13 Surreal Backpacking Trips on the East Coast You Need to Experience

The East Coast completely changed my mind about American backpacking. That first morning I woke up in my tent along Maine’s Bold Coast Trail, watching the sunrise paint the Atlantic cliffs in gold while whales breached offshore. I realized these trails could rival anything out West. And honestly, that was just the beginning.

From trekking through the wildflower-covered balds of North Carolina’s Roan Highlands to following moose tracks along New Hampshire’s Presidential Traverse, these are the most beautiful places in the East Coast for an unforgettable backpacking adventure. I’ve explored 13 trails that showcase the raw, wild side of the Atlantic states, and each one offers something that will make you forget everything you thought you knew about East Coast hiking.

Best Backpacking Trips to Do on the East Coast

Looking for the coolest backpacking trips to do on the East Coast? Hike the legendary Appalachian Trail, traverse the rugged beauty of The Long Trail, Vermont, explore scenic landscapes in Shenandoah National Park, and challenge yourself on The Foothills Trail. Whether you’re interested in breathtaking views, outdoor adventure, or multi-day treks, here are the top trails to explore on the East Coast.

1. The Appalachian Trail: Mahoosuc Notch, Maine

• 📍 Location: Western Maine, near Grafton Notch State Park, 2 hours north of Portland 
• 🏆 Best For: Hardcore hikers 🥾, adventure seekers 🏔️, thrill enthusiasts 💪 
• 📸 Top Experiences: Conquering the “Toughest Mile” on the AT, boulder scrambling, wilderness camping 
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: July-September for passable conditions, early fall for fewer crowds and stunning foliage 🍂 
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Rangeley Lake Resort – Cozy lakeside cabins with mountain views and hearty breakfast

The Appalachian Trail: Mahoosuc Notch isn’t a hike; it’s a full-body obstacle course carved into the Maine wilderness. Widely dubbed the “Toughest Mile on the AT,” this stretch trades trail for chaos: house-sized boulders, crawlspaces, and slick slabs that demand constant focus and occasional pack removal. Most hikers need 2–3 hours just to cover the mile, and that’s if the rocks are dry.

Go in mid-September for the best shot at stable weather, glowing fall foliage, and fewer thru-hiker crowds. Early morning is ideal for photography; the low light catches the granite just right and brings out the texture in every jagged crack. For a warm-up or wind-down, hit the nearby trails in Grafton Notch State Park.

After, recover at Rangeley Lake Resort, where you’ll find cozy cabins, solid breakfasts, and the kind of mountain views that don’t require scrambling on all fours.

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2. The Long Trail, Vermont

• 📍 Location: Runs the length of Vermont from Massachusetts to Canadian border, with major access points near Stowe and Manchester 
• 🏆 Best For: Long-distance hikers 🎒, leaf peepers 🍁, solitude seekers 🌲 
• 📸 Top Experiences: Summiting Camel’s Hump, staying in rustic trail shelters, viewing endless Green Mountain ridgelines 
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Late September-early October for peak foliage, June-August for warmest weather and longest days ☀️ 
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Trapp Family Lodge – Austrian-inspired mountain resort with access to extensive trail networks

The Long Trail is Vermont’s wild backbone: 273 miles of rocky ridge, wind-warped trees, and sweeping views through the heart of the Green Mountains. It’s older than the Appalachian Trail and a lot quieter. You don’t have to thru-hike to get the magic; just tackle the stretch between Camel’s Hump and Mount Mansfield for alpine scrambles, fiery fall foliage, and summit shots that feel earned.

Late September to early October is prime for photography. Golden hour hits the ridgelines just as the valleys explode in red and orange. Trail shelters pop up every 8–12 miles, perfect for a weekend section hike with just your essentials. Stay a night, read the hiker graffiti, and soak in the solitude.

Base yourself at the Trapp Family Lodge near Stowe for a warm bed, trail access, and that unexpected Austrian alpine vibe that somehow fits perfectly into Vermont’s backcountry rhythm.

