3 Underrated Hiking Trips on the East Coast

If you’re looking for hiking trips along the East Coast, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve put together a list of three underrated hiking trips that are sure to impress with their dramatic terrain, natural formations, and unforgettable sights. What’s more, you can stay at remarkable outdoor properties to put a bow on your blissful escape to the great outdoors. Continue reading to learn more about these can’t-miss hiking destinations.

Hiking Trips USA

It’s no news to anyone that some of the best hikes can be found in national parks. The Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Yosemite National Park, and other well-known hiking destinations in the West impress with their distinct terrain. However, the East Coast reveals a multitude of scenic landscapes that many hiking enthusiasts may forget about. So, when considering hiking trips USA, make sure you get the full picture! The East Coast holds a wealth of natural beauty, perfect for camping, backpacking, and a day hike or two. Below, we’ll discuss three popular destinations filled with stunning hiking trails and other unforgettable outdoor experiences. Not to mention, you’ll find enchanting nature-focused lodgings nearby. So, read on to start planning your mountain retreat.

Hiking Trips in the Catskills

The Catskills are a rolling mountain belt in southeastern New York State. This mountain range is draped in lush foliage, deep forests, and rocky cliffs, making it a hiker’s dreamscape. Visit in the early fall to witness the greenery transform into autumn hues. Or, plan your trip for the spring, when bright yellow coltsfoot flowers and purple vegetation come alive. No matter the season of your adventure, the Catskills greet wilderness explorers with crisp air, stunning views, and hiking trails galore.

Whether you’re a beginner hiker or seasoned outdoorsman, there’s a handful of picturesque hiking trails ideal for every skill level. Not to mention, visitors enjoy guided hiking tours through Catskills backcountry. A popular tour company is the Rip Van Winkle Adventure Guide, which features guided hiking, kayaking, fishing, and hunting trips. However, day hikers can also enjoy self-guided hiking trips through local favorites.

The Frick Pond Loop hiking trail ranked easy to moderate and is a 2.2-mile loop through meadows, forests, and boardwalk-covered wetlands. This trail is ideal for families and those with disabilities. For more advanced hikers, the 8.4-mile hike through the Neversink River Unique Area is ideal. It follows beside the Neversink River, the song of the rushing water guiding you through. What’s more, this trail off-shoots with side trails to Denton Falls, High Falls, and Mullet Brook Falls. Both of these trails are in Sullivan County. This makes them local to Callicoon Hills—your home away from home during your trip.

Stay at Callicoon Hills

Settled two hours from bustling New York City in the tranquil countryside of Appalachia is Callicoon Hills. Here, you’ll find the perfect blend of seclusion and modernity in the bliss of nature. On this 23-acre property, you’ll find plenty of space to wander and unwind beneath burbling rivers and canopies of trees.

On-site, you and yours can gather for nightly s’mores around the bonfire. Or, take an afternoon dip in the swimming pool. You’ll also find a yoga deck and indoor/outdoor gym overlooking the sprawling countryside beyond the grounds. Not to mention, there’s also a Scandinavian sauna.

What’s more, the Conover Club full-service restaurant and bar on-site serves generous portions of farm-to-table dishes in an elegant yet cozy atmosphere. And in early mornings before hitting the hiking trails, stop by the Rise & Shine Coffee Shop for local seasonal breakfast bites and a steaming cup of coffee. Sound amazing? Check out accommodations below.

Accommodations

• Boarding House: features king and queen suites with private bathrooms (suites sleep two).
• Pool House: features a king and queen suites (sleep two), as well as a double full suite (sleeps four), with private bathrooms; queen suite is dog-friendly.
• Ridge Rooms: features Hill House Queen (sleeps two), Tree House King (sleeps two), and Lake House King (sleeps two), with private bathrooms and dog-friendly spaces.
• Creekside Cabin: a standalone accommodation (sleeps six) with two separate bedrooms, a sofa bed, and two bathrooms; includes a kitchen and living room.
• A-Frames: individual glamping structures (sleeps two); includes a communal bathhouse with individual private bathrooms and rain showers.

Hiking Trails in Acadia National Park

Next up on the list of best hiking trips USA along the East Coast is Acadia National Park. Settled on Mount Desert Island along the coast of Maine, this scenic national park is near the charming seaside town of Bar Harbor and surrounded by rugged coastline. Most travelers enjoy day hikes over the granite peaks and scenic views of the rocky shores below, as well as biking, kayaking, and rock climbing.

This national park caters to all kinds of hikers, leading adventurers past mirror-like ponds, daunting mountain ledges, and wooded forests. And when you’re not exploring the terrain, the quaint town of Bar Harbor offers fresh seafood and vibrant art scene in the downtown area. But back to hiking trips.

