Discover the Best Hiking Trails in the United States National Parks

The United States National Parks System is a vast network of protected lands that offer some of the best hiking opportunities in the world! With over 84 million acres of wilderness, scenic trails, and diverse natural beauty, the National Parks are a hiker’s paradise.

Whether you’re an experienced trekker or just starting out, there’s an adventure that’s perfect for you. We have identified ten of the top national parks for hikers outlined their most iconic hikes. How many have YOU hiked?

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular destinations for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. With its stunning waterfalls, towering granite cliffs, and diverse wildlife, the park offers endless opportunities for hiking. The most popular hikes are…

Half Dome: This iconic hike is one of the most challenging and rewarding in Yosemite. The trail is approximately 16 miles round-trip and includes a steep ascent up the Half Dome cables. The views from the summit are truly breathtaking. They offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. This hike is accessed via lottery. For more information, click HERE.
Yosemite Falls: This hike is one of the park’s most popular and features views of the tallest waterfall in North America. The trail is approximately 7.2 miles round-trip and includes a steep ascent to the top of the falls. The trail is particularly scenic during the spring when the waterfall is at its peak flow. This is a hike best experienced with some pre-planning.
Mist Trail: This trail is a favorite among hikers for its views of Vernal and Nevada Falls. The trail is approximately 7.2 miles round-trip and includes steep switchbacks and rocky terrain. The trail can be crowded during peak season. It’s best to arrive early in the morning.
Glacier Point: This hike offers views of the park’s iconic granite cliffs and valleys. The trail is approximately 4 miles round-trip and includes a steep ascent to the Glacier Point lookout. The views offer panoramic scenes of Half Dome and Yosemite Valley.
Sentinel Dome: This hike is a relatively easy and short hike that offers views of Yosemite Valley and the surrounding mountains. The trail is approximately 2.2 miles round-trip and includes a gradual ascent to the summit of Sentinel Dome. The views from the summit are truly stunning making this hike a must-do for any visitor to the park. This is a top pick for family hikes in Yosemite!

Yosemite National Park offers an abundance of opportunities for hiking and exploring. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just starting out, there’s a trail for everyone in Yosemite.

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the world. Its rocky terrain, deep gorges, and stunning vistas make it a bucket-list destination for hikers and adventurers alike. These are the top hikes in Grand Canyon National Park…

Bright Angel Trail: This classic hike is one of the most popular and well-maintained trails in the park. The trail is approximately 9.5 miles from the rim to the river. It offers stunning views of the canyon’s rock formations. The trail is difficult. The portion near the canyon rim has a long series of switchbacks, but beyond the Indian Gardens Campground, it becomes more gradual and lush. Many visitors hike only the first mile of two on this trail descending into the canyon and then hiking back to the rim.
South Kaibab Trail: This trail offers some of the most breathtaking views of the canyon. The trail is approximately 6.8 miles and includes steep switchbacks. The scenery is surprisingly different from that of the Bright Angel Trail which also follows a route from the rim to the river. The trail is best done in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat of the day.
Rim Trail: This trail is a relatively easy and scenic hike that offers stunning views of the canyon. The trail is approximately 13 miles long and follows the canyon rim from Hermit’s Rest to the South Kaibab Trailhead. The trail is ideal for a leisurely stroll or a bike ride and is accessible to visitors of all ages and fitness levels. Hiking a portion of this trail is a top pick for families with young children. Just hold their hands!
Grandview Trail: This trail is a challenging and remote hike that offers more views of the canyon. The trail is approximately 6 miles round-trip and includes steep switchbacks and rugged terrain. The trail is best done in the early morning or late afternoon and is recommended for experienced hikers only.
North Kaibab Trail: This trail is one of the most challenging and rewarding hikes in the park. The trail is approximately 14 miles round-trip and includes steep switchbacks and rugged terrain. The trail is best done as an overnight hike, with camping available at the bottom of the canyon.

The Grand Canyon National Park offers an abundance of opportunities for hiking and exploring. Truth be told, the most rewarding hikes at this park are those that descend deeply into the canyon. They are challenging but worth the trek. It’s a bucket list experience that you’ll want to repeat again and again!

