Scenic Hiking – North America’s Best Trails for Wildlife Spotting

Are you looking for a change of scenery for your next vacation? Then skip the crowded beaches and congested cities, and instead, lace up your walking shoes to join us for a nature-inspired stroll along these incredible hiking trails.

From the big horned sheep of the Grand Canyon, the exotic birds of the Florida Everglades, and the thrilling salmon runs in British Columbia – if you’re a keen walker or simply love being surrounded by mother nature, here are our top North American hiking trails you need to explore.

Grizzly Lake Trail – West Yellowstone, Montana

Our first hike on our shortlist of amazing nature trails sees us heading to the northwest corner of Wyoming. Located just outside the town of West Yellowstone, Grizzly Lake Trail is a moderately challenging 3.6-mile trail, but it rewards you with a wealth of opportunities to spot a range of animals and benefit from the immense scenic backdrop every step of the way.

Situated between Roaring Mountain and Obsidian Cliff, Grizzly Lake Trail features alpine meadows, lush forest surrounds, and spectacular views of Grizzly Lake itself. Known for its wildlife sightings for the local elk, deer, and if you’re lucky, you’ll witness freshwater trout leaping. Particularly stunning during autumn hikes for the vibrant fall foliage, visitors can also spot grizzly bears, so be sure to take the necessary precautions and stick to the trail path.

After a day exploring the outstanding natural beauty and wildlife of Grizzly Lake Trail, be sure to enjoy a great night’s sleep at the Best Western Desert Inn in West Yellowstone, Montana.

Norvan Falls Trail – North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Venturing north of the border into Canada for the first time, we head to the historic Norvan Falls Trail just outside North Vancouver, British Columbia. While the Norvan Falls Trail is one of the longer trails on our shortlist, it’s relatively flat and perfect for families, making it ideal for kids and dog walkers.

Located in the lush and temperate rainforest of Lynn Headwaters Regional Park, hikers are rewarded with a remarkable view of the cascading Norvan Falls at the end, and the colorful wildlife on display is staggering. Perhaps the most astonishing sight is the salmon run between September and November as they swim upstream through the shallows. Additionally, the bold blue colors of the Steller’s jay feathers and the striking Red Admiral butterfly are also frequent highlights along the trail.

Take in the beauty of Canada’s Pacific Northwest when you book your family’s stay at the Georgian Court Hotel in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Bright Angel Trail – Grand Canyon Village

We head to the Grand Canyon National Park next on our journey to visit the best wildlife-oriented nature trails and the popular hiking track, the Bright Angel Trail, in Arizona. Approximately 8 miles long, Bright Angel Trail is blessed with panoramic views over the Grand Canyon as you wind along the rocky pathways that skirt this geographical wonder.

While the scenery is beyond spectacular, for those interested in glimpsing the incredible array of native wildlife, you’ll be spoilt for choice of what animals to spot along the way. On your travels, keep an eye out for the endearing rock squirrels and big horn sheep perched on the rocky ledges or the California condors and red-tailed hawks that soar among the thermal updrafts found along the trek.

Spend the day hiking the breathtaking scenery of the Bright Angel Trail before securing a replenishing night’s sleep at the Squire Resort at the Grand Canyon, BW Signature Collection in Grand Canyon, Arizona.

Appalachian Trail – Roanoke, Virginia

Despite the Appalachian Trail extending over two thousand miles along the Eastern United States, for us, the best place to witness nature in all its glory is just outside the city of Roanoke, on the Virginian section of this famous route. Three key geographical features to visit while enjoying a nature hike along the Appalachian Trail in this region are McAfee Knob, Dragon’s Tooth, and Tinker Cliffs.

Not only does the Appalachian Trail have an abundance of butterflies and songbirds to keep you company along the way, but for keen wildlife watchers, there’s a host of wild animals to watch out for. These include the white-tailed deer, chipmunks, and wild turkeys, and if you’re fortunate, you might even see the elusive coyote.

Explore nature’s bounty on the Appalachian Trail before settling in for a cozy night’s sleep at the Best Western Plus Inn at Valley View in Roanoke, Virginia.

Cades Cove Loop Road – Townsend, Tennessee

Next, we head south to the impressive Cades Cove Loop Road nature hiking trail in the heart of Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Heading to Townsend, Tennessee, this excellent single-lane paved trail forms a completed loop 11 miles long and features waterfalls, lush meadows, and mountain vistas, with the added elements of its rustic log cabins, churches, and grist mills along the way.

For avid birdwatchers, Cades Cove Loop Road is a haven for avian wildlife, where you can spot an eastern bluebird, a pileated woodpecker, and the barred owl. The Cades Cove Loop Road is great for the kids too, they can get a peek at the eastern box turtle, the southern Appalachian salamander, and for a real treat, watch as the native fireflies illuminate the park meadows and forests in the early evenings.

Visitors can stroll, drive, or bike along the Cades Cove Loop Road and be sure to kick back and enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep at the Hotel LeBlanc, BW Signature Collection in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, afterward.

Huckleberry Rock Lookout Trail – Muskoka, Ontario 

Our second nature hike north of the border sees us heading to Muskoka, Ontario, for a stroll along the Huckleberry Rock Lookout Trail. Blessed with various picturesque views over the lake along the way, this 1.5-mile looping trail also lays claim to several rocky outcrops dating back over a billion years, making them some of the oldest rocks on the planet.

Known best for its inspiring panoramic sunset views, the Huckleberry Rock Lookout Trail is also highly regarded amongst wildlife enthusiasts. Looking upwards towards the forest tree branches, hikers can catch sight of the area’s eastern chipmunks and red squirrels, and if you’re lucky, you might hear and see a great horned owl around dusk. For the reptile fans, see if you can spot the non-venomous garter snake found in and around the rocky nooks and crannies along the trail.

Enjoy a relaxing walk through Muskoka’s idyllic lakes and colorful forests before getting a restful night’s sleep at the Christie’s Mill Inn & Spa, BW Premier Collection, in Port Severn, Ontario.

Shark Valley Tram Road – Naples, Florida

Our final destination for the best hikes in the United States for wildlife spotting has to be the exotic Shark Valley Tram Road in the heart of the Florida Everglades. This impressive 15-mile-long paved loop takes visitors on an astonishing journey through the diverse ecosystem that makes up the Everglades. Although vehicles are banned, Shark Valley Tram Tours are available, which are great for the whole family to enjoy.

Whether you walk, bike, or tram your way along the Shark Valley Tram Road, there is a wealth of native wildlife you can tick off your list. Here, you can catch sight of birds, including the colorful purple gallinules and roseate spoonbills, or amphibians, including the Southern leopard frog and Cuban tree frogs. However, the must-see attraction for every visitor to the Everglades has to be to spotting an American alligator or the slightly more discrete American crocodile, which likes to sunbathe on the banks of the hiking trail.

After a day out in the magnificent Everglades, get a superb night’s rest at the Best Western Naples Plaza Hotel in nearby Naples, Florida.