How to find hiking trails near you and choose the right difficulty
A good first hike fits the people going. Start with the kind of outing you want, then check the route, the trailhead, and what the difficulty label leaves out.
By Jeremy L. Koering
Search for the outing you want
I usually start with Google. I look up trailheads and read comments for details that matter to my family: where to park, how long the trail is, whether there’s a playground, and whether people mention trash cans or litter. Those details can decide which trail I choose.
Try replacing the brackets with your town, ZIP code, or the area you’ll be visiting:
- Short loop trail near [town] for a route that brings you back to the start.
- Easy hikes with a playground near [ZIP code] when the playground is part of the outing.
- Paved park trails with restrooms near [town] when you want a smoother surface or a bathroom nearby.
- [Park name] trail map [trailhead name] once you have a candidate.
If the first results don’t fit, check the city or county parks directory, a nearby state park, or a local land trust. A small park or nature preserve close to home can be a good place to start.
Check where you’ll actually start
Search for the trailhead by name. A park can have several entrances, and the first pin you see may lead to a different lot. Open the managing park’s map and check where your route starts, where it ends, and whether you need a permit or parking fee. Read current alerts for closures and check the hours for the lot and any restrooms you’re counting on.
Use recent comments for details the map may leave out: mud after rain, a lot that fills early, rough stretches, or how far the playground is from the trail. Look for comments about your exact route. If a review and the park’s current notice disagree, follow the park notice.
Pick a difficulty that fits your group
Choose for the least experienced person going. Use the posted rating as a starting point, then check these four things:
- Total distance: Is the number the whole loop or just one way? A one-mile trail out and back can mean two miles of walking.
- Hills: Check total elevation gain and where the steep stretches are. A short climb or descent can be harder than the mileage suggests.
- Footing: Packed gravel and pavement feel different from loose rocks, roots, mud, or steps. If you’re bringing a stroller, confirm the surface and barriers on the specific route.
- Turnaround options: An out-and-back lets you turn whenever you’ve had enough. On a loop, check for a shorter route before you commit to the full distance.
For a first family hike: Try a short, mostly flat loop or an out-and-back with a clear turnaround. If you’re unsure how far everyone wants to walk, a half-mile to a mile total is a reasonable starting point. Leave time for snack breaks, wildlife stops, and the walk back.
Once that feels comfortable, change one thing on the next outing: go a little farther, add a hill, or try rougher footing. That makes it easier to learn what your group enjoys.
Is AllTrails worth using?
I used to use AllTrails, but for the outings I plan, I found the free version more hassle than it was worth. I now start with a Google search for the trailhead and check recent comments and the park map. If an app helps you find routes you’d otherwise miss, use it to build your shortlist. I’d still check the official map and current conditions before heading out.
Before you leave
Confirm the trailhead, check the weather and daylight, and save a map you can read without a signal. Bring water, wear shoes that suit the footing, and give yourself permission to turn around early. A good first hike is one you’d like to do again.