Are you looking for some of the best East Coast hiking destinations to visit with kids? We’ve got you covered!
We love hiking! And bringing the kids along makes it even more fun. They enjoy exploring nature, climbing rocks, and great views as much as we do.
We’ve been on some fantastic trips where hiking was the main focus. And we had a blast! Some of our favorites include Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina and the Finger Lakes in New York.
There are so many great hiking trails on the east coast, but not all of them are family-friendly. And even though we can’t wait to try them out with the kids when they are older, we’ll stick to ones that we can do as a family now.
The guide below shares the best places to hike with kids on the east coast, other activities at each destination, and some recommendations on where to stay.
So, grab your sense of adventure and start planning a trip to one of these best east coast hiking destinations. You won’t be disappointed!
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Prepare for Your East Coast Hikes
It’s always best to be prepared for any hike. This is what we recommend for these east coast hikes:
- Shoes: The trails below can be rocky and steep. As always, we recommend sturdy hiking boots or trail sneakers.
- Water Bottles: No matter how short the hike is, you’ll always want a water bottle on hand, especially in the hotter months.
- Bug Spray and Sunscreen: Mosquitoes and gnats can be in full force, depending on the time of year. A good insect repellant will make the hike more pleasant.
- Clothing: When hiking, you’ll want to dress in layers. Usually, it’s cooler in the mornings, but you’ll heat up as you walk along. Wearing t-shirts under light-weight zip-up sweatshirts is ideal in the spring and fall.
- Snacks or Picnic Lunch: Depending on which trails you choose and time of day, you’ll want to have a few snacks or even a lunch ready to eat!
- Hand sanitizer / Hand Wipes: You never know when you need to wipe down! Especially before eating.
- Bandages: Isn’t it inevitable that someone will fall and scrape a knee on a rock? It’s always good to have some bandages or even a small first aid kit on hand.
- Backpack: To carry everything in. Need I say more? I prefer one with side pockets to hold the water bottles and a front pocket to hold the wipes and bandages. But you can use whatever you own.
- Detailed Map: Most of the below hiking destination have well-signed trails. However, it’s always good to have a map of the area before you visit, especially if cell-service is not good.
Be a Responsible Visitor
Remember as you visit these east coast hiking destinations to respect nature. Stay on established paths, pack out your trash (including food waste), and leave what you find behind.
The more popular these destinations become, the more we need to be diligent about keeping our parks and lands clean and safe for all. You can learn more here.
Best Family-Friendly East Coast Hiking Destinations
1. Catskills, New York
The Catskills in New York is a great family-friendly east coast hiking destination. The region offers a variety of kid-friendly trails that promise both fun and great views.
Best Hikes in the Catskills
One must-do hike is to Kaaterskill Falls, a 260-foot waterfall your little ones will love splashing around at the base. There are over 400 steps down to the bottom, so keep that in mind when planning your hike. You can always view the waterfall from the observation platform.
Another fun hike for families is Sunset Rock, where you can enjoy gorgeous views of the Catskill Mountains.
The short and moderate trail makes it an ideal choice for young hikers. The summit is the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic lunch or snacks. It makes a great sunset hike, too!
Other Things to Do in the Catskills.
There are plenty of other things to do in the Catskills if you want to take a break from hiking. We enjoyed visiting the Saugerties Lighthouse and exploring Opus40. There are also many places to ski nearby.
Where to Stay in the Catskills
We recommend this beautiful Vrbo in Hunter, NY, right at Hunter Mountain. The location is quiet, with mountain views, but close enough to many popular attractions.
The area has limited hotels, so try some of the home rentals in towns like Hunter, Tannersville, and Saugerties.
2. The Finger Lakes, New York
Hiking in the Finger Lakes region of New York is a fantastic adventure for young families looking to connect with nature.
Best Hikes in the Finger Lakes
Two must-visit spots for a memorable outdoor experience are Watkins Glen Gorge Trail and Taughannock Falls. They are two of the best waterfall hikes in the Finger Lakes.
