The Ultimate Guide to the Best Solo Hiking Destinations in the US

 For anyone who loves to hike through America’s untouched landscapes, sometimes the best adventures are the ones you can do alone – just you, your boots, and the wondrous great outdoors. If this sounds like the perfect escape for you, away from the hustle and bustle of the crowded cities, parks, and beaches, then join us as we handpick our top 5 solo hiking trails in the US that offer some seriously awe-inspiring scenery that are best enjoyed in peace and at your own pace. 

 Leave the Crowds Behind to Roam Coyote Gulch in Utah 

If you’re someone who revels in a scenic hiking adventure by yourself, our first top solo hiking destination in the US is the geological marvels found at Coyote Gulch in Utah. Featuring towering red rock walls, naturally formed hidden arches, and the occasional picturesque waterfall thrown in for good measure, Coyote Gulch is a fantastic mini hiking getaway to escape it all for a while. 

In addition to the serene landscapes found along its world-famous winding trail, the canyon floor is dotted with pockets of lush vegetation that provide a striking splash of color amid the red rock formations. With a choice of different trailheads that will lead you there, including Hurricane Wash or Crack-in-the-Wall, Coyote Gulch is a genuine delight to wander along if you’re seeking absolute solitude. 

Roam the hidden arches of Coyote Gulch and elevate your hiking getaway by unwinding at the Best Western View of Lake Powell Hotel afterward in Page, Arizona. 

Truly Lose Yourself on the Stunning Ozark Highlands Trail Outside of Fort Smith, Arkansas 

Next on our shortlist of wilderness-inspired single-person hiking trails, we head to the Ozark Highlands Trail. Now, if you’re feeling adventurous, you might want to tackle the entire 164-mile Ozark Highlands Trail, however, for us, the most captivating sections guide you along the forested paths, rugged ridges, and river views found on the outskirts of Fort Smith, Arkansas. 

With four short mini trails to choose from, solo trekkers can enjoy the tranquility of having a picnic on the banks of the Frog Bayou or take incredible photos of the cascading waterfalls found throughout the park. From the fall foliage in the autumn through to the golden summer sunsets behind the Boston Mountains, once you hike along the Ozark Highlands Trail alone, you’ll want to keep coming back for more. 

Savor the majestic beauty of the Ozark Highlands Trail and enhance your time away with a relaxing stay at the Best Western Aspen Hotel in Fort Smith, Arkansas. 

Stroll Peacefully on A Solo Trek Along the Roaring Run Trail in Pennsylvania 

Situated just outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, another amazing designated trail on our shortlist of solo hiking hotspots is the Roaring Run Trail, which flanks the enchanting Kiskiminetas River and its tributaries. With a primary paved pathway and countless cross-country side trails, once immersed within the leafy forest setting with the calming sounds of its free-flowing streams, you’ll quickly see why the Roaring Run Trail is one of the most idyllic, stress-free solo hikes in the country. 

Fascinatingly, much of the Roaring Run Trail passes through old, reclaimed mine lands, so throughout your solo adventure, you’ll have the chance to spot historic outbuildings, amidst its tree-lined routes. That being said, a top tip for when you’re out exploring is to venture to the Rock Furnace spur for a sublime 1.5 mile walk to a hidden waterfall, an authentic natural haven in the heart of the Keystone State.  

Ramble through reclaimed mine lands along Roaring Run Trail, and enrich your hiking getaway with a sound night’s sleep at the Best Western Garden Inn in Bentleyville, Pennsylvania.  

Solo Hiking Doesn’t Get Much Better than the Lye Brook Falls Trail in Vermont  

Our next top destination for solo hiking sees us heading to the Green Mountains of Vermont to tackle the impressive Lye Brook Falls Trail. Featuring a 4.4-mile trail, here you can saunter through the thick woodlands, crossing streams and brooks along the way for a chance to observe Vermont’s natural surroundings on your own and in your own time. 

Undeniably, Lye Brook Falls Trail’s most alluring feature is the 125-foot waterfall at the end of the trail – one of the highest waterfalls in Vermont. A stunning sight in summer, framed by the verdant vegetation that flanks the waterfall, a solo hike in winter also offers the chance to capture a shot of the frozen waterfall, a profoundly unique experience that will simply make you pause and just stare upwards admiringly.

Discover the breathtaking 125-foot waterfall on a solo trek along the Lye Brook Falls Trail and then get a cozy night’s sleep afterward at the Best Western Springfield Hotel nearby in Springfield, Vermont.  

Take a Mid-Hike Plunge Along the Gorgeous Ice Age Trail in Wisconsin 

Our final top hiking destination for a solo trekking adventure finds us in the Badger State and the Dells of Eau Claire section of the Ice Age Trail just outside of Wausau, Wisconsin. As restorative solo hikes go, the three-mile section of the 1,200-mile Ice Age Trail allows you to scale the rocky outcrops and gorges of the Eau Claire River, as you seek solitude amongst this superb riverside corridor. 

 Interestingly, Wisconsin’s Ice Age Trail traces the edge of the last continental glacier, with perhaps the Dells of Eau Claire section as the most iconic for solo adventuring in nature. However, with a beach and several cooling rock pool locations along the hike, the prospect of taking a refreshing dip midway through a solo hike is surely the perfect way to celebrate some alone time in the wilderness.  

 After a day out scaling the Dells of Eau Claire section of the Ice Age Trail, why not enjoy your very own in-room sauna at the Best Western Plus Wausau Tower Inn in Wausau, Wisconsin.