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is another popular destination for hikers. The park boasts an incredible variety of trails. There are easy strolls along the river and challenging hikes up steep cliffs. Some of the best hikes in Zion National Park are…

Angel’s Landing: This iconic hike is one of the most challenging and rewarding in Zion. The trail is approximately 5.4 miles round-trip and includes a steep ascent up a series of switchbacks and a narrow trail with sheer drop-offs. The views from the summit are truly breathtaking! This is such a popular trail that permits are now required to manage the crowds. Click HERE for additional information.
The Narrows: This hike is one of the park’s most popular and features unique views of the narrow slot canyon. The trail is approximately 16 miles round-trip and includes wading through the Virgin River. The trail is particularly scenic during the fall when the leaves are changing colors. Due to bacteria and water levels, it is important to follow park updates.
Observation Point: This hike offers some of the best views of the park’s canyons and valleys. The trail is approximately 8 miles round-trip and includes a steep ascent to the Observation Point lookout.
Emerald Pools: This hike is a relatively easy and short hike that offers views of waterfalls and pools. The trail is approximately 3 miles round-trip and includes a gradual ascent to the Emerald Pools. The pools are particularly scenic during the spring when the water is flowing at its peak. This is a good family hike that we took when our kids were both in elementary school. It does get very busy due to its popularity.
The Subway: This hike is a unique and challenging adventure that takes you through a narrow canyon with pools and waterfalls. The trail is approximately 9 miles round-trip and includes rappelling and swimming. The trail is recommended for experienced hikers only.

Zion National Park offers an abundance of opportunities for hiking and exploring. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or hiking with your littles, there’s a trail for everyone in Zion!

For more tips on what to do with kids at Zion, read THIS.

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a bucket list destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Known for its stunning mountain views, the park offers a variety of trails. Some of the top hikes in Glacier National Park are…

Highline Trail: This iconic trail is one of the most popular hikes in Glacier National Park. The trail is approximately 11 miles round-trip and follows the Continental Divide. It offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trail is relatively flat and easy, but much of it abuts steep drop-offs. Our son first completed this hike when he was 10-years-old, but he is highly conscientious.
Grinnell Glacier: This challenging hike is one of the most scenic in the park. The trail is approximately 7.6 miles round-trip depending on your start and end point. It includes steep switchbacks and rugged terrain. The views are unique, offering panoramic views of the surrounding glaciers and valleys. Due to snow pack, this trail often does not open until mid-July.
Iceberg Lake: This hike offers views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. The trail is approximately 9.6 miles round-trip and includes a gradual ascent to Iceberg Lake. The lake is named for the icebergs that float in its waters.
Hidden Lake: This easy and scenic hike is perfect for families and beginners. The trail is approximately 3 miles round-trip and includes a boardwalk over marshy terrain. The trailhead is at the Logan Pass Visitor Center. Parking is always a challenge, but the wildlife never disappoints! This is my favorite hike in the park, and it’s accessibility for kids means that I have an entire portfolio of special memories on this trail!
Ptarmigan Tunnel: This challenging hike offers views of the park’s rugged terrain and valleys. The trail is approximately 10.3 miles round-trip and includes a steep ascent up a series of switchbacks and a tunnel that was blasted through the mountainside. The views from the top offer panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

It is important to note that the park now requires vehicle permits for Going To The Sun Road, a necessary access point to many park hikes. Glacier National Park offers an abundance of opportunities for hiking and exploring. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just starting out, there’s a trail for everyone in Glacier National Park.

For more kids’ fun at Glacier, read THIS! For fun in Whitefish, one of Glacier’s gateway towns, read HERE.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is a favorite destination for most serious hikers. Known for its rugged peaks, alpine lakes, and meadows filled with wildflowers, the park offers an incredible (I would say “BEST”) variety of trails from easy strolls to challenging multi-day hikes. The most popular hikes in this park include…

Longs Peak: This challenging hike is one of the most iconic in the park. The trail is approximately 14.5 miles round-trip and includes a steep ascent to the summit of Longs Peak, one of the park’s tallest peaks. This is one of Colorado’s famouse “14ers.” Please do your research before attempting this challenge.
Chasm Lake: This moderate hike offers views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. The trail is approximately 8.5 miles round-trip and includes a gradual ascent to Chasm Lake. The lake is named for the chasm that surrounds it.
Sky Pond: This challenging hike offers views of the park’s rugged terrain and valleys. The trail is approximately 9 miles round-trip and includes a steep ascent up a series of switchbacks and a waterfall.
Emerald Lake: This easy and scenic hike is perfect for families and beginners. The trail is approximately 3.6 miles round-trip and includes a gradual ascent through aspen groves and pine forests to Emerald Lake. This hike gets very crowded, but it is still loads of fun for families!
Bear Lake: This easy and popular hike is perfect for families and beginners. The trail is approximately 0.8 miles round-trip and includes a gradual ascent through aspen groves to Bear Lake. This is also a great, beginner-friendly trail for snowshoeing!

Note that permits are now required for road access up to the Bear Lake section of the park. Many of the park’s most popular hikes start from trailheads accessed via this roadway. For more information on obtaining your pass, click HERE.

