best hikes for beginners

Extensive research indicates that immersing oneself in nature positively impacts mental health. A brief hike on a gentle trail offers an excellent opportunity for beginner hikers to engage with the outdoors. One need not traverse challenging terrains, such as the Pacific Crest Trail, to appreciate nature. Abundant trails are accessible for individuals of all skill levels.

For those beginning their hiking journey, the following trails in the United States stand out as exceptional options for novice hikers, including the Ozette Loop Trail, which is a personal favorite.

National Parks

National parks are ideal locales for launching your hiking adventures. They offer a variety of options, ranging from lengthy hikes on easy trails to shorter, accessible paths, accommodating various preferences and abilities.

Olympic National Park

Ozette Loop Trail

This inclusive trail spans 9 miles, encompassing boardwalks and beaches that navigate through old-growth forests and tide pools. For optimal exploration of the beach, it is advisable to visit during low tide.

best beginner hike in Olympic National Park

The most challenging section of the trail involves walking on the rocky beach. However, hikers can choose their own pace, especially if planning to camp along the way. Some adventurers opt to take 3-4 days to traverse this trail due to its stunning vistas.

Hall of Mosses

This trail ranks as a significant attraction within Olympic National Park, thanks to its spectacular views of old-growth forests adorned in vibrant mosses. The area can experience heavy foot traffic during the summer months—considered the driest period in the wettest region of the United States—but visiting during overcast or rainy weather rewards explorers with a unique experience.

This 0.8-mile (1.2 km) hike along a flat, hard-packed trail leads you through some of the most beautiful forest in the country and is among the top places to visit on the West Coast.

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park remains one of the most breathtaking locations, offering an abundance of exploration opportunities. Every twist in the path reveals another picturesque scene.

Avalanche Lake

This memorable hike, measuring 4.5 miles with an elevation gain of 730 feet, leads to an extraordinary lake. It is ideal for a full-day outing where you can relax with a good book, engage in fishing, or enjoy a delightful picnic.

Hidden Lake Overlook

This immensely popular trail tends to fill up quickly, so visiting during the shoulder season or arriving early is highly recommended. Characterized as easy to moderate due to the elevation gain, this trail spans 5.4 miles round trip with an elevation increase of 1,325 feet.

The path is well-maintained and easily navigable, and the overlook boasts breathtaking views. Hikers may also encounter mountain goats and a variety of wildlife, including bears and numerous bird species.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Clingmans Dome Trail

This trail stands as the most frequented in the park, leading along a paved route to an overlook situated at the park’s highest point, offering 360-degree views. The hike totals 1 mile (1.6 km) round trip but features a continuous incline, culminating in an elevation gain of 337 feet.

Clingman’s Dome is a 1-mile round trip easy walk

Bryce Canyon National Park

Rim Trail

Although this trail extends for 11 miles, it is entirely paved, allowing hikers to choose their distance and shorten the hike as needed. This route showcases breathtaking views of hoodoos and the amphitheater and serves as the entry point for the Fairyland Trail, which remains a personal favorite. The Rim Trail provides a great alternative for those desiring exceptional views without elevation gain.

Zion National Park

Emerald Pools Trail

This engaging trail provides an excellent platform for enhancing hiking skills. It features three distinct pools, with the first being 1.2 miles round trip (70 feet elevation gain), the second at 2 miles round trip (150 feet elevation gain), and the upper pool extending 3 miles round trip (350 feet elevation gain).

best hikes for beginners in Zion National Park

State Parks, National Forests, and Recreation Areas

Horseshoe Bend

The trail to the overlook at Horseshoe Bend features a simple 1.5-mile (2.4 km) round trip with no elevation gain on a solid pathway. Along the way, numerous covered areas with benches allow visitors to escape the sun and appreciate the stunning views.

This journey is straightforward, though it can become sweltering in the summer months due to its exposure. Optimal visiting times include early spring and fall to evade crowds and heat.

Ollalie State Park

Twin Falls Trail

This popular trail can become quite busy during weekends and holidays, yet it leads to a stunning waterfall. The hike spans 2.4 miles round trip with minimal elevation gain of 940 feet, making it an excellent choice for families and a dog-friendly option, well-suited for beginner hikers.

Wharton State Forest

Batsto Lake Trail

This accessible trail measures 4.1 miles round trip, featuring a flat route on the soft sandy soil of the Pine Barrens, presenting itself as an excellent beginner-friendly hike in New Jersey. The Pine Barrens, known for their relatively flat terrain, provide an ideal setting for those just embarking on their hiking journey.

dog friendly beginner hikes in New Jersey

Concluding Thoughts

A multitude of easy hiking options exists across the nation, including local parks such as Discovery Park in Seattle and Central Park in New York. With a little effort, anyone can discover green spaces in their vicinity, even if they are modest in size.

Hiking should not be a source of intimidation; there is no requirement for difficult trails to identify oneself as a hiker or to revel in the beauty of the outdoors. Ultimately, nature belongs to everyone. Choose easier paths, take a leisurely walk in a nearby park, and enjoy the numerous mental health benefits associated with any trail you embark upon.

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