Hiking & Trekking Tours & Trips in East Coast USA
Picture hiking America's East Coast trails - sections of the Appalachian Trail, White Mountains' challenging peaks, and Acadia's paths right along the ocean. These treks take you through proper wilderness from Georgia's forests way up to Maine's rocky coastline. You'll stay in mountain huts, summit peaks that test you and discover East Coast hiking that doesn't get enough credit.
10 best hiking & trekking East Coast USA tours
Compiled by
MelissaEast Coast USA travel expert at TourRadar
- Acadia Hiking and Kayaking
- Presidential Peaks and the Appalachian Trail
- USA – Best of Acadia National Park Maine
- Zealand Falls and the White Mountains
- High Peaks and Old Growth Forests of the Smokies
- 3 Day Smoky Mountains Hiking Experience
- Smoky Mountains Classic
- Best of Smokies and Asheville
- Womens Presidential Peaks Trek
- Vermont Appalachian Trail Backpack
Beehive Trail and Schoodic Head offer challenging ascents along the East Coast. Great Head's granite cliffs stretch 8 miles through Birch forests. Views of the Atlantic Ocean unfold as trails climb 1,800ft daily.
Duration 5 days Destinations Bangor, Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor Age Range Ages 12+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 99 mi Operator Wildland Trekking From
- US$3,510
White Mountains' varied terrain spans 15.2 miles, including Mount Washington (6,288 ft) and Presidential peaks. Historic Appalachian Trail sections connect AMC Highland Center and backcountry huts between summit attempts.
Duration 4 days Destinations Bretton Woods, Crawford Notch, White Mountains National Forest Age Range Ages 12+ Distance 40 mi Operator Wildland Trekking From
- US$2,070
Duration 5 days Destinations Bangor, Acadia National Park, Cadillac Mountain, Bar Harbor Age Range Ages 8+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 85 mi Operator Bucket List Group Travel LLC From
- US$2,590
The premier East Coast trails span 14.5 miles, reaching South Twin Mountain and Mount Guyot. Zealand Falls and Zeacliff Pond highlight the route, with lodging at mountain huts and AMC Highland Center in Crawford Notch.
Duration 4 days Destinations Bretton Woods, White Mountains National Forest, Crawford Notch Age Range Ages 12+ Distance 20 mi Operator Wildland Trekking From
- US$1,955
High Peaks and Old Growth Forests of the Smokies
“We had a Great time! Our food was delicious and the trip was really fun.”
Sheri, traveled in September
The Appalachian Trail stretches 27.3 miles beneath Mount Guyot. Technical creek crossings and 2,061-foot elevation changes lead through virgin forests and past Hen Wallow Falls on this expert-led adventure costing around $1,400.
No departure dates availableDuration 4 days Destinations Asheville, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Physical Rating Heart-pumping Distance 111 mi Operator Wildland Trekking 3 Day Smoky Mountains Hiking Experience
“The mountains are beautiful, the town is great, and everyone had a friendliness that one doesn't often find.”
Jeff, traveled in August
The path covers 23.4 miles from Newfound Gap to Grotto Falls. Clingman's Dome (6,643') and Charlies Bunion highlight the Appalachian Trail section, while Lynn Camp Prong Cascades offer breaks during 1,640-foot climbs.
No departure dates availableDuration 3 days Destinations Asheville, Townsend, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Distance 136 mi Operator Wildland Trekking 
The finest East Coast trails stretch from Twenty Mile Cascade to Gregory Bald. Daily hikes cover 4.2-6.8 miles through varied landscapes, including Lost Cove Trail's switchbacks and Long Hungry Ridge's rocky paths.
No departure dates availableDuration 4 days Destinations Asheville Age Range Ages 12+ Physical Rating Heart-pumping Operator Wildland Trekking 
The Appalachian Trail extends 8.1 miles to Charlies Bunion, followed by a 7-mile waterfall trek to Mouse Creek Falls and Looking Glass Rock's challenging ascent. Natural history of Smokies and Blue Ridge comes alive through expert guidance.
