7 Family-Friendly Trails Under 5 Miles

For many of us who explore our National Parks, we are trying to cram as much as we can into the limited time we have as we enjoy these incredible landscapes. Often times that means forgoing that single, all-day 15 mile hike, and replacing it with a few shorter hikes that allow you to see multiple areas of a National Park!

For those of us with children, the length of the trail might be the single most important aspect of planning your next adventure! Little legs and long trails simply don’t mix!

So for those of you (like us) who are bringing your kids along to explore some of America’s most incredible lands, here are 7 trails under 5 miles long that bring you to incredible sights while still keeping everyone in the family happy! (although you may need to buy some ice cream at the visitors center later!)

Expansive talus fields give way to dramatic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from the Blackrock Summit Trail at Shenandoah National Park

Blackrock Summit Trail - Shenandoah National Park - 1.1 Mile (Loop)

While Shenandoah National Park can easily be considered one of the best hiking parks in America, not all trails are ideally suited to younger hikers. The Blackrock Summit Trail on the other hand offers a short 1.1 mile (round trip) hike to incredible talus fields overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains. The trail itself has a modest 180 ft elevation gain, and for the adventurous explorers, it offers plenty of rock scrambling at the summit, as well! As a bonus, the trail follows a portion of the Appalachian Trail, so feel free to tell all your friends you hiked the AT in Shenandoah National Park!

The incredible view of Yosemite Valley from the Taft Point Trail at Yosemite National Park

Taft Point Trail - Yosemite National Park - 2.2 Mile (Out and Back)

The stunning features of Yosemite Valley at Yosemite National Park make up some of the most iconic rock formations on Earth! While everyone heads to the valley floor to look up at the staggering granite walls, the view from above is arguably even better!

Starting from Glacier Point Rd, the Taft Point Trail is a short 2.2 mile (out and back) trail that takes you high above the valley floor and ends with some of the most dramatic views of El Capitan found anywhere within Yosemite National Park! While the view at the end is certainly worth the hike on it’s own, the multiple stream crossings and tranquil forests throughout the trail make the entire hike one to remember!

A seemingly endless maze of fun in the Balconies Cave at Pinnacles National Park

Balconies Cliffs/Balconies Caves Trail - Pinnacles National Park - 2.8 Mile (Loop)

Often overlooked due to it’s more famous neighbors, Pinnacles National Park offers some of the best hikes found anywhere in America, and thanks to it’s small size, virtually anyone can explore this incredible landscape!

The Balconies Cliffs/Balconies Caves loop is 2.8 miles of excitement every step of the way! From the jaw dropping scenery of the Balconies and High Peaks rock formations, to the multitude of climbing routes (with lots of climbers!), to the switchbacks winding down the mountain, and of course the adventure through the cave, this trail is non-stop fun!

Make sure you bring a few headlamps and some water shoes as you explore one of the most impressive talus caves found in America! The Balconies Cave is nearly pitch black, and runs over a gentle stream. While you climb and wind your way through the rocks of the cave, keep a lookout for Western Mastiff Bats which routinely fly around and call the cave home! Also, watch your head when navigating in the caves.

The tranquil and jaw-dropping landscape along the Moose Ponds Trail at Grand Teton National Park

Moose Ponds Trail - Grand Teton National Park - 3.2 Mile (Loop)

Views of the incredible Grand Tetons in Grand Teton National Park can be found in virtually every corner of this magnificent park, but catching a glimpse of this iconic mountain range without the hassle of summer crowds can be difficult!

The Moose Ponds Trails takes you around the southern edge of Jenny Lake and right to the feet of the Grand Tetons! The 3.2 mile loop offers plenty of landscape scenery to keep anyone entertained, but this isn’t named Moose Ponds Trail for nothing! This area of the park is teeming with moose, bear, birds, and other wildlife native to the park, which makes this one of the best areas to catch a glimpse of some of the many residents of Grand Teton National Park in their natural habitat!

Thanks to our moose experience on this trail, it’s one hike that our family still talks about!

The stunning views from the Anhinga Trail at Everglades National Park

Anhinga Trail - Everglades National Park - 0.8 Miles (Loop)

Maybe the most popular (and famous) trail within the incredible Everglades National Park, the Anhinga Trail is a short, paved boardwalk that will keep older and younger hikers on their toes thanks to the abundant wildlife seemingly feet away from the trail! From the namesake Anhinga’s flying around to the iconic American Alligator splashing in the water, this mellow trail is truly memorable!

For an absolutely thrilling experience, head to the Anhinga Trail at night to get a feel for how Everglades National Park comes alive once the sun goes down! (bring a flashlight!)

The stunning Queens Garden section along the Navajo/Queens Garden Trail at Bryce Canyon National Park

Navajo Trail/Queens Garden Trail - Bryce Canyon National Park - 3.0 Mile (Loop)

While Bryce Canyon National Park has more than enough great trails to fill up this entire list on it’s own, the Navajo/Queens Garden Trail is by far the most impressive! Starting at the canyon rim, passing the iconic Thor’s Hammer hoodoo, and working your way to the canyon floor make this hike a sight-seers dream! With every turn, a seemingly more stunning landscape appears! And thanks to the incredible views throughout, the younger hikers in the group won’t even notice the 600+ ft elevation gain!

Enjoy one of the best views in the park from Long Point at New River Gorge National Park

Long Point Trail - New River Gorge National Park and Preserve - 3.0 Mile (Out and Back)

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is as rugged as it is beautiful. Widely considered a climber’s park, there are a seemingly endless amount of trails that will keep even the most experienced hikers busy!

The Long Point Trail is definitely one of the best trails in the park that allow hikers of any level to enjoy the stunning views of this incredible landscape. Taking you 1.5 miles through forest, fields, and ultimately to an incredible rock outcropping make this hike unbelievably exciting. The view of the New River Gorge Bridge and the Gorge itself from Long Point make for an excellent breakfast spot as you can start your day perched high above the mighty New River as you watch the morning fog roll through the New River Gorge Bridge!