Top Hiking Routes for Beginners
Hiking presents a great opportunity to connect with nature and stay physically active. For beginners, choosing the right trail can make all the difference. The following is a curated list of some of the best hiking routes ideal for those new to the trail. These routes offer manageable distances, relatively easy terrain, and plenty of natural beauty.
Bear Mountain Loop, New York
Located in Bear Mountain State Park, this loop trail is an excellent choice for those just getting started. The trail spans about 4 miles, offering scenic views, wooded paths, and an elevation gain that’s manageable. It also includes the Perkins Memorial Tower for panoramic views.
Runyon Canyon, California
Runyon Canyon is one of Los Angeles’ most popular hiking spots. Its 3-mile loop offers a gradual incline, making it accessible for beginners. Known for its accessible trails and stunning views of the city, this route is great for a casual hike with friends or family.
Garden of the Gods, Colorado
This public park in Colorado Springs features breathtaking rock formations and several easy trails. The Perkins Central Garden Trail is a 1.5-mile paved path that is both stroller and wheelchair accessible. Beginners can enjoy awe-inspiring red rock formations while walking on a user-friendly path.
Arthur’s Seat, Scotland
This ancient volcano located in Edinburgh offers a well-signposted 2.6-mile loop trail. The hike is relatively easy, providing outstanding views of the city once you reach the summit. A perfect blend of cultural history and natural beauty awaits.
Muir Woods, California
Muir Woods National Monument offers several easy trails among towering redwoods. The 2-mile Main Trail Loop provides a relatively flat and shaded path, making it suitable for beginners. The serene environment offers a peaceful hiking experience.
Pinnacles National Park, California
The Moses Spring and Rim Trail Loop is 2.2 miles long, featuring fascinating rock structures and caves. This trail is accessible year-round, with the brushy terrain providing ample shade and bird-watching opportunities.
Torrey Pines Reserve, California
The Beach Trail in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a 3-mile out-and-back trail. It gradually descends through coastal landscape, ending at a scenic beach. The trail offers stunning ocean views and is relatively simple to navigate.
Twin Falls Trail, Washington
This 3.6-mile round-trip trail near North Bend is fairly straightforward, guiding hikers to two stunning waterfalls. The trail is well-maintained and offers a mix of wooden bridges, forest paths, and river views.
Mount Monadnock, New Hampshire
White Dot Trail on Mount Monadnock provides a slightly challenging yet beginner-friendly 2.1-mile path. Although it can be steep in parts, the well-marked trail rewards hikers with panoramic views from the summit.
Trillium Lake, Oregon
This accessible 2-mile loop trail around Trillium Lake offers beautiful views of Mount Hood. The terrain is relatively flat and ideal for beginners. The lake and surrounding forests provide a picturesque backdrop.
Sedona’s Bell Rock Pathway, Arizona
The Bell Rock Pathway offers a 3.6-mile round-trip hike that is perfect for beginners. This trail in the stunning red rock region of Sedona provides gentle slopes and striking views of Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte.
Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail, Maine
Located in Acadia National Park, this 3.5-mile route offers a gentle incline with beautiful vistas. The trail is well-marked and showcases the rugged coastline of Maine, making it a fantastic option for new hikers.
Elk Meadow Park, Colorado
Situated in Evergreen, the 4.7-mile Bergen Peak Meadow View Trail is optimal for those looking to start hiking. The trail offers several switchbacks, a moderate incline, and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and meadows.
Griffith Observatory Trail, California
This 2.5-mile out-and-back trail leads to Griffith Observatory. The route offers a moderate gradient and breathtaking views of Los Angeles. Perfect for those interested in combining exercise with a bit of astronomy.
Cades Cove Loop Road, Tennessee
This trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers an 11-mile loop that is suitable for biking or hiking. The well-paved road makes it accessible and features historic cabins, churches, and a variety of wildlife.
Glyndwr’s Way, Wales
A segment of Glyndwr’s Way near Machynlleth offers a gentle 2-mile hike across pastoral landscapes. The route is relatively flat and passes historical landmarks and scenic views, ideal for those new to hiking in the UK.
Eklutna Lake Trail, Alaska
This 13-mile trail features stunning lakeside views. Beginners can choose to hike shorter sections of the trail. The route is usually flat and well-maintained, ideal for those who prefer longer, albeit less challenging hikes.
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