Blog Home > Hiking, National Parks, United States, Yellowstone, Yosemite National Park, Zion Top National Park Hikes for Beginner Adventurers Nicki Bruckmann August 20, 2024 Share Stressed about the hustle and bustle of everyday life? Sounds like you need to go on a hike and touch grass ASAP! If you’re a beginner, hiking might not fall under your definition of a good time. The idea of walking for hours on end, stumbling on vines and rocks, and getting acquainted with Harold the “friendly” local bear is enough to keep anyone from stepping foot in a national park. But trust us when we say that hiking isn’t all that bad and encounters with wild animals and other unfortunate events are about as rare as a four-leaf clover— especially when you’re hiking on a beginner-friendly trail. The US has over 60 national park accessible to the public, spanning more than 52 million acres. It can be intimidating to know where to start, especially as a beginner hiker! This blog post lists some of the best national park hikes for beginner adventurers, as well as important advice to help you make the most of your hiking experience. Why National Parks Are Perfect for Novice Hikers As a beginner, there’s no better way to start a hiking adventure than to visit a national park. National parks have clearly marked trails, knowledgeable rangers to get up-to-date information from, and a well-established infrastructure to help prevent you from getting hurt or lost. If you can’t find rangers around, you’ll often come across fellow hikers whom you can ask for directions or any other help you may need while on the trail. National parks feature a variety of trails that cater to all experience levels, so you can choose a distance and difficulty that suits your ability. Once you’ve tried one trail and conquered those first-time jitters, you can gradually transition to a more challenging hike. Gearing Up: Essential Equipment for National Park Hikes Packing the right gear is crucial to a successful hiking trip. Generally, the longer and more remote the hike, the more gear, clothing, food, and water you’ll want to bring. Here are some of the essentials you need when hiking in a national park: Sun protection: Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a sun hat to protect yourself against sunburn. Navigation: Regardless of how familiar you are with the trail, always carry a compass, map, or a GPS system. Don’t only rely on your smartphone because it might lose power or signal at critical times. Illumination: Pack a flashlight, lantern, or headlamp, as well as extra batteries for ‘just in case’ scenarios. Bad weather, an injury, or an incorrect route can easily keep you out through the night. First-aid supplies: Accidents happen on the trail all the time. Prepare yourself for unexpected emergencies by packing bandages of varying sizes, adhesive tape, gauze or dressings, antibiotic ointment, pain relievers, antihistamines, tweezers, and scissors. Food: Hiking takes a lot of energy, especially if you’re a beginner. Continually snacking throughout the hike helps maintain your energy levels and keeps you fueled. Bring high-energy snacks like trail mix, nuts, and energy bars. Hydration: Dehydration can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and other health issues, so make sure to carry enough water for the duration of your hike. A good rule of thumb is 1L of water per 2 hours of hiking. Appropriate footwear: Your old everyday sneakers won’t do. Invest in proper hiking shoes with enough traction, support, and protection. Knife or multi-tool: Trails can be unpredictable. Carrying a knife or multi-tool can help you handle a variety of situations, from cutting rope and opening food packages to protecting yourself from wild animals. Shelter: In case you get stranded or need to rest unexpectedly during your hike, bring some sort of energy shelter like an emergency blanket. Download Our Free Day Hiking Checklist! Packing for a day hike shouldn’t feel like prepping for an expedition. Our simple, stress-free downloadable checklist covers the essentials so you’re ready for any adventure. Print it out (or screenshot it), check it off, and hit the trail with confidence! Email(Required) Name First Last CommentsThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. 1 Yosemite National Park: Where Beginners Meet Giants Located amidst California’s stunning Sierra Nevada mountains, Yosemite National Park is known for its ancient sequoia trees (many exceeding 3,000 years!), jaw-dropping waterfalls, and glacial landscapes. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Yosemite National Park draws in no less than four million visitors annually. It’s a must-visit for novice hikers not only for its beginner-friendly trails but also because of its iconic natural wonders. Easy hikes in Yosemite include: Mirror Lake Loop: Reflecting on Nature’s Beauty Distance: 4.4 miles roundtrip Elevation Gain: 301 ft The Mirror Lake Loop is a five-mile loop trail that offers stunning views of Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the United States, alongside Half Dome and the park’s majestic granite cliffs. The trail is well-maintained, easy to follow, and mostly flat, making it an excellent introduction to Yosemite National Park. The trail takes no more than two hours to complete. Lower Yosemite Falls Trail: Chasing Waterfalls for Beginners Distance: 1.2 miles roundtrip Elevation Gain: 55ft The Lower Yosemite Falls Trail offers stunning views of cascading waters and granite cliffs, making it one of the prime Yosemite photo spots. The Lower Fall, which you’ll see up close on this hike, is a staggering 320 feet (98 meters) high. This trail is fairly short, only a 1.2-mile loop near Yosemite Valley. The entire loop is paved, so as long as you follow the trail, you won’t get lost. The eastern trail is wheelchair accessible. Bridalveil Fall Trail: A Misty Welcome to Yosemite Distance: .08 miles roundtrip Elevation Gain: 114 ft The Bridalveil Fall Trail is perhaps the most beginner-friendly trail in Yosemite National Park. This 0.8-mile out-and-back trail is short but memorable, with beautiful views all around. The star of the trail is the Bridal Veil Falls, cascading down a 620-foot (189-meter) rock face. It’s one of the tallest waterfalls in the US, and an absolutely breathtaking sight to behold! Join our group hiking trip to Yosemite 2 Acadia National Park: Coastal Trails for the Novice Explorer Next up on this list is the Acadia National Park, located on the largest island off the coast of Maine. It’s around 160 miles from Portland and about 50 miles from Bangor. Arcadia boasts over 150 miles of paths that wind through forests, coastlines, and mountain summits. It’s filled with hikes of varying difficulties and lengths, so there’s a trail for everyone to enjoy. Here are some easy hikes in Acadia: Jordan Pond Path: A Serene Stroll in Acadia’s Heart Distance: 3.1 miles roundtrip Elevation Gain: 42 ft The Jordan Pond Path is a 3.1-mile loop trail that takes an average of 60 minutes to complete. The trail follows the shore of Jordan Pond, a picturesque water formation surrounded by glacially carved mountains—perfect for sunset photography. The wooden plank boardwalk path follows through a forested area, which gives way to open views of rugged, mountainous peaks. Along the way, you may encounter wildlife like beavers, mergansers, porcupines, and loons. Ocean Path: Where the Mountains Meet the Sea Distance: 4.5 miles roundtrip Elevation Gain: 374 ft. Ocean Path is one of the most breathtaking hikes you’ll encounter in Acadia National Park. It passes through many must-see attractions, including Thunder Hole, Sand Beach, Otter Point, and Otter Cliff, all the while providing fantastic views of the ocean and rocky coastline. While it’s a moderately long trek at 4.5 miles, the mostly flat path makes it enjoyable for hikers of most levels. If you’re planning to hike the entire 4.5-mile trail, start at Sand Beach because it’s close to the parking area. The trail begins at the top of the stairs and follows along Park Loop Road. Wonderland Trail: A Beginner’s Coastal Adventure Distance: 1.3 miles roundtrip Elevation Gain: 78 ft. There’s no better way to enjoy the coastal views of Acadia National Park than to hike down Wonderland Trail. This family-friendly path is a short and sweet 1.3-mile round hike, perfect for all ages and experience levels. The trail winds through towering pine forests, and as you near the end, the trees give way to breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. From there, you can explore the tide pools and the large sheets of crumbling pink granite along the coastline. The path towards the ocean is pretty muddy, so make sure you wear boots! Join our group hiking trip to Acadia 3 Shenandoah National Park: Easy Hikes in the Blue Ridge Mountains Nestled along the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park is a wonder to explore. You can do almost anything in the park, including horseback riding, camping, dishing, and bird-watching. But what makes Shenandoah stand out is its network of 500-plus miles of hiking trails. Shenandoah National Park is massive, so it’s impossible to see all it has to offer in one day (or in one week, for that matter). Here are the easy hikes in Shenandoah National Park to start with: Limberlost Trail: A Gentle Introduction to Appalachian Flora Distance: 1.4 miles roundtrip Elevation Gain: 101 ft Limberlost Trail is one of the easiest hikes of Shenandoah National Park, perfect for hikers with limited mobility and small children. The 1.3-mile trail is covered in flat greenstone, so it’s wheelchair accessible. The routes are mostly flat with ample benches along the trail and a moderate elevation gain of 120 feet. While you won’t find heart-stopping overlooks here like some other trails, Limberlost more than compensates with its tranquility and Appalachian flora. So, if you’re looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, the Limberlost Trail should be your go-to. Dark Hollow Falls Trail: Chasing Waterfalls in Shenandoah Distance: 1.6 miles roundtrip Elevation Gain: 583 ft. Though relatively short at 1.4 miles round-trip, the Dark Hollow Falls Trail isn’t for complete beginners. The walk downhill is fairly steep, with uneven terrain and loose rocks underfoot. Learning how to hike downhill is crucial for this trip. Other than that, the trail is pretty straightforward. The path follows along the Hogcamp Branch Stream and descends towards the 70-foot Dark Hollow Falls. On the way, you’ll encounter dozens of birds soaring overhead; scarlet tanagers searching for food, red-eyed vireos gliding through trees, and common ravens croaking out of sight. You might encounter white-tailed deer, chipmunks, and barred owls if you’re lucky. Bears live in the area, but you’re unlikely to run into them as long as you stay close to the path. Bearfence Viewpoint: A Short Climb to Panoramic Views Distance: 1 mile Elevation Gain: 242 ft The Bearfence Viewpoint is about a mile away and involves a bit of rock scrambling. Along the way, you’ll encounter dozens of species of trees such as hickory, oak, and maple, which change in appearance with the season. Join our group trip to Shenandoah 4 Zion National Park: Beginner Hikes in Utah's Red