Lonely PlanetAug 12, 2026
The best inn-to-inn hikes in the USA
Do-it-yourself multiday hikes between inns are harder to find in the USA than in Europe, but these six are worth the effort.
23 things in this story
- Appalachian TrailTrailScramble over granite boulders, dart across summits.
- Lakes of the CloudsHotelstate of New Hampshire.
- Appalachian Mountain ClubPlaceManages backcountry hut system since 1888.
- Highland CenterHotelNear Crawford Notch, popular trailhead.
- Joe Dodge LodgeHotelAt Pinkham Notch, near popular trailhead.
- GreenleafHotel
- Zealand FallsHotel
- Elsewhere
- Bright Angel TrailTrailGrand Canyon, United StatesTrail for ascending from the canyon.
- Yosemite National ParkHotelYosemite Valley, United StatesHome to the High Sierra Camps.
- Big Meadows LodgeHotelShenandoah National Park, United StatesBig Meadows Lodge offers an ideal walkable experience for those wishing to dine, shop, drink, and explore right outside…
- Lewis Mountain CabinsHotelShenandoah National Park, United StatesCabins have outdoor grill, picnic tables, gift shop.
- SkylandHotelShenandoah National Park, United StatesThe show is a co-production between Paris's Method…
- Bascom LodgeHotelMount Greylock, United StatesArts-and-crafts-style rooms on Mt Greylock summit.
- Harbour House InnHotelCheshire, United StatesWelcoming inn in Cheshire, short walk from trail.
- TouristsMotelNorth Adams, United StatesRevamped motor court with 90-acre campus beside river.
- North Kaibab TrailTrailGrand Canyon, United StatesSteep trail for dropping into the canyon.
- Phantom RanchHotelGrand Canyon, United StatesHikers gather for cold beer and family-style dinners.
- El TovarHotelGrand Canyon, United StatesRustic elegance, fine end-of-hike reward.
- Grand Canyon LodgeHotelGrand Canyon, United StatesDining options, rooms and cabins have ceiling fans.
- South Kaibab TrailTrailGrand Canyon, United StatesTrail to Phantom Ranch from the South Rim.
- Sneffels RangeTrailOuray, United States34-mile mountain path from Telluride to Ouray.
- San Juan HutsPlaceOuray, United StatesManages four shelters along the Sneffels Range path.
- Mt SneffelsSightOuray, United StatesSummit of 14,157ft in the Sneffels Range.