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3. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

• 📍 Location: Northern Virginia, 75 miles west of Washington, D.C. along the Blue Ridge Mountains 
• 🏆 Best For: Waterfall hunters 💦, wildlife watchers 🦌, scenic drivers 🚗 
• 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking to Dark Hollow Falls, spotting black bears, driving Skyline Drive at sunset 
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April-May for wildflowers and waterfalls, October for spectacular fall colors 🍂 
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Skyland Resort – Historic mountain lodge perched on the highest point in the park

Shenandoah National Park is the East Coast’s ultimate blend of waterfalls, wildlife, and winding ridgeline trails; just 75 miles from D.C., but it feels a world away. Skyline Drive runs the spine of the park with dozens of overlooks, but step off the road and you’ll find real gems like Dark Hollow Falls, a quick but steep hike to a picture-perfect cascade, and Old Rag, a full-body scramble with panoramic summit payoffs.

Late April brings wildflowers and gushing waterfalls; mid-October is unbeatable for fall color. Shoot early; morning light catches the mist in the valleys and gives you the best chance of spotting wildlife. Bring a long lens for black bears and hawks, especially along less-trafficked trails.

Stay at Skyland Resort, perched high on the ridge with big views, rustic charm, and easy access to sunrise overlooks without ever leaving your cabin deck.

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4. The Foothills Trail, South Carolina

• 📍 Location: Northwestern South Carolina, stretching from Oconee State Park to Table Rock State Park 
• 🏆 Best For: Waterfall enthusiasts 💦, wildflower lovers 🌸, bridge to backpacking 🎒 
• 📸 Top Experiences: Swimming at Whitewater Falls, crossing historic suspension bridges, camping at remote backcountry sites 
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March-May for rhododendron blooms and comfortable temperatures, October-November for fall colors 🍂 
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Lodge on Lake Lure – Luxury lakeside resort with spa services and gourmet dining

The Foothills Trail might fly under the radar, but it delivers serious rewards: 85 miles of lush forest, hidden waterfalls, and quiet campsites tucked into the Blue Ridge foothills. The standout? Whitewater Falls, a 411-foot cascade and one of the tallest in the East, is just steps off the main trail. For a perfect weekend section, hike the 10-mile stretch from Sloan Bridge to Upper Whitewater Falls, complete with suspension bridges, river views, and blooming rhododendrons in spring.

Late April is prime time: temps are ideal, wildflowers are peaking, and early morning light cuts clean through the trees for soft, shadowed shots. Most overlooks face east or southeast, so bring your camera out early for that golden contrast. Want a sunrise worth waking up for? Camp at Bearcamp Creek or Burrell’s Ford; remote, quiet, and close to the trail’s best photo spots.

Recover in style at Lodge on Lake Lure, where you can trade trail shoes for a spa robe and gourmet dinner with lake views.

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5. The Florida Trail, Florida

• 📍 Location: Spans the entire state from Big Cypress National Preserve to Gulf Islands National Seashore 
• 🏆 Best For: Winter hikers ❄️, wildlife photographers 📸, unique ecosystems explorers 🐊 
• 📸 Top Experiences: Walking through cypress swamps, spotting alligators and manatees, camping on remote beaches 
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: November-March for cooler temperatures and fewer bugs, winter months for best wildlife viewing 🦎 
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Little Palm Island Resort – Exclusive tropical retreat accessible only by boat or seaplane

The Florida Trail is not your average thru-hike; it’s a 1,500-mile journey through cypress swamps, pine flatwoods, and wild, empty beaches. Starting in Big Cypress National Preserve means diving in headfirst: expect knee-deep water, gnarled cypress roots, and gators lounging right off-trail. It’s raw, remote, and totally unlike anything else in the U.S.

