We’ve been to over half of the US National Parks, and these are 10 easy National Park hikes for families that we have done! They are perfect for those with kids, beginners, or anyone looking to slow down and soak in the views.
Congress Trail: Sequoia National Park
- Difficulty: Easy
- Family-Friendly: Yes
- Length: 2 mi
- Elevation Gain & Type: gradual incline 482 ft gain, loop trail
- Highlights: General Sherman Tree (the largest by volume) is where the trail begins
- Trailhead & Parking: Park at the Sherman Tree Parking Area. See General Sherman first, and the Congress trail starts right in that area.
- AllTrails Link
Walking among the largest trees on earth is a highly underrated experience. This trail will make everyone feel small in the best way possible.
String Lake to Leigh Lake: Grand Teton National Park
- Difficulty: Easy
- Family-Friendly: Yes
- Length: 0.9 mi
- Elevation Gain & Type: 3 ft elevation gain, out & back
- Highlights: Cooling off in the crystal clear lakes, paddle boarding.
- Trailhead & Parking: String Lake Trailhead parking area – the last parking lot is the best if you’re heading to Leigh Lake.
- AllTrails Link
This is one of those hikes where you stop every 5 minutes just to say WOW. It’s peaceful, perfect for a picnic by the water, and a great trail for toddlers to stretch their legs. The water is chilly year-round, but on a warm summer day, it’s a great way to cool down. There are bears in this area, so always use caution, be bear aware, and have bear spray.
Hall of Mosses: Olympic National Park
- Difficulty: Easy
- Family-Friendly: Yes
- Length: 0.8 mi
- Elevation Gain & Type: 82 ft elevation gain, loop
- Highlights: The entire trail is a lush rainforest.
- Trailhead & Parking: Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center can fill up quickly, so go before 10 am or after 5 pm. There is sometimes a huge line just to get into the parking lot.
- AllTrails Link
Ferngully vibes and a must-visit while visiting Olympic National Park. The HOH rainforest is FINALLY open as of May 2025!
Devil’s Punchbowl via Spruce Railroad Trail: Olympic National Park
- Difficulty: Easy
- Family-Friendly: Yes, you could bike or use a stroller, but once you get to the tunnel you have to divert from the pavement to a narrow, rooted hiking trail that is not accessible by anything other than foot.
- Length: 2.6 mi
- Elevation Gain & Type: 131 ft elevation gain, out & back
- Highlights: Lake Crescent views, tunnel, bridge over the Punchbowl
- Trailhead & Parking: Spruce Railroad Trailhead, large parking area with a restroom.
- AllTrails Link
This was such a lovely surprise to us once we reached the actual Devil’s Punchbowl because the color was so vibrant. We lucked out and had a sunny day, which showed the true beauty of the lake’s color and the vibrant greens of the forest.
Grand View Point Trail: Canyonlands National Park
- Difficulty: Easy
- Family-Friendly: Yes, but little ones will need to be heavily supervised or carried in a carrier due to steep drop-offs into the Canyon.
- Length: 1.8 mi
- Elevation Gain & Type: 164 ft elevation gain, out & back
- Highlights: The entire hike has views all around.
- Trailhead & Parking: Grand View Point parking area, large lot, so you shouldn’t have an issue finding a spot. Not much shade, so consider going in the morning or evening.
- AllTrails Link
Amazing views into the canyon and good views of White Rim Road. The trail has drop-offs on both sides after a certain point, but the trail is wide. If you stay on the trail, you won’t be near an edge unless you purposely walk to one.
Trail of the Cedars: Glacier National Park
- Difficulty: Easy
- Family-Friendly: Yes, boardwalk + stroller accessible
- Length: 0.9 mi
- Elevation Gain & Type: None, loop
- Highlights: Avalanche Gorge and the vibrant blue water, old-growth cedars
- Trailhead & Parking: Avalanche Picnic Area, the parking lot is large but will fill up quickly.
- AllTrails Link
Shaded, flat, and truly breathtaking. It’s the perfect short trail to stop at. If you’re up for it, add on Avalanche Lake for an amazing hike. This is within bear territory, so always be bear aware and carry bear spray.
Jordan Pond Path: Acadia National Park
- Difficulty: Easy
- Family-Friendly: Yes
- Length: 3.3 mi
- Elevation Gain & Type: 62 ft elevation gain, loop
- Highlights: Jordan Pond House and views of the Bubbles
- Trailhead & Parking: Jordan Pond parking lot, which can get very busy.
- AllTrails Link
The reflections on the pond and the color of the water are lovely. This is just such a great family-friendly spot to unwind after seeing so many other great spots within the park.
Little River Trail: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Difficulty: Easy
- Family-Friendly: Yes
- Length: Up to 12.3 mi, but you can turn around when you’re ready
- Elevation Gain & Type: 1210 elevation gain, but only towards the end, out & back
- Highlights: Walk along the water and see old remnants of houses.
- Trailhead & Parking: Elkmont area, the first parking lot, if you can. If there is no parking there, drive up the hill and walk down.
- AllTrails Link
This trail starts as gravel and is very wide. The water is far off to the side, so it’s a great spot to let the little ones explore on their own without having to worry too much. Even when busy, it doesn’t feel like it due to everyone checking out the old buildings, water, and all at their pace/distance. Don’t miss the Troll Bridge!
Tenaya Lake Trail: Yosemite National Park
- Difficulty: Easy
- Family-Friendly: Yes
- Length: 3.5 mi
- Elevation Gain & Type: 183 ft elevation gain, loop
- Highlights: Lake Views
- Trailhead & Parking: Tenaya Lake Picnic Area, we had no parking issues.
- AllTrails Link
This is one of those spots in Yosemite that you likely can enjoy without the crowds. The lake is beautiful and great for paddleboarding. The reflections are unreal, and it’s a good spot to unwind for the evening with a picnic.
Crystal Forest Trail: Petrified Forest National Park
- Difficulty: Easy
- Family-Friendly: Yes
- Length: 0.8 mi
- Elevation Gain & Type: 36 ft elevation gain, loop
- Highlights: Colorful petrified logs
- Trailhead & Parking: Crystal Forest parking lot, a less busy park, so no issues with parking.
- AllTrails Link
Short and very unique. Walking through a forest that has since turned into rock is truly an experience that the whole family will love. A great place to explore with kids, where they can learn all about the old forest.
Final Thoughts on 10 Easy National Park Hikes
Easy hikes are underrated. They allow you to look around, soak it in, and share the beauty of these parks with your family. While some of these short, easy hikes are well-known, a few of them aren’t, which is a great way to escape the crowds and enjoy all these parks have to offer! I hope you get the opportunity to see and do some of these 10 easy national park hikes for families one day, and please be sure to leave no trace!
Ready to keep exploring?
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