Tag your bucket list travel friend 👇
Here’s are my top underrated hiking states with bucket list hikes to add to your list:
ARKANSAS
Most people completely sleep on Arkansas, which is exactly why it shines.
Why it overdelivers:
• Dense waterfall concentration in the Ozarks
• Excellent trail access without heavy permit systems
NORTH CAROLINA
Western North Carolina quietly has one of the best waterfall and mountain combos in the East.
What most people miss:
• Waterfalls in the Blue Ridge region
• Scenic payoff without western-state crowd pressure
IDAHO
If you want big mountain energy without big mountain chaos… Idaho is a sleeper.
Why you’d love it:
• Lower visitor density than neighboring states
• Legit alpine terrain and hot springs access
Translation: more solitude per mile than most of the Mountain West.
WASHINGTON
Yes, some of the famous spots get busy. But Washington’s sheer volume of public land means there are still incredible quiet day hikes if you plan smart.
Why it overdelivers:
• Huge waterfall density
• Deep forest and alpine variety
Washington simply needs to be on your travel bucket list.
CALIFORNIA
Everyone knows Yosemite.
Far fewer people are exploring California’s lesser known waterfall trails, desert slot canyons, and Eastern Sierra day hikes.
Why it still leads the underrated list:
• Massive geographic diversity
• Year round hiking options somewhere in the state with hidden gems everywhere
Smart hikers in California win by going one layer deeper than the typical search results.
How I evaluate “underrated”
I’m looking at:
Crowd pressure vs. trail capacity
Permit friction
Scenic payoff per mile
Public land access
Shoulder season usability
Not just: “Did it look good on Instagram?”
And if you know someone planning their next hiking trip…Be sure to share this with them
Follow outdoorwiseliving for more hiking tips so you don’t have to learn the hard way! And for those interested in California, don’t miss my 5 hikes for March on Substack.
As an avid hiker who’s explored countless trails across the United States, I’ve found that some of the most rewarding hikes come from states that aren’t always on the typical traveler’s radar. Arkansas, for example, often surprises many with its dense waterfalls in the Ozarks and the lack of cumbersome permit systems. Hiking Eden Falls or Hemmed-In Hollow Falls offers a genuine wilderness experience, especially compared to the more popular National Parks. North Carolina’s Blue Ridge region is another hidden treasure—beyond the crowded Smokies, you can experience stunning waterfall hikes that feel almost like a well-kept secret. Trails like Crabtree Falls provide lush greenery and a peaceful environment that’s perfect for those wanting to avoid the usual crowd noise. Idaho truly blew me away with its alpine terrain combined with hot springs that offer a relaxing soak after a challenging hike. Areas like Goldbug Hot Springs or the incredible Sawtooth Mountains provide a level of solitude that’s rare in Mountain West hiking spots. It’s a fantastic option for those seeking tranquility paired with dramatic scenery. Washington State, while known for some busy spots, contains vast public lands with day hikes where you can find serenity. Whether you’re exploring Ape Cave lava tubes or hiking through rainforest landscapes, the variety here is remarkable. The trail network provides a unique blend of deep forest and alpine environments. Lastly, California is often associated only with Yosemite or Muir Woods, but digging deeper reveals deserts, slot canyons like Painted and Ladder Canyon, and waterfalls tucked away in the Eastern Sierra. The year-round hiking potential means you can always find a trail suited to the season, from super-bloom walks to alpine lake treks. These states stand out because they offer scenic payoffs with less crowd pressure, easier access in shoulder seasons, and genuine natural beauty often missed on social media. For hikers looking to expand their bucket list beyond the famous parks, prioritizing these underrated states can lead to memorable adventures and fresh discoveries.
































































































