What is Hiking?

That is a question that is asked often by those who have never experienced the trails before. Hiking is venturing out into the wilderness to explore and experience nature. There are numerous hiking trails throughout the US. You can easily find hiking trails near me. Some of those will be easy hiking trails, while others will be more difficult. However, you must remember that even some of the slightly challenging hiking trails will be perfect for older kids. Therefore, do not discount a trail because it doesn’t seem to be like it is a kids’ friendly hike near me. If you are looking for a place to hike near me, check out these best hikes for kids, as well as all the family hiking trails near me.

100 Easy Hiking Trails in All 50 States Including Hawaii and Alaska

1. Alaska

In Alaska, the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is more of a walking trail than hiking trail. That doesn’t mean you won’t see a lot along this eleven-mile hike. As far as walking trails go, this one is amazing. When you are not looking at the views of the city, you will find yourself checking out the beluga whales in the water and the moose out in the distance.

You can hike wherever you want within Denali National Park. But the Kesugi Ridge & Mount Eielson Loop offers some of the best hiking near me. Yes, it is approximately fourteen and a half miles long. But it offers spectacular views of Mt. McKinley and so much more.

2. Alabama

One of the best hiking trails near me in Alabama is the Oak Mountain Park Red Trail. You will find this hiking trail near me within Oak Mountain State Park. This is the longest trail in the park, at seventeen miles, and it is an excellent option for those who have never hiked before.

There are also other trails nearby, so you can tackle a shorter one if you don’t have as much time. The Walls of Jericho Trail is one of the best scenic trails in the US. This is one of the waterfall hikes near me and it is three and a half miles long. When you reach the waterfalls, you will look down nine hundred feet to see the rushing water.

3. Colorado

The best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park include Bear Lake Loop and Lake Haiyaha Hike. Of course, the Lake Haiyaha Hike is considered one of the best hikes in Colorado. That hike is just shy of four miles in length. At the end of the trail, you will be underneath the cliffs of the Continental Divide. It is there where you will have extraordinary views without the crowds.

Bear Lake Loop is one of the best kids’ hikes, because it is only a little more than half a mile long. This family-friendly hiking trail can be found in the middle of the park. It offers amazing views, but there are usually quite a few tourists to interrupt you during your hike.

4. Connecticut

In Connecticut, one of the best family hiking trails near me is the Mohegan Park Loop. You will find this hiking trail near me within Mohegan Park. This trail is just under two miles long and it loops around, so you don’t need to head back down to reach your starting point. The trail is flat and there are many areas to enjoy a picnic lunch or a snack along the way.

History awaits at the Godfrey Pond Loop in the Devil’s Den Preserve. This is one of the easier hikes within the preserve at just over a mile in length. Along the way, you will see an old sawmill, as well as many other historical structures.

5. California

Surprisingly, there are a few amazing hikes in LA. If you want to experience unique hiking in Los Angeles, you must head over to Coldwater Canyon Park. This park was constructed on top of an eight-million-gallon reservoir, so it is definitely unique. You can hike/walk along the trails, which is perfect for younger children.

The Runyon Canyon hike is a more challenging hike in the state of California. This trail is just under three miles in length and can be found over in West Hollywood. It is considered a moderate hike and most children will be able to do it on their own. The best part about this hike, besides the fact it is looped, is all the wildlife you will see along the way.

When you are in California, you will discover there are so many wonderful hiking trails in addition to the ones listed above. A Griffith park hike is a must, if you are willing to tackle the Griffith Park hiking trails.

If you are looking for Malibu hikes when you are in California, you shouldn’t look any further than the Solstice Canyon hike. This Malibu hiking trail is family friendly and only two and a half miles long. The Los Leones hike is another hike that comes highly recommended.

6. Delaware

In Delaware, a place to hike near me is the Junction Breakwater Trail. This trail is five miles long and goes from Lewes all the way to Rehoboth Beach. As you hike this trail, you will find yourself walking along the old Penn Central Railroad.

One of the unique hiking trails in Delaware is Woodland Beach. You can only walk along this stretch of sand when the tide is low. Therefore, you must know when high tide is arriving, so you do not get stuck somewhere you shouldn’t be!

