10 Hidden Gem Hiking Trails in the U.S. You’ll Want All to Yourself
Some trails are famous. Others are memorable.
These are the hikes you stumble upon, fall in love with, and quietly tell only your closest trail friends about. Fewer crowds, more nature, and that feeling of discovery that made you fall in love with hiking in the first place.
Let’s hit the trail.
1. Lost Palms Oasis Trail, Joshua Tree National Park (California)
Joshua Tree is known for its surreal desert landscapes, massive boulders, and cinematic sunsets. But hidden deep within the park is something most visitors never expect, a lush, green oasis.
The Lost Palms Oasis Trail is a 7.2-mile round-trip hike that winds through rugged desert terrain and sandy washes before revealing a secluded canyon filled with towering fan palms. It feels like stumbling onto a secret.
This trail is quieter than popular routes like Hidden Valley and perfect if you’re craving solitude. Start early, bring plenty of water (seriously, hydration is non-negotiable), and keep your eyes open for desert wildlife like bighorn sheep or the occasional roadrunner. Beep beep.
2. Waterfalls Trail, Cloudland Canyon State Park (Georgia)
Two waterfalls. One loop. No complaints.
The Waterfalls Trail is a 2-mile hike that leads to both Cherokee Falls and Hemlock Falls, each cascading into clear pools at the bottom of a dramatic canyon. It’s a short hike with a big payoff.
Yes, there are stairs, and yes, you’ll feel them on the way back up. But the views make it worth every step. Summer brings cooling mist, while fall delivers jaw-dropping foliage. A perfect option for families or a laid-back weekend hike.
3. Iceberg Lake Trail, Glacier National Park (Montana)
This one feels unreal, in the best way.
The Iceberg Lake Trail is a 9.7-mile round trip through wildflower-filled meadows, waterfalls, and towering peaks. The reward? A brilliant turquoise lake scattered with floating chunks of ice, even in summer.
The climb is steady but manageable, making it accessible for most hikers with decent fitness. Visit in late spring or early summer for peak iceberg season, and don’t forget bear spray. This is grizzly territory.
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4. Bigelow Preserve (Maine)
Maine isn’t just lighthouses and lobster rolls. Bigelow Preserve is one of New England’s most underrated hiking areas — wild, quiet, and incredibly scenic.
The trail network offers sweeping views of Flagstaff Lake and surrounding peaks. For a bigger challenge, hike the Appalachian Trail section that climbs to Avery Peak. It’s steep, but the panoramic views at the top make it unforgettable.
Compared to the busier White Mountains, Bigelow feels refreshingly untouched.
5. Ousel Falls Trail, Big Sky (Montana)
Short hike. Big reward.
You can find more suggestions for trails like this one, which are not demanding but guarantee spectacular views, in our other article.
The Ousel Falls Trail is a 1.6-mile out-and-back that winds through pine forest before delivering you to a powerful, roaring waterfall. The trail is well-maintained and family-friendly, making it perfect for a quick nature fix.
Bring snacks, take a seat on the rocks near the falls, and soak in the Montana vibes.
6. Black Elk Peak, Black Hills (South Dakota)
Black Elk Peak is the highest point east of the Rockies and a sacred place for the Lakota people.
This 7-mile round-trip hike takes you through pine forests, granite formations, and up to a historic stone fire tower with sweeping views across the Black Hills. Despite its significance, it’s often quieter than nearby tourist hotspots.
A powerful hike with both natural beauty and deep history.
7. Cascade Canyon Trail, Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)
While most visitors crowd around Jenny Lake, Cascade Canyon offers a calmer, more immersive experience.
This 9-mile round-trip hike leads through a glacier-carved canyon filled with clear streams, towering evergreens, and stunning views of the Teton Range. Wildlife sightings, especially moose, are common, so keep your camera ready.
8. Eagle Creek to Punchbowl Falls, Columbia River Gorge (Oregon)
This trail feels like stepping into a rainforest.
The 4-mile round-trip hike to Punchbowl Falls takes you through lush greenery, moss-covered cliffs, and along rushing water before reaching a 36-foot waterfall pouring into a calm pool below.
Spring is especially magical, but be prepared for narrow sections with steep drop-offs. Beautiful, but pay attention.
9. Conundrum Hot Springs, Maroon Bells–Snowmass Wilderness (Colorado)
A long hike with the best possible ending.
This 18-mile round trip winds through wildflower meadows, aspen groves, and mountain streams before reaching natural hot springs high in the alpine wilderness.
Soaking tired legs while surrounded by mountain views feels unreal. Just remember to respect the area and follow Leave No Trace principles.
10. Piney Creek Falls, Cumberland Plateau (Tennessee)
If peace and quiet are what you’re after, Piney Creek Falls delivers.
This short 2-mile loop leads to an 80-foot waterfall tucked deep within a hardwood forest. Unlike nearby, more famous waterfalls, Piney Creek remains calm and uncrowded. Perfect for hot summer days and slow, mindful hikes.
If you want to prepare yourself properly for your next hike, be sure to check out this article.
Ready to Hit the Trail?
From hidden waterfalls to alpine lakes and desert oases, these hidden gem hiking trails offer solitude, beauty, and unforgettable experiences.
They’re also the kind of hikes that pair perfectly with a comfy, trail-inspired tee because the best stories don’t start on the couch. They start outside.
