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5 Great Cities for Outdoor Enthusiasts

by Morayma MaKay
Corporate Relocation Consultant & Coach
Get-Ready-Set-Move  

A few great ideas. 

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If you’re a hiking enthusiast and love the great outdoors, finding a city that caters to your passion is essential!  Whether you prefer coastal hikes, mountain treks, or desert landscapes, there’s a perfect city just waiting for you to call it home!

Here are our top 5 U.S. cities to move to if you enjoy hiking and the outdoors:

1. Seattle, Washington

Seattle is a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts! It offers a mix of urban culture and access to some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the Pacific Northwest. Within a short drive from the city, you can find yourself enjoying lush forests, majestic mountains, and beautiful coastlines.

Hiking Highlights: 

• Mount Rainier National Park: Just a couple of hours from Seattle, Mount Rainier offers some of the best hiking in the country, with trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging backcountry routes.
• North Cascades National Park: Known as the “American Alps,” this park features rugged peaks and deep valleys with trails that offer incredible vistas and diverse wildlife.
• Rattlesnake Ledge: A popular day hike just 30 miles east of Seattle, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Rattlesnake Lake.

2. Asheville, North Carolina

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a haven for hikers and nature lovers alike! The city is known for its vibrant arts scene, craft breweries, and welcoming community, but its true charm lies in the surrounding mountains and forests.

Hiking Highlights: 

• Pisgah National Forest: A vast area with miles of trails, waterfalls, and panoramic mountain views. Popular hikes include Looking Glass Rock and Graveyard Fields.
• Blue Ridge Parkway: This scenic drive offers numerous pull-offs with access to short hikes, breathtaking overlooks, and picnic spots.
• Mount Mitchell: The highest peak east of the Mississippi River, Mount Mitchell offers challenging hikes and rewarding views at its summit.

3. Portland, Oregon

Portland is a city that truly embraces the outdoors, offering countless opportunities for hiking within and just outside city limits. With its vibrant culture, farm-to-table food scene, and environmentally conscious residents, Portland is an excellent choice for those who love both urban and natural environments!

Hiking Highlights: 

• Forest Park: One of the largest urban forests in the U.S., Forest Park has over 80 miles of trails, including the popular Wildwood Trail.
• Columbia River Gorge: A short drive from Portland, this area features some of the most stunning hikes in the Pacific Northwest, including Multnomah Falls and Eagle Creek.
• Mount Hood National Forest: With over 1,200 miles of trails, Mount Hood offers everything from short day hikes to multi-day backpacking trips.

4. Bend, Oregon

Bend is quickly becoming a hotspot for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a high desert climate and an endless array of recreational activities. With its sunny weather and easy access to mountains, rivers, and forests, Bend is the perfect location for those who love to hike, ski, and explore the outdoors.

Hiking Highlights: 

• Deschutes National Forest: Offers a diverse range of hiking trails, from easy river walks to challenging mountain climbs, such as South Sister and Tumalo Mountain.
• Smith Rock State Park: Known for its rock climbing, Smith Rock also features several hiking trails with incredible views of the Crooked River and surrounding rock formations.
• Newberry National Volcanic Monument: Offers unique landscapes with trails that lead through lava fields, obsidian flows, and to beautiful lakes like Paulina Lake.

5. Salt Lake City, Utah

Salt Lake City is often associated with skiing, but it’s also a fantastic destination for hiking enthusiasts! Surrounded by the Wasatch and Oquirrh mountain ranges, the city offers a variety of trails that cater to all skill levels, from easy nature walks to strenuous mountain hikes.

Hiking Highlights:  

• Big Cottonwood Canyon: Located just 20 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City, this canyon offers numerous trails, including the scenic Lake Blanche Trail and Donut Falls.
• Mill Creek Canyon: A favorite among locals, Mill Creek Canyon offers a variety of trails that range from easy strolls to challenging climbs, such as the Mount Aire Trail.
• Antelope Island State Park: Located in the Great Salt Lake, this park offers unique hiking opportunities with stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

So, whether you’re drawn to the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest, the stunning desert landscapes of Utah, or the rolling mountains of North Carolina, there’s a U.S. city perfect for your hiking adventures. Hopefully one of these places ends up being the perfect spot to break in those hiking boots (and call home!).