Study Reveals Best U.S. Hiking Trails for Beginners

Hiking shouldn’t just be an activity restricted for adults or older children. In fact, there’s many U.S. hiking trails ideal for both beginners and young hikers wanting their first taste of hiking adventures.

So, where should your family travel with first-timers or young hikers?

Ledges Trail, Ohio

This trail ranks as the best for beginners. Located in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, this 2.4-mile loop takes less than an hour to complete, meaning even the youngest of hikers won’t get too bored. The trail is also free to access, open 24 hours and enjoys mild temperatures.

Horseshoe Bend Trail, Arizona

This paved, 1.5-mile roundtrip is both easy to hike and has some of the most spectacular sights. The trail can be completed in about 35 minutes, and is free to access.

Mount Tammany, New Jersey

In Delaware Water Gap, this 2.6-mile loop may be a bit longer and steeper than others on this list, but it is great for beginners wishing for more of a challenge. Free to enter, this trail is open 24 hours a day and consistently receives high ratings from visitors.

Other highly rated hiking trails for beginners include Red Rocks Trading Post Trail, Colorado; Lower Yosemite Falls Trail, California; Lands End Trail, California; Devil’s Bridge via Mescal Trailhead, Arizona; Discovery Park and Lighthouse Loop, Washington; Saint Mary’s Glacier, Colorado; and Zion Canyon Overlook Trail, Utah.

These findings were compiled by InsureMyTrip. The study analyzed 49 trails across the United States, factoring elements like hike rating, trail popularity, distance, estimated time, elevation, proximity to nearest towns, opening times and costs.