Rock Wonder Known for its sandstone cliffs, water-carved canyons, and extensive mesas, Zion National Park is a spellbinding destination that hikers of all experience levels must visit at least once. Despite its rugged appearance, Zion has well-maintained paths that wind through valleys and along riverbanks. These accessible trails grant hikers breathtaking vistas of the park’s famed rock formations. Check out these easy hikes in Zion: Riverside Walk: An Easy Stroll Along the Virgin River Distance: 1.9 miles roundtrip Elevation Gain: 193 ft The Riverside Walk is a must-hike trail in Zion. It’s relatively short at 2.2 miles roundtrip, with the first 0.4 miles being wheelchair accessible. The trail follows the Virgin River, surrounded by lush vegetation and towering sandstone cliffs. Pa’rus Trail: Paved Perfection for First-Time Hikers Distance: 3.2 miles roundtrip Elevation Gain: 134 ft. The Pa’rus Trail is one of the newer trails of Zion National Park, and the only trail open to bicycles and pets. The trail skirts along the Virgin River and ends at Canyon Junction. Along the way, you’ll encounter wildflowers, bridges above the river, and mule deer lounging or grazing around. Join our group trip to Zion 5 Yellowstone National Park: Geothermal Wonders for Beginners Renowned for its hydrothermal and geological wonders, the Yellowstone National Park offers a wealth of diverse landscapes for beginner hikers to explore. It has a network of well-marked trails that cater to hikers of all abilities, and easily accessible attractions that offer incredible views without requiring strenuous hikes. Our Yellowstone Grand Teton hiking tour covers so many trails, and here’s our recommendations for beginners: Mammoth Hot Springs Terrace: Walking Through a Living Sculpture Distance: 2.5 miles roundtrip Elevation Gain: 383 ft. Mammoth Hot Springs Terrace is a sight to behold. The terraces along the path are formed by hot springs depositing calcium carbonate for thousands of years. The water cools and hardens as it flows, creating a series of scalloped benches, steps, and pools—a living sculpture that changes form. There are two main areas to explore at the Mammoth Hot Springs: the Upper Terrace and the Lower Terrace. The Upper Terrace is the bigger of the two and is accessible by a boardwalk that winds its way up the hillside. The Lower Terrace is smaller but offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Storm Point Loop: An Easy Wildlife-Watching Trail Distance: 2.5 miles roundtrip Elevation Gain: 98 ft Storm Point Loop is an easy trail that overlooks Indian Pond and Yellowstone Lake. The path winds through a forested area before emerging at Storm Point, a rocky area known for its colony of yellow-bellied marmots. Storm Point Loop is closed in late spring and early summer due to bear activity, so make sure to visit in mid-summer and fall. Join our group trip to Yellowstone Preparing for Your First National Park Hike: Tips and Tricks If it’s your first time hiking in a national park, be sure to follow these useful tips and tricks: Choose trails that fit your physical capabilities and comfort level. There’s always time to choose more challenging trails later on when you’re more used to strenuous adventures. Wear the right hiking gear. Opt for moisture-wicking workout clothes designed for outdoor activities to cool and dry on the trail. The same is said for footwear. Invest in a good pair of hiking boots that provide ankle support and good traction on uneven terrain. Do your research beforehand. Download a physical map and mark key locations and landmarks so you always know where you are. Start your hike as early as possible. The later you leave, the more crowded it’ll become. Be sure to check the weather and avoid hiking during the heat of the day or rainy conditions. If you’re hiking alone and want other people on the trail, leave early. You don’t want to go hiking near sundown because the hike back in the dark can be dangerous. Always check the park’s website for current weather conditions and trail closures before heading out. Planning Your Visit: Best Seasons for Beginner Hikes in National Parks There’s no best season for hiking in national parks because it all depends on the area you’re visiting. Generally, though, we don’t recommend visiting during the summer months because of the crowd and the heat. Shoulder seasons like spring and fall are ideal because the temperatures are cooler and the parks are less crowded. Leave No Trace: Responsible Hiking in National Parks When hiking, be conscious of the effects your actions may have on the animals, plants, and the ecosystem in general. Properly dispose of your waste. Leave what you find on the trail. Don’t touch historic structures and artifacts, or bring home plants, rocks, or small animals. Observe wildlife from a safe distance. Don’t feed them as it may disrupt their diet and make them dependent on humans. Be considerate to other visitors. Keep your noise level to a minimum. Embrace the Trail: Your National Park Adventure Begins Now! The national parks we’ve listed above all offer accessible hikes of all experience levels. Choose a park you find most intriguing, pack the right gear, and start planning your adventure today. With the right planning and attitude, your first national park hike will be an unforgettable experience that’ll leave you wanting to explore more! Related Posts Is Uganda safe? How to Prepare for a Safe trip to Uganda Is Uganda safe? Uganda has its struggles, making many travelers nervous to explore its wonders. Here’s what we know and how to be prepared. 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