There is a lot of data out there that getting out into nature is good for our mental health. And it is. A short hike on an easy trail is a great way to explore nature as beginner hikers. You don’t have to be hiking the Pacific Crest Trail to be a hiker or to even enjoy nature. There are so many great trails out there to explore that are easy access to all skill levels.
If you are looking to start hiking these are some of the best hiking trails in the United States for beginners. The Ozette Loop Trail being one of my favorites.
National Parks
Naturally, the national parks are a great place to start your hiking journey. You can do on a day hike in these preserved spaces, choosing either a long hike on an easy trail or a short easy hike. The options are endless.
Olympic National Park
Ozette Loop Trail
This is a great trail for all. It is 9 miles long on boardwalk and beach through old-growth forest and tide pools. Make sure to visit during low tide or you will miss the opportunity to explore the beach.
The hardest part of the trail is the beach walk because it is rocky, but you can hike this trail as fast or as slow as you want if you plan to camp. Some take 3-4 days to hike this trail just because the views are that special.
Hall of Mosses
This is the most popular destination in Olympic National Park and for good reason. The old-growth forests dripping in moss that are vibrant shades of green are incredible to see. It gets incredible busy during the summer months because it is the driest time of year in the wettest place in the US, but seeing this hike when it’s overcast and threatening rain is worth the trip.
This 0.8 mile (1.2km) hike on flat hard packed trail will take you through some of the most beautiful forest in the country. It is easily my favorite place to visit on the west coast.
Glacier National Park
Glacier is one of my favorite parks to date. There is so much to explore and every turn is a photo opportunity, it’s just that stunning.
Avalanche Lake
One of my favorite hikes in the park, this hike is 4.5 miles with 730 feet of elevation gain to the most stunning lakes I have ever seen. Bring a book, your fishing pole, and a picnic and just spend the day. It’s one of the best ways to enjoy the park in my opinion.
Hidden Lake Overlook
This is another very popular trail and the parking lot can fill up quickly, so I recommend coming in the shoulder season or getting an early start. This trail is more easy to moderate because there is a little more elevation gain to get through. The trail is 5.4 miles round trip with 1325 feet of elevation gain.
The path is hard packed and easy walking and the overlook is stunning. You might see mountain goats on this trail and other wildlife, like bears or a variety of bird species.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Clingmans Dome trail
This is the most popular trail in the park and follows a paved trail to a lookout, being the highest point in the park, gives you full 360 degree views. It is only 1 mile (1.6km) round trip but is a continuously uphill to the overlook with 337 feet of elevation gain.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Rim Trail
This is a long trail at 11 miles, but is fully paved and many will just walk as far as they want making it a shorter hike if they need to. This hike ha great views of the hoodoos and the amphitheater and is the starting point for the fairyland trail, which is one of my favorite hikes. This hike is a great option if you don’t want to do an elevation gain and still have good views of the amphitheater.
Zion National Park
Emerald Pools Trail
This is a fun trail and it’s the perfect place to test yourself. There are three different pools to visit, the first is 1.2 miles round trip with 70 feet of elevation gain, the next one is 2 miles round trip with 150 feet elevation gain, and the upper pool is 3 miles round trip with 350 feet of elevation gain.
State Parks and National Forests and Recreation Areas
Horseshoe Bend
Hiking to the overlook of Horseshoe Bend from the parking lot is 1.5 miles (2.4km) round trip with no elevation gain on a hard surface path. There are multiple covered areas with benches to get out of the sun and to sit and take in the incredible views along the way.
This is a very easy route, though it can get extremely hot in the summer and is very exposed. The best time to visit is early spring and fall to avoid the major crowds and the heat.
Ollalie State Park
Twin falls trail
This is another popular trail and gets extremely busy on weekends and holidays, but takes you to a gorgeous waterfall. This hike is 2.4 miles round-trip with minimal elevation gain at 940 feet. This is a great option for families and is very dog friendly and one of the best beginner-friendly trails.
Wharton State Forest
Batsto Lake Trail
This is one of many beginner-friendly hikes in New Jersey. It is very flat 4.1 mile round trip hike on the white sandy soil of the Pine Barrens. It is one of the easiest hikes in New Jersey, and one of the best beginner hikes in the area, as the Pine Barrens are mostly flat, so one of the best places to visit if you are just getting started.
Concluding Thoughts
There are so many options for easy hikes around the country, including local parks, such as Discovery Park in Seattle or Central Park in New York. If you are willing to look, you can always find a green space somewhere, even if it’s just a small one.
Don’t let hiking intimidate you. You don’t need difficult trails to consider yourself a hiker or to enjoy the outdoors. The outdoors is for everyone. Do the easier hikes, take a short walk in a local park, the mental health benefits are there no matter what trail you tackle.
