National Take a Hike Day: 23 Trails for the Whole Family
To encourage people to hit the trail, November 17th is National Take a Hike Day. Because everyone in your family - from the newest to oldest members - should enjoy a nature walk, we’ve chosen 23 trails the whole crew can enjoy in your area or on a camping trip. Each of these trails are designated as easy and have noteworthy features, like waterfalls, scenic views or wildlife viewing opportunities. Get your family hiking this National Take a Hike Day - or any time of year - with these family-friendly hikes!
1. Kansas: Prairie Dog State Park
Vast prairie lands characterize northern Kansas. The flat, wide spaces are perfect for family hiking:
Prairie Dog Nature Trail
Distance: 1.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 49 ft
Type: Loop
Why we love it: Views of the lake and prairie dog sighting opportunities
Nicodemus Walking Tour
Distance: 1.0 mile
Elevation Gain: 13 ft
Type: Loop
Why we love it: Getting to see the historical structures that the trail weaves through
Prairie Walking Trail
Distance: .4 miles
Elevation Gain: 19 ft
Type: Loop
Why we love it: Views of lake and wildlife viewing opportunities
Where to Camp: Prairie Dog State Park
2. Utah: Deer Creek State Park
This park features a reservoir, making it a popular spot for camping and water sports. There are plenty of family-friendly hiking options as well:
Cascade Springs Interpretive Trail
Distance: .8 miles
Elevation Gain: 88 ft
Type: Loop
Why we love it: The trail has benches and features a waterfall and wildflowers in the spring
Bridal Veil Falls Trail
Distance: 1.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 114 ft
Type: Out and Back
Why we love it: There is a fish pond near the trailhead where children can feed the fish. We also love that the trail goes to a 607 ft waterfall
Horse Flat, Horse Spring and Lame Horse Trail Loop
Distance: 2.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 521 ft
Type: Loop
Why we love it: Walk by beautiful aspens and through a series of meadows
Trail 159
Distance: 2.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 488 ft
Type: Out and back
Why we love it: It passes through a series of meadows and wildlife viewing
Where to Camp: Deer Creek State Park
3. Oregon: Cove Palisades State Park
A somewhat arid region interspersed with lakes, rivers, and mountains, Central Oregon is an outdoors person’s paradise. Get out and enjoy this special landscape during a family hike on one of these trails:
The Chute
Distance: .5 miles
Elevation Gain: 167 ft
Type: Out and back
Why we love it: Excellent river views and bird watching opportunities
Wolf Tree Trail
Distance: 2.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 255 ft
Type: Out and back
Why we love it: River views and bird watching opportunities
Rim Rock Trail
Distance: 1.0 miles
Elevation Gain: 22 ft
Type: Out and Back
Why we love it: Great views of majestic Smith Rock and river
Rimrock Springs Natural Area
Distance: 1.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 196 ft
Type: Out and back
Why we love it: Views of both marshes and mountains, and wildflowers when in season
Where to Camp: Cove Palisades State Park
4. Colorado: Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Although Golden Gate Canyon State Park is known for its beautifully rugged scenery, there are many short, low-elevation hikes in the area:
Dude’s Fishing Hole
Distance: 0.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 147 ft
Type: Out and back
Why we love it: Very scenic view of alpine peaks and features a lake
Upper Mule Deer Trail
Distance: 3.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 501 ft
Type: Out and back
Why we love it: Great views, plenty of shade, and the trail winds through meadows and aspen
Blue Grouse Trail
Distance: 1.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 249 ft
Type: Out and back
Why we love it: Connects to other nearby trails for longer loops, great fall foliage, and summer wildflowers
Where to Camp: Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Recommended: 10 More Family-Friendly Hikes in the West
5. Texas: Stephen F. Austin State Park
Located less than an hour’s drive from Houston, this state park boasts a lot of wildlife viewing opportunities and well-manicured campsites:
Cottonwood Brazos River Loop
Distance: 2.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 52 ft
Type: Loop
Why we love it: The trail partially follows the Brazos River and old cottonwoods grow alongside the trail
Ironwood and Pileated Trail
Distance: 1.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 19 ft
Type: Loop
Why we love it: The beautiful river views and it’s great for bird watching
Opossum Loop
Distance: .6 miles
Elevation Gain: 9 ft
Type: Loop
Why we love it: Wildlife viewing opportunities. It can also be interconnected with other trails
Deer Walk Trail and Sycamore
Distance: 1.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 252 ft
Type: Out and back
Why we love it: Very scenic with views of waterfalls and surrounding peaks
Copperhead Trail
Distance: 2.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 62 ft
Type: Out and back
Why we love it: The great river views and wildlife viewing opportunities
Where to Camp: Stephen F. Austin State Park
6. New York: Allegany State Park
This large 65,000-acre park is beloved for its forested valleys, wildlife, and fall foliage. There are also hundreds of miles of trails for family hiking, including these options:
Blacksnake Mountain Trail
Distance: 2.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 377 ft
Type: Loop
Why we love it: The ability to stand in two states at once - NY and PN!
Sweetwater Loop
Distance: 3.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 285 ft
Type: Loop
Why we love it: Wildlife viewing and birding watching opportunities
Quaker Lake
Distance: 3.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 26 ft
Type: Loop
Why we love it: The trail follows the perimeter of a lake and is great for bird watching
North County Trail (Coon Run Road to Lean-To)
Distance: 2.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 305 ft
Type: Out and back
Why we love it: A beautiful forest setting with foot bridges
Where to Camp: Allegany State Park Cottages
Recommended: 6 Hikes to Get in This Fall