moose and bears along it. The wildlife has been known to attack passers by. Walk with care!
Mist Trail, California
This 'Yosemite National Park' trail is difficult but popular. Footing can be very slippery and the air is thin as you ascend 8,836 feet. The last 400 feet have cables installed to help hikers reach the summit.
Maroon Bells South Ridge, Colorado
With 8 deaths on this trail within just 5 years, the trail now has the nickname 'The Deadly Bells'. Even 'The United States Forest Service' has warned that the rocks on the trail are unstable and rotten and that a person could lose their life without warning.
Kalalau Trail, Hawaii
Walking the 'Kalalau Trail' involves taking a 22-mile loop through steep jungle. Falling rocks and swelling streams are common. Also, the currents in the surrounding water have killed at least 100 people. Did we mention 'Crawler's Ledge'? Hikers on the trail need to tackle it and it's sheer!
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