Easy Hikes for the Entire Family
Not everyone is interested in trekking long distances or over mountains. Some of the best hikes are near campgrounds that the entire family can enjoy. Check out the following locations that offer everything from amazing views of lakes, overlooks and unique landscapes.
Petrified Dunes Trail
Where: Snow Canyon State Park, Utah
Distance: 1.2-mile
Snow Canyon is located in the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve with plenty of majestic views of rocky eroded landscape. This is a great location for those who love to hike among the soaring sandstone cliffs. You can extend this out and back hike by continuing on the moderate Butterfly and Lave Flow trails.
East Meadow Trail
Where: Heron Lake State Park, New Mexico
Distance: 2.4 miles
This easy gravel trail starts at the visitor venter and crosses meadows to the Willow Creek arm overlook of Heron Lake. The trail provides great views of the Brazos cliffs and plenty of potential for wildlife sightings. It's great for hiking, mountain bikes, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Several benches are provided to stop and admire the views.
Arboretum Loop
Where: Chicot State Park, Louisiana
Distance: 3.6 miles
This easy nature trail includes a boardwalk with bridges and dirt path through a preservation area of rolling hills and water. Educational signage is offered to identify foliage and wildlife you'll see along the way. Make sure to stop at the nature center and splash pad for the kids!
Sunset Point Trail
Where: Trinidad Lake State Park, Colorado
Distance: 2.4 miles
Sunset Point Trail is the newest trail to Trinidad Lake State Park. It offers a one-mile paved path on the South Shore leading to a shaded picnic area with great panoramic views of the lake. It is accessible to walkers, bikers, and wheelchairs.
North Rim and South Rim Trails
Where: Tallulah Gorge State Park, Georgia
Distance: 2.5 miles combined
Admire the scenic 1,000-foot deep Tallulah Gorge! The paved rim-trail provides several overlooks including views of Tallulah Falls Dam, Hurricane Falls suspension bridge, Tempesta Falls, Oceana Falls, and many cascading water views. The trail is accessible to strollers, bikers and wheelchairs. Also make sure to check out the award-winning film at the Interpretive Center to watch the history of the park and many water adventure stories.
Netarts Spit Trail
Where: Cape Lookout State Park, Oregon
Distance: 10.5 miles
This is a beautiful beachcombing walk offers endless ocean views and sights of the Three Arch Rocks. Make sure to check the tides before you go as the first section of the beach can not be hiked during high tide. When the tides are out, it opens up a 40-yard wide sandy beach allowing plenty of space for sandcastle building or to play ball for a fun day in the sun.
Pelton Pond Loop Trail
Where: Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park, New York
Distance: 1.1 miles
This family-friendly state park has great campsites with views of the pond. Fully experience the area with stroll around the water. Observe the local wildlife and pick a spot to fish for rainbow trout. Or get out on the water by renting a rowboat or kayak.
Creekfield Lake Nature Trail
Where: Brazos Bend State Park, Texas
Distance: 1/2-mile
Check out this self-guided nature tour in the wetland area of the state park. Along the way are wildlife exhibits and rest areas to enjoy the view. It is an accessible boardwalk including an observation deck for picture taking. Ask about the scavenger hunt for the kids!
Blackrock Mountain Waterfall Trail
Where: Black Rock State Park, Connecticut
Distance: 2.2 miles
Named for it's dark-colored rock formations, Black Rock State Park offers a great out and back trail that ends with a lovely view of a waterfall. The trail also provides access to the trail around Black Rock Lake. There are 75 campsites that are all within walking distance to the beach and fishing pond.
Post Oak Self-Guiding Nature Trail
Where: Elk City State Park, Kansas
Distance: 2/3-mile
The Post Oak Nature Trail is a dirt path strolling through a 200-year old forest setting near the state park dam scenic overlook. Make sure to pick up a self-guided brochure as an interpretive aid to learn more about this designated National Recreation Trail. It is located near the camping area providing easy access for those who want to extend their stay.
Chain O'Lakes Park Inside Loop
Where: Chain O'Lakes State Park, Indiana
Distance: 10.8-mile
This beautifully forested loop trail explores several lakes within the park with various levels of hiking, of which four out of 12 are considered easy. Fishing, swimming and kayak/canoe rentals are also allowed for those who want to stop and create an entire day of adventure. The trail connects with other trails to make it as long as you are comfortable going.
Check with your Local Government Organization
Many policies have been established to counter and control the coronavirus outbreak. State and local officials have been taking decisive action to stop the spread. The policies vary by state, sometimes to a great degree. When you book a reservation, make sure to review the park and state's latest rules and regulations prior to your visit.
For COVID-19 updates, please visit our Impacted Park List and Reservation Guide for the latest information.