These Are the Best Cities For Hiking in 2022

While your daily walk on your lunch break or after work is, of course, an incredible habit to have, there’s something special about taking a long hike among nature. Getting out and moving has become a huge trend among social media users, and if you’re looking to step things up this year, consider a visit to one of these cities for a hike that you just might want to do over and over.

LawnStarter conducted a study to find the best cities for hiking in 2022, whether you’re a beginner or a pro. Taking into account a wide range of hiker-friendly factors, from hiking access and quality to trail difficulty to natural hazards index, the team found the best cities to get your steps in this year.

In first place is Portland, Oregon. It’s little surprise that the Pacific Northwest state came out on top, with its picturesque trails and great walking climate (for the majority of the year.) The views are spectacular—on a clear day you can spot neighboring mountains like Mount St. Helens—and there are plenty of walking routes to choose from.

Second place goes to Tucson, Arizona, while Phoenix, Arizona comes in at third place. While you’ll be braving the heat year-round, Arizona boasts many beautiful hiking trails for all abilities. In fact, Phoenix has the most hiking routes overall, including the South Mountain Park and Preserve and the Echo Canyon Trailhead, both boasting jaw-dropping views of the city.

Fourth place goes to Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Oakland, California, rounds out the top five. Both of these cities have easy access to hiking supplies and have a wide range of trials to take your pick from.

If you’re in Massachusetts and are keen to take a hike, one of Apartment Therapy’s staffers, Madeline Bilis, has written a five-star rated guidebook on 50 of the best hikes in the Eastern Massachusetts area, from Blue Hills Reservation to Cape Cod National Seashore.

Happy hiking!