Besrey-  Sep.25 2025

Hiking Trails Nearby: Family Adventures Perfect for All Ages

Around 59.6 million Americans flock to hiking trails nearby, hoping to see rare birds or get the perfect family selfie by a natural vista. While many living in more rural areas can enjoy this outdoor activity with only a quick 5-minute drive, finding the best hiking trails near a big urban center is a little more challenging.

The good news is, with a bit of research, you can quickly find a place to test out a toddler girl tricycle one moment, then throw on a backpack carrier to explore more challenging terrain. Each trail is one more opportunity to build lasting memories with your family, and we’ve collated a great list to get you started.

The Best Hiking Trails Nearby List for Your Crew

Griffith Observatory to Mount Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA
2.5 miles | Easy to Moderate

Starting with a more accessible hike, we have the Griffith Park Observatory. This steady climb can be shortened at any moment from the total 2.5-mile round trip trek, making it perfect if your little ones need a potty break. You’ll end up with sweeping views of the LA Basin and Insta-worthy pics of the Hollywood Sign. Just be sure to pack the sunscreen and have a little cash on hand for parking.

Solstice Canyon, Malibu, CA
3.2 miles | Easy

Drive west toward the coastline and you’ll find this Malibu must-do hike. Solstice Canyon is full of winding pathways with shaded groves and old homestead ruins. There is a seasonal cascade waterfall and a coastal view perfect for picnicking with family. It’s a great stop off the Pacific Coast Highway.

Lands End Trail, San Francisco, CA
3.4 miles | Easy to Moderate

Drive west toward the coastline and you’ll find this Malibu must-do hike. Solstice Canyon is full of winding pathways with shaded groves and old homestead ruins. There is a seasonal cascade waterfall and a coastal view perfect for picnicking with family. It’s a great stop off the Pacific Coast Highway.

Tennessee Valley Trail to Tennessee Beach, Marin Headlands, CA
3.4 miles | Easy

Take a walk across the bridge with your 3 in 1 toddler tricycles for 1-4 years olds, and then hop over to Marin County’s rolling hills. You’ll find locals and tourists enjoying this trail, exploring the historic Sutro Baths featured in many films, and enjoying views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific Ocean. It’s also near the USS San Francisco Memorial as an extra treat.

Torrey Pines Beach Trail Loop, San Diego, CA
2.3 miles | Moderate

You’ll want to cinch that carrier backpack a little tighter for this trail. Even though the elevation gain is only 341 feet, the trip in and out of the shoreline can be a little steep at times. Always double-check the tidal levels before you pack lunch for the journey. High tide can be slightly dangerous, but low tide is perfect for family photos.

The Ramble & Lake Loop, Manhattan, NY
1 mile | Easy

Great for a toddler girl tricycle, this easy loop can be started or stopped along any number of trail entryways. You’ll be right smack in the thick of Central Park, getting to escape the hustle and bustle of NYC for a short moment before exiting for some amazing food. Be sure to swing by the Ramble Stone Arch for an amazing photo opp.

John Kieran Nature Trail, Bronx, NY
1 mile | Easy

This loop will take you around Van Cortlandt Lake and the nearby wetlands, making it a must for any family tracking local birdwatching. There is an old cemetery, the Parade Grounds, and an old-school railroad all associated with this trail, so plenty to see and learn from for kids of all ages, as well as older family members interested in history.

Blue Hills Trail to Eliot Tower, Milton, MA
2.2 miles | Moderate

Just outside Boston, MA, is a hike with a 396 elevation gain that will give you one of the most spectacular city skyline views. It is a frequent favorite for locals, especially during holidays when fireworks cascade around the city. There are many connecting trails, so be sure to bring a map before exploring this area. It’s tradition to bring fresh fruit for sharing with local wildlife when you reach the top of Blue Hill (just don’t let the rangers catch you).

The 606/Bloomingdale Trail | Chicago, IL
2.7 miles | Easy to Moderate

The trick to the 606 trail is to remember it used to be a rail line. That will explain why it is so wide and accessible for all family members. The Bloomingdale part of the 606 network runs east to west, taking you through the longest greenway project in Chicago. This is a beautiful area that is hardscaped for 3 in 1 toddler tricycles for 1-4 years and has lighting on most of it for nighttime excursions. Just make sure you look at the local events calendar, as there are a lot of 5Ks and family runs.

Discovery Park Loop, Seattle, WA
4.4 miles | Easy

Take the family on a trip to a historical lighthouse on the Discovery Park Loop. You’ll want to go on a seasonally “good” day, as the winds can get heavy during the winter. When done, you can always drop into the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center or have a barbecue in the nearby 534-acre natural area park. There are tidal beaches, open meadows, forest groves, and streams running everywhere here.

Red Rocks Trading Post Trail, Morrison, CO
1.6 miles | Moderate

You’ve probably seen a video of the famous Red Rocks Theater, but this trail gets you a bit more into the wilderness. It’s considered a “day hike” because you’ll have to travel a bit to get to the head. However, it is an easy 500-foot elevation gain. It is close enough to Denver for a quick bite at a nearby restaurant when you’re finished. Go early in the morning for the best views of the natural rock formations and avoid crowds in the Trading Post.

Theodore Roosevelt Island Loop, Washington, DC
1.7 miles | Easy

You get the best of wooded trails and boardwalked swamps with this loop and tribute to the 26th President of the United States. With well over 88.5 acres, the island is a beautiful destination for sanctuary-minded explorers. The central statue of the namesake is well worth the visit, and there are hardscape elements everywhere for taking out a toddler girl tricycle for playtime.

Honorable Hiking Mentions

While the family-friendly hikes we mentioned are fantastic for city locations, we wanted to add a quick list of the other popular hiking trails nearby that kids will enjoy. These are a little more off the beaten path, but well worth the time.

· Navajo Loop and Queen Garden Trail, Bryce Canyon, UT
· Emerald Lake Trail, Estes Park, CO
· Rattlesnake Ledge Trail, North Bend, WA
· Trail of Ten Falls, Silverton, OR
· Avalanche Lake, West Glacier, MT
· Delicate Arch Trail, Moab, UT
· Boynton Canyon Trail, Sedona, AZ
· The Watchman Trail, Springdale, UT
· Wallace Falls via Woody Trail, Gold Bar, WA
· Lake Haiyaha Trail, Estes Park, CO

Finally, if you are in the bigger cities, don’t forget local parks. Exploring the Freedom Trail in Boston or going for a journey along the Medallion Walk in San Francisco. There are always incredible places to take younger adventurers with a bit of research beforehand.

Start Exploring Today with Besrey

No matter where you live in the United States, finding hiking trails nearby is a fantastic way to get outdoors and spend time with your loved ones. From the coastal cliffs of California to the waterfalls of New York, Besrey provides backpack carriers, toddler girl tricycles, and more, so you can make the most out of each new journey. Pack a lunch, first aid kit, and plenty of sunscreen as you teach your children about the love of nature all around you.