Top 5 Gentle Family-Friendly Hiking Trails in the US That Are Perfect for All Ages

Contrary to what you see on your socials, not every outdoor hike needs to resemble a wilderness survival documentary these days. In fact, across the country, countless family-friendly trails prove you can easily blend stunning scenery with intriguing landmarks and attractions along the way, while doing so at your own pace. 

Whether your family prefers power hiking or a SkipGen walking vacation away with the grandkids, here’s your go-to guide of the best hiking trails in the US that will make ‘touching grass’ a family activity. 

 Roam Together Amid the Santa Fe River Trail in Santa Fe, New Mexico 

Where better to start our shortlist of the best easy-going hikes in the US than the Santa Fe River Trail, as it winds through the heart of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Stretching roughly 3.7 miles, this flat urban greenway seamlessly connects several of Santa Fe’s beautiful parks and wide-open spaces, proving that some hikes simply let the scenery do all the heavy lifting. 

Here you should start your hike under the canopies of De Vargas Park’s majestic cottonwoods before the trail’s smooth paved pathway leads you westward through Santa Fe River Park. As you wander along this peaceful route, you’ll discover picnic hotspots in Footbridges Park and Alto Saint Park before finishing each day with a memorable sunset walk as you reach the trail’s end.  

Explore the Santa Fe River Trail in Santa Fe, New Mexico, for a tranquil family hike with unforgettable scenic views, before resting up while staying at the Best Western Plus Inn of Santa Fe. 

Hike Through the Family-Friendly Deschutes River Trail in Bend, Oregon 

We head next to the striking Deschutes River Trail in Bend, Oregon, to experience one of Central Oregon’s best easy-going hiking trails – a 2.7-mile path with forgiving, gentle gradients. Featuring wide paved paths, manicured boardwalk sections, and amazing bridge crossings, the stunning riverbank views make it perfect for families who love outdoor adventures rather than outdoor ordeals. 

Aside from the riverside pine-fringed canyon aesthetics, you and your family will also stroll through many of Bend’s leafy parks, with a recommended pitstop to explore the fantastic Old Mill District along the way. Finally, Bend isn’t called Beer City USA for no reason, so after a daily saunter along the Deschutes River Trail, be sure to stop into the family and pet-friendly Bend Brewing Co. for a refreshing craft beer at the second-oldest brew pub in the city.  

Create memorable family moments on a pleasant walk along the Deschutes River Trail in Bend, Oregon, before getting a great night’s sleep at the Hotel Peppertree Bend, BW Premier Collection. 

Ramble Along the Boise River Greenbelt Together in Boise, Idaho 

Our next destination to feature on our shortlist of the best leisurely walking trails in the US sees us heading to the flat, paved, car-free Boise River Greenbelt, which winds through the incredible city of Boise, Idaho. As one of our longer trailways, with 29 miles of tree-lined pathways, you and the family can explore each section at your leisure, as its river views, leafy parks, and stellar wildlife sightings will make you want to cover every inch of the trail. 

With plenty of attractions to see along the way, we definitely recommend stopping off for a picnic along the celebrated Ribbon of Jewels, a series of ten picturesque parks laden with picnic lawns for you to rest between wanderings. For those of you on a multigenerational trip away, be sure to also take the kids to the historic Old Idaho Penitentiary Site – not only is this a great afternoon excursion, but you can playfully convince them this is where they put people who refuse to eat their greens at mealtimes. 

Savor the majestic beauty of the Boise River Greenbelt in Boise, Idaho, and enhance your time away with the family by relaxing at the Riverside Hotel, BW Premier Collection. 

Meander Along the Tennessee Riverwalk in Chattanooga, Tennessee 

We couldn’t curate a shortlist of the best low-impact hiking trails in the US without including the Tennessee Riverwalk in Chattanooga, Tennessee, which stretches for 16 miles along the winding Tennessee River. With barely a hill in sight, this family-friendly trail naturally integrates magnificent river views in every direction, but when lit up at night, Chattanooga’s vibrant waterfront setting also makes for the perfect evening walk backdrop. 

Undoubtedly, Coolidge Park is one of the riverwalk’s standout attractions with its wide-open lawns, dazzling fountains, and a legendary carousel, which you can hop on for a ride. Then afterward, you can cross the river over to Ross’s Landing and the world-famous Tennessee Aquarium, to take a break to meet with its resident sharks, penguins, and otters, and even catch an aquatic-themed movie at the incredible IMAX cinema.  

If your ideal family getaway includes gravity-friendly hikes, then you’ll love the Tennessee Riverwalk in Chattanooga, so be sure to book your stay at the Best Western Plus Cleveland Inn & Suites nearby in Cleveland, Tennessee. 

Explore The Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS) in Flagstaff, Arizona  

Our final family-friendly hiking pathway to try out in the US sees us heading down to the Flagstaff Urban Trails System (FUTS) that effortlessly connects Flagstaff, Arizona, to its spectacular wilderness backcountry. Famed for its wide, accessible trails that cater to walkers of any age, the FUTS is made up of more than 50 miles of pine forest walks, scenic canyon trails, and flowery meadows to amble through.  

Sure, we all know kids have short attention spans, so be sure to head to Buffalo Park Loop, where the sweeping grasslands let them burn off some energy, while the grown-ups savor the panoramic views of the San Francisco Peaks along the way. Another key highlight is the gentle, forested trail known as the Arboretum Trail, which leads you directly to the Flagstaff Arboretum, where you can spend some time wandering around and checking out the native plants and seasonal blooms on display. 

 Take a SkipGen vacation to conquer the Flagstaff Urban Trail System in Flagstaff, Arizona, whose family-friendly trails are big on views and light on effort, before you all get a great night’s sleep at the Aiden by Best Western Flagstaff.