Hiking Adventures
Browse 145 kid-friendly hiking adventures across Hawaii, New York, Oklahoma, & Texas.
Hiking with kids doesn’t have to mean an epic backcountry trek. The best family hikes are the ones where kids can explore, discover, and feel a sense of accomplishment - whether that’s a quarter-mile nature trail or a summit scramble up Enchanted Rock.
Tips for Hiking with Kids
Match the trail to the youngest hiker. A general rule: kids can comfortably hike about 1 mile per year of age. A 4-year-old can do 4 miles on a good day, but 2 miles is more realistic with stops. Start short and build up.
Let kids set the pace. The point isn’t to cover distance - it’s to let kids engage with what they see. Rocks, bugs, creek crossings, and weird trees are the real destinations. Build in time for exploration.
Bring more water than you think. For Texas trails, pack at least 16 oz per person per hour. Frozen water bottles are great - they keep the pack cold and melt into refreshing ice water.
Pick trails with a payoff. Kids do better when there’s something to look forward to - a waterfall, a swimming hole, a viewpoint, or a cool rock formation. Trails that end at “the car” are harder to sell.
Best Seasons for Family Hiking
Spring (March-May) is the sweet spot in Texas - wildflowers are blooming, temperatures are mild, and trails aren’t overcrowded. Fall (October-November) is equally good. Summer hiking is doable but start early - by 7 AM if possible - and stick to shaded trails or trails near water.
What to Pack
Water bottles, sunscreen, bug spray, snacks (trail mix, fruit snacks, granola bars), comfortable shoes with grip, and a small first aid kit. Kids love having their own mini backpack with their own water and snacks - it builds ownership and keeps them engaged.
145 adventures found
'Iao Valley State Monument
Wailuku, HI
HikingPaved walk to the iconic 1200-foot Iao Needle in a lush valley
Aiea Loop Trail
Aiea, HI
HikingShaded forest loop with Pearl Harbor views and WWII airplane wreckage
Akaka Falls State Park
Honomu, HI
HikingEasy paved walk to a jaw-dropping 442-foot waterfall through tropical jungle
Allegany State Park
Salamanca, NY
HikingLargest state park in New York with beaches, boulder fields, and 80+ miles of trails
Ampersand Mountain
Saranac Lake, NY
HikingChallenging hike to a bald summit with 360-degree Adirondack panorama
Azure Mountain Fire Tower
Santa Clara, NY
HikingFamily-friendly fire tower hike with northern Adirondack wilderness views
Bear Mountain State Park
Bear Mountain, NY
HikingHistoric Hudson River park with trails, pool, merry-go-round, and Appalachian Trail
Beaver Meadow Falls Trail
Keene Valley, NY
HikingScenic river trail to a beautiful 30-foot waterfall in the High Peaks
Blue Mountain Trail
Blue Mountain Lake, NY
HikingPopular fire tower hike with panoramic views over Blue Mountain Lake
Buck Mountain Trail
Pilot Knob, NY
HikingChallenging summit hike with sweeping Lake George views from 2334 feet
Buttermilk Falls
Long Lake, NY
HikingOne of the tallest Adirondack waterfalls with easy staircase access
Camp Santanoni Historic Area
Newcomb, NY
HikingCarriage road hike or bike to a historic Great Camp on pristine Newcomb Lake
Captain Cook Monument Snorkel Trail
Captain Cook, HI
HikingSteep hike down to world-class snorkeling in a marine sanctuary with dolphins
Cascade Lake Trail
Eagle Bay, NY
HikingEasy loop trail around a scenic Adirondack lake with lean-tos and swimming spots
Cascade Mountain
Keene, NY
HikingThe most popular Adirondack High Peak with stunning 360-degree summit views
Chimney Bluffs State Park
Wolcott, NY
HikingOtherworldly clay spires sculpted by erosion on the shore of Lake Ontario
Chittenango Falls State Park
Cazenovia, NY
HikingDramatic 167-foot single-plunge waterfall with easy overlook access
Clarence Fahnestock State Park
Cold Spring, NY
HikingHudson Highlands park with lake swimming, Appalachian Trail, and camping
Clark Reservation State Park
Jamesville, NY
HikingGlacial plunge basin with cliff-rimmed lake and unique geology near Syracuse
Cobble Hill Trail
Lake Placid, NY
HikingQuick family hike with a big High Peaks view just outside Lake Placid village
Diamond Head State Monument
Honolulu, HI
HikingIconic volcanic crater hike with panoramic Waikiki and ocean views
Dragon's Teeth (Makaluapuna Point)
Kapalua, HI
HikingJagged lava formations shaped like dragon teeth on a windswept coastal point
Fillmore Glen State Park
Moravia, NY
HikingQuiet gorge with five waterfalls, a walk-behind cascade, and swimming pool
Finger Lakes National Forest
Hector, NY
