Wyoming Claims No. 1 Spot As America’s Ultimate Hiking Destination
Hiking enthusiasts seeking wide-open spaces, pristine trails, and the best nature immersion in the U.S. now have a clear winner. A new ranking by EDGE Fall Protection crowns Wyoming as the top hiking destination nationwide.
The study scores all 50 states based on multiple factors, including natural attractions, trail infrastructure, percentage of protected areas, hiking engagement, air quality, and visitor amenities.
Wyoming Tops U.S. Hiking Rankings With Perfect Scores
Wyoming leads by earning a total score of 40.14 out of 50, while claiming perfect 10s for both natural attractions and trail infrastructure.
These scores reflect the state’s unspoiled scenery, including the unmatched beauty of Yellowstone National Park’s geological features, comprehensive trail network, and robust access to iconic landscapes.
Cody Yellowstone stands out within Wyoming as a prime example of what draws hikers in autumn. The town checks all boxes for travelers hoping for a slower-paced trip, minimal crowds, and a scenic backdrop.
“Northwestern Wyoming is an idyllic destination for fall travelers who want to play outside without the crowds,” said Katrina Southern, marketing manager for Cody Yellowstone.
For nature lovers, Wyoming in the fall delivers a rare mix of wild encounters and wide-open landscapes. Elk bugle across the valleys, grizzlies and black bears forage for winter, and trout hit their peak in clear mountain streams.
Visitors planning a trip to Cody Yellowstone can jump-start their adventure by downloading a free travel guide, which outlines activities, outfitters, attractions, and provides sample itineraries.
Montana Rises Strong, But Neighbouring North Dakota Falls Behind
The ranking also highlights dramatic divides among some of the Northern States.
Montana claims the No. 2 spot nationally with a score of 33.90, performing well in all categories, especially air quality and trail infrastructure.
In Montana, hikers can take in Glacier National Park’s dramatic peaks, roam the vast Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, and follow stretches of the Lewis and Clark Trail, all while staying in eco-lodges that keep them immersed in nature.
North Dakota, by contrast, emerges as an outlier. Despite earning the highest natural attractions score (3.53), it ranks last due to subpar trail infrastructure (a meager score of 0.83). Visitors to North Dakota can still discover scenic gems, but navigating to or exploring them may come with challenges.
However, the state actively works on improving its trail infrastructure. In May 2025, Roughrider Trail was extended by nearly five miles south of Mandan along Highway 1806. This expansion creates a seamless connection between Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park and Fort Rice Campground, making the trail more than 22 miles long.
The state also encourages visitors to download the OuterSpatial app, which provides valuable information about the existing 2,200 miles of statewide trails.
High Scores in Air Quality Don’t Always Equal Top Hiking States
Air quality figures prominently in the rating, but the results reveal that clean air alone doesn’t guarantee hiking supremacy.
Vermont and West Virginia both score a perfect 10 for air quality, yet their overall standings diverge. Vermont scores low when it comes to the percentage of protected wilderness, while West Virginia’s total score lags due to lesser trail infrastructure.
New River Gorge National Park is West Virginia’s crown jewel and one of the free national parks in the U.S. that are perfect to visit as a family with kids. The park is full of dramatic scenery and adrenaline-filled experiences.
Rim Rock Trails provide panoramic views of the gorge, while Endless Wall Trail is often named as one of the best hikes in New River Gorge National Park.
States with air quality scores above 9 include Montana, Maine, New Hampshire, and Nebraska.
On the flip side, the worst five for air quality are California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and Colorado, commonly impacted by wildfire smoke and arid conditions.
For hikers, this ranking may offer a roadmap to decide which state to explore next. Wyoming may lead, but it is clear that the best hiking isn’t just about scenery. Air quality and trail infrastructure may easily shape the outdoor experience, hence the decision to go there or not.
Syndicated from The Roam Report.
Emese Maczko is a travel blogger behind Eco Lodges Anywhere. Having explored several destinations around Europe, the US, Indonesia, and Australia, and resided in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Luxembourg, Emese possesses a keen understanding of diverse cultures and an appreciation for the beauty of each destination she visits. She advocates for sustainable travel and ecotourism.