Best Hiking Trails for Beginners

Not every hike needs to be a tough climb. If you’re just starting out, it’s best to try shorter, easier trails to build your fitness and confidence. Here are ten beginner-friendly hikes across America that offer stunning views without the intense challenges.

Lassen Peak Trail
- Where: Lassen Volcanic National Park, CA
- Distance: 5 miles round trip
- Best for: Beginners wanting to summit a volcano.
This short, manageable hike leads you to the top of Lassen Peak, a still-active volcano. It’s a rewarding climb with amazing views. [#LassenPeakTrail #VolcanoHike #BeginnerHiking]
North Vista Trail
- Where: Black Canyon, CO
- Distance: 3 miles round trip
- Best for: Stunning canyon views.
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Black Canyon’s cliffs and the Gunnison River on this easy hike. [#NorthVistaTrail #CanyonViews #EasyHike]
Glacier Point Trail
- Where: Yosemite Valley, CA
- Distance: 1 mile round trip
- Best for: A simpler alternative to Half Dome.
This short trail offers incredible panoramic views of Yosemite’s iconic peaks and valleys. [#GlacierPoint #YosemiteViews #BeginnerTrail]
Coastal Trail
- Where: Cutler, ME
- Distance: 2.8 miles round trip
- Best for: Ocean views and rugged cliffs.
This easy trail provides gorgeous views of the Maine coast, with unique sights like cedar swamps and ocean cliffs. [#CoastalTrail #MaineHiking #OceanViews]
Frozen Niagara Cave
- Where: Mammoth Cave National Park, KY
- Distance: 0.25 miles round trip
- Best for: Family-friendly cave exploration.
This short cave tour is great for kids, featuring fascinating rock formations and a manageable trail. [#FrozenNiagara #CaveHike #FamilyFriendly]
Templeton Trail
- Where: Coconino National Forest, AZ
- Distance: 7 miles round trip
- Best for: Views of Sedona’s red rock.
A relatively easy hike around Cathedral Rock, offering classic red rock views and open landscapes. [#TempletonTrail #SedonaViews #RedRock]
Ewoldsen Trail
- Where: Big Sur, CA
- Distance: 5 miles round trip
- Best for: Scenic views of Big Sur.
Enjoy beautiful ocean views, redwood groves, and a nearby waterfall on this lovely loop. [#EwoldsenTrail #BigSurHiking #ScenicViews]
Wildcat Den Trail
- Where: Wildcat Den State Park, IA
- Distance: 4 miles round trip
- Best for: Fall hikes with vibrant foliage.
A perfect autumn hike featuring rock formations, cliffs, and wildflowers. [#WildcatDenTrail #FallHike #IowaOutdoors]
Rubicon Trail
- Where: South Lake Tahoe, CA
- Distance: 8 miles round trip
- Best for: Lake views and summer picnics.
This trail offers stunning lake views and easy access to beaches for a refreshing summer outing. [#RubiconTrail #LakeTahoe #SummerHiking]
Hoh River Trail
- Where: Olympic National Park, WA
- Distance: 6 miles round trip
- Best for: Rainforest scenery without steep inclines.
Explore lush rainforests with minimal elevation gain. Extend your hike for even more breathtaking views. [#HohRiverTrail #RainforestHike #OlympicNationalPark]