Rocky Mountain National Park offers an abundance of opportunities for hiking and exploring. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just starting out, there’s a trail for everyone in Rocky Mountain National Park.

For our best tips on other kid-friendly hikes in this park read HERE. For what else to do with kids at Rocky Mountain, read THIS. Read MORE for how to enjoy the special gateway town of Estes Park, CO!

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a stunning destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Located on Mount Desert Island in Maine, the park offers an incredible variety of trails. It boasts strolls, challenging obstacles, and endless family friendly adventure! The most popular hikes are…

Precipice Trail: This challenging hike is one of the most iconic in the park. The trail is approximately 1.8 miles round-trip and includes steep climbs, narrow ledges, and iron rungs to climb up. The views from the top are truly breathtaking. This is a good challenge for teens and tweens.
Jordan Pond Path: This easy and scenic hike is perfect for families and beginners. The trail is approximately 3.4 miles round-trip and includes a leisurely stroll around Jordan Pond. Make sure you stop at Jordan Pond House for some popovers while you’re in the area!
Cadillac Mountain Summit Loop: This moderate hike offers views of the park’s rugged terrain and valleys. The trail is approximately 7.5 miles round-trip and includes a gradual ascent to the summit of Cadillac Mountain. This hike offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
Beehive Trail: This challenging hike offers views of the park’s coastline. The trail is approximately 1.4 miles round-trip and includes steep climbs, narrow ledges, and iron rungs to climb up. The views from the top are truly breathtaking. We rank Beehive as slightly less challenging than Precipice, so teens and tweens tend to enjoy it.
Ocean Path: This easy and scenic hike is perfect for families and beginners. The trail is approximately 4 miles round-trip and includes a leisurely stroll along the coastline. This hike offers panoramic views of the surrounding cliffs, coves, and the ocean.

The park now requires vehivcle passes for Cadillac Summit Road between May and October. For more information click HERE.

Acadia National Park offers an abundance of opportunities for hiking and exploring. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just starting out, there’s a trail for everyone in Acadia National Park.

For fun with kids in Acadia, read THIS. For how to enjoy the great, gateway town of Bar Harbor, read THIS.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its diverse flora and fauna, scenic waterfalls, and historic structures. The park offers an incredible variety of trails, from easy strolls to challenging multi-day hikes. Some of the best hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park are…

Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte: This challenging hike is one of the most iconic in the park. The trail is approximately 11 miles round-trip and includes a steep ascent to the summit of Mount LeConte, one of the highest peaks in the park. You can do a portion of this trail and end at Alum Cave, if you choose. We did this with our kids, and it was enjoyable for all.
Abrams Falls Trail: This hike offers stunning views of the park’s rugged terrain and valleys. The trail is approximately 5 miles round-trip. The falls are named for Cherokee Chief Abram and offer a unique backdrop for hikers.
Rainbow Falls Trail: This ike offers views of the park’s rocky terrain and valleys. The trail is approximately 5.5 miles round-trip and includes a steep ascent to Rainbow Falls. The falls are named for the rainbow that appears in the mist on sunny afternoons. It is a universal favorite.
Laurel Falls Trail: This easy and popular hike is perfect for families and beginners. The trail is approximately 2.6 miles round-trip and includes a gradual ascent through forests to Laurel Falls.
Clingmans Dome Trail: This moderate hike offers sweeping views of the park. The trail is approximately 1 mile round-trip and includes a steep ascent to Clingmans Dome, one of the highest peaks in the park. This trail is often closed during the winter months and opens again in April. Sorry, fellow Texans! It’s a no-go for Clingman’s Dome during our early spring breaks!

Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers an abundance of opportunities for hiking and exploring. This is a great family hiking park, and we hope you enjoy it with the kids you love!

For our top tips for what to do with kids at this park, read HERE.

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a spectacular destination for hiking enthusiasts. It is renowned for its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and ancient forests. It boasts over 600 miles of trails! The most popular hikes are…

Hurricane Ridge Trail: (Pictured above.) This popular trail is approximately 3 miles round-trip and is suitable for hikers of all skill levels. It offers stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and surrounding valleys. In the summer, wildflowers bloom along the trail, adding to its beauty.
Sol Duc Falls Trail: This 1.6-mile round-trip hike takes you to the stunning Sol Duc Falls. The trail passes through dense old-growth forest and offers views of the falls from several vantage points. This rainforest hike is a MUST for families!
Hoh River Trail: This 17.4-mile round-trip hike takes you through some of the most beautiful forests in the park. The trail follows the Hoh River and passes through ancient forests of Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and Douglas fir. You’ll also have the chance to see some of the park’s wildlife including elk and black bears.
Shi Shi Beach Trail: This 8.2-mile round-trip hike takes you to one of the most beautiful beaches in the park. The trail passes through forests and rocky terrain before reaching the beach. Once there you can explore tidal pools and rock formations or simply relax on the sand.
Ozette Loop Trail: This 9.4-mile loop hike takes you through some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in the park. The trail passes through ancient forests and over boardwalks before reaching the beach.