7. Idaho

In Idaho, some of the best trails close to me include Fishhook Creek Trail and Redfish Lake Trail. The Fishhook Creek Trail is very family friendly at five miles round trip. This trail goes through the forest and at the end, you will be greeted by beaver ponds. You must spend a little time at those ponds, so you can admire Mount Heyburn out in the distance.

Redfish Lake Trail is a much longer hiking trail near me at fifteen miles. This looped trail offers a plethora of wildflowers, as well as spectacular views of the lake. There are multiple scenic overlooks and that means you have ample chances to stop for breaks and to take pictures.

8. Florida

There are so many options for hiking in Florida. The Little Manatee River State Park has a six and a half mile looped hiking trail. As you walk along this trail, there will be plenty of opportunities to see wildlife. The more popular animals you will see include the gopher tortoise, red shoulder hawks, and white-tail deer.

The Santa Rosa Island Beach Hike can be found over at historical Fort Pickens. This trail will take you along the Gulf Islands National Seashore. This trail is out in the open, so be prepared for the heat and the sun!

9. Indiana

Turkey Run State Park has a bunch of hiking trails that when combined will give you three miles of hiking pleasure. This kid friendly hike will take your entire family through canyons, as well as right by the beautiful Sugar Creek.

Kids cannot resist getting all dirty and sandy, so we know they will fall in love with the Beach Trail in Chesterton. This best hike for kids is seven miles long and you will find it within the Indiana Dunes State Park. It is a looped trail that goes along the shoreline of Lake Michigan before taking you through the woods. At the end, your family will have the chance to climb through the sand dunes.

10. Georgia

The Bartram Trail to Rabun Bald is an easy three-mile hike that leads to an observation deck. This is the second highest peak in the state, so be prepared for stunning views at the end. It is best to take a lunch with you, because you won’t want to leave for quite some time.

Spotting the Appalachian Mountains is easy when you take the time to hike the mile and a half long Fort Mountain Overlook Trail. You will find this trail at Fort Mountain State Park. You must go all the way to the summit for the views, but you won’t be disappointed when you get there.

11. Arizona

The best hikes in Arizona include the Sabino Canyon Trail and Flat Iron Trail. The Sabino Canyon Trail is down in the southern part of the state in the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area. It is best to hike this trail near me during the springtime, because that is when all the flowers begin to bloom. There are different sections of the trail, so you can choose the one that offers exactly what you need. We recommend taking this hiking trail near me all the way to Hutch’s Pool, which ends up being approximately eight miles round trip.

The Flat Iron Trail is well-traveled, so you will always know where it is. This hiking trail can be found in Lost Dutchmen State Park and there are numerous other hiking trails nearby. It is best to begin hiking this trail near me at the Siphon Draw Trailhead. When you reach the top, you will be rewarded with spectacular views that include a massive rock called the Flat Iron.

12. Arkansas

A visit to Arkansas will have you discovering a place to hike near me wherever you go! There are so many hiking trails in this state, so you will never question where to hike near me when you are there. If you are looking for short hikes in Arkansas, you must consider the Pack Rat Falls Trail. You will find this trail within the Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area. At the end of the trail, you will discover the Pack Rat Falls, which are twenty-four feet high.

The Glory Hole Waterfall Trail is one of the waterfall hikes near me. This hiking trail is just under two miles. The challenge of this hike is the sharp decline near the waterfall, so you will want to keep a close eye on children when you reach that area. And of course, what goes down must go up, so be ready for an uphill walk for the return trip.

13. Kansas

A best place to hike in the USA is in the state of Kansas. Castle Rock is one of the easy hikes near me and it is only a little more than two miles round trip. Castle Rock is actually considered one of the Eight Wonders of Kansas. The views you will see during this trek are phenomenal.

The Flint Hills Nature Trail is one of the nature trails that is perfect for hiking. This one hundred seventeen-mile trail offers easy hiking near me. This is the longest hiking trail in the state. It goes along an old railway and there are so many historical sites to see as you are walking. The best part about this trail is you can easily do as much, or as little, of it as you wish.

