Hiking Trails with the Best Water Scenery in the USA

This guide takes you through these scenic trails and delves into the practicality and importance of staying hydrated with safe water.

1. The Mist Trail, Yosemite National Park, California

The Mist Trail in Yosemite National Park is a journey through some of the park's most iconic and breathtaking landscapes. Starting at the Happy Isles Trailhead, the trail ascends out of Yosemite Valley, following the path of the Merced River. As you hike, you'll be rewarded with close-up views of two of Yosemite's renowned waterfalls: Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall. During the high-flow months of early summer, the trail lives up to its name, with hikers often getting drenched from the spray of the falls, creating an almost magical atmosphere with rainbows frequently appearing in the mist.

2. The Hoh River Trail, Olympic National Park, Washington

The Hoh River Trail in Olympic National Park, set within the enchanting Hoh Rainforest, is a mesmerizing pathway that follows the course of the Hoh River. This trail is renowned for its lush temperate rainforest ecosystem, which includes subalpine meadows, montane forests, and an abundance of ferns and mosses creating a verdant green landscape. The trail's gentle gradient, especially flat for the first 13 miles, makes it ideal for leisurely hikes, allowing hikers to fully immerse themselves in the serene beauty of the ancient forest and the crystal-clear glacial water of the Hoh River.

3. The Harding Icefield Trail, Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska

The Harding Icefield Trail in Kenai Fjords National Park is a remarkable and challenging hike that offers adventurers an unparalleled opportunity to experience Alaska's frozen landscapes. The trail is an 8.2-mile round trip that starts in the Exit Glacier area, ascending through diverse environments, from cottonwood and alder forests to heather-filled meadows, eventually climbing above the tree line for a breathtaking view of the Harding Icefield. This vast expanse of ice and snow is a remnant of past ice ages, presenting a horizon that stretches as far as the eye can see, occasionally broken by the sight of a solitary nunatak or lonely peak.

4. The Narrows, Zion National Park, Utah

The Narrows in Zion National Park is a unique hiking experience, offering a journey through the Virgin River's breathtaking slot canyons. This hike involves traversing upstream in the river, presenting challenges due to the uneven, slippery, and rocky riverbed.

To hike The Narrows, you must be prepared to wade, and sometimes swim, through the river. The hike requires physical stamina and careful planning regarding the gear you bring and the time you choose to hike. It's recommended to have closed-toed shoes, even regular hiking boots, and a walking stick. Given the cooler conditions in the narrow sections of the canyon, non-cotton clothing like polypropylene or wool is advisable for its insulating properties even when wet.

5. The Superior Hiking Trail, Minnesota

Traversing the ridgelines above Lake Superior, the Superior Hiking Trail unveils a majestic blend of nature's finest scenes. This trail stretches over 300 miles, starting near the Wisconsin border, winding through dense forests and open ridges, and culminating near the Canadian border. It's not just the distance that captivates hikers but the dramatic changes in scenery.

The Importance of Advanced Water Filtration

While hiking near such beautiful water bodies, it’s essential to understand the need for reliable water filtration. The Survivor Filter Squeeze Kit stands out with its Portable Water Filter Straw and Collapsible Water Bottle Canteens. The 0.05-micron level of the straw filter is a testament to its superior filtration capability, making it an indispensable tool for outdoor enthusiasts. This level of filtration is crucial, especially in backcountry areas where water sources, although seemingly pristine, can contain harmful viruses, bacteria, and protozoa.

The 3-stage filtration process of the Survivor Filter Straw includes a cotton pre-filter, an ultrafilter, and a carbon filter mouthpiece. This combination ensures that even the smallest contaminants are removed. Such thorough filtration is essential not only for the health and safety of hikers but also for protecting the environment from the pollutants often found in bottled water.

Reflecting on the Beauty of America's Water Trails

Exploring these magnificent trails across the United States is a journey into the heart of nature's beauty. As we traverse these paths, let's carry with us a sense of responsibility to preserve these natural wonders, ensuring that they continue to inspire gratitude and appreciation in the years to come.