Shannon O'Brien Travel Itineraries

The best destinations

beautiful horseshoe bend on sunny day,Page,Arizona,usa.
beautiful horseshoe bend on sunny day,Page,Arizona,usa.

Best Easy Hikes in the USA

1. Exit Glacier View and Overlook Loop, Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska

Girl walking with a backpack in front of Exit Glacier, Seward, Alaska

Walk difficulty: easy

  • Exit Glacier View and Overlook Loop is a scenic hiking trail located near Seward, within the Kenai Fjords National Park
  • The first part of the trail is flat and paved, as you progress, the trail includes some moderately steep sections leading to a rocky outcropping that offers views of Exit Glacier
  • The loop also provides opportunities to see local wildlife and forest scenery

Featured in The Best of Alaska

2. Seven Sacred Pools via Soldier Pass Trail, Coconino National Forest, Arizona

Soldier Pass trail in Sedona Arizona in the morning light

Walk difficulty: easy

  • The Seven Sacred Pools are a series of small natural pools located along the Soldier Pass Trail near Sedona
  • The area is known for its red rock formations and scenic views

Featured in The Best of Arizona

3. Lower Yosemite Falls Trail, Yosemite National Park, California

Young woman explores Yosemite Valley - Sentinel / Cook's Meadow Loop on a wooden boardwalk, with Yosemite Falls in sight, on a sunny day of summer

Walk difficulty: easy

Best time to visit: May, Sept

  • Lower Yosemite Falls Trail is a scenic trail located in Yosemite National Park, offering views of both Lower Yosemite Falls and Upper Yosemite Falls, making it a popular spot for photography and sightseeing
  • Visitors can walk to the base of Lower Yosemite Falls, where they can experience the powerful rush of water, especially during spring when the falls are at their peak flow

Featured in The Best of California

4. Perkins Central Garden Trail, Garden of the Gods, Colorado

A triangular shaped sandstone formation marks one of the sides of Perkins Central Garden in Garden of the Gods.

Walk difficulty: easy

  • The Perkins Central Garden Trail is a scenic loop located in the Garden of the Gods park near Manitou Springs
  • The route meanders through red rock formations, allowing hikers to experience the park's most distinctive geological features up close

Featured in The Best of Colorado

5. Wadsworth Falls Loop, Wadsworth Falls State Park, Connecticut

Wadsworth Falls in Middletown, Connecticut U.S.A.

Walk difficulty: easy

  • Wadsworth Falls Loop is a scenic trail located in Wadsworth Falls State Park, near Middletown
  • It offers views of the park's namesake falls, which are situated along the Coginchaug River

Featured in The Best of Connecticut

6. Gordons Pond Trail, Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware

The Gordons Pond Trail wanders through nature at Cape Henlopen State Park on the Eastern Shore. This 3.2-mile accessible trail offers stunning views.

Walk difficulty: easy

  • Gordons Pond Trail is a scenic trail located in Cape Henlopen State Park
  • The trail traverses through salt marshes and offers views of Gordons Pond, a large saltwater lagoon
  • The trail features a mix of marshy grasslands and sandy dunes, and is popular for bird watching

Featured in The Best of Delaware

7. Anhinga Trail, Everglades National Park, Florida

United States, Florida, Miami-Dade County, Everglades National Park, Anhinga Trail

Walk difficulty: easy

  • Anhinga Trail is a trail located in Everglades National Park that features both paved pathways and wooden boardwalks that wind through a sawgrass marsh and freshwater slough
  • This trail is recommended for visitors looking to experience the diverse wildlife of the Everglades
  • The trail offers opportunities to see various wildlife, including alligators, turtles, and bird species such as anhingas, herons, and egrets

Featured in The Best of Florida

8. Dukes Creek Trail, Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, Georgia

Dukes Creek Falls Trail (White County, Georgia)

Walk difficulty: easy

  • Dukes Creek Trail is a scenic hiking trail that winds through a forest filled with mountain streams and features several cascading waterfalls, including a notable 300-foot waterfall

Featured in The Best of Georgia

9. Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube) Trail, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii, Hawaii

Entrance of the Turston Lava Tube in Hawaii Volcano National Park. HDR image created by combining three exposures.

