When someone mentions hiking, we think about casual strolls through the state parks, the sound of chirping birds, the smell of trees, and that well-deserved granola bar at the end of the road.

Although a lot of people engage in this activity to calm their nerves and reconnect with nature, there are those who are looking for their adrenaline shot. That is right, hiking can be an extreme sport, you just have to choose the right trail.

Depending on the terrain, fauna, and temperature, there are paths that are challenging even for the most experienced hikers. If you would like to test your skills and go on an adventure, here are several hiking trails in the US that will definitely give you an unforgettable rush.

Denali National Park and Preserve, AK

Many large and dangerous animals, winds, ice, and not many humans are what makes the Alaskan wilderness so appealing among adrenaline junkies. If you want to feel like you went hiking behind The Wall (GOT fans will understand), Denali is perhaps the perfect destination for you.

Of course, this national park also has bus routes and comfort stations for those hikers who want to explore the Alaskan nature but do not want to put themselves at risk, but exploring the continent’s highest peak involves hacking through the bush, dealing with winds and ice, possible altitude sickness and even encounters with bears and moose.

Keep in mind that more than 100 hikers have lost their lives trying to make it to the top over the past century, so make sure you are completely prepared for this adventure.

Denali National Park and Preserve. Credit: brief

Kalalau Trail, Na Pali Coast Wilderness Park, HI

Make sure you wear your breathable and comfortable cargo pants with many pockets where you can store all the necessities because you will surely need to be as comfy as possible as you embark on this 22-mile journey through the sultry tropical wilderness.

This charming hike offers many heart-stopping opportunities, such flash floods during storms, falling rocks, and an adrenaline-charged ledge crossing. If you feel like Indiana Jones, keep in mind that you are obligated to get a camping permit and avoid attempting this long journey in a single day.

The funny thing about this trail is that more accidents have happened in the rough isolated waters along the way than on the trail itself.

Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon, Arizona

When you look at the pictures of the Grand Canyon you can assume that this place offers a variety of challenges, but you cannot imagine how extreme the environment can get until you actually go there yourself.

The most notorious hike is the 9.5 mile Bright Angel Trail, and although that doesn’t seem that bad, every year more than 250 people have to be rescued from it. The reason is that temperatures regularly go over 110 and you are forced to go uphill the whole time.

Mist Trail, Yosemite National Park, CA

Yosemite is a great place for a family vacation, with its amazing facilities and breathtaking views. However, don’t be fooled by its tamed looks! Although the Mist Trail is groomed with steel assist cables lining, more than 60 people have made their final step on Half Dome.

To complete the Mist Trail you need to be an experienced hiker in a good shape, pace yourself and always keep in mind that weather or spray from the falls can make the trail and the cables slippery.

Mount Washington, New Hampshire

If the possibility of being buried alive in an avalanche or being blown off a cliff doesn’t make you run for the hills but brings out that daredevil in you, you might enjoy visiting Mount Washington. No matter what time of the year it is, temperatures there rarely go above 72 degrees so this place has definitely earned its title “Home of the World’s Worst Weather”.

Maroon Bells Trail, White River National Forest, CO

This postcard-perfect location seems like a place where you can relax, unwind, and enjoy a pleasant stroll through the woods. This is why the fact that a series of climbers in the ’60s lost their lives here (which is why the Maroon Bells are also known as The Deadly Bells) can easily burst your bubble.

In addition, when you climb above 11,000 feet, you are most likely to encounter unstable terrain, steep slopes and exposure to extreme weather. Therefore, if you are a novice climber, you might want to find some other place for your hikes.

If, on the other hand, you are ready to see what challenges Maroon Bells Trail has to offer, you can enjoy a mesmerizing view of The Bells reflected in Maroon Lake on a clear day.

Maroon Bells Trail, White River National Forest, CO

These dangerous trails are challenging even for the most experienced hikers, so make sure you know what you are getting yourself into before you head out the door.