Best time to go? December to February. You’ll get cooler temps, minimal bugs, and peak wildlife activity. Morning mist in the swamps makes for surreal reflection shots, while late afternoon lights up the open prairies in gold. Pack a dry bag, wide-angle lens, and a zoom; you might spot cranes, manatees, or even a panther if you’re lucky.

After a few days on the trail, reward yourself at Little Palm Island Resort, a private island escape only reachable by boat or seaplane. It’s the kind of contrast that makes the Florida Trail unforgettable.

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6. The Mountains-to-Sea Trail, North Carolina

• 📍 Location: Crosses North Carolina from Clingmans Dome to Jockey’s Ridge, with major sections through Asheville and the Outer Banks 
• 🏆 Best For: Diverse landscape lovers 🌊, cultural explorers 🏛️, ambitious adventurers 🏔️ 
• 📸 Top Experiences: Summiting Mount Mitchell, exploring Great Smoky Mountains, walking Cape Hatteras beaches 
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April-May and September-October for moderate temperatures, summer for beach sections ☀️ 
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Grove Park Inn – Historic luxury resort in Asheville with Blue Ridge Mountain views

The Mountains-to-Sea Trail isn’t just a North Carolina hike; it’s a full-on cross-state odyssey from Clingmans Dome to the Atlantic Ocean. At 1,175 miles, it’s not one for casual walkers. But even short sections pack serious scenery.

Start in the west with the climb to Mount Mitchell, the tallest peak east of the Mississippi. It’s best in September or early October when fall color lights up the Blue Ridge and mornings are crisp for golden-hour shots. Asheville makes a great resupply and recharge stop, with Blue Ridge views right from town.

Farther east, the trail flattens into sandy paths and boardwalks through coastal swamps and maritime forests. Finish strong on the dunes at Jockey’s Ridge or along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. For beach sunsets and dramatic sky colors, hit the coast between April and May or late September. Pack layers; weather swings are real.

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7. The Pinhoti Trail, Alabama and Georgia

• 📍 Location: Runs 335 miles from Flagg Mountain, Alabama to Springer Mountain, Georgia (southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail) 
• 🏆 Best For: Solitude seekers 🌲, Southern Appalachian explorers ⛰️, trail connectors 🥾 
• 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking through Cheaha State Park, exploring remote wilderness areas, connecting to the Appalachian Trail 
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March-May for wildflowers and mild weather, October-November for fall foliage 🍂 
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Cheaha Resort State Park Lodge – Rustic mountain lodge at Alabama’s highest point

The Pinhoti Trail is the South’s best-kept secret: a 335-mile trek from Flagg Mountain, Alabama, to Springer Mountain, Georgia, where it links up with the Appalachian Trail. It’s rugged, remote, and perfect for hikers who want solitude without skipping the scenic payoffs.

Start in Cheaha State Park, especially between March and May, when wildflowers bloom and soft light filters through new leaves. McDill Point and Hernandez Peak serve up unreal sunrise views; bring a tripod and extra battery. This isn’t a crowded trail; once you drop into Talladega National Forest, expect creek crossings, long ridgelines, and almost no other hikers.

Prefer crisp air and blazing color? Hike it in late October to early November for peak foliage and cool temps. Recharge at Cheaha Resort State Park Lodge, perched on Alabama’s highest point, with rustic comfort and big sky sunsets right outside your door.

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8. The Benton MacKaye Trail, Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee

• 📍 Location: Spanning 300 miles through Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee from Springer Mountain to Ocoee River 
• 🏆 Best For: Long-distance hikers 🥾, wilderness seekers 🌲, solitude lovers 🧘‍♀️ 
• 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking through pristine wilderness, spotting wildlife, camping under star-filled skies 
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April-May for spring blooms, September-October for stunning fall colors 🍂 
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Nantahala Outdoor Center – Riverside lodging with gear rentals and guided adventures

The Benton MacKaye Trail is a 300-mile deep dive into Appalachian solitude; less crowded than the AT, but just as wild. Starting at Springer Mountain, it winds northwest through Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee, cutting across seven wilderness areas and offering some of the best backcountry in the region.