No departure dates availableDuration 5 days Destinations Asheville, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Townsend, Linville Age Range Ages 12+ Distance 349 mi Operator Wildland Trekking 
The path follows Ammonoosuc River for 6.1 miles before climbing 3,800 feet to Lakes of the Clouds hut. Mount Washington's exposed slopes lead to Presidential Range's ridge on the historic Appalachian Trail with panoramic East Coast views.
No departure dates availableDuration 4 days Destinations Crawford Notch Age Range Ages 12+ Physical Rating Moderate Operator Wildland Trekking 
Vermont's finest East Coast paths cover 21.4 miles, featuring historic Appalachian Trail sections. Green Mountain's peak and old logging roads fill daily routes of 4.3-6.8 miles. Nights spent near hidden ponds and authentic Long Trail shelters.
No departure dates availableDuration 4 days Destinations Burlington Age Range Ages 12+ Physical Rating Moderate Operator Wildland Trekking
What our customers ask about Hiking & Trekking Tours & Trips in East Coast USA
What is the best time of year for hiking in East Coast USA?
The East Coast hiking season peaks during fall from September to October with New England's colorful foliage and mild weather making it an ideal time to hit the trails. The White Mountains and Appalachian Trail see their busiest period during summer months while spring brings excellent hiking conditions to the Great Smoky Mountains with abundant wildflowers. Places like Dancing Bear Lodge in Tennessee and Green Mountain Inn in Stowe serve as convenient bases during these peak periods. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The mountains are beautiful especially during fall when the leaves change colors and everyone had a friendliness that one doesn't often find."
What's included in hiking tour packages for East Coast USA?
Standard East Coast hiking packages come with expert guides meals during treks quality gear including backpacks and trekking poles plus emergency equipment and trailhead transportation. Tours range from hotel stays to backcountry camping experiences. Additional activities vary by region with Acadia tours featuring sea kayaking and Vermont routes including local vineyard visits. As one TourRadar traveler mentioned: "Everything was well-organized and included - from the excellent gear to our guide's knowledge of local flora and fauna."
Where do I sleep on multi-day hiking trips in East Coast USA?
East Coast hiking accommodations range from basic to luxurious. The historic Thayers Inn in Littleton and Christmas Farm Inn & Spa in Jackson welcome White Mountain hikers. Near Acadia National Park the Best Western Acadia Park Inn puts travelers close to trails while Vermont's Trapp Family Lodge offers direct trail access. Mountain huts along White Mountain trails provide more basic overnight options. A TourRadar traveler shared "The Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe was perfectly located for hiking access and the mountain views from our room were breathtaking."
How physically demanding are East Coast USA hiking tours?
Tour difficulty levels vary across the region. Vermont's fall foliage routes keep things moderate with 3-8 mile daily hikes and elevation gains between 1000-2500 feet. For a bigger challenge the Presidential Traverse in New Hampshire pushes hikers with daily climbs up to 3500 feet over technical terrain. The Smoky Mountains balance difficulty with 6-8 mile daily treks. A TourRadar traveler advised: "To be fair mountain trail hiking is the real deal and I was not physically prepared for it especially the first day which was the most difficult."
What are the best hiking trails in East Coast USA for various skill levels?
Hiking options span all difficulty levels from Boston's gentle 4km Freedom Trail to Acadia National Park's more demanding paths. The White Mountains network covers about 2000km with trails ranging from the family-friendly Flume Gorge to Mount Washington's challenging 1917m summit climb. Vermont's Green Mountains feature well-marked routes including the moderate Quechee Gorge trails. As one TourRadar traveler noted "The hiking trails in Acadia National Park were incredibly well-maintained and offered stunning coastal views - perfect for our mixed-ability group."
What wildlife might I encounter while hiking in East Coast USA?
East Coast trails offer frequent wildlife sightings including black bears moose white-tailed deer and various birds such as Peregrine Falcons. The White Mountains of New Hampshire provide opportunities to spot moose and foxes particularly at lower elevations. In the Great Smoky Mountains especially around Cades Cove hikers often encounter black bears elk and wild turkeys. Guides at locations like Dancing Bear Cabins in Tennessee help visitors safely observe local wildlife.