HikingThe only national forest in New York with free camping and 30+ miles of trails
Frick Pond Loop Trail
Livingston Manor, NY
HikingPeaceful forest loop to a quiet Catskill pond with lean-tos
Giant Ledge Trail
Shandaken, NY
HikingPopular hike to dramatic cliff-top viewpoints in the Catskill Mountains
Goodnow Mountain Fire Tower
Newcomb, NY
HikingFamily-friendly fire tower hike with interpretive signs and High Peaks views
Grimes Glen Park
Naples, NY
HikingWade up a fossil-filled creek to reach two hidden waterfalls in a narrow gorge
Hadley Mountain Fire Tower
Hadley, NY
HikingFire tower hike with views of Great Sacandaga Lake and the southern Adirondacks
Halawa Valley Cultural Hike
Halawa, HI
HikingGuided cultural hike through an ancient valley to a 250-foot double waterfall
Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area
Honeoye, NY
HikingEasy hilltop trails with stunning views over Honeoye Lake and the Finger Lakes
Harriman State Park
Stony Point, NY
HikingMassive park with 200+ miles of trails, swimming lakes, and mountain views
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii National Park, HI
HikingActive volcano with lava tubes, steam vents, and a massive caldera
Hosmer Grove Trail (Haleakala)
Kula, HI
HikingEasy shaded loop through a unique forest with native bird watching at 6800 feet
Indian Head and Rainbow Falls Trail
Keene Valley, NY
HikingEpic hike past a 150-foot waterfall to the iconic Ausable Lakes cliff-top view
Kaaterskill Falls Trail
Haines Falls, NY
HikingThe tallest two-tiered waterfall in New York State at 260 feet
Kalalau Trail (First 2 Miles to Hanakapi ai Beach)
Hanalei, HI
HikingDramatic cliff-hugging trail to a wild Na Pali Coast beach
Kane Mountain Fire Tower
Caroga Lake, NY
HikingQuick and easy fire tower hike perfect for young or beginner hikers
Kapalua Coastal Trail
Kapalua, HI
HikingScenic coastal boardwalk connecting beautiful bays with turtle and whale spotting
Kilauea Iki Trail
Hawaii National Park, HI
HikingWalk across the floor of a volcanic crater through hardened lava in Volcanoes National Park
Koke'e State Park
Waimea, HI
HikingHighland trails and Na Pali Coast cliff-top lookouts in a mountain forest park
Koko Crater Railway Trail
Honolulu, HI
Hiking1048-step staircase up a volcanic crater with panoramic coastal views
La Perouse Bay
Wailea, HI
HikingCoastal hike across Maui last lava flow with dolphins, petroglyphs, and tide pools
Lanikai Pillbox Hike
Kailua, HI
HikingShort steep hike to WWII bunkers with stunning views over Lanikai Beach
Lava Tree State Monument
Pahoa, HI
HikingEerie forest of lava-molded tree columns from a 1790 eruption
Letchworth State Park
Castile, NY
HikingGrand Canyon of the East with three major waterfalls and a 600-foot gorge
Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail
Koloa, HI
HikingCoastal trail along lithified dunes, sea cliffs, and ancient petroglyph caves
Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail
Waimanalo, HI
HikingPaved coastal cliff trail to a lighthouse with winter whale watching
Manoa Falls Trail
Honolulu, HI
HikingRainforest hike to a 150-foot waterfall through a tropical jungle near Waikiki
Maunawili Falls Trail
Kailua, HI
HikingJungle hike to a swimmable waterfall pool through lush windward forest
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Kerhonkson, NY
HikingSky lakes, cliff-top trails, and swimming on the Shawangunk Ridge
Mohonk Preserve
New Paltz, NY
HikingWorld-class rock climbing and cliff-top hiking on the Shawangunk Ridge
Moss Lake Trail
Eagle Bay, NY
HikingEasy loop trail around a pristine Adirondack lake perfect for young hikers
Mount Jo Trail
Lake Placid, NY
HikingShort family hike with a spectacular High Peaks panorama above Heart Lake
Nakalele Blowhole
Wailuku, HI
HikingNatural ocean blowhole shooting water 100 feet high on a dramatic lava coast
Niagara Gorge Trail
Niagara Falls, NY
HikingHike the bottom of Niagara Gorge with boulder scrambles and whirlpool rapids
Overlook Mountain Trail
Woodstock, NY
HikingFire tower hike past ruins of an old mountain hotel near Woodstock
Panama Rocks Scenic Park
Panama, NY
HikingAncient rock formations with caves, crevices, and passageways kids can explore
Pharaoh Lake Wilderness
Schroon Lake, NY
HikingPristine wilderness lake with backcountry camping far from the crowds
Pilot Knob Preserve
Fort Ann, NY
HikingGentle nature trails with lake views above southern Lake George
Pixley Falls State Park
Boonville, NY
HikingQuick roadside walk to a beautiful 50-foot waterfall near Boonville
Poke-O-Moonshine Fire Tower Trail
Keeseville, NY
