Hiking

A short but rewarding 2.6-mile round trip hike right behind the Adirondack Loj that delivers a High Peaks view typically reserved for much longer climbs. The trail offers two routes to the summit: a short steep scramble and a longer gradual path, so families can choose based on their kids abilities. The top looks out over Heart Lake with the High Peaks rising behind it. This is one of the best bang-for-your-buck hikes in the Adirondacks for families and a perfect introduction to mountain hiking.

A natural blowhole on the rugged northwest coast of Maui that shoots ocean water up to 100 feet in the air when the surf is up. The short hike down from the road (about 0.6 miles) crosses rocky lava terrain to a dramatic coastline. Kids are thrilled by the eruptions of water from the blowhole. The surrounding lava formations and tide pools are fascinating. Stay well back from the blowhole and cliff edges as it is genuinely dangerous up close. The heart-shaped rock formation nearby is another fun find for kids.

A dramatic hiking trail along the bottom of the Niagara Gorge below the Falls with massive boulders, whirlpool rapids, and views you cannot get from the top. The trail descends 300 steps into the gorge and follows the river past huge rock formations. The power of the rapids at the Whirlpool is humbling and the boulder scrambling keeps older kids engaged. This is a challenging trail that requires sure footing and is not for young children. The Discovery Center at the top has exhibits on gorge geology. A completely different perspective on Niagara Falls.

The largest and arguably best campground in the Catskills with 219 sites set between two lakes and surrounded by iconic hiking trails. Kids can swim at the beach, fish from shore, and explore miles of trails that lead to stunning overlooks including the famous Artist Point and Newman Ledge views of the Hudson Valley. Kaaterskill Falls is accessible right from the campground. Boat rentals are available on the lake. The combination of great camping, swimming, and world-class hiking makes this the premier family base camp in the Catskills.

A 4.6-mile round trip hike up an old road to a fire tower with views over the Hudson Valley, the Catskills, and on clear days all the way to the Berkshires. Along the way, kids pass the ruins of the Overlook Mountain House hotel, a crumbling stone building that feels like discovering a castle in the woods. The fire tower at the summit is restored and climbable. The trail is wide and straightforward but climbs steadily. This hike combines history, mystery, and mountain views in a way kids love.

A privately run nature park with a one-mile trail winding through massive ancient rock formations with crevices, passageways, and caves that kids can explore. The rock outcroppings are over 300 million years old and rise up to 60 feet high. Kids absolutely love squeezing through narrow passages and climbing on the rocks. Some crevices require flashlights and a sense of adventure. The forest of old-growth hemlock and white pine adds to the atmosphere. This is one of those places where kids beg to go back.

A 46000-acre wilderness with pristine lakes, ponds, and mountains that sees far fewer visitors than the High Peaks. The hike to Pharaoh Lake is about 4 miles one way on a well-marked trail through beautiful forest. The lake has lean-tos and camping spots along the shore making it a great introduction to backcountry camping for families. Swimming in the clear lake water surrounded by mountains is a highlight. Several shorter hikes to nearby ponds are available for families wanting less distance. It feels genuinely remote.

A 157-acre preserve managed by the Lake George Land Conservancy with gentle trails winding through meadows and forests above the southern tip of Lake George. The 1.5-mile loop trail is perfect for younger hikers and offers nice views of the lake from several overlooks. Wildflowers fill the meadows in spring and early summer. It is a quieter alternative to the more crowded Lake George trails and a great spot for a nature walk with kids who are not ready for a big summit hike.

A small roadside state park with a short trail to a 50-foot waterfall on Lansing Kill Creek. The walk to the falls is just a few hundred yards from the parking lot making it one of the easiest waterfall hikes in the state. The falls cascade over a wide rock ledge into a rocky pool below. A picnic area with tables and grills makes it easy to turn the quick waterfall visit into a longer outing. The park is a perfect rest stop on the way to or from the Adirondacks. No swimming is allowed but the falls are beautiful to watch.