Go in late April for blooming rhododendron and misty morning light, or October for fiery foliage in places like the Cohutta Wilderness. If you’re not up for the full thru-hike (which takes 3–4 weeks), focus on sections like Smokemont or Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock, where you’ll find remote ridges, old-growth forests, and zero cell service.

Bring a bear hang, paper maps, and a wide-angle lens; sunsets and stars from backcountry campsites are next level. For a soft landing or gear-up day, stay at the Nantahala Outdoor Center, where riverside cabins meet hot showers and trail-friendly vibes.

9. The Northville-Placid Trail, New York

• 📍 Location: Central Adirondacks, New York, running 133 miles from Northville to Lake Placid 
• 🏆 Best For: Backcountry enthusiasts 🎒, lake lovers 🏊‍♀️, wilderness photographers 📸 
• 📸 Top Experiences: Paddling pristine lakes, summiting fire tower peaks, camping on remote lake shores 
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: June-September for warm weather and bug-free hiking, September for fall foliage 🍁 
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Lake Placid Lodge – Luxury Adirondack-style accommodations on pristine lake waters

The Northville-Placid Trail is a 133-mile immersion into the wild heart of the Adirondacks: quiet lakes, dense forest, and long stretches without a soul in sight. It’s not about high peaks here; it’s about stillness, water, and sky. The trail runs from Northville to Lake Placid, threading through classic backcountry terrain with minimal crowds and maximum reward.

The best stretch? Cedar River Flow at sunrise: paddle or shoot from shore; either way, the reflections are unreal. Camp lakeside at Tirrell Pond for starry skies and total silence. Aim for mid-September for peak foliage, bug-free hiking, and crisp, clear mornings.

Add in fire tower climbs on Pillsbury or Wakely Mountain for panoramic forest shots; a zoom lens is recommended. Thru-hike it in 8–10 days or pick a weekend loop in the West Canada Lakes section for a quicker escape. Afterward, unwind at Lake Placid Lodge, where rustic luxury meets lakefront serenity.

10. The Superior Hiking Trail, Minnesota

• 📍 Location: Minnesota’s North Shore along Lake Superior, stretching 310 miles from Duluth to the Canadian border 
• 🏆 Best For: Great Lakes enthusiasts 🌊, waterfall chasers 💦, fall foliage fanatics 🍂 
• 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking dramatic lakeside cliffs, discovering hidden waterfalls, watching spectacular sunrises over Lake Superior 
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: September-October for peak fall colors, June-August for warm weather and wildflowers 🌸 
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Cascade Lodge – Historic lodge with cozy cabins overlooking the lake and trail access

The Superior Hiking Trail is a 310-mile trek that hugs the edge of Lake Superior’s rugged North Shore, offering nonstop views of cliffs, waterfalls, and some of the best sunrises in the Midwest. It’s one of the few long trails where you can hike beside a freshwater inland sea; no crowds, just wind, rock, and endless water.

Start near Cascade River State Park for waterfall-packed mileage and access to clifftop overlooks that light up at dawn. September to early October is peak season: the birch and maple forests explode with fall color, and the lake’s steel-blue backdrop makes it pop. Northern sections near the Canadian border feel wild and remote, while southern segments closer to Duluth offer easier access and resupply stops.

Plan a weekend in the Cascade Lodge, where cozy cabins overlook the lake and the trail is steps from your door; perfect for hikers chasing golden hour shots or a warm fire after long miles.