HikingShort steep hike to a fire tower with views of Lake Champlain and the High Peaks
Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area
Kula, HI
HikingCool mountain forest of redwoods and pines on Haleakala that feels like the Pacific Northwest
Pololu Valley Trail
Hawi, HI
HikingSteep trail to a remote black sand beach in a dramatic cliff-lined valley
Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway
Lake George, NY
HikingScenic mountaintop with panoramic views of Lake George and the Adirondacks
Queen's Bath
Princeville, HI
HikingDramatic ocean-filled lava pool for experienced families in calm conditions only
Road to Hana Bamboo Forest (Pipiwai Trail)
Hana, HI
HikingMagical bamboo forest hike to a 400-foot waterfall at the end of the Road to Hana
Sam's Point Preserve
Cragsmoor, NY
HikingIce caves, dwarf pine barrens, and cliff-top views on the Shawangunk Ridge
Saratoga Spa State Park
Saratoga Springs, NY
HikingNatural mineral springs, historic pools, and forest trails in Saratoga Springs
Shelving Rock Falls Trail
Fort Ann, NY
HikingShort family hike to a beautiful waterfall near Lake George
Sleeping Beauty Mountain
Fort Ann, NY
HikingModerate summit hike with one of the best Lake George panoramic views
Sliding Sands Trail (Haleakala)
Kula, HI
HikingHike into a volcanic crater through a Mars-like landscape of cinder cones
Snowy Mountain Trail
Indian Lake, NY
HikingChallenging hike to the tallest peak in the southern Adirondacks with fire tower summit
South Point Green Sand Beach (Papakolea)
Naalehu, HI
HikingHike to one of only four green sand beaches in the world at the US southernmost point
Storm King State Park
Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY
HikingRugged Highland trails with dramatic Hudson River panoramas
Taughannock Falls State Park
Trumansburg, NY
HikingEasy walk to a 215-foot waterfall taller than Niagara Falls
Thacher State Park
Voorheesville, NY
HikingCliff-top escarpment park with a walk-behind waterfall and 40-mile views
Thurston Lava Tube (Nahuku)
Hawaii National Park, HI
HikingWalk through a 500-year-old lava tube surrounded by prehistoric tree ferns
Twin Falls Maui
Haiku, HI
HikingEasy waterfall hike with swimming at the first stop on the Road to Hana
Vernooy Kill Falls Trail
Kerhonkson, NY
HikingEasy forest hike to a beautiful waterfall with a swimming pool at the base
Vroman's Nose
Middleburgh, NY
HikingShort hike to a cliff-top meadow with sweeping Schoharie Valley views
Wai'anapanapa State Park
Hana, HI
HikingBlack sand beach with sea caves, lava tubes, and blowholes on the Road to Hana
Wailea Beach Path
Wailea, HI
HikingPaved coastal walk connecting five beaches with whale watching and turtle spotting
Waimea Canyon State Park
Waimea, HI
HikingGrand Canyon of the Pacific with 3600-foot colorful canyon views and rim trails
Waimea Valley
Haleiwa, HI
HikingPaved botanical garden walk to a swimmable 45-foot waterfall
Walkway Over the Hudson
Poughkeepsie, NY
HikingWalk 212 feet above the Hudson River on the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world
Watkins Glen State Park
Watkins Glen, NY
HikingWalk behind 19 waterfalls through a stunning 200-foot-deep gorge
Whiteface Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway
Wilmington, NY
HikingDrive to the summit of the fifth highest peak in New York for breathtaking views
Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area
Gowanda, NY
HikingWild 600-foot gorge with old-growth forest and deep swimming holes
Beaver Lodge Nature Trail
Broken Bow, OK
HikingEasy 2-mile forest loop trail through towering pines in Beavers Bend State Park
Beavers Bend State Park
Broken Bow, OK
HikingOklahoma's premier family state park with trails and river access in the Ouachita Mountains
Cedar Bluff Nature Trail
Broken Bow, OK
HikingShort river-view loop trail in Beavers Bend State Park perfect for quick family hikes
David Boren Hiking Trail
Broken Bow, OK
HikingPremier 12-mile trail system with lake views and flexible routes in Beavers Bend State Park
Friends Trail Loop
Broken Bow, OK
HikingPopular 1.5-mile family loop with a river waterfall in Beavers Bend State Park
Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge
Bertram, TX
HikingFree federal refuge with birding trails and Junior Rangers
Bastrop State Park
Bastrop, TX
HikingLost Pines hiking with swimming pool and Junior Rangers
Colorado Bend State Park
Bend, TX
Hiking70-foot Gorman Falls waterfall with spring-fed swimming holes
Grelle Recreation Area
Spicewood, TX
HikingUncrowded Lake Travis cove with wooded trails and swimming
