Hiking

A large Hudson Highlands park with a swimming beach on Canopus Lake, over 50 miles of trails, and a campground. The beach is family-friendly with a sandy shore and lifeguards. The Appalachian Trail runs through the park and shorter nature loops are available for younger kids. The park encompasses 14000 acres of forests, ponds, and streams with excellent birding and wildlife viewing. Canopus Lake also has boat rentals. It is a perfect weekend destination that combines swimming, hiking, and camping.

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 quick 0.6-mile hike just outside Lake Placid village that packs a surprisingly big view into a tiny package. The trail is short and manageable for even very young hikers. At the top, an open rock ledge provides a front-row seat to the High Peaks skyline. This is the perfect after-lunch hike when you have an hour to kill and want to give kids a taste of mountain hiking without the commitment of a longer trail.

The most iconic hike on Oahu and probably all of Hawaii. The 1.6-mile round trip trail climbs inside the crater of this famous volcanic tuff cone to the summit for panoramic views of Waikiki, the Pacific Ocean, and the Koolau Mountains. Kids love the tunnel, bunker, and steep staircase near the top that add adventure to the climb. The trail is paved but steep in sections. Reservations are required and the earlier you go the better to beat the heat and crowds.

A short walk across a windswept point to a formation of sharp, jagged lava rock teeth jutting upward from the coastline that looks like a dragon rising from the earth. The rock formations were created by lava meeting the ocean and are unlike anything else on Maui. Kids are fascinated by the shapes and the crashing waves around the point add drama. An ancient Hawaiian labyrinth made of stones sits nearby. The walk is short and flat but the terrain is uneven lava so watch footing. Great whale watching spot in winter.

A hidden gem with a deep gorge, five waterfalls, and a swimming area that gets far fewer visitors than the parks near Ithaca. The Gorge Trail runs 1.5 miles along the creek through narrow rock walls with waterfalls at several points. The Cowshed, a waterfall that flows over a rock overhang you can walk behind, is a highlight for kids. The swimming pool at the base of the glen is fed by the creek and staffed with lifeguards in summer. A replica of President Millard Fillmore birthplace cabin adds a historical touch.

The only national forest in New York State, spread across 16000 acres of rolling terrain between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes. Over 30 miles of interconnected trails wind through meadows, pastures, and forest. The Interloken Trail is the signature route but shorter loops are available for families. Kids will see grazing cattle in the open pastures, which is unusual for a national forest. Blueberry picking in season is a fun bonus activity. Primitive camping is free and dispersed throughout the forest.

A peaceful 4.2-mile loop through beautiful forest to a quiet Catskill pond that feels remote but is actually quite accessible. The trail is relatively flat and follows old logging roads for much of the way. The pond at the halfway point is a perfect lunch spot where kids can look for frogs and turtles. Lean-tos along the route offer shelter on rainy days. This is one of the quieter and less crowded trails in the Catskills and a great choice for families who want a peaceful nature walk.

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.

A family-favorite 3.8-mile round trip hike to a restored fire tower with stunning views of the central Adirondacks. The trail is well-maintained with a steady grade that most kids can handle. Interpretive signs along the way teach about the forest ecosystem which keeps kids engaged during the climb. The fire tower at the top provides a 360-degree view including several High Peaks and the winding Rich Lake below. This is one of the best introductory fire tower hikes for families.

A family-friendly park east of Troy with a sandy beach on Long Pond, nature trails, and excellent fishing. The beach is lifeguard-staffed and has a gradual entry that is great for toddlers and young swimmers. Several short trails loop around the lakes through mixed forest. The park is popular for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter. A nature center offers programs for kids during summer. The park is close to the Capital District but feels like you are in the deep woods. Kayak and canoe rentals available.

Two stunning glacial lakes with impossibly blue-green water that looks like the Caribbean set in the woods of central New York. Green Lake and Round Lake are meromictic, meaning their layers never mix, which gives them their striking color. The beach on Green Lake has lifeguards and the water is refreshing on hot days. A 3-mile trail loops around Green Lake through beautiful forest. The park also has an 18-hole golf course, playground, and campground. The lake color alone makes this worth the visit.

A unique creek-walk hike where you wade right up the streambed to reach two beautiful waterfalls hidden in a narrow gorge. There is no dry trail option so everyone gets wet feet, which kids absolutely love. The first waterfall is about a half mile in and the second is just beyond it. The creek is shallow and the rock walls on either side are layered with fossils. This is hands-down one of the most fun and memorable family hikes in the Finger Lakes. Water shoes are essential.

A 3.6-mile round trip hike to a restored fire tower on Hadley Mountain with views of the Great Sacandaga Lake and the southern Adirondacks. The trail climbs about 1525 feet through forest with a few rocky sections near the top. The fire tower at the summit has been restored and is open for climbing. Views are excellent in every direction with the lake dominating the south and mountains rolling north toward the High Peaks. This is a great intermediate fire tower hike for families who have outgrown the easiest trails.

A guided cultural hike through the ancient Halawa Valley to a beautiful 250-foot double waterfall (Moa ula Falls). Access to the valley trail is only through a guided tour with a local Hawaiian family who shares the valley history, culture, and legends along the way. Kids learn about taro farming, Hawaiian plant uses, and valley life. The waterfall pool at the end is deep enough for swimming. The valley itself is stunningly beautiful with the green walls rising on both sides. This is an authentic Hawaiian cultural experience, not a tourist operation.

A hilltop recreation area with easy trails and one of the best views in the Finger Lakes region, looking out over Honeoye Lake and the surrounding hills. The trails are wide and gentle, mostly following old roads through meadows and forest. The Big Oak Trail and Fox Run Trail are both under 2 miles and great for young hikers. In winter the trails are popular for cross-country skiing. The overlook point on a clear fall day with the lake below and autumn colors everywhere is truly special.

The second largest state park in New York with over 200 miles of trails, 31 lakes and reservoirs, and two swimming beaches. The park is massive and offers everything from easy lakeside strolls to challenging mountain hikes. Lake Sebago and Lake Welch have lifeguard-staffed beaches perfect for families. The trails range from flat lakeshore walks to rocky ridgeline scrambles with Hudson Valley views. It is an incredible outdoor playground close to New York City and a great place to introduce kids to serious hiking.

One of the most extraordinary national parks in the country centered around Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes on Earth. The Crater Rim Drive circles the massive Kilauea caldera with overlooks, steam vents kids can feel, and the Thurston Lava Tube, a tunnel through solidified lava that is a highlight for every child. The Devastation Trail is a paved boardwalk through a surreal volcanic landscape. Chain of Craters Road descends through multiple eruption sites to the coast. Seeing an active volcano up close gives kids a sense of wonder that is hard to match anywhere else.

An easy half-mile loop trail through a unique forest of native and non-native trees inside Haleakala National Park at 6800 feet elevation. The shady trail is perfect for families with young kids and the interpretive signs teach about the different tree species planted here as a reforestation experiment in the early 1900s. Native birds including the endangered Hawaiian goose (nene) are often spotted. The adjacent campground is free and a great base for exploring the summit. The cooler mountain air is a refreshing change from the coast.

A stunning 10-mile round trip hike that takes you past Rainbow Falls, a towering 150-foot cascade, and up to the Indian Head cliff with one of the most famous views in the Adirondacks. The cliff-top view looks straight down the Ausable Lakes valley flanked by High Peaks on both sides. This is a long and moderately challenging day for families with strong older hikers but the combination of a massive waterfall and a world-class view makes it one of the most rewarding hikes in the park. Start early and pack plenty of food.