Rebecca Dalzell

Is there anything more appealing than taking a decent amount of time off work, upgrading all your exploring kit, maybe justifiably splashing out on a new tent... and then driving to any one of the most beautiful national parks in the world, being surrounded by stunning natural beauty and with nothing but the sound of nature to accompany you, embarking on a personal journey of discovery. No..? Thought not. Well, you're in the right place. We’ve got you covered with our roundup of the very best places to hike in the US, which include bucket-list canyon descents, breathtaking oceanside walks, treks packed with color-popping leaves and much more. Plus, we’ve also ranked the level of difficulties for each of these essential hikes, as well as how long each takes (they range from an afternoon to several weeks). Looking for more American inspiration? Be sure to check out our lists of the best places to visit, top road trips and the best beaches in the country. RECOMMENDED: Best national parks in the US

If you think the very best place to live in the U.S. is your own city, we're not here to argue. But if you're looking for a change of scenery, well, you've got options. Americans made big moves over the past couple of years, taking advantage of work-from-home policies while seeking refuge in smaller cities with larger shares of outdoor space. And as citizens departed larger metropolises, smaller and sleepier towns have snapped awake thanks to an influx of new residents.Are we surprised? Not really. Some of these refreshed cities have serious curb appeal: access to strong education systems, better job opportunities, jaw-dropping landscapes, and actually affordable fine dining. What about cheap rent or affordable real estate?? Yeah, that's a real thing that exists when you leave expensive places like New York, San Francisco, and Chicago. And frankly, some of these cities just have better weather (let’s face it, we could all use a little extra vitamin D).  Recommended: the cheapest cities to rent in the USANot sure where to begin? Check out the best family vacations in America to test the waters before taking the plunge. And if you find yourself dreaming about a new hometown that's not on our list, peruse our guide to the most beautiful cities in the U.S. for a little inspiration.