Hiking is an excellent outdoor activity for all age groups. However, when you have to plan trips with your family, or are just starting to see its appeal, you might not want to go for the tougher trails yet. There are numerous trails for all skill levels, so it’s best to start out with basic beginner’s treks for everyone. Most of these trails are quite short and do not require you to be extremely fit. You just need to be fit enough to climb a few slopes or ledges. Otherwise, most of these paths are extremely easy, and even children can do them without any issues.
So, if you want to plan a hiking trip with your family or want to start hiking yourself, then you have a large number of options available for you. There are some highly accessible hiking trails across the US, and most of these are quite secure and well-maintained. Here are some of the best and most well-known ones you can start off with.
1. Lower Yosemite Fall Trail, Yosemite National Park
When you’re visiting Yosemite National Park, there are numerous activities you can do and sights you can see. It has a wide variety of hiking trails of all levels, but the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail is perfect for beginners. It is just a mile long and will take you a short 30 minutes. In addition, it is wheelchair-accessible and also gives you a clear view of the Lower Yosemite Falls, which is the tallest waterfall in the country. Once you’re comfortable with this all-year trail, you can move on to the more difficult treks in the national park.
2. Tall Trees Grove, California
This easy four-mile hiking trail is in Redwood National Park, and you’ll be surrounded by gorgeous trees all around. It is quite a simple trail, but you need to prepare beforehand, as only 50 cars are only allowed per day. You’ll need to get a permit from park visitor centers to access the gate to this trail.
The trail itself is quite easy, and is one of the most photogenic hikes you’ll experience in your life. So, getting that permit and reaching there early is well worth it.
3. Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail, Hawaii
Hawaii is one of the most diverse places you’ll ever visit. It has a number of great hiking trails, with even a few for total beginners. The Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail is located in Oahu and takes for two miles along a beautiful coastline where you may even be lucky enough to see humpback whales.
It also has stunning views of a lighthouse and craggy cliffs, so you’ll get to experience an easy hike with lots of scenes to enjoy.
4. Ewoldsen Trail Hike, Big Sur
If you want to walk through a trail which looks magical and scenic, this is the place for you. It is a five-mile loop in a gorgeous forest, complete with ancient trees and bubbling creeks. You’ll have lots to see here and can hear numerous birds chirping around you. This trail gives you a fairy-tale experience without having to walk through tough patches.
5. The Highline Trail, Glacier National Park
While there are numerous intimidating trails in Glacier National Park, this does not mean that you need to avoid it. Its Highline Trail is perfect for novices and is extremely well-groomed. The best part is that most of it is quite flat, so it is easy for lower skill levels. You can see a lot of wildlife and flowers along this trail, so do make it a point to attempt it if you’re in the area.
6. Bear Mountain Loop Trail, New York
If you’re a New Yorker who wants a break from city life, the Bear Mountain Loop trail is the perfect place for you. It is a short 90-minute drive away and is a great trail for beginners and novices. It is just 3.8 miles long and is okay for dogs and children as well. This trail gives you an excellent reprieve from your urban environment and lets you enjoy with your family.
So, pack your hiking boots and sunscreen to go on these extremely accessible hiking trails. Who knows? You might discover a new hobby and move on to more difficult treks over time!
