Hiking is the most democratic of American pastimes: Almost everyone can do it, and there's no special equipment necessary.
All you need is a pair of sturdy, comfortable shoes and a spirit of discovery.
And it's an activity that can be enjoyed nearly year-round, by young and old.
Here are 10 of the best day hikes in the country that don't require an Olympian level of fitness, but will still reward you with incomparable scenery and the satisfaction that comes from a great day on the trail.
SEE ALSO: 10 essential hiking tips every beginner should know
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Mt. Monadnock, Jaffrey, New Hampshire
Length: 4.5 miles out-and-back
Rating: Moderately strenuous
Follow in the footsteps of two of the biggest fans of Mt. Monadnock: Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, who both wrote about Monadnock and spent considerable time there. In the meantime, it has become one of the most-hiked mountains in the country.
There are five main trails that lead to the summit of Mt. Monadnock, where you're rewarded with views that extend for nearly 100 miles in all directions over six New England States. The Dublin Trail is the best bet for avoiding some of the steeper sections found on the other trails.
Related: Hiking the High Peaks of New Hampshire's White Mountains
Rubicon Trail, Lake Tahoe, California
Length: 8 miles out-and-back
Rating: Easy
The Rubicon Trail is one of the most popular hikes in and around Lake Tahoe, and for good reason. This mostly level trail more or less hugs the coastline, offering magnificent views of the aptly named Emerald Bay and Fannette Island (Tahoe's only island) and the other side of the lake, known as "the jewel of the Sierra."
The hike starts at the parking lot at Vikingsholm, a Scandanivian-design mansion built in 1929 now open for tours May-September. The trail continues four miles to the parking lot at Rubicon Point; pack a snack to enjoy on the beach—and a refreshing swim—before heading back.
Pihea Trail, Kaui, Hawaii
Length: 8 miles out-and-back
Rating: Moderately strenuous
It's best to hit the Pihea Trail in the morning, because foggy afternoons are common, and you don't want to be denied the payoff to this hike: spectacular panoramic views of the Na Pali Coast, Hanalei Bay, Princeville, and even the Kilauea Lighthouse on a really clear day.
The Pihea Trail starts at the Pu'u o Kila overlook at Koke'e State Park, with views 4,000 feet down into the Kalalau Valley, as well as back inland to the Alakai swamp (the highest-elevation swamp in the world) and Mount Waialeale, known as "The Wettest Spot on Earth." A section of the hike is on a boardwalk that keeps you just above the bogs before finally reaching the Kilohana Lookout and its expansive vistas.
Related:10 Best Things to Do in Hawaii
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