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(Photo: Erin Dietsche)

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Find Your Footing on America’s Roughest Trails

Published: Aug 14, 2024 Updated: Sep 23, 2024

Put traction into action exploring the most rugged hiking routes in the country

If you’re a hiker and you live in the United States, count your blessings. The country lays out a grand buffet of adventurous invitations: slot canyons, icy slopes, granite cliffs, and lush tropical valleys, all with endless views that reward the hard work it took to see them. Despite the added exposure and rigorous approaches, your footing doesn’t have to falter, thanks to innovations like the Adapt Trax™ outsole on Columbia’s terrain-taming ™, featuring a unique compound that delivers exceptional traction whether the trail is dry or soaking wet.

Mahoosuc Maine AT Columbia rought hiking rough hikes — Finding sure footing with Columbia’s Konos TRS OutDry while scrambling through the boulder-strewn Mahoosuc Notch, often called “the toughest mile of the AT,” on Maine’s western border. (Photos: Erin Dietsche)

A couple hiking the Zion Narrows in Zion national Park. — (Photo: Getty)

Rough

The Classic: The Narrows Thru-Hike
Zion National Park, Utah

Some hikes are called iconic for a reason. The Narrows has several: flowy sandstone walls towering up to 800 feet above you, a “trail” that’s actually a river, and sections so slim you can touch both sides at once. This from Chamberlain’s Ranch to the Temple of Sinawava offers the ultimate Zion slot-canyon experience—where wet/dry traction is a must. Wade downstream in the Virgin River for 10 to 14 hours, navigating slippery rocks and swift currents. The 1,300 feet of elevation change belies the challenge; sure footing is crucial on the uneven riverbed. Wilderness permits are required, and hikers must arrange transportation to the trailhead (though hikers can still do the shorter from the bottom/end of the trail upriver without a permit). for flow rates—the route is closed above 120 cfs—and flash-flood risks before attempting. For a less crowded experience, tackle this bucket-list hike on weekdays in late fall, when autumn light paints the canyon in golden hues.

The picturesque Hudson River Valley as seen from the Hudson River in the Spring of 2009, Breakneck Ridge in the forefront. — (Photos: Getty)

Path in the woods of the Breakneck ridge trail in New York State. Columbia Breakneck Ridge NY hikes

The Local Favorite: Breakneck Ridge
Hudson Highlands State Park, New York

We admit it’s hard to say any trail is a secret when it has its own Metro North station (er, stop). But it’s surprising how many adventure-minded New Yorkers have never done this stunningly scenic, rough-and-tumble day hike that’s basically in the city’s backyard. The , Bypass, and trail loop provides a 1,400-foot-plus climb in 3.2 miles. The trail demands some pretty intense scrambling, testing your nerve—and your shoe’s grip—on exposed granite ledges. But at the top you’ll earn wide-eyed views of the Hudson River and Catskill Mountains that rival any in the region. It may be just a train ticket from the city, but Breakneck feels wonderfully wild, offering a thrilling escape just 60 miles north of NYC.

Photograph capturing Alpenglow on the sharks teeth above Rocky Mountain National Park Sky Pond — Sky Pond, Rocky Mountain National Park (Photo: Getty)

Rougher

The Classic: Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

In a park full of superlatives, stands out as one of the roughest and most rewarding day hikes. This showcases RMNP’s rugged best: alpine lakes, towering peaks, and a challenging scramble. From 9,240 feet, you’ll gain 1,750 feet through subalpine forests and rock fields before tackling a steep waterfall climb—you’ll need all the traction you can get. Your reward is a pristine alpine lake at 10,900 feet, cradled by sheer cliffs. Time your hike for late September, when the aspen groves turn gold and crisp air begins to thin summer crowds. Bring layers and trekking poles, and prepare for conditions from baking sun to snow.

Acadia National Park - Precipice Trail - rough hikes columbia — (Photo: Getty)

The Local Favorite: Precipice Trail
Acadia National Park, Maine

If “regular” hiking seems tame, try Acadia’s natural thrill ride. Meet the Precipice Trail, a vertigo-inducing adventure that’s more climb than hike. This scales 1,000 feet via iron rungs, ladders, and narrow ledges bolted into near-vertical pink granite cliffs. Panoramic views of Frenchman Bay unfold as you climb to that marks the east side of Mount Desert Island, with peregrine falcons soaring at eye level. But beware: this is one of the most challenging hikes in the national park system. Respect the trail’s rough terrain, and come prepared with a head for heights, sure footing in , plus hands-on climbing. Note the trail closure from March to August for falcon nesting and during wet weather. Target the third week in October for peak autumn colors that are hard to match.

Roughest

The Classic: Kalalau Trail
Kauai, Hawaii

Paradise has its price, and on the Kalalau Trail, you pay in sweat and grit. This 11-mile (22 miles round-trip) along Kauai’s Na Pali Coast is often dubbed one of the world’s most beautiful—and challenging—hikes. You’ll traverse narrow paths carved into towering sea cliffs, navigate more than 4,000 feet of overall elevation gain, and cross five lush tropical valleys. Swap your flip-flops for capable hiking shoes; the uneven terrain will test you with mud, roots, loose rocks, plus narrow sections with steep drop-offs. The payoff? Unparalleled views of the fluted cliffs (famed as the backdrop for Jurassic Park), hidden beaches, and the vast Pacific. Beware of crumbling cliffs and flash floods. Permits are required, and is recommended for experienced hikers only. Come prepared for Kauai’s fickle weather, though summer to fall offers more predictable showers and steady trade winds. Kalalau will push your physical limits while rewarding you with unforgettable sights.

Mount St Helens in Summer rough and scenic hike — (Photo: Adobe Stock)

Back view of hiker walking along edge of volcanic crater at Mount St Helens summit with Mount Adams on horizon in distance, summer afternoon, Washington state — Mount St Helens summit; Mount Adams in distance. (Photo: Getty)

The Volcano Experience: Mount St. Helens
Cascade Range, Washington

Ready to leave your comfort zone in the dust—er, volcanic ash? Less than a two-hour drive from Portland, Oregon, offers one of the Pacific Northwest’s most memorable challenges. The 9.4-mile round-trip hike climbs 4,500 feet through a landscape reborn from the storied 1980 eruption. The route combines the and Monitor Ridge trails. You’ll set out from a lush forest, scramble over boulder fields, then slog through ash that will test your grit, not to mention your hiking shoes’ traction, with every step. The final surge to the 8,366-foot summit’s crater rim rewards you with fantastic views of some of the Cascades’ other standout volcanoes: mounts Rainier, Adams, and Hood. No technical skills are required—just sure feet plus strong legs and lungs. Permits are limited, so plan ahead. Best attempted July through October, when the route is generally snow-free.

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Lead Photo: Erin Dietsche

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Find Your Footing on America’s Roughest Trails

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