When you hike with your family, the focus is on fun, adventure, and bonding. Whether you’re taking a weekend trip to a nearby state park or planning an extensive summer vacation in a national park, here are some of the best places in the US to go hiking with your family.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina, is home to the most diverse collection of plants and animals found anywhere in the world. Hiking through this national park offers a chance to relax and find peace under the forest canopy and on the mountain trails.
The closer you get to the southern border of Tennessee, the deeper into the Appalachian Mountains you travel. Rising over 6,000 feet above sea level, this park is home to dozens of waterfalls and multiple peaks—many over 5,000 feet tall. For serious hikers, there are more than 800 miles of trails to explore. As for beginners, there's still plenty to see and do.
The mountain ranges and trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park provide something for everyone and are a guaranteed crowd pleaser. The most popular trails include Clingmans Dome, Little Creek Falls, and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, which all provide stunning views of the Smoky Mountains.
Since there are so many trails to check out, you’d want to stay there for at least a couple of days. For that, you can explore one of the many Great Smoky Mountain cabin rentals. These rental cabins come with all the modern amenities you could ask for while making sure you’re surrounded by nature in a serene environment. The rent is affordable, and there are several cabin styles for you to choose from.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone is the largest publicly owned national park in the country, featuring more than 20,000 miles of trails. The terrain varies from rolling hills to steep mountain peaks and everything in between. The terrain makes it relatively easy for people of all fitness levels to find a path that’s right for them.
Yellowstone National Park is a prime destination for hikers and families alike. Newcomers to the park can look forward to hiking along the famous Yellowstone scenic trails, while more experienced mountain climbers can enjoy classes at Yellowstone Institute that teach the ins and outs of backcountry camping, wilderness skills, and all things outdoors.
Lake Tahoe
As the oldest and deepest of the Tahoe area's famous lakes, Lake Tahoe is not only one of the most beautiful in America but also one of the most pristine. While several trails wind through its groves of pine trees and across its rugged granite peaks, it's hard to find a better place for a family hike than the shores of Lake Tahoe.
Among the most scenic and family-friendly destinations in the country, Lake Tahoe is a hidden gem that offers a variety of hiking trails for all ages. It’s an excellent way to reconnect with your family. With so much natural beauty and fewer crowds than Yosemite, you can feel closer to nature without the hustle and bustle of other California destinations.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Hiking is a great way to get your children outside and active. Whether you’re looking for a strenuous hike that includes hard trail work and mountain climbing, or a leisurely stroll through the woods with plenty of stops along the way, there are trails in Colorado that fit every family’s style.
Rocky Mountain National Park is a popular Colorado hiking site. The park features 415 miles of trails and high-altitude alpine peaks, like Longs Peak, which rises to 14,259 feet in elevation. Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park is an adventure unlike any other. The local wildlife ranges from chipmunks and deer to mountain lions, wild bighorn sheep, and elk.
The Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is a testament to the fact that hiking can be done anywhere, as long as you have a sense of adventure. The National Park Service says its trails range from beginner difficulty to expert difficulty, meaning every member of your family will be able to find a hike they enjoy.
Wander across the colorful landscape of the Grand Canyon, then look up to see eagles soaring overhead or deer grazing on terraced canyon rims. It’s a hiking experience you can’t get anywhere else on earth. If you love hiking, you will love these places in the US to go hiking with your family. These are some of the most attractive destinations to hike in America and will allow you to feel as though you are in a completely different world than where you normally live. If you are looking for a new place to explore, consider any of these options for your next great adventure.