14. Hawaii

Hawaii may be comprised of multiple islands, but there are some incredible scenic trails located there. If you are seeking the best hiking trail in Hawaii, then you must visit the island of Oahu. It is there where you will find the Diamond Head Summit Trail. This trail is best for kids that are teenagers, or those kids who have been hiking all their life. The reason for this is there is a steep climb in one section. However, once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with the gorgeous views of the city and the rest of the island.

Vacations in Hawaii during the winter and spring will have you wanting to hike the Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail. This trail is two miles round trip. You can’t enter the lighthouse, but if you visit during the seasons mentioned, you will have the chance to see the humpback whales out in the ocean.

15. Illinois

Illinois is home to many hiking trails. Some of them are short nature trails, while others are incredible hiking spots you won’t be able to resist. If you are looking for trails near me in Illinois, you must check out the Garden of the Gods. This is one of the family hiking trails near me. It is a short hike, but the views of the surrounding area are fantastic. All the boulders are more than three hundred million years old, so there’s some history to explore during your visit.

The Hennepin Canal used to be a riverway, but it was abandoned and has been turned into a hiking trail. This is one of the best hikes for kids, because it is flat, and you can choose how many of the one hundred five miles you tackle.

16. Louisiana

A hiking adventure in Louisiana must include a trek along the Grand Isle Birding Trail. This is where many birds stop when they are migrating. The best time to hike this trail is during the migratory bird festival. However, even if you don’t make it during that time of the year, you will quickly realize that you can always see incredible sunsets from this trail.

When you are vacationing with kids, or just looking for something to do with kids for the day, you don’t want to be traveling for hours. Thankfully, there is a wonderful hiking trail just minutes from the city of New Orleans. The Barataria Preserve Trail is within the Jean Lafitte National Park. The trail is basically a walkway that has been placed over the marsh. There are gators along this trail, so you must use caution as you are walking along.

17. Iowa

If you are looking for the best views in the state of Iowa, then you shouldn’t look any further than Pea’s Creek Canyon. You will find this family friendly hiking trail over at Ledges State Park. This is a popular trail, so you should plan on it being crowded at any time of the year.

The Pilot Knob Trail over at Pilot Knob State Park is only a quarter of a mile long, so it is very kid friendly. The best time to do this hike is during the fall, because the changing colors of the leaves makes the views look even better.

18. Maryland

In Maryland, you will find hiking areas that are part of the Appalachian Trail. Forty miles of that trail is located within the state of Maryland. The most popular section of that trail is the Annapolis Rock Hike. This scenic trail is five miles long and offers spectacular views. It can be quite crowded on this trail throughout the year. But if you are looking to escape those crowds, you should hike this local hiking trail during the winter months. There are fewer people then, yet the views are the same.

The one and a quarter mile long trail at the Swallow Falls State Park is one of the waterfall hikes near me. This local hiking trail will have you walking along the Youghiogheny River. At the end is a gorgeous waterfall that freezes over during the winter months. Of course, you shouldn’t discount the beauty of this waterfall the rest of the year!

19. Kentucky

A place to hike near me in Kentucky is the Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail. This trail is not completely finished yet. However, once it is, this trail will be part of the Great Eastern Trail. The Great Eastern Trail runs parallel to the Appalachian Trail. If you happen to make it to Birch Knob, you will have the chance to see the states of West Virginia, Virginia, Ohio, and Tennessee if it is clear on the day of your visit.

The Battleship Rock Trail is less than a mile, which makes it the perfect kids’ hike for your family. If this trail is too short, you can always add in the stairs of both Devil’s Gulch and Needles Eye. No matter how you tackle this hiking trail near me, you will enjoy views of the forest.

20. Michigan

You cannot plan a hike in Michigan and not tackle one of the trails within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The Pyramid Point Trail is the best and clocks in at three miles. This is an easy hiking trail that goes through meadows filled with wildflowers and paper birch forests. The Lake Michigan overlook is an excellent place to catch your breath, while you check out the stunning views.

The Port Crescent Trail in the Port Crescent State Park is another one of the easy hiking trails in the state. This trail is two and a half miles long. It offers views of the sand dunes around Lake Huron, as well as the Pinnebog River and Channel. Along the way, you will also discover a chimney monument from the days when lumbering was popular in the state.

