Hiking in National Parks can seem intimidating, especially if you’re new to the trails or traveling with family. But you don’t need to summit mountains or tackle long, strenuous routes to experience incredible scenery. From towering waterfalls and lush forests to desert landscapes and iconic rock formations, many parks offer easy national park hikes that are short, accessible, and packed with rewards.
After exploring over 50 National Parks, we’ve curated a list of the best easy national park hikes—perfect for first-time hikers, families, or anyone looking for a lighter adventure. Whether you have an hour or a full afternoon, these trails deliver memorable views without the sweat.
How to Find Easy National Park Hikes
Use National Park Service (NPS) Websites
Every park has an official NPS website where you can find trail maps, difficulty ratings, and up-to-date conditions. Look for hikes labeled “easy” or “accessible” as a safe starting point for beginner-friendly adventures.
Talk to Park Rangers or Visitor Center Staff
Park rangers are an excellent resource. They can suggest short scenic loops, overlook trails, or paths with minimal elevation gain. Rangers also provide real-time updates on trail closures, conditions, or areas to avoid, helping you plan a safe and enjoyable hike.
Use AllTrails or Hiking Apps
Apps like AllTrails, Gaia GPS, or similar platforms let you filter trails by difficulty, distance, and terrain. User reviews and photos give valuable insight into what to expect, making it easier to avoid hikes that are steeper or more rugged than advertised. Download AllTrails today!
Ask Locals or Fellow Visitors
Sometimes the best easy hikes aren’t widely advertised but are known to locals or recent visitors. Asking someone who’s recently explored the park can help you discover short loops with amazing views that are less crowded.
The Best Easy National Park Hikes
1. Trail of the Cedars – Glacier National Park
- Distance & Difficulty: 0.8 miles loop, paved, easy
- Highlights: Ancient cedar and western red cedar trees, mossy wetlands, boardwalk trail
- Insider Tip: Combine with Avalanche Lake trailhead if you want a slightly longer walk
2. General Grant Tree Trail – Kings Canyon National Park
- Distance & Difficulty: 0.5 miles loop, easy
- Highlights: See one of the largest trees in the world, giant sequoias, peaceful forest
- Insider Tip: Visit early to avoid crowds and enjoy quiet time with the trees
3. Badwater Basin – Death Valley National Park
- Distance & Difficulty: Varies, mostly flat salt flats, easy
- Highlights: Lowest point in North America, otherworldly desert landscapes, panoramic vistas
- Insider Tip: Go early morning or late afternoon to avoid extreme heat
4. Rim Trail – Crater Lake National Park
- Distance & Difficulty: 1–2 miles (choose a short section), easy
- Highlights: Stunning views of Crater Lake’s deep blue waters, volcanic cliffs
- Insider Tip: Bring sun protection—there’s little shade along the rim
5. Hall of Mosses – Olympic National Park
- Distance & Difficulty: 0.8 miles loop, easy
- Highlights: Lush rainforest, moss-covered trees, boardwalk trail, great photography spot
- Insider Tip: Visit after rain for the moss to really pop
6. Rim Trail – Bryce Canyon National Park
- Distance & Difficulty: 1 mile round trip, mostly flat, easy
- Highlights: Iconic Bryce Canyon hoodoos, panoramic canyon views, sunrise/sunset vistas
- Insider Tip: Sunrise is magical, but morning crowds arrive quickly
7. Lower Yosemite Fall Trail – Yosemite National Park
- Distance & Difficulty: 1 mile loop, paved, easy
- Highlights: Spectacular waterfall views, iconic Yosemite scenery, accessible path
- Insider Tip: Early morning offers better lighting for photos and fewer crowds
8. Rim Trail (short section) – Grand Canyon National Park
- Distance & Difficulty: 1–2 miles, mostly flat, easy
- Highlights: Classic Grand Canyon views without steep descents
- Insider Tip: Stick to the South Rim for the most accessible sections. Mather Point to Bright Angel Trailhead is 6 miles round trip but you don’t have to do the entire thing to see some amazing views.
