Top 15 USA National Park Hikes: From Iconic Must-Dos to Hidden Wilderness Gems with Jason Frye

Oct 21, 2025

In this engaging discussion, Jason Frye, a seasoned travel and outdoor writer, shares insights from his book on top U.S. national park hikes. He reveals hidden gems and lesser-known trails that provide solitude amidst stunning landscapes. Frye advises on trip planning, matching hikes to skill levels, and avoiding the crowds. He dives into unforgettable hiking experiences, emphasizes the importance of preparation and safety, and recommends incredible parks like New River Gorge and Denali for adventurous souls. Tune in for practical tips and inspiring stories!

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ADVICE

Accessible Waterfall Hike In The Smokies

Visit Deep Creek Loop in Great Smoky Mountains for an easy waterfall hike the whole family can enjoy.
Bring water, sunscreen, and expect accessible paths to two waterfalls with a short steep spur to the third.

ADVICE

Best Fall Views At Acadia

Hike Jordan Pond Path and South Bubble in Acadia for lake-and-ocean views and strong fall color in September–October.
Time your visit for leaf season to maximize scenery and avoid peak summer crowds.

ADVICE

Classic Postcard Hike In Grand Teton

Do the Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point hike in Grand Teton for classic postcard views of lakes and the Teton range.
Go in wildflower season for canyon blooms and fewer crowds on approach trails.

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What if the best hikes in America’s national parks aren’t the ones you’ve already heard of?

Jason Frye is a travel and outdoor writer who grew up in the mountains of West Virginia and now lives in North Carolina near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. His latest book with Moon Travel Guides, USA National Parks Hiking: The Top 100 Trails, covers 100 hikes across 40 U.S. national parks.

Jason takes us through some of the best hikes in America’s national parks, broken down into three helpful categories: the iconic must‑do trails where the views are legendary but the crowds may be heavy, the lesser‑known trails inside the big parks where you can find solitude without sacrificing scenery, and the true hidden gems tucked away in lesser‑visited parks waiting to be discovered.

Whether you’re an experienced hiker or someone who just wants to get outside and explore nature, Jason shares practical tips on how to avoid crowds, pick a hike that fits your comfort level, and get the most out of your park visit.

Plus, we have part one of our bonus three-part mini series, Best in Travel Tech!

What’s the best hike you’ve ever done in a national park, and what made it memorable for you? I'd love to hear what about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

Tune In To Learn:

Why hiking down into a surreal red-rock landscape full of spires and silence can feel like a private wilderness escape
Why the right timing in one of the most visited parks in the country can make all the difference
Why the annual U.S. National Parks pass is still one of the best travel deals in America
How to identify lessercrowded trails in major parks, and what to do when you arrive and the parking lot is full.
Safety tips for extreme terrain, wild weather, and remote locations that catch many hikers off guard
Why “just try” might be the most important mindset to take into the backcountry
A short trail that leads to an unforgettable view, yet barely anyone talks about
Why national parks aren’t just about nature—they’re also about culture, history and the stories of people and place beneath the landscapes.
Which resources Jason uses to scout, prep, and get the most out of every national park trip
And so much more

Resources:

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