This Scenic Forest Was Just Named the Best U.S. Hiking Destination for 2026

"Alongside hikes that take you through three European countries in a single day, was one destination closer to home: Nantahala National Forest. Nantahala National Forest is located in western North Carolina and makes up part of the Appalachian temperate rainforest. The landscape is lush and mountainous, with waterfalls set alongside granite domes. Part of the almost 2,200-mile-long Appalachian Trail runs through the national forest, allowing visitors to hike a segment of the trail alongside other scenic routes."

"The list specifically calls out four hiking trails within Nantahala National Forest that are AllTrails member favorites. At No. 1 is Nantahala Yellow Mountain Trail, which leads to the top of Yellow Mountain where there is a 1934 fire tower with 360-degree views. The Wesser Bald Fire Tower via Appalachian Trail, the No. 2 pick, includes time spent on the iconic Appalachian Trail and a fire tower finish."

Travel motivation often includes seeing new places or experiencing other parts of the world, and a growing number of travelers are choosing wilderness and trail-based trips. Almost half of AllTrails members use the app to explore trails more than 200 miles from home, reflecting a shift toward bucket-list trail travel. AllTrails identified eight travel-worthy trail destinations for 2026, including Nantahala National Forest in western North Carolina. Nantahala sits within the Appalachian temperate rainforest, offers lush mountainous terrain, waterfalls, granite domes, and a segment of the nearly 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail. Four member-favorite hikes highlighted include Nantahala Yellow Mountain Trail, Wesser Bald Fire Tower via the Appalachian Trail, Glen Falls Trail, and Secret Falls Trail.

Read at Travel + Leisure