The Watkins Glen Gorge Trail is a fun, relatively easy trail that takes you by (and under) dozens of waterfalls. The trail is just over a mile long. Visitors can take the trail back to the start, take the rim trail, or pay for a shuttle ride.
Taughannock Falls is a short and easy hike to the viewing area, making it accessible for all ages. Kids will love splashing around at the base of the 215-foot waterfall! You can even drive up to overlook to get a different view.
Another fun hike is Buttermilk Falls. In the summer, the natural pool at the base of the falls is open for swimming. It’s such a fun way to cool off after your hike.
Visitor Tip: The gorge trails in the Finger Lakes are usually closed from early November through mid-May due to snow/ice on the trail, so make sure you plan your trip when they are open!
Other Things to Do in the Finger Lakes
There are so many fun things to do in the Finger Lakes! Right near Taughannock Falls is the gorgeous Cayuga Nature Center with a six-story treehouse.
And, of course, you don’t want to miss the Corning Museum of Glass. It’s a science museum, history museum, and art museum all in one.
🤩 We love the Corning Museum of Glass
Where to Stay in the Finger Lakes
The Inn at Taughannock Falls is right next to Cayuga Lake, within walking distance to the Taughannock Falls trail, and close to the Cayuga Nature Center and attractions in Ithaca. They offer several room options, from hotel rooms to private cottages.
There are also several major hotel chains in Ithaca, close to many of the fun hikes in the Finger Lakes.
3. Poconos, Pennsylvania
The Poconos in Pennsylvania is a great hiking destination for families on the East Coast thanks to the many state parks, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, and the Appalachian Trail running through the area.
Best Hikes in the Poconos
There are so many great hikes in the Poconos it’s hard to choose only a few to highlight.
However, we love the waterfall trails at the Delaware Water Gap, like Raymondskill Falls and Hackers Falls. Both can be done in one day and start from the same parking area.
For more waterfall hikes, Bushkill Falls can’t be beaten. The trails are well-maintained, and there are other things to do, like gem mining, on-site.
Lastly, Hickory Run State Park has some of our favorite hiking trails in the Poconos, like Shades of Death and the Boulder Field Trail.
Other Things to Do in the Poconos
The Poconos offers so many fun things to do. Some of our favorites include visiting Jim Thorpe and riding the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway in the fall.
Visiting an indoor waterpark like Camelback’s Aquatopia is another fun way to expend energy without worrying about the weather.
And for more outdoor fun, paintball games are always a good time.
Where to Stay in the Poconos
There are tons of family-friendly resorts to stay at in the Poconos. The Shawnee Inn & Gold Resort is close to the Delaware Water Gap and offers many fun things to do at the resort.
The Woodloch Lodge offers all-inclusive options and fun included activities like boating, archery, and snow tubing.
4. C&O Canal National Historical Park, Maryland
C&O Canal National Historical Park is a perfect east coast hiking destination for young families to explore. There are many things to do, including biking, hiking, and enjoying the gorgeous Great Falls of the Potomac River. It’s also perfect for a day trip hike from DC.
Visitor Tip: The entrance fee to C&O Canal NHP is $20 per car. However, you can enter for FREE with your America the Beautiful Park Pass or the Every Kid Outdoors Pass.
Best Hikes at C&O Canal National Historical Park
One of the most popular trails at C&O Canal NHP is the Olmstead Island Bridges trail, also known as the Great Falls Trail.
It’s an easy, accessible trail that is a 1/2-mile out-and-back. However, you must walk about a 1/2 mile to and from the parking lot along the towpath, which makes the total trail length 1.5 miles.
The Billy Goat Trail Section A is a must-do for those feeling a bit more adventurous. This trail is rated difficult and requires a lot of rock scrambling, which includes a 50-foot ascent climb on a cliff.
The Billy Goat Trail Section A is a lot of fun but may not be suitable for younger kids or inexperienced hikers.
