The Appalachian Trail
The
Appalachian Trail spans across 14 states and is over 2,000 miles long. If you
decide to hike the northeastern section first, that 30 miles are filled with
the best features. You’ll experience a rugged path, a waterfall, lush forests
and the backwoods of beautiful Maine.
What makes it strange? The section in Monson, Maine, has a
100-mile portion of the trail that never crosses a paved road. Not once. Talk
about remote! This is the longest and most remote part of the Appalachian
Trail.
Devil’s
Millhopper Nature Trail
This
hike located in northern Florida is all thanks to a huge sinkhole. With a very
short walk (.9 mile) and built-in stairs, this hike showcases a 500-foot-wide
sinkhole at the bottom, along with a mini rainforest. Due to the size of the
sinkhole, the climate is very different resulting in the small rainforest
ecosystem in the depths of the sinkhole. Side note, sometimes there is water in
the sinkhole, and sometimes, not.
What
makes it strange? Florida
is the US’ flattest state, so the strange part about this hike is that it
exists! But seriously, this is one of very few “hills” and hikes that could
even be considered a hiking spot in this otherwise flat, golf course-filled
land.
John
Muir Trail
This
trail in the Sierra Nevada Mountains is known as the best section of the longer
Pacific Crest Trail. This trail crosses other trails and areas, and could only
be described as a true hikers paradise.
What
makes it strange? On
the John Muir Trail, you can walk for 2 or 3 weeks without crossing a road.
That’s intense and beyond remote. It’s easy to see how hikers (here especially)
could get caught up in being unprepared for stretches of these trails miles
(and days or weeks) long.
Grand
Canyon National Park
With
some of the best views in the US, the Grand Canyon is visited by over 5 million
people every year. To start this hike, your downhill trek will challenge hikers
who aren’t used to or prepared for the feat. This hike is listed as
“challenging,” and the shortest route is over 6 miles.
What
makes it strange? It’s
the Grand Canyon! Many people don’t realize that you can in fact hike here and
that it’s not just a site to see. And not only that but as a desert hike, most
of it in direct sunlight and with a very different terrain than a typical hiker
is used to, this hike is like no other.
Armstrong
National Forest
Sonoma,
California is home to one of the most beautiful hikes in the US, among the
redwoods. Some of these trees are over a thousand years old and some over 300
feet tall. You cannot hike here without feeling awesome about the journey.
For a
first time hiker at Armstrong National Forest, you won’t believe how small you
feel and how big these trees are until you see them in real life. And if you’ve
been there before, that first time feeling is what keeps you coming back for
more.
What
makes it strange? It’s
more awesome than strange. Being surrounded and among the redwoods is an
amazing experience, and with several skill level trails, there is something for
everyone.
Harding
Icefield Trail
This
Alaskan hike sets itself apart from others. The hike is 4 miles through
mountain and meadow terrains and above the treeline. The best part? You end at
a lookout with views of over 300 square miles and 40 glaciers in all
directions.
What
makes it strange? Maybe
not strange, as much as a little scary? Black bears are spotted near to Harding
Icefield Trail every day, so beware, the bear! And also make sure to look into
a little bear safety, pre-hike.
Chilnualna
Falls Trail
This
hiking trail in California is said to be one of the country’s most beautiful
hiking paths. With three waterfalls, and eight plus miles of hiking to complete
the loop, if you have the chance to hike it, do it.
What
makes it strange? Well,
it’s allegedly haunted. The legend says you can still hear the cries of a young
boy who drowned in the lake. And please don’t try to jump in and save him, as
you will drown, too.
Also,
atop the highest waterfall, an evil spirit named Pohono will push you off the
ledge if you get too close. Don’t test this theory and make sure to stay back
for safety.
Norton
Creek Trail
It’s
true that the Appalachian Trail through the Great Smoky Mountains is the most
notable hiking in the region. But if you’re looking for more of an adventure
and you’re feeling brave, then you should hike the Norton Creek Trail.
What
makes it strange? Also
known as the scariest trail in the Great Smoky Mountains, the Norton Creek
Trail is infamous for its scary stories. The first about a settler who was
killed by the Indians while he was trying to find his lost daughter. Seen as
merciful, he is known as a spirit that helps get hikers out of the woods.
The
other ghost, a witchy spirit known as Spearfinger, is not a nice ghost. This
ghost baits children into the woods so that she can use her razor-sharp finger
to slice out their livers and eat them.
If
these stories aren’t scary enough, prepare yourself for the high number of
cemeteries on the trail and prepare to feel spooked.
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