The Eastern United States is home to the country’s longest marked footpath (Appalachian Trail), America’s favorite drive (Blue Ridge Parkway), and the nation’s most visited National Park (Great Smoky Mountains). This makes it a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The East plays host to some of America’s most picturesque mountains surrounded by trails with rugged terrain that is protected by some of the most extreme and unpredictable weather on the continent. From the unruly summits of New Hampshire to the rocky coastline of Maine and the blue tinted mountains of North Carolina, this is where hikers go to get their fill of natural challenges and breathtaking views. Thick, diverse forests, rocky hiking scrambles, babbling brooks, and stunning fall foliage are all part of the deal when you punch your ticket to the right coast's best trails. These are the Top 5 Hikes of the Eastern United States.

CONTENTS
00:00 Teaser Overview
01:46 #5 Beehive Loop
04:16 #4 Old Rag Mountain
06:43 #3 Mount LeConte
09:13 #2 Grandfather Peaks
11:45 #1 Franconia Ridge
14:14 Hike Compare Outro

5. Beehive Loop Trail, Acadia National Park, ME
The Beehive Trail is a flagship hike in Acadia National Park, Maine. It is an exhilarating hike that takes you up exposed rock cliffs using iron rungs on your way to spectacular oceanside overlooks. Although hikers are reminded that this is not for those with a fear of heights, many use this as an opportunity to overcome that apprehension and reap the rewards of breathtaking views.

4. Old Rag Mountain Loop, Shenandoah National Park, VA
Virginia is the home to Old Rag, the most popular - and most dangerous - hike in Shenandoah National Park. Due to its challenges and stunning scenery, it is often rated as one America’s best hikes. This circuit hike contains a lengthy and rigorous rock scramble that should not be taken lightly. Additionally, there are 2,700 feet of vertical gain over a ten mile loop. This is not for everyone, but for those who tackle it, fantastic rewards await.

3. Mount LeConte via Alum Cave Trail, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN
Within the borders of Tennessee you will find much of the Smoky Mountains as well as the 6,600 foot summit of Mount LeConte. The longest and highest hike on this list, the trail to Mount LeConte ascends 3,250 feet during the first half of a 12-and-a-half mile out-and-back. Although not as technically challenging as Old Rag, this hike is very strenuous in its own right. But with this effort comes the reward of breathtaking views from one of the nation’s top hikes.

2. Grandfather Peaks via Profile Trail, Grandfather Mountain State Park, NC
In the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina lies the iconic and notoriously rugged Grandfather Mountain. The Profile Trail is the steepest route from the base of the mountain to the top, giving hikers access to the three tallest peaks: Attic Window, MacRae Peak, and the tallest summit, Calloway Peak. Hikers be warned - this may be the most difficult and technical hike in the eastern United States. Those up for the challenge should be prepared for a slow and deliberate trek as you use ladders, cables, and all-fours to traverse rugged and sometimes unstable terrain. Throw in unpredictable weather that includes mountaintop winds that can reach up to 200 miles per hour, and you have an adventure in the making.

1. Mount Lafayette via Franconia Ridge Loop, Franconia Notch State Park, NH
Nestled in the Northern Appalachian Mountains of New Hampshire are the beautiful and rugged White Mountains, home to the Franconia Notch State Park and our famed Franconia Ridge Loop. This hike takes you from the trailhead up a strenuous 4-mile, 3,500 foot climb past a number of elegant waterfalls on your way to the rugged alpine tundra. Once there, you will encounter up-and-down exposed hiking as you traverse the famed knife ridge between three peaks: Little Haystack, Mount Lincoln, and Mount Lafayette. This rite of passage for adventure-seekers combines steep, rocky terrain entwined with a cascading brook and breath-taking panoramic views. Once experienced, there will be no question as to why this escapade is listed among National Geographic’s list of the 20 “World’s Best Hikes”. The rewards, however, are not simply provided; they must be earned.

While all of these hikes are very demanding, what makes each one difficult varies. This chart shows a variety of trail attributes - as well as the components that make each hike difficult. These top hikes may indeed take all the energy you have - but rest assured that it will be given back many-fold in return.