Other Things to Do at C&O Canal National Historical Park
In addition to hiking, visitors of C&O Canal NHP can enjoy biking along the towpath. You can actually bike into Washington, DC, 16 miles away! And during the summer months, the National Park Service offers boat rides along the canal.
The C&O Canal is a short drive into Washington, DC, where you can enjoy many of the FREE museums and attractions in the city. Or you could visit Arlington Cemetery.
Where to Stay Near C&O Canal National Historical Park
Not too far from C&O Canal NHP, you’ll find plenty of hotel options in Bethesda, Maryland. The Embassy Suites offers two-room suites with made-to-order breakfast and nightly manager’s reception. And the Hilton Garden Inn is across the street from a park and playground, which is always nice when you’re traveling with kids!
5. Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Harpers Ferry is a fantastic hiking destination on the East Coast for young families, thanks to the Appalachian Trail running through the historic town.
Best Hiking Trails in Harpers Ferry
One of the best hiking trails near Harpers Ferry is the Maryland Heights Trail. The 4.5-mile out-and-back trail is moderately difficult and leads to a gorgeous overlook of both the town and the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers.
Another great trail near Harpers Ferry is the Loudon Heights Trail. At 6 miles long, it’s a bit longer than Maryland Heights, but it’s about the same difficulty. The overlook gives you a different perspective of the town and rivers.
Of course, you can also hike part of the Appalachian Trail that goes through town. It leads to the Jefferson Rock and more views of the Shenandoah River.
Other Things to Do in Harpers Ferry
Harpers Ferry is a fun town with historic buildings and fascinating museums run by the National Park Service. It’s easy to spend a day exploring the town before you embark on any hikes.
Nearby, you can tour the Antietam Battlefield. The battle is known as the single bloodiest day in American history, where more than 22,000 soldiers were killed or wounded.
Visitor Tip: Both Harpers Ferry and Antietam Battlefield have fees for entry. However, you can enter for FREE with your America the Beautiful Park Pass or the Every Kid Outdoors Pass.
Where to Stay Near Harpers Ferry
There are several places to stay in Harpers Ferry if you want to stay in town. This will keep you within walking distance of the trails and fun shops and cafes.
However, if you want to stay at your favorite hotel chain, you’ll want to stay in nearby Charles Town.
We stayed at the Hampton Inn in Charles Town and had a great experience. It was close to several restaurants and had a grocery store next door. Perfect for picking up last-minute hiking snacks.
6. Coopers Rock State Forest, West Virginia
Coopers Rock State Forest is a perfect destination for families looking for fun hikes they can do with young kids.
Best Hikes at Coopers Rock State Forest
The main draw to Coopers Rock is Coopers Rock Overlook. It’s a short, easy trail leading to a beautiful overlook of the Cheat River Gorge and the surrounding area. The path to the overlook features one of the “Almost Heaven” swings, so don’t forget to grab a photo!
The 1.5-mile Rattlesnake/Rock City Loop is fun for kids and parents alike. This scenic trail takes you around massive boulders that feel like a rock maze. Although it is relatively easy, there are some steep sections and rocky parts that some might find tricky to navigate.
Lastly, the Ravens Rocks trail is another popular hike that leads to a gorgeous view. The 2.5-mile out-and-back trail is considered moderate but with some steep sections.
Other Things to Do Near Coopers Rock State Forest
Coopers Rock is near Morgantown, West Virginia, a bustling college town with plenty of things to do. Start with the West Virginia Botanic Garden or the Core Arboretum for more outdoor fun.
Afterward, explore the history of Morgantown with a walking tour or a visit to the Morgantown History Museum.
Where to Stay Near Coopers Rock State Forest
Coopers Rock State Forest has two campgrounds on-site. One is suitable for RVs, while the other offers primitive tent camping.
There are also several hotel options in Morgantown. We enjoyed our stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites Morgantown / University Town Centre.
7. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Of all the east coast hiking destinations on this list, Shenandoah National Park is probably the most popular. In fact, it’s one of the best East Coast locations for a family vacation.
Shenandoah National Park is a HUGE park. Skyline Drive, the main road through the park, is just over 100 miles. Driving through the whole park can take three hours, minimum.
The hikes we share below focus on the middle section of the park. However, there are some really excellent trails in the other areas of the park, too, including some easy hikes that are family-friendly!
Best Hikes in Shenandoah National Park
We loved hiking the Dark Hollow Falls Trail. This 1.4-mile out-and-back trail leads to several waterfalls. The only downside to the trail is the elevation change! It’s a pretty steep trail that descends from the trailhead, so you must walk back up at the end.
Another must-visit trail is the Hawksbill Mountain Trail, which leads to the highest peak in the park. It’s a moderately challenging mile to the summit (and then back down again), but it’s worth it to look out over the endless Blue Ridge Mountains.
Other Things to Do Near Shenandoah National Park
There are so many things to do in the Shenandoah Valley! We love all of the caves you can visit near the park, like Shenandoah Caverns and Luray Caverns.
There are also fun things to do at Massanutten Resort, like skiing and snow tubing during the winter months and enjoying the waterpark all year round.
Charlottesville is also fun to visit, especially Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello.
Where to Stay Near Shenandoah National Park
There are campsites at the Big Meadows Campground, which is close to the Dark Hollow Falls Trailhead. There is also a lodge at Big Meadows.
Outside the park, you’ll find some nice hotels in Luray and home rentals in Elkton.
Visitor Tip: The National Park Service charges an entry fee for Shenandoah National Park. However, you can enter for FREE with your America the Beautiful Park Pass or the Every Kid Outdoors Pass.
8. Red River Gorge, Kentucky
The Red River Gorge in Kentucky is a vast geological area encompassing more than 29,000 acres and over 100 natural stone arches, making it a fantastic east coast hiking destination.
Best Hikes in Red River Gorge
It’s hard to narrow it down, but if we had to choose some of the best hikes in Red River Gorge, the Original Trail at Natural Bridge State Resort Park would be a top choice. It’s only .75 miles from the parking lot to the base of the bridge. But of course, you’ll want to climb to the top and take the Laurel Ridge Trail to the bridge overlook.
Another fantastic hiking trail in Red River Gorge is Gray’s Arch. It’s a 2.5-mile out-and-back trail that starts off easy and gets more difficult as you reach the arch. At 80 feet across and 50 feet high, Gray’s Arch is one of the largest in Red River Gorge.
As one of the most popular waterfall trails in Red River Gorge, you don’t want to miss Rock Bridge Trail to Creation Falls. The 1.5-mile trail is on the easy side of moderate and lead to a fun waterfall and the only natural arch that spans water in Red River Gorge.
Other Things to Do in Red River Gorge
Red River Gorge offers plenty of other outdoor and nature-based activities. One of the best things to do in Red River Gorge is the Gorge Underground, where you can kayak or take a boat tour through an abandoned mine.
Other fun things to do include zip lining, bouldering, and boating on the Red River itself.
Where to Stay in Red River Gorge
Natural Bridge State Resort Park has a lodge and cabins for rent. They are close to the Original Trail and the other trails at the park. In addition, guests of the lodge can use the pool for FREE.
Otherwise, there are many cabins and home rentals available in the area.
9. Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina
If you’re looking for a fun hiking destination in North Carolina, you can’t beat Grandfather Mountain in Linville.
This privately run park has some great hiking trails, a nature center, and the famous mile-high swinging bridge. Plus, it’s right near the Blue Ridge Parkway, giving you plenty of hiking trails in the area.
Visitor Tip: Grandfather Mountain charges admission for entry to the park, but it’s worth the price for everything that is included.
Best Hikes at Grandfather Mountain
The Grandfather Trail Loop hike is 1.5 miles long and is on the easy side of moderate. The trail is rocky and can be steep in sections, but overall, it’s a fun trail that offers some lovely views.
