On a whole, the most amazing hikes in the country come at a cost and are usually located in national parks. However, there are some postcard-worthy hikes that are entirely free.
I have shared a few of the best free hikes in the country but there are plenty of ways to find free hikes in your area that will be just as beautiful if you know where to look.
Paradise Falls, North Carolina
Paradise Falls is a very popular trail located in the western half of North Carolina. You can find Paradise Falls 90 mins outside of Ashville. It is also easily accessed as a day trip from cities such as Knoxville, TN and Atlanta, GA.
The trail to the falls is slightly difficult and will be best suited to older children or teens. You can however bring your dog along so long as they remain on a leash. The trail itself is only just over half a mile long.
The true payoff for this hike is being able to swim at the falls. The crisp and fresh water will surely be welcomed!
Neahkahnie Mountain, Oregon
Neahkahnie Mountain Trail is a well-trafficked hiking trail located on the Oregon coast. It is approximately 1 hour 40 minutes from Portland Oregon.
You will be blown away by the incredible ocean vistas which are mixed effortlessly with winding forest trails. The ocean view however is the main attraction for those on the trail
The trail is reasonably easy but be sure to check conditions before you go. You can do this on the All Trails app. After heavy rain, there are often trees on the trail and slippery muddy conditions. If you read the reviews of visitors who have been recently you will get an idea of the trails conditions.
This trail is about 3.5 miles round trip.
Cathedral Rock, Arizona
Sedona Arizona is well known for is breathtaking scenery. This tiny town has some of the most memorable views I have every encountered. I wish we were able to stay longer to do so much more.
Cathedral Rock is Sedona’s most famous landmark and hiking trail. The trail itself is 1.2 miles long however it is a hike in hike out type trail.
The hike is so popular with visitors because it is relatively short but offers some of the most jaw-dropping views of red rock canyons in the world. There is some scrambling on the hike so it is not great for young children but older kids will definitely enjoy the challenge.
You can expect to take around 30 minutes to get to the top of the trail for the views. It can get very hot in Sedona so try to opt for an early morning or late afternoon hike to avoid the heat. Even so, be sure to take plenty of water in a backpack. You will need your hands for the rock scrambling!
Whirlpool Rapids, New York
If you are visiting Niagara Falls you can’t forgo a good hike. Believe it or not, there is actually a lot more to do than just look at the majestic Niagara Falls!
Whirlpool Rapids is a busy hiking trail that starts in Whirlpool State Park which is adjacent to Niagara Falls. It is a 3-hour round trip in which you will hop boulders and witness the powerful rapids and whirlpools created from the water that flows over Niagara Falls. It is a great opportunity to see another side of the falls that is often neglected.
There is an age limit to this hike. In order to enter the hiking trail children need to be 8 years old.
How to Find Free Hikes?
All Trails
Generally, the best way to find free hikes near you is to use All Trails. You can access All Trails either via the app if you are on the go or on their website. You will be able to search trails based on location and many other filters
I love using All Trails to research different areas to visit and to establish whether a hike is good for our family. I love that there are reviews of the trails from others who have already been. This gives me a real insight into what it is like. One benefit is that if it has been a period of particularly bad weather I can quickly check and see what the trail is like based on other peoples reviews. If it is a heavily trafficked trail people will let you know if it is too muddy or if there are felled trees. There is nothing worse than getting to a trailhead and realising it is not going to be a good idea. It is even worse if you have driven a considerable distance!
I also use All Trails to determine whether we can bring Jimmy our dog. He loves to come everywhere with us. He is a total sook and hates to be left out so I am happy when I can find a trail we can bring him along on.
Word Of Mouth
Another way to find good hiking trails is to just ask! Ask your friends, your family, your work colleagues, or the person serving you your coffee. People love to talk about amazing places and will be happy to share their favourites with you.
If you are in a town or city visiting ask people you meet if they have ideas of places to hike. A locals knowledge trumps all else! They will often give you tips and tricks about when to go or where to park if it is popular.
Social Media
Social media is a brillant place to find hiking trails. There are dedicated groups for hiking where people are more than willing to share photos and ideas of where to hike.
I am currently in a hiking group where people put out a call most weekends for hiking buddies to join them on hikes. It is a great way to make new friends and enjoy the outdoors with like-minded people.
I love seeing everyone from all different walks of life and all different family make-ups sharing their photos and plans. It totally inspires me to go to these places and capture the adventure with my own family.