Barton Creek Greenbelt
Austin, TX
Hiking12 miles of creek trails with swimming holes and bouldering in Austin
Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park, TX
HikingSpectacular desert mountains and canyons along the Rio Grande
Big Bend Ranch State Park
Presidio, TX
Hiking300000-acre desert wilderness along the Rio Grande for experienced families
Big Thicket National Preserve
Kountze, TX
HikingUNESCO Biosphere Reserve with nine converging ecosystems
Canyon Lake Gorge
Canyon Lake, TX
HikingGuided tours through a limestone gorge with dinosaur tracks and fossils
Caprock Canyons State Park & Trailway
Quitaque, TX
HikingRed rock canyons with free-roaming bison and a bat colony tunnel
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Fredericksburg, TX
HikingIconic granite dome summit scramble with 360-degree Hill Country views
Franklin Mountains State Park
El Paso, TX
HikingLargest urban park in the US with aerial tramway and desert hiking
Friedrich Wilderness Park
San Antonio, TX
HikingFree 600-acre Hill Country hiking on the edge of San Antonio
Good Water Trail
Georgetown, TX
Hiking26-mile lakeside trail with canyon overlooks and Hill Country terrain
Government Canyon State Natural Area
San Antonio, TX
Hiking40 miles of trails with dinosaur tracks in the limestone
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Salt Flat, TX
HikingHighest point in Texas and stunning McKittrick Canyon fall foliage
Lake Houston Wilderness Park
New Caney, TX
Hiking20 miles of forest trails and camping close to Houston
LBJ National Grasslands
Decatur, TX
Hiking20000 acres of prairie with mountain biking and primitive camping
Lost Maples State Natural Area
Vanderpool, TX
HikingStunning fall foliage and limestone canyon trails along the Sabinal River
McKinney Falls State Park
Austin, TX
HikingTwo limestone waterfalls with wading pools inside Austin city limits
McKinney Roughs Nature Park
Cedar Creek, TX
Hiking1100 acres with horseback riding and river trails along the Colorado
Mission Tejas State Park
Grapeland, TX
HikingHistoric Spanish mission replica in towering East Texas hardwood forest
Monahans Sandhills State Park
Monahans, TX
Hiking70-foot sand dunes with disc surfing and spectacular sunsets
Mother Neff State Park
Moody, TX
HikingFirst Texas state park with limestone sinkhole pool and historic CCC buildings
Palmetto State Park
Gonzales, TX
HikingTropical palmetto forest and warm springs along the San Marcos River
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Canyon, TX
HikingSecond-largest US canyon with the iconic Lighthouse Trail hike
Pedernales Falls State Park
Johnson City, TX
HikingDramatic tilted limestone falls and river swimming in the Hill Country
Phil Hardberger Park
San Antonio, TX
HikingLand bridge and world-class nature playscape in San Antonio
Rowlett Creek Preserve
Garland, TX
Hiking524-acre preserve with creek crossings and mountain bike trails
San Angelo State Park
San Angelo, TX
Hiking50 miles of trails with Texas longhorn cattle on the reservoir
Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site
Comstock, TX
Hiking4000-year-old rock art and dramatic canyon views on the Rio Grande
Southwest Nature Preserve
Arlington, TX
HikingQuiet urban preserve with scenic lake overlook in Arlington
Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve
Austin, TX
HikingPeaceful woodland trails with a waterfall and nature programs
Cedar Hill State Park
Cedar Hill, TX
HikingFamily-friendly state park on Joe Pool Lake just 20 minutes from Dallas - swimming, hiking, camping, …
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Glen Rose, TX
HikingReal dinosaur tracks in a riverbed plus 20 miles of trails
Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center
Cedar Hill, TX
HikingShaded canyon trails with a nature play area for kids
Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve
Plano, TX
Hiking800-acre park with boardwalks and kayaking in Plano
River Legacy Parks
Arlington, TX
Hiking1300-acre park with paved trails and mountain biking along the Trinity River
Spring Creek Forest Preserve
Garland, TX
HikingOld-growth forest with guided nature hikes near Dallas
Tandy Hills Natural Area
Fort Worth, TX
HikingNative prairie wildflowers and skyline views in Fort Worth
Johnny Broyles Nature Trail
Little Elm, TX
HikingPaved 2.7-mile nature trail along Lake Lewisville in Little Elm
Prairie Creek Waterfall
Richardson, TX
HikingHidden suburban waterfall and shaded creek trail in Richardson
Arbor Hills Nature Preserve
Plano, TX
HikingFamily-friendly trails and an observation tower in Plano