The main reason many people choose to hike at Grandfather Mountain is the Grandfather Trail to Calloway Peak. It’s a challenging 5-mile out-and-back trail incorporating ladders and ropes to ascend over large boulders.
You can shorten the trail to a 2-mile loop if you head to MacRae Peak and then take the Underwood Trail back.
Other Things to Do at Grandfather Mountain
You can’t visit Grandfather Mountain without crossing the mile-high swinging bridge! The 228-foot-long bridge is only 80 feet above the ground, but it’s a mile high in elevation, giving you gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains.
Grandfather Mountain also has a nature center that is included with admission to the park. Kids and adults can learn more about the mountain, animals, plant life, and geology. There are over a dozen interactive exhibits inside the center, as well as a botanical garden outside.
🤩 Try this self-guided driving tour of the Blue Ridge Parkway
Where to Stay Near Grandfather Mountain
There are some beautiful hotels and resorts in Blowing Rock, NC, a short drive from Grandfather Mountain.
Sugar Mountain is a popular resort area with plenty of condos and townhomes for rent. Some even have views of Grandfather Mountain.
If you’d like a more traditional hotel, the Best Western at Banner Elk is only 20 minutes from Grandfather Mountain and includes FREE breakfast
10. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most-visited national park in the United States! Thanks to its beautiful vistas and waterfall trails, it’s also one of the best east coast hiking destinations, including Clingmans Dome, the highest point in Tennessee.
🤩 Check out this self-guided driving tour of GSMNP
Best Hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
There are plenty of trails to choose from in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
One of the most popular trails is the hike to Clingmans Dome. Even though it’s a paved trail, the incline makes it a moderate trail. Thankfully, there are benches along the path for rest breaks.
Laurel Falls is a famous waterfall trail in Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The 2.3-mile trail is an easy hike leading to an 80-foot waterfall. This is an excellent trail to do with young kids.
Lastly, the Alum Cave Trail is a moderately complex trail that may be best for families with older kids. This 4.4-mile hike brings you past Arch Rock and Inspiration Point before reaching the Alum Cave Bluffs.
Visitor Tip: The National Park Service started charging parking fees in 2023 for Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Learn more about the fees here.
Other Things to Do Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is right next to Gatlinburg, a fun town with plenty of family-friendly things to do. One of the best things to do in Gatlinburg is take a scenic chairlift ride to Anakeesta. There are several activities, shops, and dining options up there.
Other fun activities near the Great Smoky Mountains NP include a mountain coaster, zip lining, and Dollywood Amusement Park. There is something for everyone!
Where to Stay Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Like other National Parks, camping is allowed at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are ten campgrounds in the park where you can drive your car or RV to the campsite. These campgrounds only offer cold water bathrooms with flush toilets. There are no showers in the park.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and Cherokee, North Carolina, are the two closest towns to the park entrances.
Gatlinburg has many hotel options in town, with the Hampton Inn just down the road from the park. We had a great stay at Bent Creek Golf Village, about 25 minutes from the park. The resort rooms offer full kitchens with multiple sleeping spaces.
Cherokee is a little quieter than Gatlinburg. However, plenty of pleasant motels, like the Rivers Edge Motel, have family suites and water views. The Fairfield Inn and Suites is also a good option with a FREE breakfast and indoor pool.
Final Thoughts: Best East Coast Hiking Destinations
Hiking with kids is not just about reaching the summit but creating lasting memories and fostering a love for the great outdoors. And these fun east coast hikes will do all that and more (we hope!).
Whether you’re exploring the beauty of the Catskills over a long weekend or planning a fall getaway to Shenandoah National Park, your family will surely enjoy your time together.
So, pack your bags, lace up those hiking boots, and take off on these unforgettable trips with your little ones. The world is their playground, and every trail is a new chapter waiting to be written in the book of family adventures.
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