21. Maine

Table Rock is part of the Appalachian trail near me. You will find this two and a half mile hiking trail within Grafton Notch State Park. There are many caves along this trail, so you will want to plan a little extra time for exploring. It is important to note that this hike is best for teenagers, because there are a few areas that have hand over hand metal bar steps.

The North Ridge Trail of Cadillac Mountain is one of the best hiking trails in the East Coast. This trail is just over two miles in length. Most people take this hiking trail early in the morning, so they can watch the sun rise from the summit.

22. Nebraska

Scenic trails are easy to find in the state of Nebraska. One of the best scenic trails is the Agate Fossil Beds Trail. You will find this hiking trail at the Agate Fossil Beds National Monument. This trail is just under three miles in length and is considered easy. As you hike along this trail, you will see gorgeous views of the plains, as well as the Harold J. Cook homestead cabin.

One of the best hiking trails in the Midwest is the Toadstool Trail at the Ogalala National Grassland. This flat looped one-mile trail is considered an easy hiking trail. The geological formations you will see during your hike are extraordinary. It is best to pack a picnic lunch, because when you are finished with this hiking trail, there are many others you can hike nearby.

23. Massachusetts

Time spent in Cape Cod will have you walking along the Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail. This easy hiking near me is a hiking spot your whole family will love. This is more of a nature walk than a mountain hike. It is a looped trail that is just over one mile in length. The trail is a boardwalk that goes through a white cedar swamp. Some of this trail is covered in sand, so you must make sure you are prepared for those walking conditions when you go.

Ninety miles of the Appalachian Trail can be found within the state of Massachusetts. You can easily walk sections of this moderate hiking trail with your family or you can choose to do the entire thing. If you decide to do the whole thing, you will discover numerous overnight shelters along the way. The highlights of this trail in this state include Mount Greylock and Mount Race.

24. North Dakota

There is no shade along the Painted Canyon Nature Trail in North Dakota. However, since it is only a little over a mile long, you won’t need to worry about being out in the sun for too long. This is an excellent place to hike near me when you are looking to see the local wildlife.

The Bison Plant hike is a little longer at just over two miles. It is a looped trail though, so you won’t need to worry about turning around to get back to your starting point. This hiking trail near me is the perfect choice for families who want to be out in nature to see the wildlife, the river, and the wildflowers.

25. Minnesota

One of the most popular hiking trails in Minnesota is the Silver Creek Trail. You will find this moderate hiking trail in Jay Cooke State Park. This trail is looped and covers three and a half miles. At the beginning of this trail, you will cross over the CCC Swinging Bridge. Afterwards, you will follow the trail along the riverbanks.

The Aiton Heights Fire Tower is one of the short hikes in Minnesota. This family hiking trail near me covers a half mile, which is between the parking lot and the fire tower. Once you reach the fire tower, the real fun begins! The fire tower is one hundred feet tall and there are many steps that you must climb to reach the top. However, once you are up there, you will be rewarded with amazing views of the Itasca State Park.

26. New Hampshire

One of the nice hiking trails in New Hampshire is the Baldface Circle Trail. You will find this mountain hiking trail in the White Mountain National Forest. There are quite a few lookouts on this trail, and it takes you over two different peaks. Those peaks are North and South Baldface.

One of the best hiking areas near me in New Hampshire is the White Dot Trail. This is the most-hiked mountain in the entire world. You will definitely love every minute of your hiking journey on this hiking trail near me, as well as the gorgeous views.

27. Mississippi

If you are looking for family hiking trails near me in Mississippi, you definitely must check out the Natchez Trace Parkway Cypress Swamp Hike. This half mile looped trail offers unique views of the baldcyress swamp. Plus, you can learn all about the trees in the area from the designated signage.

The CCC Camp Trail is a three-mile looped trail that is located in the Tishomingo State Park. As you are hiking on this trail, you will cross over multiple streams and springs. You will know you have reached the end of this trail when you get to the Swinging Bridge.

28. Ohio

One of the nice hiking trails in Ohio is the one that leads to Old Man’s Cave. You will find this hiking trail near me over at Hocking Hills State Park. This trail is only a mile in length, so you can easily do something else on your list afterwards. However, you must be prepared to spend more time near this trail than you originally thought, because there is so much to explore when you are there.

