There are lots of students who travel across the United States to mountainous places for hikes. Most of them are interested in enjoying the amazing mountain scenery. From the amazing snowy peaks found on some of the tallest mountains in the country, there are several favorite mountains for the students to hike.
Sometimes, you might be interested in hiking around just to let them off the grind of staying in class. Before you book that flight to distant mountains on other continents, you should try these mountains for hikes.
Table of Contents
- 1 1. Old Rag Mountain, Virginia
- 2 2. Mt Buller, Montana
- 3 3. Cascade Mountain, New York
- 4 4. Elk Mountains, Colorado
- 5 5. Mount McKinley, Alaska
- 6 6. Bear Mountain, Connecticut
- 7 7. Mount Whitney, California
- 8 8. Mount Mitchell, North Carolina
- 9 9. Mount Rainier, Washington
- 10 10. West Maui Mountains, Hawaii
- 11 11. Mount Killington, Vermont
- 12 12. Mount Moosilauke, New Hampshire
- 13 13. Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
1. Old Rag Mountain, Virginia
The Old Rag Mountain is the host to the famous Ridge Trail in Virginia that is unearthed within the boundaries of Shenandoah National Park. It’s one of the best mountains to climb in the United States. The hiking path is about nine miles and, at some point, passes through a natural cave.
Planning for hiking with your college buddies eats into your education time. You have to sit down and research the different areas and obtain permits. Suppose you are a college student setting out for a hike and have many assignments. In that case, you can let the professional writers on Edubirdie write your argumentative essay assignment. As a college student, EduBirdie is my favorite writing service for my academic writing assignments. Every time I face challenges with writing assignments. I let this writing service write my essay.
2. Mt Buller, Montana
Have you heard about the famous Highline Mountain Biking launched in 2018? If you have ever heard about it, you have a clue how the great Mt Buller is the best mountain to climb for beginners. The hiking trail traverses some of the finest mountain sceneries.
It’s famously known as the Highline Trail. The trail is well maintained, making it suitable for students who are beginners in their hiking. While climbing this mountain, you will often spot marmots and other wild animals. From the mountain peak, you can see the views of Mount Gould and the Long Pass. There are great hiking sports for students during winter; if you are interested, you can’t afford to miss the opportunity.
3. Cascade Mountain, New York
Are you looking for the best mountain to hike with your college friends? If you are active and looking for one, Cascade Mountain in New York should be on your top list. It’s a great mountain for both novice and intermediate hikers. There are lots of sceneries that you will see while climbing up the mountain with little effort.
During the winter season, Cascade Mountain is a great spot for learning more about hiking in the snow. On the other hand, you can enjoy the breeze from the two beautiful lakes near the trailhead in summer. Watching the lovely set of waterfalls before you reach the mountain’s peak offers a thrilling experience.
4. Elk Mountains, Colorado
There is a famous place between the peaks of the Elk Mountains known as the Maroon Bells. Maroon Bells are great for photography, which is why this mountain is a great spot for students. You can choose to climb any of the two peaks with your college friends.
After climbing the mountain, you can rest on the shores of Maroon Lake, which has fascinating scenery. The trail unearthed between these two peaks is relatively short and more suitable for the afternoon stroll. From the top of the peaks, you will see the beautiful sceneries of the Aspen forests.
5. Mount McKinley, Alaska
Suppose you plan to climb one of the highest mountains in the United States. You will require a lot of preparation and effort to climb Mount McKinley’s peak. There are very cold conditions at the top, and you need to wear clothes that keep you warm. The best way to climb this mountain is to do it with your college colleagues.
Take your time, and don’t be in a hurry to get to the top fast, and you will end up being exhausted. The scenery around the Denali National Park is just amazing and sensational. You rarely miss something amazing you can take a photo of and keep it for memories.
6. Bear Mountain, Connecticut
Bear Mountain in Connecticut is home to the famous Undermountain Trail. This is the trail you will follow while hiking. It’s part of the Appalachian Trail and one of the well-maintained and signposted trails you will ever walk through.
The climbing distance is about three miles from the trailhead, but in most parts, it’s very steep. Get some mountaineering equipment and prepare to climb through the steep trail. At the top are clear views of the surroundings, and you can pose for photos with your friends. It’s a great achievement that you can remind each other and share experiences of how you felt from time to time.
7. Mount Whitney, California
Before hiking through this mountain, you will have to obtain a permit. There are superb scenes that you will see as you climb. Between mid-July and October, you don’t need to have the right equipment. You can start hiking at the Whitney Portal route, which has an elevation of about six thousand feet.
