Cliffs

A unique geological park with a glacial plunge basin lake surrounded by 175-foot cliffs. Glacier Lake at the bottom of the basin is a deep green meromictic lake. Trails wind along the rim and down to the lake shore with views into the rocky basin. The geology here is fascinating and interpretive signs explain how glaciers carved the landscape. The park is small but packs a lot of natural drama into a compact area. Rock climbing is popular on the cliff faces. A great short nature outing near Syracuse.

A 3-mile round trip hike to a series of dramatic rock ledges with sweeping views of the Catskill Mountains. The trail climbs steadily through forest and the payoff at the top is outstanding. Multiple ledge viewpoints give kids plenty of room to explore and each one offers a slightly different panorama. This is one of the most popular hikes in the Catskills for good reason. The ledges are exposed so keep a close eye on younger kids near the edges. Sunsets from Giant Ledge are legendary.

The first two miles of the famous Kalalau Trail to Hanakapi ai Beach offer a taste of the Na Pali Coast without the full 11-mile commitment. The trail hugs dramatic cliffs above the ocean with stunning views around every corner. The trail is narrow, muddy, and has significant drop-offs so this is best for older kids who are sure-footed. The beach at the end is a beautiful reward with a wild surf and dramatic valley backdrop. Do not swim here as currents are extremely dangerous. A permit and reservation are required.

A lookout point at the top of the world highest sea cliffs (nearly 3000 feet) looking down onto the isolated Kalaupapa Peninsula far below. The view is staggering and gives kids a sense of scale that is hard to find elsewhere. The peninsula was the site of the famous Hansen disease (leprosy) settlement led by Father Damien. The lookout is accessible from Palaau State Park and requires just a short walk from the parking lot. The mule ride and hiking trail down to the peninsula are for those 16 and older.

A spectacular 4-mile round trip coastal trail along Kauai last undeveloped south shore coastline. The trail passes ancient sand dunes turned to stone (lithified dunes), dramatic sea cliffs, tide pools, blowholes, and a sinkhole with an ancient Hawaiian petroglyph cave. Kids are fascinated by the geological formations and the wild coastline. Humpback whales and monk seals are seen from the trail in winter. The trail is mostly flat but exposed to sun and wind. This is one of the most geologically interesting hikes in Hawaii.

A stunning 22000-acre preserve on the Shawangunk Ridge with crystal-clear sky lakes, dramatic cliff-top trails, and swimming at a beach perched above the Hudson Valley. The carriage roads are wide and gentle enough for strollers and young hikers while the cliff-top paths offer more adventure for older kids. Lake Minnewaska and Lake Awosting are sky-blue gems surrounded by white rock. The Awosting Falls trail is a must-do. This is one of the most scenic and family-friendly parks in the entire state.

Over 8000 acres of protected Shawangunk Ridge land with 70 miles of trails, world-class rock climbing, and stunning white cliff-top views. The carriage roads are perfect for families with younger kids who need a smooth, wide path. Older kids will love scrambling on the rocky trails near the Trapps cliffs where rock climbers scale the walls. The views from the cliff-top paths across the Wallkill Valley are spectacular. This is the premier destination for families who want to introduce kids to rock climbing in a natural setting.

A boat tour along the most dramatic coastline in Hawaii with 4000-foot sea cliffs, cascading waterfalls, sea caves, and hidden valleys. The Na Pali Coast is inaccessible by car so seeing it by boat is the most family-friendly option. Most tours include snorkeling at a reef along the coast and the chance to enter sea caves. Spinner dolphins and sea turtles are frequently spotted. Kids are awestruck by the sheer scale of the cliffs and waterfalls. Choose a catamaran for a smoother ride. Summer has the calmest conditions.

A dramatic descent from a cliff-top lookout down into a remote valley with a black sand beach on the Kohala Coast. The lookout alone offers one of the most stunning views on the Big Island with rugged green cliffs plunging into the ocean. The trail down to the beach is about a half mile but steep and muddy. At the bottom, the wild black sand beach is backed by dense forest and ironwood trees. The swimming is dangerous due to currents but the beach and valley scenery are incredible. The hike back up is a good workout.

A unique landscape of dwarf pine barrens, ice caves, and dramatic cliff-top views on the highest point of the Shawangunk Ridge. Kids are fascinated by the ice caves, narrow rock passages where ice persists into summer. The loop trail to the caves is about 3 miles and the Verkeerderkill Falls overlook adds a spectacular waterfall view. The dwarf pine barrens at the top are globally rare and feel like another planet. This is one of the most unique hiking experiences in downstate New York.

A stunning hidden beach accessed by a short but steep trail through jungle. The beach is long and wide with golden sand flanked by dramatic cliffs and lush vegetation. The wild beauty here is breathtaking. Swimming is generally unsafe due to strong currents but the beach is worth visiting for the scenery, beachcombing, and tide pool exploring alone. The remoteness and beauty make kids feel like they discovered something special. Bring everything you need as there are no facilities. The trail down is muddy and steep on the return.

A dramatic escarpment park with cliff-top views stretching 40 miles across the Hudson and Mohawk Valleys. The Indian Ladder Trail is the signature hike, descending along the cliff face on stairs and walkways behind a waterfall. Kids love walking behind the waterfall and the geology exposed in the cliff face spans millions of years. The park has over 25 miles of trails, a swimming pool, playgrounds, and picnic areas. The Helderberg Escarpment is one of the richest fossil-bearing rock formations in the world.

A flat-topped mesa rising dramatically above the Schoharie Valley with a short but rewarding 1.5-mile loop trail to cliff-top views. The summit is a wide open meadow on top of the cliffs with views that stretch across the valley farmland and surrounding hills. Kids enjoy the scramble up and the wide-open feeling at the top. The hike is short enough for younger kids but the ascent is steep in spots. Spring wildflowers on the summit meadow are beautiful and fall foliage views from the cliff edge are incredible.

A lookout point at the top of a dramatic 1000-foot cliff overlooking the Valley of the Kings, one of the most sacred and beautiful valleys in Hawaii. The view from the top is breathtaking with black sand beach, waterfalls, taro fields, and sheer green cliffs. The valley was once the political and religious center of ancient Hawaii. Driving down into the valley requires a 4WD vehicle on an extremely steep road, but the lookout itself is a simple walk from the parking lot. The scenery alone makes it one of the Big Island must-see stops.

Built on the dramatic cliffs above the clear blue waters of Possum Kingdom Lake in the Palo Pinto Mountains. The water here is unusually clear for Texas and kids can snorkel and spot fish in the shallows. The park has a swim area with a rocky beach and the Longhorn Trail offers moderate hiking with canyon views.