9. Ocean Path – Acadia National Park
- Distance & Difficulty: 4 miles round trip, easy, mostly flat
- Highlights: Coastal cliffs, ocean views, tide pools, lighthouse in the distance
- Insider Tip: Late afternoon light gives the best photo opportunities
10. Bear Lake Loop – Rocky Mountain National Park
- Distance & Difficulty: 0.6 miles, easy
- Highlights: Serene lake, mountain reflections, easy loop for all skill levels
- Insider Tip: Arrive early to secure parking, especially in summer
11. Hidden Valley Trail – Joshua Tree National Park
- Distance & Difficulty: 1 mile loop, easy
- Highlights: Classic desert rock formations, boulder scrambling for fun photos, unique desert flora
- Insider Tip: Midday can be hot; mornings are best for comfort
12. Stony Man Trail – Shenandoah National Park
- Distance & Difficulty: 1.6 miles round trip, easy/moderate
- Highlights: Panoramic mountain summit views, wildflowers in spring
- Insider Tip: Shorter trails like this are perfect for sunset views without a long hike
13. Balanced Rock Loop – Arches National Park
- Distance & Difficulty: 0.3 miles, easy
- Highlights: Iconic rock formations, accessible paved trail, perfect for a quick stop
- Insider Tip: Great for sunrise or sunset photos with minimal walking
14. Jenny Lake Loop (partial) – Grand Teton National Park
- Distance & Difficulty: 3–5 miles (partial), easy
- Highlights: Lakeside views, dramatic mountain backdrop, wildlife spotting opportunities
- Insider Tip: Shorten to a lakeside walk for the ultimate beginner-friendly experience
15. Laurel Falls Trail – Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Distance & Difficulty: 2.6 miles round trip, paved, easy
- Highlights: Waterfall views, forested trail, very family-friendly
- Insider Tip: Early morning avoids crowds; parking fills fast in peak season
16. Trail of the Giants – Sequoia National Park
- Distance & Difficulty: 1.5 miles loop, easy
- Highlights: Massive sequoias, shaded forest, interpretive signs
- Insider Tip: Visit in the morning or evening to enjoy cooler temperatures
17. Marymere Falls Trail – Olympic National Park
- Distance & Difficulty: 1.8 miles round trip, easy
- Highlights: Waterfall in lush forest, mossy landscapes, gentle stream crossings
- Insider Tip: Wear waterproof shoes in wet months; trail can get muddy
18. Canyon Overlook Trail – Zion National Park
- Distance & Difficulty: 1 mile round trip, easy/moderate
- Highlights: Stunning canyon views, short but rewarding climb
- Insider Tip: Avoid midday for heat and harsh lighting
19. Anhinga Trail – Everglades National Park
- Distance & Difficulty: 0.8 miles loop, flat and paved, very easy
- Highlights: Iconic wetlands, great chance to see alligators, wading birds, and other wildlife up close
- Insider Tip: Early morning or late afternoon is best for wildlife sightings and cooler temperatures
20. Blue Mesa Trail – Petrified Forest National Park
- Distance & Difficulty: 1 mile loop, mostly easy with a gentle descent at the start
- Highlights: Colorful badlands of the Painted Desert, scattered petrified wood, and stunning blue, purple, and gray clay hills
- Insider Tip: Visit early in the day to avoid heat and capture the best light for photos
Why Easy National Park Hikes Are Worth Your Time
Easy National Park hikes prove that you don’t need to be an experienced hiker to experience amazing scenery, wildlife, and iconic landscapes. Short, beginner-friendly trails can be just as rewarding as longer routes, allowing you to enjoy nature at your own pace.
Whether you’re visiting Glacier, Yosemite, Bryce Canyon, or any of the 50+ parks we’ve explored, these easy hikes are perfect for building confidence, taking incredible photos, and creating lasting memories. Start with one, and you may find yourself ready for longer adventures sooner than you think!
Ready to plan your National Park trip? Check out more of our posts on the parks!