A 2.4-mile round trip hike to a restored fire tower on the summit of Poke-O-Moonshine Mountain with views east to Lake Champlain and west to the High Peaks. The trail is short but gains about 1280 feet with some steep rocky sections. Kids who enjoy scrambling over rocks will have a blast on the upper section. The fire tower at the top adds extra elevation and the views are exceptional. The cliff face of the mountain is also a famous rock climbing destination visible from I-87.

A mountain forest on the slopes of Haleakala at 6200 feet that feels nothing like tropical Hawaii. Towering redwood, eucalyptus, and pine trees create a cool, misty forest that could be in the Pacific Northwest. The Redwood Trail and Plum Trail are family-friendly loops through these unusual forests. The temperature is 20 to 30 degrees cooler than the coast which surprises kids who expect Hawaii to always be hot. On clear days the views of Maui central valley and the ocean are spectacular. A cabin is available for overnight stays.

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.

Drive or hike to the 2030-foot summit for jaw-dropping panoramic views of Lake George, the Adirondacks, and the Green Mountains of Vermont. The scenic toll road gets you most of the way up and a short shuttle ride or 0.6-mile walk reaches the top. Kids love running around the summit area and picking out landmarks below. The hiking trail from the base is 3.2 miles and a solid workout for older kids. Either way, the views from the top are absolutely worth it.

A dramatic natural lava rock pool on Kauai north shore that fills with ocean water and creates a spectacular swimming experience surrounded by crashing waves. The 0.4-mile trail down to the pool is steep, rooted, and very slippery when wet. This spot has real dangers and is only appropriate for experienced families with older teens in calm summer conditions. Rogue waves can sweep over the rocks without warning and people have died here. When conditions are right the pool is magical but it demands respect and constant ocean awareness.

A 4-mile round trip trail through a dense bamboo forest that is one of the most magical walks in Hawaii. The trail ends at Waimoku Falls, a 400-foot waterfall cascading down a cliff face. Walking through the towering bamboo grove with the stalks creaking and swaying overhead is an unforgettable sensory experience for kids. The trail also passes a massive banyan tree. This hike is in the Kipahulu district of Haleakala National Park at the end of the Road to Hana so plan your drive time accordingly.

A gorgeous state park with a gorge trail, multiple waterfalls, and one of the best natural swimming holes in the Finger Lakes. The swimming area below Enfield Falls has a lifeguard-staffed pool formed by the creek, surrounded by rock walls and forest. Lucifer Falls upstream is a dramatic 115-foot cascade visible from a stone stairway bridge. The park offers 4 miles of trails through the gorge with over a dozen waterfalls. Kids love the combination of hiking and swimming and the old stone structures throughout the park add character.

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 2300-acre state park in Saratoga Springs with mineral springs, swimming pools, nature trails, a performing arts center, and a golf course. The Geyser Creek Trail is an easy 1-mile walk past natural mineral springs where kids can taste the fizzy mineral water (it is safe and surprising). The Victoria Pool is a massive pool complex from the 1930s that feels like swimming in history. The Peerless Pool complex is more modern and family-oriented. Trails wind through pine forests and along Geyser Creek. The park combines nature, history, and recreation in a unique way.

A short half-mile trail through the woods that leads to a stunning waterfall tumbling over a wide rock shelf. The trail is easy enough for younger kids and the payoff is huge. The falls drop about 50 feet and in spring they are roaring. Kids love climbing around the rocks at the base (carefully). You can extend the hike by continuing to the Lake George shoreline at Shelving Rock Bay for a swim in the warm months.

A moderately challenging 7-mile round trip hike that rewards with one of the best views in the Lake George region from open rock ledges at the summit. The trail passes through quiet forest and the summit clearing feels like your own private lookout. Kids who are strong hikers will love the accomplishment of reaching the top. The last stretch is steeper but not technical. Bring a picnic and enjoy lunch with a panoramic view of Lake George spread out below.