The Devil's Kettle Trail in Minnesota's Judge C.R. Magnet State Park has been awarded 1st place in USA Today's Best Hiking Trail Reader's Choice Awards. It takes the place of 2024 winner, Whispering Cave, which was demoted to 4th in the public vote. While the list contains some firm favorites, eyebrows might be raised at the omission of any hikes in California or Colorado.
The award considers the finest easy to medium hiking routes in the nation that marry scenic beauty with trails that are suitable for all. The shortlist for the award was chosen by an expert panel of travel writers before the public had their say. The chosen routes serve as inspiration for all of us to grab our hiking boots and backpacks and get out into the backcountry.
