As a travel writer, I’ve found that the best time to hike in the U.S. really depends on where you’re going. The general hiking season in the Northern Hemisphere runs from about March through September, but I’ve found that the southern states are often more enjoyable for hiking between October and February.

• Spring: If you’re looking for an unforgettable display of wildflowers, spring is the time to go. I’ve heard the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee and North Carolina puts on an incredible show. Another great option is Zion National Park in Utah, where I’ve found the spring greenery offers a beautiful contrast to the towering red-rock canyons.
• Summer: Summer is prime time for hiking in the northern states, where the weather is more forgiving. I’ve heard amazing things about the Teton Crest Trail in Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park and the trails in Glacier National Park.
• Fall: I personally love fall hiking. The temperatures cool down, and the foliage turns into a stunning palette of colors. I’ve found that parks like Acadia National Park in Maine and Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming offer some of the most spectacular displays. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with its old-growth forests, is said to have the best fall color display of any of the national parks.
• Winter: For those who crave solitude, winter is the best-kept secret. I’ve found it’s a perfect time to visit many of the national parks in the Southwest, like Joshua Tree in California and Zion in Utah, to avoid the scorching summer heat. It’s a surreal experience to see the desert landscape with a light dusting of snow.

My Personal Guide to Choosing the Right Hiking Shoes

I’ve learned that your footwear is arguably the most important piece of gear. The wrong pair can lead to blisters and a bad day on the trail, so I’ve spent a lot of time finding what works for me.

For years, I was a die-hard hiking boot fan. I believed that their high-cut design provided essential ankle support. The wide, thick soles felt incredibly stable, which was a huge comfort when I was just starting out and still figuring out my balance on uneven trails. Plus, their stout soles provided amazing protection from sharp rocks and roots. When I know I’ll be on rugged or rocky terrain, especially carrying a heavier pack, I still turn to a sturdy boot. For a while, I loved my Merrell Moab 3 boots because they felt so roomy and comfortable right away, which is rare for boots.

However, my perspective shifted when I started hiking longer distances. I discovered the freedom of trail runners. These are now my go-to for most of my trips. They’re so lightweight that they make it easy to maintain a brisk pace, which is a major advantage for covering a lot of miles in a day. The best part? They feel comfortable right out of the box, with little to no break-in period required. My favorite pair of trail runners are the Altra Lone Peak, which are known for their wide toe boxes that give your toes plenty of room to splay out naturally, preventing cramped toes. For a shoe that is so lightweight, they still offer great traction and protection from rocks and roots.

I’ve also come to appreciate hiking sandals for specific trips. They’re fantastic for hot weather or when I know I’ll be doing a lot of water crossings. Brands like Teva and Keen offer great options that are quick-drying and have sticky rubber outsoles for traction on wet surfaces.

Ultimately, I’ve found that the best shoe for me depends on the specific hike. I always recommend trying on shoes at the end of the day, when your feet are at their largest from natural swelling. And remember, a good fit is the most critical factor.

My Top 5 Hiking and Trail Running Shoe Recommendations

Over the years, I’ve gone through my fair share of shoes, but a few have truly stood out for their comfort, performance, and durability. Here are five of my personal favorites that I’ve found to be excellent choices for different types of adventures.

1. Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot: This is my go-to recommendation for anyone looking for a fantastic all-around hiking boot. I found them to have a cushioned footbed and a durable leather construction that offers great stability on uneven trails. The best part is how roomy they feel right out of the box, with a wide option available that fits most wide feet comfortably.
2. Altra Lone Peak 9 Trail-running Shoe: I’ve personally found these to be a game-changer for my long-distance hikes. I love that they have a wide toe box, which gives my toes plenty of room to splay out naturally and helps prevent foot problems. The sticky rubber outsoles and thick lugs provide reliable traction, making them a great lightweight option for both well-maintained and rugged trails.
3. New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro V9 Trail-running Shoe: If you’ve struggled to find a trail runner that’s wide enough, this might be the shoe you’re looking for. I’ve found that these shoes offer wide and extra-wide sizing, which is a huge plus. They also have a thick layer of foam in the midsole that makes me feel like I’m walking on clouds, and a durable Vibram rubber sole for tackling anything the outdoors throws at you.
4. La Sportiva Bushido III Trail-running Shoe: When I need a shoe that feels incredibly secure on my foot, I reach for the Bushido III. The design of this shoe wraps snugly around your entire foot, which helps prevent the rubbing and chafing that can lead to blisters. It’s a lightweight, all-terrain shoe that is ready to tackle any trail with its durable ripstop paneling and thick rubber lugs.
5. Keen Hyperport H2 Sandals: I’ve found that a good pair of hiking sandals is essential for certain trips, and the Keen Hyperport H2 is one of my top choices. I love the closed-toe design, which offers great protection from rocks and roots, and the waterproof materials and quick-drying capabilities make them perfect for water crossings or rainy hikes.

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