Introduction


If you’re new to hiking, finding easy and beautiful trails is important for a great experience. National parks across the US have excellent trails for your new hiking adventure. You can find all the necessary info on the American Hiking Society website. Here are the top 10 beginner-friendly hiking trails that offer stunning views and easy paths.


Hiking Trails for Beginners



1. Muir Woods National Monument, California


Walk among giant redwoods on well-maintained paths. Options range from short to longer loops. Federally protected as a National Monument since 1908, this ancient forest is both a refuge and laboratory, revealing our relationship with the living landscape. The Muir Woods National Monument is managed by the National Park Service, which plays a critical role in preserving natural parks. The Muir Woods National Monument is an old-growth coastal redwood forest. Due to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, the forest is regularly shrouded in a coastal marine layer fog, contributing to a wet environment that encourages vigorous plant growth. Fog is also vital for the growth of redwoods as it uses moisture from fog during drought seasons, particularly during dry summers.



2. Great Falls Park, Virginia


Enjoy views of the Potomac River and waterfalls with several easy trails. The trailhead for the River Trail is easily accessible from the main parking lot, with clear signage to guide you. The River Trail is especially scenic. Make sure to wear appropriate clothing to stay comfortable and safe, especially given the proximity to the Potomac River and the potential for varying weather conditions. Great Falls Park has many opportunities to explore history and nature, all in a beautiful 800-acre park only 15 miles from the Nation’s Capital.



3. Runyon Canyon, California


Located in Los Angeles, Runyon Canyon is a popular spot for day hikes, offering easy paths with panoramic city views. It’s popular with locals and tourists. Runyon Canyon Park is a 160-acre (65 ha) at the eastern end of the Santa Monica Mountains, managed by the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks. The southern entrance to the park is located at the north end of Fuller Avenue in Hollywood. The northern entrance is off the 7300 block of Mulholland Drive. The Runyon Canyon Road, a fire road that is closed to public motor vehicle access, runs roughly through the center of the park between the northern and southern entrances along Runyon Canyon itself, and there are numerous smaller hiking trails throughout the park. The highest point in the park at an elevation of 1,320 ft (402 m) is known as Indian Rock. Because of its proximity to residential areas of Hollywood and the Hollywood Hills, celebrity sightings are common. The park is also noted for having a fairly liberal dog policy, with dogs allowed off-leash in 90 of the park’s 160 acres (0.65 km2). The park is part of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.





4. Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire


The trailhead of the Flume Gorge Trail is where hikers can start their journey through the natural gorge. The Flume Gorge Trail is a beginner-friendly walk through a natural gorge, with wooden walkways and waterfall views. Franconia Notch State Park is a public recreation area and nature preserve that straddles eight miles (13 km) of Interstate 93 as it passes through Franconia Notch, a mountain pass between the Kinsman Range and Franconia Range in the White Mountains of northern New Hampshire, United States.



5. Garden of the Gods, Colorado


This park has easy trails winding through dramatic red rock formations. Carrying a heavy backpack can complicate the physical demands of navigating the red rock formations. The Perkins Central Garden Trail is a must-see. Garden of the Gods (Arapaho: Ho3o’uu Niitko’usi’i) is a 1,341.3 acre public park located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States. 862 acres (3.49 km2) of the park was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1971.


For better stability and comfort while navigating the dramatic red rock formations, hikers are advised to wear hiking boots.



6. Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio


The Old Man’s Cave Trail offers a gentle hike through a picturesque gorge, complete with waterfalls, caves, and lush greenery. The park offers trails that cover long distances, catering to hikers looking for extended outdoor experiences. Hikers should carry a first aid kit to be prepared for any minor injuries while exploring the picturesque gorge.


Hocking Hills State Park is a state park in the Hocking Hills region of Hocking County, Ohio, United States. In some areas, the park adjoins the Hocking State Forest. Within the park are over 25 miles (40 km) of hiking trails, rock formations, waterfalls, and recess caves. The trails are open from dawn to dusk, all year round, including holidays.


Stunning in every season, Hocking Hills features beautiful towering cliffs, thrilling waterfalls, and deep, hemlock-shaded gorges.



7. Zion National Park, Utah


Zion National Park is an American national park located in southwestern Utah near the town of Springdale. Located at the junction of the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and Mojave Desert regions, the park has a unique geography and a variety of life zones that allow for unusual plant and animal diversity. Zion National Park also offers mountain biking trails, catering to different skill levels. The Riverside Walk is a beginner-friendly trail along the Virgin River, providing stunning views of Zion Canyon’s towering cliffs.


To ensure a safe and enjoyable hiking experience, hikers should ensure adequate sun protection, such as wearing hats and sunscreen, while enjoying the Riverside Walk along the Virgin River.



8. Acadia National Park, Maine


The Ocean Path offers an easy coastal hike with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and rugged shoreline. Acadia National Park is managed by the National Park Service, which plays a critical role in preserving the park's natural beauty.


The American Hiking Society offers valuable guidance and support for hikers exploring trails like the Ocean Path.


The park contains the tallest mountain on the Atlantic Coast of the United States (Cadillac Mountain), exposed granite domes, glacial erratics, U-shaped valleys, and cobble beaches. Its mountains, lakes, streams, wetlands, forests, meadows, and coastlines contribute to a diversity of plants and animals. Woven into this landscape is a historic carriage road system. In total, it encompasses 49,075 acres (19,860 ha; 76.680 sq mi; 198.60 km2) as of 2017.



9. Yosemite National Park, California


The Lower Yosemite Fall Trail is a short, easy hike to the base of North America’s tallest waterfall, offering stunning views and photo opportunities. The slight elevation gain involved in reaching the base makes it a manageable yet rewarding hike for beginners.


Yosemite is internationally recognized for its granite cliffs, waterfalls, clear streams, groves of giant sequoia, lakes, mountains, meadows, glaciers, and biological diversity. Almost 95 percent of the park is designated wilderness. Yosemite is one of the largest and least fragmented habitat blocks in the Sierra Nevada.




10. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia


Shenandoah National Park extends along the Blue Ridge Mountains in the U.S. state of Virginia. The Skyline Drive runs its length, and a vast network of trails includes a section of the long-distance Appalachian Trail. Mostly forested, the park features wetlands, waterfalls, and rocky peaks like Hawksbill and Old Rag mountains. Shenandoah is home to many bird species, plus deer, squirrels, and the elusive black bear.


The Limberlost Trail is a gentle, wheelchair-accessible path through a beautiful forest, perfect for beginners and families. Families should carry an aid kit to be prepared for any minor injuries while enjoying the trail.




Find your hiking trails for beginners


If you want to find the best hiking trails in the United States, visit AllTrails.com where you can find all the best hiking trails in one place, so your hiking adventure becomes an awesome experience for you and your friends. 


Conclusion


These beginner-friendly hiking trails offer scenic beauty and manageable terrain, making them perfect for new hikers. Whether you prefer coastal views, towering forests, or dramatic rock formations, there’s a trail for everyone to enjoy.


Plan your next adventure on one of these beginner-friendly hiking trails and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.