History is everywhere at the Ledges Trail over at the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This entire area used to be covered by an ancient sea. The ledges along this trail were formed by melting glaciers. This trail is two miles long and it is one of the most unique trails you will ever encounter.

29. Missouri

There is a steep hill at the beginning of the Hogsback Trail in Klondike Park. That is the one feature that turns this into one of the moderate hikes in the state of Missouri. While that feature may be intimidating for younger children, the rest of the one-and-a-half-mile trail is fairly easy. During this hike, you will have the chance to see the white cliffs of Quarry Lake, as well as lots of plants and wildlife.

The Mina Sauk Falls Trail is almost three miles in length. It is one of the waterfall hikes with a view. When you reach the waterfall, you will quickly realize that is it the tallest waterfall in the state, at one hundred thirty-two feet. If you have a little extra time, we recommend climbing the lookout tower, so you can check out the St. Francois Mountains in the distance.

30. Oklahoma

One of the moderate hikes in Oklahoma is the Lakeview Lodge Trail. This hiking trail near me is located at the Beavers Bend State Park. It is a four-mile-long looped trail. At the end of the trail is a lake. It can get hot on this trail during the summer months, so you will want to make sure you have plenty of water with you.

The Travertine Creek Trail can be found over in the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. The trail is one and a half miles long. This is easy hiking near me, but you will encounter a few rocks and bridges along the way. The good news is there is a lot of shade along this hiking trail, which you will appreciate on the hottest days of the year.

31. Montana

One of the good hikes near me in Montana also happens to be a kids’ friendly hike near me. The Ousel Falls is a two-mile round-trip hike that begins near the Big Sky town center. This trail is well maintained, so it is easy for every family member to walk along.

The Holland Falls National Recreation Trail can be found in the Flathead National Forest. This waterfall trail hike is just over a mile and a half long. You will need to ascend approximately seven hundred fifty feet to reach the waterfall. When you are not gazing at the waterfall, you will be focusing on the breathtaking views of Holland Lake and the Swan Mountains.

32. New York

The best place to go hiking in New York state is the Upstate area. This is where the Adirondack Mountains are located. While you will find the forty-six high peaks in this area, there are many other family hiking trails near me in the area. The Pilot Knob hiking trail is one of those family hiking trails. You can choose to do the short hike of only one mile or continue on your way along another trail for a total of almost three miles.

The shorter trail will take you to the gazebo for the amazing views of the nearby mountains, while the longer trail will have you admiring the waterfall. The waterfall is only present in the spring, so you must plan your trip accordingly.

The Sleeping Beauty trail on Sleeping Beauty Mountain is considered one of the moderate hikes in the region. It is four miles round trip, and you will gain more than one thousand feet in elevation. At the top, you will see amazing views of all the surrounding mountains.

33. New Jersey

The Goat Hill Overlook is considered one of the easy hikes near me in New Jersey. This best hikes for kids offers amazing views of the Delaware River. You will also have the chance to relive history, because this area was a lookout for both sides during the Revolutionary War.

When looking for moderate hikes in New Jersey, you don’t need to look any further than the High Point Monument Trail. This trail will take you to the highest point in New Jersey. If you want to get even higher, which makes the views even better, you can climb the two hundred plus stairs of the monument.

34. Oregon

There are ten different waterfalls to discover along the Trail of Ten Falls in the state of Oregon. This is one of the best hiking trails in the West Coast, especially for those who love seeing waterfalls when they are out in nature. This hike begins at the South Falls Lodge Trailhead and you can easily do less than the seven miles with a little pre-planning.

Stunning views of Mount Hood reflecting in the water of Mirror Lake can be seen when you hike along the Mirror Lake Loop Trail. This hiking trail near me is a little more than four miles in length. It is best to hike this trail during the months of March through October.

35. Nevada

The Cathedral Gorge Trail can be found in Cathedral Gorge State Park. This six-mile easy hike is perfect for families. The views from this trail are amazing, so be prepared to stop and photograph them along the way.

The best views of the Red Rock Cliffs in Nevada can be found from the Blue Diamond Hill Fossil Trail. This trail is approximately two and a quarter miles in length and the views are worth the journey.

