This is a great question! I'm not sure if I can pick just one. Once summer finally arrived here in the Pacific Northwest, we had some great day hikes. I think my favorites were Maple Pass/Heather Pass and Park Butte in the North Cascades. The Maple Pass trail loops up above Lake Ann. In September, the alpine larches were turning gold and the foliage of the blueberries/huckleberries was turning bright red.

Someone asked me once, what my favorite hike was. I couldn't answer. After a long pause , my answer was, "usually the trail I'm on at the moment". Which is true, because usuallly when I'm there, I always say "oh this is my favorite" .

My boyfriend and I have done a section of the AT a few times in PA from New Tripoli to Hamburg. We did it this year when the night well into the 30's. I was worried because I get cold at 60. I packed extra clothing and was so proud of myself! I carried the extra weight without difficulty and I wasn't too cold at all! The day temps were in the upper 50's. There is nothing better than having a campfire in the middle of nowhere on the top of the mountain with just the stars look down. Of course... now he wants to try a colder one... lol what did I get myself into?!?

My favorite hike in 2012 was a very short hike up Balsam Lake Mt. In the Catskills. The reason it was the best, is because my son came with me. He really doesn't care for hiking but he was leaving for Japan, and took a day to do something with me that I love.

Bowfell in the Lake District - climbed it from the Great Langdale valley and took far too long thanks to lots of ice and snow on top. But exhilarating nonetheless!

Some great ideas for hikes above - I need a trip to the US!

We hiked down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back out via trails out of the South Rim. We hiked down the South Kaibab trail and it was gorgeous. Then stayed one night over at Phantom Ranch, Then we hiked out next day on Bright Angel Trail. We went in early October so the heat was not too bad. I would love to hike down the North Trail, stay at Cotton Wood Camp there, and then hike to the bottom and out via South Rim. I would need to be in better shape to hike out via the North Rim. 14 miles and straight up the second half!

We also just did a wonderful 7 mile round trip snow shoe hike to Dewy Point, off of Badger Pass in Yosemite. Bright sun all day and snow was perfect. Recommend both of them!

My favorite hike in 2012 was a very short hike up Balsam Lake Mt. In the Catskills. The reason it was the best, is because my son came with me. He really doesn't care for hiking but he was leaving for Japan, and took a day to do something with me that I love.

That's made me a bit tearful!

Me too, when it occurred to me that he was there just for me.

Bowfell in the Lake District - climbed it from the Great Langdale valley and took far too long thanks to lots of ice and snow on top. But exhilarating nonetheless!

Some great ideas for hikes above - I need a trip to the US!

That is a beautiful part of the world! My husband is English (I am American) and, before he came to the U.S., spent a lot of time hiking and climbing in the Lake District. I've only visited the Lake District once, but would love to return.

That's lovely! I'm lucky enough to live under two hours' drive from three of our National Parks so spend most weekends in one of them (Lake District, Peak District and Yorkshire Dales) but have always dreamed of hiking in America. The photo you have posted is incredible - makes me want to go there all the more!

If you are ever back in the Lake Distict drop me a line if you need any recommendations.

This discussion makes me want to dig out some old photos! I remember loving the Yorkshire Dales too.

And thanks for the offer of recommendations. If (or rather when!) you make it to the US I'd be happy to do the same.

My family and I went up to Maine in July. We stayed 20 minutes outside Acadia National Park. My favorite hike may have been short but it was memorable. We rented kayaks from a local man and talked with him for a while. He told us about a place were we could get some good photos of seals on the coast right before the sun went down. We drove to the start of the trail and hiked to the end as fast as possible. Unfortunately we arrive at an empty coast, but did spot some eagles overhead. I got a good photo and actually posted it in my profile pictues. Look for the picture of a rocky coast covered in a yellow plant.

For Labor Day my family and I with a couple of friends went to Bryce Canyon National Park. We also hit Calf Creek Falls which is a 6 mile round trip to an amazing water fall. My wife and I took our, at the time, 4 year old daughter and our 1 year old son.

We did just shy of 9 miles in Bryce over 2 days and then the 6 mile hike to the falls. The sites in that place are amazing. I have lots of pictures but still figuring out how to share those here.

I have lived in Utah most of my life and NEVER been to Bryce. It is one place I will be going at least every couple of years if not more.

That sounds wonderful! I visited Utah in 2007 - mostly Zion NP, but also stopped in Bryce as well as Arches and Canyonlands. It was spectacular.

You live in a great state for hiking. I would really like a do-over - I weigh at least 80 lbs less now than I did then and am in good enough shape, fitness-wise, to really hit some of the longer trails.