With the fact that high altitude affects the body in different ways, ensure that you are aware of the sickness symptoms and do not surpass the height at which you will start developing signs of illness. In case you experience any of the illness symptoms, inform the rest of your colleagues and start descending. Remember, you are not trying to disapprove of anyone. You are there for enjoyment, and the process shouldn’t harm your health.
8. Mount Mitchell, North Carolina
Mount Mitchell is one of the best to climb through some lovely woodland. You will walk through the charming stands of red spruce through this eleven-mile hike from the trailhead. Climbing to the peak of Mount Mitchell is not that hard as the trails are well-maintained and not that steep.
At the peak, you will find the panorama across the surrounding area very unique, and the warm land breeze from the surrounding area will give you a feeling you will live to remember. You can take breaks frequently if you are climbing with your college colleagues as not everyone can move at the same pace as you can.
9. Mount Rainier, Washington
Mount Rainier is one of the best to climb for beginners in the United States. It hosts the famous Burroughs Mountain, which is around nine miles. Climbing this one can fairly be strenuous and pretty tough on the legs for beginners. Fortunately, you will see some of the best views on the trail flanked by dramatic glaciers and amazing loads of scenic spots.
The best thing about hiking here is that the summit of the trail is easily accessible by foot through the trail in the park. Ensure that you stick to the trail and check out the area’s local conditions before climbing up.
10. West Maui Mountains, Hawaii
West Maui offers fantastic things to do, such as a fabulous hiking experience for the students. The trails on this mountain cover the coastal parts up to the more challenging volcanic mountain terrains. Whether a novice or expert in hiking West Maui Mountains, you will get an amazing experience from watching the fascinating waterfalls, rare plants, jaw-dropping views, and native birds.
You can carry an HD camera to take quality pictures from the top with your college colleagues. The excellent resources offered before the hike will provide detailed information about the several routes you will take through the forest to the top of the mountain and back.
Review the resources provided to avoid messing up while climbing the mountain. There are several trails that you will find in the West Maui Mountains. They include the Pipiwai Trail, Twin Falls Trail, Sliding Sands Trail, and Pali Trail. Opting for guided hikes is better if you are set for a hike for the first time.
11. Mount Killington, Vermont
This is one of the famous mountains for hiking by college students. The Appalachian Trail runs through the summit of this mountain. It’s famously known to be the location of the bunkhouse for the thru-hikers and the ski resort. Despite the challenges you will encounter when climbing this mountain, it has one of the best breathtaking views.
You can start hiking at Bucklin Trail, which is 3.3 miles from the Appalachian Trail. After turning right onto the Appalachian Trail, the summit of Mount Killington is just half a mile ahead. There are lots of camping, waterfalls, and amazing view, and this mountain is one of the favorite outdoor destinations for college students.
When setting out to hike on this mountain, plan for the unpredictable weather conditions and carry with you hiking poles as they help with weight distribution to spare your ankles and knees.
But know that in addition to Mount Killington, there are many other things to do in Vermont!
12. Mount Moosilauke, New Hampshire
If you are setting out for a hike on Mount Moosilauke, the most popular way to the summit begins near Dartmouth College’s Ravine lodge. There are several trails that you can follow when hiking through this mountain. You can follow Beaver Brook Trail, about 7.6 miles; the highest point is nearly 3,1000 feet.
It’s one of the common and easy trails you can access off Route 112. There are many steep sections, and you should carry supporting poles with you. On the way, you will enjoy the beautiful scenery comprising tons of waterfalls.
Be cautious while walking as this place gets wet during the winter months. Moosilauke and Carriage Road Trail is another good option that you should follow. It’s one of the more gradual incline trails through Mount Moosilauke, and it’s the best-recommended route for the students during the winter months.
13. Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
Do you love winter sports? If you do, the Rocky Mountains is the perfect destination. Many towering mountain peaks, waterfalls, and alpine lakes offer a world-class experience for both expert and novice hikers. You can spend about three to five days before reaching the summit of several peaks on this mountain.
The most popular hike for the Rocky Mountains is the Emerald Lake hike, where you can see pretty alpine lakes like Bear Lake and Dream Lake. Climbing this mountain can be quite challenging, and if possible, do not surpass your fitness level, as this can make your day less enjoyable.
When setting out for the hike on this mountain, wear thick layers of clothes and gloves, leave early, pack wisely and invest in quality boots and socks. Ensure that you follow all the rules the authorities will give you before setting out for the hike. The hike will offer an experience you will live to remember for the rest of your life.
Conclusion
The United States is a diverse and vast country with many mountains for the students to hike. And you know what, these peaks make it so special for college students to enjoy their special moments! The names mentioned above are some of the best mountains that you can organize to hike with your college colleagues.