Hike to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the eastern seaboard in the U.S., using the Cadillac North Ridge Trail. This moderate four-mile hike to the flat, rocky summit reveals breathtaking views of the sunrise and enchanting landscape beyond. Another great trail is the Jordan Pond Path, an easy three-mile loop around the peaceful Eagle Lake. However, the Beehive Trail Loop is one of the most popular trails in Acadia due to the challenging terrain and heights involved. Now, where to stay?

Stay at Terramor Outdoor Resort

The beautiful Terramor Outdoor Resort is the Maine glamping experience of your dreams. Nestled in a secluded portion of Bar Harbor, this one-of-a-kind elevated tenting experience immerses you in nature and quickly becomes the highlight of hiking trips.

These lovely tents feature Wi-Fi, electricity, overhead fans, portable heaters, and plush, cozy blankets and furnishings. What’s more, you’ll find luxurious bathroom accommodations on-site. So, you can always stay fresh and clean amid your outdoor adventures, and separated rooms. Thus, this is a great option for family vacations.

On-site amenities abound as well, all with the intention of enhancing your nature-focused experience. Enjoy grill stations, complimentary ice and RTIC coolers, a restaurant/bar, pool and hot tub, community events, and much more. Not to mention, Terramor’s grounds features hiking trails of its own, so explore the surrounding landscape with leisure.

Accommodations

• Hemlock Tent: features one bedroom (sleeps two), with secluded outdoor shower, connecting bathroom, and private fire pit.
• Bayberry Tent: features one bedroom (sleeps two), with ensuite bathroom, walk-in shower, and private fire pit; can accommodate a portable crib.
• Moosewood Tent: features king-size bed and a bunk bed with a double-size bed on the bottom and twin up top (sleeps five), with secluded outdoor shower, bathroom, and private fire pit.
• Birch Tent: features two separate rooms with the same sleeping arrangements as Moosewood (sleeps five), with ensuite bathroom and private fire pit.
• Adler Tent: features a queen-size bed and three twin beds (sleeps five), with a private, keyed modern bathroom at the bathhouse and a spacious front porch.

Hiking Trips through the Blue Ridge Mountains

For more adventurous outdoorsmen looking to check a portion of the Appalachian Trail off their list, this next location is for you. Take on the Blue Ridge Mountains, parent to the smaller Great Smoky Mountains, for a truly remarkable outdoor experience. Hiking trips to the Georgia region of the Blue Ridge Mountains reveal 100 miles of trout steams, 106,000 acres of national forest, and 300 miles of picturesque hiking trails.

Moreover, as you hike this ancient mountainscape, admire roaring waterfalls, trickling streams, and thick, flourishing forests of hemlock and spruce. And during your exploration, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. This includes white-tailed deer, elk, black bear, fox, and a seemingly endless variety of reptile and birds as well. What’s more, this area is one of the most popular destinations on the East Coast for whitewater rafting. So, consider adding this thrilling activity to your itinerary.

There are plenty of trails to explore during your hiking trips. But if you’re looking for some truly spectacular sights, you’ll want to check out these few. First, the Swinging Bridge hike can be made into a one-mile or seven-mile hike. This trail leads you to a swinging bridge along the roaring Toccoa River. Other trails perfect for a day hike include Long Creek Falls and Springer Mountain. In fact, Springer Mountain is the southernmost point of the Appalachian Trail. Now, let’s check out where to stay.

Stay at Dunya Camp

Plan ahead and book your stay at Dunya Camp! Dunya Camp is a private outdoor escape nestled into the side of a tranquil hilltop. These upscale safari-style “tents” overlook 42 acres of lush forests from their elevated perch and create a dreamy outdoor haven.

Inside these two lodgings, you’ll find antique furnishings, plush linens, and regal decor, adding a hint of elegance to your nature-focused vacation. Each tent also offers distinct outdoor amenities, including a sauna, cedar wood hot tubs, gas grills, and sunbathing areas.

What’s more, Dunya Camp features curated experiences, such as Persian feasts, sound baths, and more. And on-site the grounds, explore the great outdoors with nature trails meandering along the hillside.

Accommodations

• Sunset Tent: king-size bed (sleeps two), with soaking tub and separate shower, wood-burning fireplace, gas grill, kitchen appliances, outdoor shower, cedar wood hot tub, private fire pit, and day bed.
• Sunset Grand Tent: king-size bed (sleeps two), with soaking tub and separate shower, wood-burning fireplace, gas grill, kitchen appliances, cedar wood hot tub, barrel sauna, private fire pit, and day bed.

Plan Your Hiking Trips with Nook Outdoors

Ready to start planning your hiking vacations? Well, no hiking tour is complete without a beautiful place to stay. Make your hiking trips unforgettable with Nook Outdoors! Our curated collection of boutique hotels, glamping, and one-of-a-kind lodgings bring you to the forefront of America’s most beautiful outdoor destinations. With the properties we represent, you’ll never have to sacrifice luxury while connecting with nature.