Hiking

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.

The tallest two-tiered waterfall in New York State at 260 feet and one of the most iconic hikes in the Catskills. The trail from the upper parking area is about 1.4 miles round trip with a steep descent on stone steps to the base viewing platform. The falls are massive and the spray on a warm day feels amazing. A second viewing platform midway gives a different perspective. This trail gets extremely crowded on summer weekends so go early or on a weekday. The waterfall has inspired painters since the Hudson River School.

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.

One of the shortest and easiest fire tower hikes in the Adirondacks making it ideal for younger kids or families new to hiking. The trail is just 0.6 miles one way with about 600 feet of elevation gain. The restored fire tower at the top gives views of Canada Lake, Pine Lake, and the surrounding southern Adirondack hills. The whole outing from car to summit and back can be done in under an hour which is perfect when you want a quick hiking win. The trail is well-maintained with no technical sections.

A stunning 3.5-mile coastal boardwalk and trail connecting several beautiful bays along Maui west shore. The trail is mostly flat and paved with sections of boardwalk over lava rock. Kids can spot sea turtles, whales in winter, and tide pool creatures along the way. Several beaches along the route offer swimming stops. Kapalua Bay at one end and DT Fleming Beach at the other are both excellent for families. This is one of the most scenic easy walks in all of Hawaii.

The last beach at the end of the road on Oahu west side with a wild, remote feel that is rare on the island. The long sandy beach is backed by the Waianae Mountains and rarely crowded. Summer brings calm water suitable for swimming and snorkeling while winter waves are for watching only. The Ka ena Point trail starts nearby for families who want to hike to the actual westernmost tip of Oahu where albatross and monk seals are sometimes spotted. The sunset from here is the last one on Oahu every day.

A 4-mile loop that descends through lush rainforest into a volcanic crater and crosses the hardened lava lake floor. Walking across the crater floor is an otherworldly experience with steam rising from cracks in the rock and the crater walls towering above. Kids can see where the lava lake was hundreds of feet deep during the 1959 eruption. The contrast between the lush forest rim and the barren crater floor is striking. This is widely considered one of the best hikes in Hawaii and gives families a visceral connection to volcanic forces.

A highland park above Waimea Canyon with over 45 miles of trails through native forest, mountain meadows, and dramatic cliff-top viewpoints. The Kalalau Lookout at 4000 feet provides a view down into the Na Pali Coast valley that is one of the most photographed scenes in Hawaii. The Nature Trail near the museum is a flat 0.1-mile loop perfect for little ones. The Pihea Trail and Alaka i Swamp Trail offer more ambitious hikes through a primordial cloud forest. The Kokee Museum has exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the area.

A staircase of 1048 old railway ties straight up the side of Koko Crater to the rim at 1208 feet. This is essentially a giant outdoor stairmaster and kids who are up for the challenge love the sense of accomplishment at the top. The views from the rim are panoramic covering Hanauma Bay, Sandy Beach, and the east side of Oahu. The climb is relentless with no shade so start early and bring lots of water. There is a gap in the ties about two-thirds up where a bridge once stood that requires some scrambling.

The site of Maui last volcanic eruption (around 1790) with a dramatic landscape of black lava flows meeting the ocean. The Hoapili Trail crosses the lava field along the coast with views of tide pools, ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs, and distant Molokini crater. Dolphins are frequently spotted in the bay. The terrain is rough and exposed so good shoes and sun protection are essential. Walking on the a-a lava fields is a unique experience that helps kids understand volcanic geology in a tangible way.

A short but steep 1.8-mile round trip hike to WWII military pillboxes (bunkers) on a ridge above Lanikai Beach with some of the most stunning views on Oahu. The turquoise water below with the Mokulua Islands in the foreground is postcard-perfect. Kids love exploring the old concrete bunkers covered in colorful graffiti art. The trail is steep and rocky in spots so good shoes are important. Sunrise from the first pillbox is legendary but the views are incredible at any time of day.

A short loop trail through a forest of eerie lava molds left behind when a lava flow swept through a forest of ohia trees in 1790. The trees burned away but the hardened lava preserved their shapes, creating hollow pillars and ghostly tree-shaped columns. Kids think the formations look like petrified forest creatures. The 0.7-mile paved loop is easy and shaded. It is a quick stop that vividly demonstrates the power of volcanic activity in a way kids can see and touch. The surrounding forest has regrown around the formations creating a beautiful contrast.

Known as the Grand Canyon of the East with a 17-mile gorge up to 600 feet deep carved by the Genesee River with three major waterfalls. The park has 66 miles of trails but the must-do walks are the short paths to the Middle Falls and Upper Falls overlooks which are accessible even for toddlers. The 107-foot Middle Falls is one of the most photographed waterfalls in the state. Hot air balloon rides over the gorge are available in summer and fall. The park also has a pool, cabins, campgrounds, and an inn.

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 paved 2-mile round trip trail along dramatic sea cliffs to a historic lighthouse with whale watching opportunities in winter. The trail is wide and paved making it one of the most accessible coastal hikes on Oahu. Kids love the clifftop views of the crashing waves below and spotting humpback whales from November through April. The lighthouse itself is photogenic and two lookout platforms provide different angles of the coastline. Strollers can handle the paved path though it is steep in a few spots.

A lush rainforest hike just 15 minutes from Waikiki that ends at a beautiful 150-foot waterfall. The 1.6-mile round trip trail winds through a tropical jungle with massive banyan trees, bamboo groves, and wild ginger. Kids feel like they have entered a movie set and in fact many films have been shot here. The trail can be muddy so sturdy shoes are essential. The waterfall at the end drops into a rocky pool surrounded by greenery. Swimming in the pool is discouraged due to bacteria but the view is stunning.

A jungle hike through lush windward forest to a beautiful waterfall with a deep swimmable pool at the base. The trail is about 3 miles round trip and crosses streams and roots through dense tropical vegetation. The waterfall drops about 20 feet into a clear pool where local families swim and jump from the rocks. The trail can be muddy and slippery so this is best for kids who are comfortable on rough terrain. The swimming hole at the end makes all the mud worthwhile.