Walk difficulty: easy

Best time to visit: Sept-Nov

  • The Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube) Trail is a hiking destination located within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii
  • Nāhuku, also known as the Thurston Lava Tube, is around 500 years old and formed from the flow of low-viscosity lava
  • The lava tube itself is about 600 feet long and offers a unique opportunity to walk through a natural underground cave

Featured in The Best of Hawaii

10. Tubbs Hill, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

View from Tubbs Hill Trail by Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
  • Tubbs Hill is a natural park located in Coeur d'Alene, bordered by Lake Coeur d'Alene
  • It features several miles of hiking trails, offering scenic views
  • The area is known for its forested areas and rocky outcrops, as well as swimming opportunities

Featured in The Best of Idaho

11. Garden of the Gods Observation Trail, Shawnee National Forest, Illinois

Sunny Skies and Fall Colors in Garden of the Gods in Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois

Walk difficulty: easy

  • The Garden of the Gods Observation Trail is a scenic hiking loop located in the Shawnee National Forest
  • The trail offers panoramic views of the unique sandstone rock formations of the region and the Shawnee Hills
  • Hikers can see several iconic rock formations along the trail, such as Camel Rock, Table Rock, and Devil’s Smokestack

Featured in The Best of Illinois

12. Cane Bayou Trail, Fontainebleau State Park, Louisiana

MANDEVILLE, LOUISIANA, UNITED STATES - Feb 06, 2018: Fontainebleau State Park, Louisiana - February 2018: Sign mark the trailhead for several hiking trails inside Fontainebleau State Park.

Walk difficulty: easy

  • Cane Bayou Trail is a hiking trail and outdoor recreation area located in Fontainebleau State Park, near Mandeville
  • It consists of a mix of dirt paths and boardwalks, with minimal elevation gain
  • It offers views of the bayou and surrounding natural landscapes, with opportunities to see local wildlife, including deer and various birds
  • Cane Bayou is also known for canoeing and kayaking, as it flows into Lake Pontchartrain

Featured in The Best of Louisiana

13. Jordan Pond Path, Acadia National Park, Maine

View of the clear water, stones and fall foliage of Jordan Pond in Acadia National Park

Walk difficulty: easy

Best time to visit: Sept-early Oct

  • The Jordan Pond Path is a scenic trail located in Acadia National Park
  • The path also provides views of glacially carved mountains and follows the shoreline of Jordan Pond, which is a natural glacial lake

Featured in The Best of Maine

14. Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Trail to Great Falls Overlook, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Maryland

USA, Maryland, Great Falls, Potomac River.

Walk difficulty: easy

  • The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Trail to Great Falls Overlook is a scenic hiking trail located within the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park near Potomac
  • The trail offers views along the canal and leads to the Great Falls Overlook, where visitors can enjoy vistas of the Great Falls on the Potomac River
  • The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal itself is a historically significant waterway that played a crucial role in transportation and commerce in the 19th century, and today it serves as a recreational area for hiking, biking, and exploring nature

Featured in The Best of Maryland

15. Freedom Trail, Boston, Massachusetts

One of the Markers of The Freedom Trail, Boston, Massachusetts

Best time to visit: June-Oct

  • The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile (approximately 4 km) path through Boston, that connects 16 historically significant sites related to the American Revolution and the early history of the United States
  • The trail is marked by a distinctive red brick line, guiding visitors through some of Boston's oldest neighborhoods
  • Notable historic sites include the Boston Common, Massachusetts State House, Paul Revere House, Old North Church, and the USS Constitution
  • Each site along the trail tells a part of the story of America's fight for independence and the events leading up to it

Featured in The Best of Massachusetts

#29 in Best Attractions in the USA

#5 in Best Landmarks in the USA

16. Maybury Hiking Trail Loop, Maybury State Park, Michigan

Bright autumn trees by scenic walking trail in Michigan state park

Walk difficulty: easy

  • The Maybury Hiking Trail Loop is a popular trail located in Maybury State Park
  • The trail features a variety of landscapes, including wooded areas, marshlands, and views of Maybury Pond
  • It also provides opportunities to observe local wildlife

Featured in The Best of Michigan

17. Fifth Falls and Superior Hiking Trail Loop, Gooseberry Falls State Park, Minnesota

Bridge Spanning a Dramatic Cascade of the Gooseberry River in Gooseberry River State Park in Minnesota

Walk difficulty: easy

  • The Fifth Falls and Superior Hiking Trail Loop is a scenic hiking trail located in Gooseberry Falls State Park
  • The trail offers views of the Fifth Falls, lush forests, and the surrounding natural landscape, including rivers and rugged cliffs