36. Texas

There are plenty of hikes with a view in Texas, but the best one is the Lost Mine Trail in the Big Bend National Park. This trail is just over four miles in length. When you reach the one-mile mark, you will discover panoramic views of the canyon. At the end of the trail, there is a ridge that looks out over the Sierra del Carmen and Pine Canyon.

Mountain hiking near me doesn’t get any better than the Enchanted Rock Summit Trail. This trail goes to the summit, despite the fact it is only a little more than a mile long. While you will only go up four hundred feet in elevation, the views will make it seem like you climbed much higher. This is the best place to see Hill Country when you are in Texas.

37. New Mexico

The Pine Tree Trail can be found over near Las Cruces. This moderate hike is just over four miles long. It is best to do this hike in the fall, but you will appreciate the panoramic views of the Organ Mountain Range at any time of the year. Your family will love taking the opportunity to camp up on the summit too, so you might want to include that in your plans.

If your family loves water, you will all love hiking the McCauley Hot Springs Trail. This easy hiking trail is six miles long. You will see many waterfalls and hot springs during your hike. We recommend stopping to soak in the hot springs if you have the time.

38. Pennsylvania

One of the best local hiking trails in Pennsylvania is Bushkill Falls. There are eight waterfalls along this hiking area. The best part about Bushkill Falls is the one hiking trail turns into four different options at one point.

Therefore, you can hike them all or choose which one interests your family the most. To give you an idea about the trails, the green one is the easiest and leads to the Main Falls. The Yellow Trail is a little longer, followed by the Blue Trail and the Red Trail.

There are twenty-one waterfalls within Ricketts Glen State Park. While you may not have time to see them all, you will have time to complete the one-mile hike along the Adams Falls Trail to see Adams Falls. This waterfall is a part of Kitchen Creek and the water will continue along until it reaches the other waterfalls within the park.

39. North Carolina

Bass Lake Trail is one of the family hiking trails near me that is both wheelchair and stroller friendly. This easy looped trail is less than a mile long. If you conquer this trail and are looking for more options, you can always head over to The Maze, which is three miles long.

The Black Balsam Knob trail is part of the Art Loeb Trail. This section is less than a mile and a half long. You will see a lot of wildlife on this hike. You can also extend this hike if your family is willing. Another half mile will have you reaching the top of Black Balsam Knob, while an additional half mile will have you over at Tennet Mountain.

40. Tennessee

Kids’ friendly hikes near me in Tennessee are easy to find. One of the best hikes for kids in this state is the Laurel Falls Trail. You will find this hiking trail inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

This trail is just over two miles in length. The trail is paved and there is a stunning waterfall at the end. It is best to arrive early at this hiking trail near me, because the parking lot is small, and it fills up quickly!

The waterfall at the end of the one-mile long Burgess Falls Trail is a natural wonder that you won’t want to miss. You must remember to take your camera with you, so you can capture the beauty of this waterfall.

41. Rhode Island

If you are looking for nature walks in Rhode Island, the Cliff Walk in Newport is your best option. This three-and-a-half-mile walk goes along the shoreline. There is a section near the end that will require you to climb over and around boulders. However, after maneuvering them, you will be rewarded with views of the gorgeous mansions the area is known for.

The Weetamoo Woods Trail is fairly easy in most spots, but there are a couple moderately difficult areas where you will need to scramble over a few rocks. There are a few bridges that you will need to cross over too. Once you complete the four-and-a-half-mile hike, you must continue another half mile to grab an ice cream cone from Gray’s Ice Cream.

42. Utah

Good hikes near me are easy to find in Utah. Over in the Bryce Canyon National Park, the three-mile looped Queen’s Garden and Navajo Loop Trail is one of the best.

There are a few switchbacks on the way to the canyon floor. If you need a hike that is slightly more family friendly for younger children, you can always stick to the Queen’s Garden Trail and skip the Navajo Loop Trail.

One of the easy hiking trails in the area is the Lower Calf Creek Falls trail. This trail is about six miles round trip. You can go swimming under the waterfall at the end of the trail, which will be welcome news on a hot day.

43. Vermont

There are quite a few nice hiking trails in Vermont. One of the hiking trails near me is the Nose to Chin Trail, which is on the Long Trail on Mt. Mansfield. You can only do this hike during the spring, summer, and fall, because the snow during the winter makes the roads unpassable.

