From drive-up mountaintops to technical climbing and moderate hikes, there is no shortage of mountain climbing in the United States. With a variety of terrain from around the country here are the seven most scenic summits in the U.S.
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1. Mount McKinley (Denali), Alaska
At 20,320 feet, Mount McKinley (also known as Denali) is the tallest mountain in North America. Typically, the higher the summit, the better the views, but most people can only imagine the stunning scenery from the top of McKinley. Situated in the Alaska Range in Denali National Park, climbing the mountain is extremely difficult and only the world’s top mountaineers attempt the climb. Though significantly shorter than Mt. Everest, the world’s highest peak, McKinley/Denali is the largest above sea level–the base to peak height rises more than 18,000 feet.
There are plenty of shorter trails in the area as well to enjoy the scenery, such as the 4.6 mile McKinley Bar Trail and the .9 mile Blueberry Hill Trail.
Camp nearby: K’esugi Ken Campground, Alaska
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2. Algonquin, New York
Algonquin Peak is part of the MacIntyre Range in the High Peaks Wilderness of the Adirondacks in upstate New York. The summit of Algonquin is the second highest peak in New York, and features incredible 360 degree views of Mount Marcy, the Great Range, Mount Colden, Lake Colden, and much more. A popular hike to the summit, most hikers start at the popular Adirondack Loj trailhead near Heart Lake outside of Lake Placid. It is a steep hike, requiring almost as much vertical ascent, but the views are well worth it.
There are shorter hikes in the area as well, including the 1.8 mile Mount Jo Loop Trail, plus numerous other easy to moderate hikes under 5 miles.
Camp in The Adirondacks: Buck Pond Campground, New York or Ausable Point Campground, New York
3. Mount Hood, Oregon
A prominent western landmark, Mount Hood rises above forests and the Columbia River Gorge about 70 miles east of Portland. Mount Hood is a dormant volcano with an icy summit of 11,245 feet, making it Oregon’s tallest peak. Reaching the summit requires climbing and technical gear. Most climbers start at Timberline Lodge and follow the southern climbing route. Alternatively, hikers can traverse around the mountain via the Timberline Trail that is about 40 miles long.
The area is also rich with shorter hiking trails throughout the surrounding wilderness area.
Find a camping spot nearby: Dabney State Recreation Area, Oregon or Rooster Rock State Park, Oregon
4. Mount Washington, New Hampshire
Mount Washington is home to the highest summit in the Northeastern U.S. and is the most prominent peak east of the Mississippi River. At 6,288-feet tall, the mountain is famously dangerous for its unpredictable and harsh weather and challenging hiking. Located in the Presidential Range of the White Mountains, the views of the surrounding area are unobstructed. The Appalachian Trail crosses the summit, though the most popular route to the top is along the rough and rugged 4-mile Tuckerman Ravine trail. Hikers can take a shuttle bus down from the visitor’s center at the top.
Plan a nearby camping trip: Dry River Campground, New Hampshire
Recommended: Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip
5. Chimney Rock, North Carolina
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park is a unique geological 315-foot spire jutting up over the Blue Ridge Mountains. The spire overlooks other scenic points, Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. The hike up the Chimney is about 1.5 miles with about 800 feet of elevation gain. The park has other incredible hiking trails to explore this slice of North Carolina wilderness.
Plan a nearby camping trip: Lake James State Park, North Carolina
6. Pikes Peak, Colorado
Located in Colorado’s Front Range, Pikes Peak stands 14,110-feet tall. The peak is just one of the state’s 54 14,000-foot mountains and the twentieth highest summit in Colorado. But Pikes Peak’s elevation isn’t the only thing that makes it special. There are a number of ways to climb and stand atop the mountain. From hiking to bicycling to driving in a car, Pikes Peak is accessible to all levels of adventurers. Pikes Peak is a designated National Historic Landmark.
Make it a camping adventure: Cheyenne Mountain State Park, Colorado
7. Stone Mountain, Georgia
Just outside of Atlanta, Stone Mountain offers expansive, unobstructed views of surrounding mountains and the Atlanta skyline. In addition to the views from the top, Stone Mountain itself, a giant stone monolith, is worth seeing as well. Visitors can take a 2.1-mile round-trip hike up to the summit, or enjoy a gondola ride to the top. You could also opt for the Cherokee Trail, which circles the base of Stone Mountain.
Plan a camping adventure nearby: Panola Mountain State Park, Georgia
Are you ready for your adventure? Plan your camping trip!