The rigor of a hike rewards us with fresh air, breathtaking views, and a reconnection with nature. But getting to know ourselves a little better might be the biggest payoff of all. As famed mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary once said, “It’s not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.” There’s something moving about strapping on your hiking shoes and hitting the trails. But the benefits of being out in nature don’t stop at a spiritual uplift. One study found that spending time in the forest could help lower blood pressure and cortisol levels. Other research shows that walking for 90 minutes in nature leads to lower activity in the part of the brain associated with depression. Clearly, a prescription for ecotherapy might be just what we need to improve our health and wellness. Feeling inspired? You could strap on your hiking shoes and head to your nearest trail today. But the U.S. is filled with amazing hikes worth a bit of travel time. Here are a few of the country’s best hikes that we know you’ll love. Dragon’s Tooth Trail
Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains
The Blue Ridge Mountains offer a variety of scenic trails. Try Dragon’s Tooth Trail: a rugged 4-mile hike that features interesting rock formations, including the namesake 35-foot spire jutting from the ground. It looks like something straight out of Game of Thrones. Hanakapiai Trail
Kauai, Hawaii
The moderate Hanakapiai Trail bursts with ecological diversity—look out for wild ginger, guava and banana trees, and lush tropical plants. You’ll also catch a picture-perfect view of the protective lagoon at Ke’e Beach, a top-notch snorkeling destination. Blue Basin Overlook
Oregon
The moderate 3.5-mile loop trail will give you incredible views of the colorful hills, along with an overlook of the entire John Day River Valley. Coyote Gulch
Utah
That said, travel blogger Kristin Addis has written a handy guide on how to hike Coyote Gulch in just a day. “It’s an outdoor enthusiast’s dream,” she writes. You’ll hike under beautiful, swirling arches of smooth rock in the most striking shades of orange, see hardy wetlands, and test your balance on rock scrambles. Point Reyes National Seashore
California
Kick off your day at the Tomales Point Trail to Windy Gap, an easy 2-mile walk through one of Point Reyes’ best wildlife viewing areas (expect to see elk, rabbits, birds, and maybe even a bobcat!). You’ll also be treated to some spectacular ocean views. Up for more? You can continue on the trail for another couple of miles, watching it get less and less tame as you approach the point. Acadia National Park
Maine
Along the two-to-four-hour hike, you’ll get bird’s-eye views of Maine. In fact, some visitors to the park report that Beehive Trail offers the best photo opportunities in all of Acadia National Park.