Gorgeous views of Kettle Pond and Lake Groton can be seen when you are hiking the Owlshead Mountain Trail. This looped trail is about three miles long. This place to go hiking near me is best during the spring when the wildflowers are in bloom.

44. South Carolina

The closest hiking to me in South Carolina is the two-mile-long looped Carrick Creek Trail. You will find this trail at Table Rock State Park. Besides the overlook and its wonderful views, you will also see numerous waterfalls during your hike.

The Palmetto Trail is quite long, but one of the short hikes is the Oconee Passage of that trail. The Oconee Passage is just over three miles long. This trail takes you along an old railway until you reach the Station Cove Falls.

45. South Dakota

A little trekking is necessary if you want to conquer the five-mile round trip Cathedral Spires Trail. This is a moderate hike with a challenging section, but the views are worth the extra challenge.

If you are looking for a place to hike near me to see bison, you must consider the Lover’s Leap Trail. This is a four-mile looped trail. It is quite strenuous in the beginning, but it gets easier. You will want to at least attempt it, just so you can see the bison this area is known for.

46. Virginia

The best hikes in Shenandoah National Park are the Dickey Ridge Loop and Hawksbill Summit. The Dickey Ridge Loop is five miles long and is a double loop. This trail begins outside the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center. As you hike this trail, you will see the old Fox Farm, a cemetery, and views of the entire Shenandoah Valley.

Hawksbill Summit is a two-mile-long trail that will get you to the highest point of the Shenandoah Valley. The panoramic views are amazing and worth the journey to the top.

47. West Virginia

There are only eleven national scenic trails to choose from when you are hiking in the US. In West Virginia, one of the best scenic trails is Seneca Rocks, which is within the Spruce Knob – Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area. It may not be a national scenic trail, but you will still enjoy the views! This is a moderate hike, but you will see incredible views of the rock faces once you reach the observation platform.

One of the best walking trails near me in West Virginia is the Endless Wall Trail. This entire looped trail follows the cliffs along the New River Gorge for a little more than two and a half miles. There are a few different lookout areas, so you can always find a spot to check out the magnificent views of the Endless Wall.

48. Washington

There are almost too many day hikes near me in the state of Washington. However, one of the best backpacking trails near me is the Skyline Trail in Mount Rainier National Park. This five-and-a-half-mile trail begins in the parking lot adjacent to the Paradise Inn. Views of Mount Rainier are the highlight of this hiking near me opportunity, but you will love the cascading water partway down the trail as well.

One of the best hiking spots in the state of Washington is Wallace Falls Trail. This five-and-a-half-mile trail will take you past nine different waterfalls. You can skip part of this trail if it gets too difficult, but then you will miss out on some of the waterfalls.

49. Wisconsin

The Ice Age Trail is one of the eleven national scenic trails in the US. Since it is more than one thousand miles long, you won’t be able to tackle the entire trail in a single day. However, you can choose to leave from one of the trailheads and do a small portion in the time you have available.

Perrot State Park is one of the parks near me with trails. Brady’s Bluff Trail is the most popular of all those trails within the park. As you are walking along any of the trails in this park, you will quickly discover that you are walking in the same areas as the Native Americans and French explorers did many years ago.

50. Wyoming

Backcountry trekking is possible in some areas of Wyoming. The Heart Lake Trail is one of the best, because it takes you right into the middle of the Greater Yellowstone wilderness. This is one of the hiking areas that is filled with wildlife. A few of the animals you will encounter out on the trails include grizzly bears, moose, elk, and gray wolves.

Over in Yellowstone National Park, you will find many short hikes near me. One of the best is the Artists Paintpots Trail. This scenic hiking trail goes along the edge of Gibbons Meadows. While this is an easy trail, the area with the boardwalk is the easiest section. As you wander along this hiking trail, you will see many colorful hot pots, as well as pools.

These are the one hundred easy hiking trails in all 50 states including Hawaii and Alaska. We gave you two hiking trails per state to get you started. After you have tackled all the hiking trails on this list, you can check out Hikespeak to find others that are close by the area you are in.

We know you will love exploring all these hiking trails, as well as many others that you discover as you continue your hiking journey throughout the US.

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