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“Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.” John Muir
If we don’t make it a priority to explore those dirt paths, then it will never happen! So sit down, pull out your calendar and begin planning your next hike. Here are 10 great excuses to get off your normal path and explore some of the best dirt paths in the country with your family on the 10 Best Family-Friendly Hikes in America!
1. Trail of Ten Falls in Oregon
This is an unforgettable trail that you need to have at the top of your MUST DO list! This is located in Silver Falls State Park in Oregon, which is about a one hour drive south of Portland. The trail is an 8.7 mile loop that is moderate difficulty and family friendly. This trail is labeled as America’s greatest waterfall day hikes and boasts at least 10 gorgeous waterfalls.
2. Trinidad Head Loop in Northern California
Ocean views and gorgeous coastline. Trinidad Head Loop is an 1.3 mile trail located near the fishing village of Trinidad, CA. The trailhead parking is found at Trinidad State Beach and Trinidad Pier, which are also great places to explore with the family. This hike has one of the best views along the entire pacific coastline and hikers frequently spot grey whales, sea lions, and dolphins from the trail’s various viewpoints.
3. Silver Lake Big Cottonwood Canyon in Utah
Silver Lake is lined by a boardwalk making it accessible to the young, old and those with disabilities. The boardwalk is less than a mile long and offers benches, picnic tables and a dock area for fishing. Bring a picnic and let the kids explore around the lake at their own pace. This is a gorgeous destination in the spring, summer and fall.
4. Baxter State Park in Maine
This is a gorgeous section of the Appalachian Trail that even young kids can enjoy with amazing waterfall views! Join up with part of the Appalachian Trail inside Baxter State Park at Daicey Pond Campground and walk south less than a mile downhill to thundering and gorgeous waterfall and a rock overlook.
5. Bear Lake Loop Trail in Colorado
The kids will love encircling this gorgeous mountain lake within Rocky Mountain National Park. The hike begins just beyond the Bear Lake Ranger Station and is a 0.8 mile loop that is rated easy. As the trail circles around the subalpine lake, it passes through a forest of spruce, fir, lodgepole pine and aspen. Backdrops of the Rocky Mountains on the lake are not to be missed!
6. Santa Elena Canyon Trail in Texas
This 1.7 miles round-trip hike is an easy-to-moderate hike within Big Bend National Park along the Texas and Mexico border. This hike leads into the canyon and provides opportunities to see the winding Rio Grande River and also to view wildlife like javelinas and roadrunners. Be aware that it can be unreachable when Terlingua Creek floods and also be prepared for scorching temps in the summer.
7. Kephart Prong Trail in Tennessee
Located in the beautiful Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, the Kephart Prong Trail is a great family hike and one that will avoid some of the crowds. The 4.2-mile round-trip hike includes multiple log footbridges that cross the Oconaluftee River. The trail is surrounded by lush forest and passes by an old chimney, pipes and crumbling walls of the Civilian Conservation Corps Camp that was here from 1933 to 1942, as well as the remains of a fish hatchery.
8. Blackwater River State Forest in Florida
This hike takes you along the northernmost section of the Florida National Scenic Trail in Blackwater River State Forest. The trail boasts views of massive red clay bluffs along Juniper Creek and provides one of the grandest views found anywhere on the entire Florida Trail. Children old and young will enjoy the spectacular scenery as the path follows along the Blackwater River and its smaller tributaries.
9. Arcadia Dunes in Michigan
Starting at the Baldy Trailhead, a 0.5 mile walk right out to Lake Michigan and a beautiful scenic overlook is a perfect trail for young families. In addition, the other loops in the “Old Baldy” trail network are great for beginners with a few segments that would classify as moderate difficulty. Hike the trails and enjoy majestic views from ‘Old Baldy’ – a dune overlooking Lake Michigan. There is no beach access.
10. Sugarloaf Train in North Carolina
This 3-mile, one-way trail provides views of lime sink ponds, carnivorous plants, birds, tidal marshes and Sugarloaf Dune where Civil War Confederate soldiers once slept. Following the water in many sections, this is a gorgeous and entertaining trail for children.