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11. The Tuscarora Trail, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia

• 📍 Location: 252 miles through Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia, connecting to the Appalachian Trail 
• 🏆 Best For: AT alternative seekers 🚶‍♂️, Civil War history buffs ⚔️, ridge runners 🏔️ 
• 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring Civil War battlefields, hiking scenic ridgelines, discovering hidden hollows and springs 
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April-May for mountain laurel blooms, October for spectacular autumn colors 🍂 
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Coolfont Resort – Mountain retreat with spa services and trail access in West Virginia

The Tuscarora Trail is the Appalachian Trail’s quieter, wilder cousin, 252 miles through Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia that deliver the same ridge views and solitude, minus the crowds. It was built as an AT bypass and now stands on its own as a rugged, scenic escape for serious hikers and history lovers alike.

Highlights include sweeping ridge walks, Civil War battlefields near Harpers Ferry and Antietam, and hidden hollows where springs run cold and clear. The West Virginia highlands and the approach to Shenandoah National Park are standout sections, combining views, wildlife, and well-maintained tread.

Go in April or May for blooming mountain laurel or hit it in October for peak foliage across the ridges. Water is reliable, and campsites are spaced well for multi-day trips. Stay nearby at Coolfont Resort in West Virginia for a post-hike reset: spa, hot tub, and easy access to the trail just outside your door.

12. The Cohos Trail, New Hampshire

• 📍 Location: Northern New Hampshire, running 162 miles from Crawford Notch to the Canadian border 
• 🏆 Best For: Wilderness purists 🌲, moose watchers 🫎, backcountry adventurers 🎒 
• 📸 Top Experiences: Spotting moose in pristine wetlands, climbing remote peaks, experiencing true North Woods wilderness 
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: July-September for warmest weather and best trail conditions, September for fall colors 🍁 
• 🏨 Where to Stay: The Glen House – Historic White Mountain hotel with mountain views and trail access

The Cohos Trail is New Hampshire at its wildest: 162 miles of raw, remote terrain stretching from Crawford Notch to the Canadian border. This is deep North Woods country, where moose outnumber hikers and cell service disappears for days. If you’re craving true backcountry solitude, this is your trail.

From bog bridges in Nash Stream Forest to steep, unnamed peaks with sweeping views, the route delivers rugged variety. Wildlife is abundant; expect moose sightings in the early morning and black bear tracks on remote stretches. The northern terminus crosses into Quebec, giving this trail a rare international finish right in New England.

Plan your trek between July and September for solid trail conditions and warm days. September brings blazing fall colors without the crowds. You’ll need solid planning; resupply points are scarce and terrain can be slow-going. For a soft landing, stay at The Glen House, a cozy base near the southern start with epic mountain views and access to nearby trails.

13. The International Appalachian Trail, Maine

• 📍 Location: Eastern Maine from Mount Katahdin to the New Brunswick border and beyond into Maritime Canada 
• 🏆 Best For: AT completion celebrants 🎉, international adventurers 🌍, remote wilderness seekers 🏔️ 
• 📸 Top Experiences: Extending your AT journey beyond Katahdin, crossing international borders on foot, exploring Maritime wilderness 
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: July-September for best weather conditions, late September for spectacular fall foliage 🍂 
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Katahdin Inn & Suites – Comfortable base near Baxter State Park with shuttle services

The International Appalachian Trail is the ultimate encore for Appalachian Trail finishers, or a wild standalone adventure for those craving serious solitude. Starting at Mount Katahdin, this trail pushes beyond the AT’s traditional endpoint, continuing north through Maine’s remote North Woods and into New Brunswick, eventually stretching deep into Maritime Canada.

The Maine section is rugged and raw; think endless spruce forest, cold stream crossings, and ridgeline views where it’s just you and the wind. It’s quieter than the AT, but every bit as challenging, with backcountry campsites and very few signs of civilization. The border crossing into Canada adds a rare international twist for long-distance hikers.

Visit July through September for the best conditions, with late September offering peak fall foliage and bug-free trekking. Base yourself at the Katahdin Inn & Suites near Baxter State Park; ideal for shuttles, resupply, and a real bed before (or after) heading into the wild north.

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