Three great USA hiking destinations for all experience levels

Yosemite National Park in California is renowned for its hiking.

If you are new to hiking, or are planning a hiking trip with some beginners or youngsters then you will need to find a trail suitable for hikers of various levels. Fortunately, there are thousands of beginner’s trails all across the United States which are a great place for someone to start their hiking passion, or for groups with mixed experience and ages to enjoy a day on the trail.

What makes a hiking trail ‘easy’ is open to interpretation. Despite being marked as an easy trail, if you are an absolute beginner you should make sure you are well prepared. Being very familiar with what gear and preparation you need is important for your safety, and to help you out with that, experienced hikers at Hyke & Byke have put together this extensive guide for beginner backpackers, so make sure you check it out before hitting the road.

So, here are three of the best hiking destinations with low-intensity, short-duration hikes that offer incredible nature and are suitable for all ages.

Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge – Washington State

Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge’s Wetlands are great for a spot of hiking.

This fantastic beginner’s trail is just a 15-minute drive East of Olympia, Washington and has an elevation gain of only 10 feet, making it a nearly level trail that everyone can enjoy. At five miles long it is also a trail that guarantees that you are never far from help if anyone runs into any difficulty.

With so much to see on the way, you can take the whole day to hike through the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. The Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk Trail gives hikers a walk through some of the refuge’s most picturesque places, including a stretch that takes you through its wetlands and to the edges of its waters giving hikers plenty of wildlife to look for.

Parson's Lodge, Yosemite National Park – California

Expect incredible views like this when hiking in Yosemite National Park.

Every year, millions of tourists go to California to enjoy its beaches, theme parks, the magic of Hollywood and the incredible weather – but too few enjoy the hiking on offer.

Parson’s Lodge is a beautifully maintained, level hiking trail that takes you through part of the Yosemite Valley. Though only short, on a sunny California day it can be one of the best and most pleasurable hikes in the country. It is popular with locals and visitors alike, so you are very likely to make some hiking buddies along the way.

Make sure you dress for the weather though, as the Californian sun can be extremely hot and unremitting. When choosing hiking boots, going with a lightweight option is a good decision. Make sure you also take enough water for everyone in your group.

Wissahickon Trail, Philadelphia – Pennsylvania

Switching to the East Coast, you can find some of the USA’s best hiking in the countryside just minutes outside of Philadelphia.

With approximately 50 miles of hiking trails of varying difficulty levels, the Wissahickon Trail caters for all. Beginners will be able to overcome the eight-and-a-half-mile hike, with low elevation gain, through one of the most peaceful forests in the world, alongside sparkling creeks and picturesque streams. This trail also offers history to go with the abundant nature on offer, with the trail terminating at Catfish Creek near Whitemarsh, where early German settlers set up a small encampment around 1690.

Got any other recommendations for US hiking trails that cater to all abilities? Let me know in the comments!