Featured in The Best of Minnesota

18. White Tail and Old Kate Loop, Parkville Nature Sanctuary, Missouri

Shots Taken at Parkville Nature Sanctuary Missouri

Walk difficulty: easy

  • White Tail and Old Kate Loop is a hiking trail located in the Parkville Nature Sanctuary
  • Hikers can enjoy a variety of natural features, including a waterfall, forested areas, and views of wildlife, particularly deer

Featured in The Best of Missouri

19. Trail of the Cedars, Glacier National Park, Montana

Trail of the Cedars in Glacier National Park, Montana, USA

Walk difficulty: easy

Best time to visit: July-Aug

  • The Trail of the Cedars is a hiking trail located in Glacier National Park, that winds through a lush forest filled with towering red cedar and black cottonwood trees, some of which are estimated to be over 500 years old
  • The area is known for its views of Avalanche Creek, and continues towards Avalanche Lake, which can be reached after an additional hike

Featured in The Best of Montana

20. Fire Wave Trail, Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada

The Fire Wave Trail in Valley of Fire National Park, Nevada, California

Walk difficulty: easy

  • Fire Wave Trail is a hiking route located in Valley of Fire State Park, that features sandstone formations that resemble ocean waves, characterized by swirling patterns of red, white, and other colors
  • Hikers are advised to visit during cooler times of the day, such as sunrise or sunset, especially in the summer due to high temperatures

Featured in The Best of Nevada

21. Manasquan Reservoir Loop, Manasquan Reservoir County Park, New Jersey

Dead trees in the newly formed Manasquan Reservoir in Howell, New Jersey.

Walk difficulty: easy

  • The Manasquan Reservoir Loop is a scenic hiking trail located in Howell Township
  • The area around the reservoir is rich in wildlife, providing opportunities to see species such as osprey, hawks, ducks, and nesting bald eagles
  • The surrounding park includes woods and wetland, and is part of a larger park, which offers various recreational activities such as fishing and boating

Featured in The Best of New Jersey

22. Dripping Springs Trail, Organ Mountains–Desert Peaks National Monument, New Mexico

Dripping Spring recreational are in Organ Mountains

Walk difficulty: easy

  • Dripping Springs Trail is located in the Dripping Springs Natural Area near Las Cruces
  • The area features over four miles of hiking trails that showcase the unique desert landscape, including desert scrub and low elevation pinon-juniper and oak woodlands
  • The trail leads to a waterfall and offers views of the surrounding Organ Mountains
  • The area includes historically preserved structures dating back to 1892

Featured in The Best of New Mexico

23. Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road Loop, Minnewaska State Park Preserve, New York

Carriage Path with Fall Foliage in Lake Minnewaska State Park Preserve

Walk difficulty: easy

  • The Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road Loop is a scenic hiking trail located in Minnewaska State Park Preserve, near Kerhonkson
  • It offers views of Lake Minnewaska and the Shawangunk Ridge, known for its distinctive rocky cliffs
  • The area is popular for birdwatching, enjoying scenic vistas, and has a swimming area nearby

Featured in The Best of New York

24. Raven Rock Loop Trail, Raven Rock State Park, North Carolina

Trail path with wooden handrail in Raven Rock State Park, North Carolina, United States.

Walk difficulty: easy

  • The Raven Rock Loop Trail is a hiking trail located in Raven Rock State Park, near Mamers
  • Hikers can enjoy expansive views, including a 150-foot-high rock outcropping, as well as natural elements like streams and wildflowers

Featured in The Best of North Carolina

25. Crooked River Trail, Smith Rock State Park, Oregon

The Crooked River snakes through the valley at Smith Rock State Park Oregon

Walk difficulty: easy

  • The Crooked River Trail is a scenic hiking route located in Smith Rock State Park
  • Hikers can enjoy views of the Crooked River and surrounding rock formations, including iconic spires and cliffs

Featured in The Best of Oregon

26. Hawk Falls Trail, Hickory Run State Park, Pennsylvania

Hawks Falls in the Poconos Mountains

Walk difficulty: easy

  • Hawk Falls Trail is a hiking trail located in Hickory Run State Park, that leads to Hawk Falls, a scenic 25-foot tall waterfall situated near the confluence of Hawk and Mud Run
  • Hikers can view the forest setting, featuring towering trees and rhododendrons along the path

Featured in The Best of Pennsylvania

27. Newport Cliff Walk, Rhode Island

Hikers at Newport Cliff Walk

Walk difficulty: easy

Best time to visit: March-May, Sept-Nov

  • The Newport Cliff Walk is a scenic public walkway located along the shore of Newport
  • It offers views of the Atlantic Ocean, beaches, and historic mansions that line the coast
  • The cliffside trail is notable for being the first National Recreation Trail in New England

Featured in The Best of Rhode Island

28. Boardwalk Loop, Congaree National Park, South Carolina

Congaree National Park, South Carolina, Boardwalk Loop, an elevated walkway through the old-growth bottomland hardwood forest and swampy environment that protects delicate fungi and plant life.

