Best Hiking Spots in the USA for Beginners
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
- Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
- Zion National Park, Utah
- Acadia National Park, Maine
- Yosemite National Park, California
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, is one of the best places to hike in the USA for beginners. The park is famous for its lush landscapes, rolling fog, and rich biodiversity. One of the most popular beginner-friendly hikes here is the Laurel Falls Trail, which is a short, paved path leading to the park’s tallest waterfall.
I had the chance to visit this beautiful park last fall, and the experience was unforgettable. The hike to Laurel Falls was easy to navigate, and the view of the waterfall at the end made the short walk well worth it. Another great beginner-friendly trail is the Alum Cave Trail, which, while slightly more challenging, offers stunning views and a rewarding sense of accomplishment.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park, the first national park in the world, is another fantastic destination for beginner hikers. With its geothermal features, such as the famous Old Faithful geyser, and picturesque landscapes, it attracts millions of visitors every year. For beginners, the Fountain Flat Drive to the Fountain Paint Pots is a short, easy hike where you can witness the park’s colorful thermal features.
On my visit to Yellowstone, I took the easy, scenic boardwalk trail to the Grand Prismatic Spring. The view of the vibrant colors in the spring was absolutely breathtaking, and the trail was perfect for someone looking to ease into hiking. Yellowstone offers so many easy-to-access trails, making it a great choice for beginner hikers who want to experience natural beauty without strenuous effort.
Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park, located in southwestern Utah, is known for its towering sandstone cliffs and narrow canyons. The park offers a variety of hiking trails suitable for all skill levels, including some great options for beginners. One of the best hikes for newcomers is the Riverside Walk, a simple, paved trail that runs alongside the Virgin River and leads into the iconic Narrows.
I remember walking the Riverside Walk with my family, and the scenery along the river was incredibly peaceful. The gentle trail is perfect for those who want to take in the views of Zion’s impressive red rock formations without pushing too hard. For beginners, this hike provides a sense of Zion’s grandeur in an accessible, easy-to-navigate way.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park in Maine offers stunning coastal views, tranquil lakes, and forested trails. Its accessibility from nearby cities like Bar Harbor makes it a great destination for beginner hikers. One of the most popular beginner hikes in Acadia is the Ocean Path, a relatively flat, 4-mile trail that runs along the coast with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
During my time in Acadia, I was struck by how easy it was to immerse myself in nature. The Ocean Path was the perfect hike for those new to hiking, offering beautiful coastal views without too much physical strain. The park also has other short, scenic trails like the Jordan Pond Path, which offers a calm lakeside walk, ideal for those just starting out on their hiking journey.
Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite National Park is one of the most famous parks in the USA, and it’s not just for advanced hikers! There are several beginner-friendly trails, including the Yosemite Falls Trail and the Lower Falls Trail. The Lower Falls Trail is an easy 1-mile walk that leads you to the base of the iconic Yosemite Falls, offering incredible views of the waterfall.
On my visit to Yosemite, I tackled the Lower Falls Trail with my family, and it was a fantastic introduction to the park. The trail was wide and well-maintained, and the beauty of Yosemite Falls up close was simply stunning. Yosemite offers a perfect balance of easy hikes and jaw-dropping views, making it ideal for beginners who want to start their hiking adventure with a bang.
Want to Explore More Hiking Spots?
If you're a beginner looking for a way to dive into hiking, these parks offer some of the best trails for new adventurers. From the rolling hills of the Great Smoky Mountains to the towering cliffs of Zion, each destination provides unique views and experiences that make hiking accessible and enjoyable. Are you ready to start your hiking journey? Check out 【how to travel the world】 for tips and recommendations on planning your next outdoor adventure.
