How Many Miles of Hiking Trails Are in the Entire National Park System?

The U.S. National Park System includes some of the most beautiful, diverse, and unspoiled areas of natural beauty found anywhere in the world. The parks are also renowned for their extensive network of hiking trails that provide visitors with an opportunity to explore and appreciate these areas in a natural state. So, how many miles of hiking trails are in the entire National Park System?

The answer is an impressive 11,678 miles! This network of trails offers hikers a variety of experiences depending on their skill level and preference.

For example, there are more than 800 miles of trails designed for more casual hikers who prefer shorter distances and less challenging terrain. On the other hand, experienced backpackers can take advantage of over 6,500 miles of long-distance backpacking trails that traverse mountains, valleys, and deserts.

The National Park Service also maintains many shorter interpretive trails that are designed to offer visitors a way to learn about the park’s history and ecology as they stroll along easy paths. These interpretive trails can be found at nearly all U. national parks and range from one-tenth of a mile up to several miles in length.

In addition, there are over 2,000 miles of paved roads that are open to vehicles within the national parks and more than 1,400 miles of unpaved roads that can be traveled by off-road vehicles while exploring remote areas.

It is clear that the U. National Park System offers an incredible variety of hiking opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts from all walks of life. With 11,678 miles of hiking trails available throughout the system, it has something for everyone from short nature walks to multi-day backpacking adventures.

In conclusion, with 11,678 total miles of hiking trails throughout the entire National Park System in the United States, hikers have plenty of choices when it comes to experiencing America’s wild places up close!

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Jennifer Watson