Walk difficulty: easy

  • The Boardwalk Loop in Congaree National Park is a trail allowing visitors to experience its unique ecosystem, which includes the largest remaining tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in North America

Featured in The Best of South Carolina

29. Radnor Lake Trail, Radnor Lake State Park, Tennessee

Walkway to the waters edge at Radnor Lake State Park

Walk difficulty: easy

  • Radnor Lake Trail is part of Radnor Lake State Park, and is known for its scenic beauty and offers a variety of outdoor activities, particularly hiking
  • The trail is meanders through the woods surrounding Radnor Lake, providing hikers with opportunities to enjoy the native wilderness and observe wildlife
  • The park is home to diverse flora and fauna, including a bird sanctuary

Featured in The Best of Tennessee

30. Santa Elena Canyon Trail, Big Bend National Park, Texas

Santa Elena Canyon and Rio Grande river at Big Bend National Park

Walk difficulty: easy

  • The Santa Elena Canyon Trail is a scenic hiking route located in Big Bend National Park
  • The trail provides views of the dramatic canyon walls, which rise about 1,500 feet
  • Hikers need to cross Terlingua Creek and navigate a short, steep bank to access the trail
  • The trail offers views of the Rio Grande flowing through the canyon, with impressive cliffs on either side

Featured in The Best of Texas

31. Zion Canyon Overlook Trail, Zion National Park, Utah

Panoramic View from the Canyon Overlook Trail into scenic Zion National Park on a perfect Summer Day with blue Sky

Walk difficulty: easy

Best time to visit: April-Nov

  • The Canyon Overlook Trail in Zion National Park is a hiking route that offers views of Zion Canyon
  • At the overlook point, visitors can see the expansive red and cream-colored slickrock formations within the canyon
  • The trail is especially noted for its panoramic vistas above the Great Arch

Featured in The Best of Utah

32. Blackrock Summit via Trayfoot Mountain and Appalachian Trail, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Fall Mountains and Trees along Blackrock Summit Trail in Shenandoah Park, Virginia

Walk difficulty: easy

Best time to visit: March-May, Sept-Nov

  • Blackrock Summit is a hiking destination located in Shenandoah National Park
  • The summit is known for its panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley and Massanutten Mountain
  • The trail leads to a rocky talus slope, characterized by a massive field of black rocks
  • In addition to the views from Blackrock Summit, the surrounding area features diverse landscapes typical of Shenandoah National Park, including wooded sections and open meadows

Featured in The Best of Virginia

33. Marymere Falls Trail, Olympic National Park, Washington

View of Marymere Falls located near Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park. Washington. USA

Walk difficulty: easy

Best time to visit: July-Aug

  • Marymere Falls Trail is a hiking route located in Olympic National Park, offering views of old-growth forests, including towering trees such as fir, cedar, and hemlock
  • The trail also follows the banks of Barnes Creek and features lush moss and ferns
  • Marymere Falls is a horsetail waterfall, meaning it maintains contact with the underlying rock as it cascades down
  • It is one of the tallest waterfalls in Olympic National Park

Featured in The Best of Washington

34. Lion's Den Trail, Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve, Wisconsin

Purple wildflowers and the bright greens of Springtime surround a hiking trail crossing a small wooden bridge in the forest at Lion's Den Gorge, near Grafton, WI.

Walk difficulty: easy

  • Lion's Den Trail is a scenic hiking route located within the Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve
  • Hikers can enjoy views of Lake Michigan, lush forests, and diverse natural landscapes
  • The trail features unique geological formations, including massive bluffs, sand dunes, and wetlands

Featured in The Best of Wisconsin

35. Taggart Lake Loop, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Sunset over Taggart Lake and Grand Teton Mountains in Wyoming, USA, with a footbridge in the foreground.

Walk difficulty: easy

Best time to visit: mid-May-late Sept

  • Taggart Lake Loop is a scenic hiking trail located in Grand Teton National Park
  • The trail offers views of the Teton Range and leads to alpine lakes, including Taggart Lake
  • Hikers can enjoy diverse landscapes, including forests and sagebrush flats, as well as opportunities to see wildlife

Featured in The Best of Wyoming