Olympic National Park is a hiker’s paradise with an abundance of trails and stunning scenery. Whatever you do, be sure you select at least one hike from each region of the park: coastal, rainforest, and alpine! It makes for a unique and memorable adventure!

For our quick guide to Olympic National Park, read THIS.

Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park is located in southwestern Texas and offers a variety of hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts. The park has over 150 miles of trails ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous mountain hikes. Some of the most popular hikes are…

Lost Mine Trail: This popular 4.8-mile round-trip hike takes you to the top of a mountain with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area. The trail is moderately difficult and passes through pine forests and rocky terrain before reaching the summit. This is a must for families!
Santa Elena Canyon Trail: This 1.7-mile round-trip hike takes you through one of the most stunning canyons in the park. The trail follows the Rio Grande River and offers breathtaking views of the canyon walls. The trail is relatively easy and suitable for hikers of all levels. This is also a must for families, but check water levels and trailhead access at a ranger station first. During high waters, it can be difficult or impossible to access.
Emory Peak Trail: This challenging 9.4-mile round-trip hike takes you to the highest point in the park. The trail is steep and rocky, and hikers will need to scramble up boulders to reach the summit. However, the views from the top are worth the effort.
South Rim Trail: This 12.6-mile round-trip hike takes you along the rim of the Chisos Mountains and offers stunning views of the park’s landscapes. The trail is challenging and includes steep inclines and rocky terrain, but the views from the top are breathtaking.
Window Trail: This 5.6-mile round-trip hike takes you to a natural window in the Chisos Mountains with views of the surrounding desert landscape. The trail is moderately easy and passes through shady forests and dry washes before reaching the Window. The Window is truly a magical scene for any hiker, and the trek is worth taking for its view!

Big Bend National Park offers a variety of hiking trails for all skill levels. From challenging mountain hikes to easy nature walks, there is a trail for everyone in this beautiful park.

Read more about our top 10 things to do at Big Bend!

Arches National Park

Arches National Park, located in Utah, is a geological marvel and a paradise for hikers. With over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, towering spires, and breathtaking vistas, the park offers some of the most stunning hikes in the world. Some of the best hikes in Arches includ…

Delicate Arch: This iconic hike is a must-do for any visitor to Arches National Park. The trail is 3 miles round trip, and the highlight of the hike is the stunning Delicate Arch, a 65-foot freestanding arch that seems to defy gravity. The first portion of the trail leads you up a steep and bald rock face, but rest assured that it is the most difficult part!
Devils Garden: The Devils Garden Trail is a 7.2-mile loop that takes hikers through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Arches National Park. The trail is a bit challenging, with steep climbs and narrow ledges, but the scenery is well worth the effort. Along the way, hikers will see several arches, including the Landscape Arch, which is the longest natural arch in North America. This is doable but a bigger challenge for kids.
Fiery Furnace: The Fiery Furnace is a bit challenging as it requires climbing, crawling, and squeezing through narrow passages, but the experience is truly unforgettable. It does require a permit. Read my post about why it is the best family hike in Arches HERE.
Park Avenue: The Park Avenue Trail is a 2-mile round trip that takes hikers through a spectacular canyon with towering rock formations on both sides. The trail is relatively easy, with a well-defined path and only a few steep sections. The highlight of the hike is the view of the Courthouse Towers, a series of sandstone spires that rise dramatically above the canyon floor.
Balanced Rock: The Balanced Rock Trail is a short hike, more like a path, that takes visitors to one of the most iconic landmarks in Arches National Park. The trail is only 0.3 miles round trip, and the highlight is the Balanced Rock. Balanced Rock is a massive boulder perched precariously on a slender pedestal. This is one of the most photographed spots in the park.

Arches National Park offers some of the most breathtaking hikes in the world. From the iconic Delicate Arch to the maze-like Fiery Furnace, there is something for every level of hiker at this park.

For more on how to get your kids excited about a trip to Arches, read HERE.

So, go ahead, create your hiking with list! What hikes have you already taken, and what are you excited to plan? We hope these lists inspired you to get out and plan your next adventure in our United States National Parks!

EDsplorerJen