10 Great East Coast Hiking Destinations For Families

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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: Regardless of the hike’s duration, you’ll always want a water bottle on hand, especially during 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. It’s usually cooler in the mornings, but you’ll heat up as you walk along. Wearing T-shirts under lightweight zip-up sweatshirts is ideal in the spring and fall.
• Snacks or Picnic Lunch: Depending on which trails you choose and the 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 hiking destinations below 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 the area as you found it.

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:

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 the 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 With Kids

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.

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 that 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, the trail to Hawk Falls, 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.

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 National 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 half-mile out-and-back. However, you must walk about a half-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.

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 National Park Pass or the Every Kid Outdoors Pass.

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. For more outdoor fun, visit the West Virginia Botanic Garden or the Core Arboretum.

Afterward, explore the history of Morgantown with a walking tour or a visit to the Morgantown History Museum.

7. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Of all the 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 HUGE. 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 excellent trails in the other areas of the park, too, including some easy hikes that are family-friendly!

Visitor Tip: The National Park Service charges an entry fee for Shenandoah National Park. However, you can enter for FREE with your National Park Pass or the Every Kid Outdoors Pass.

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.

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 family-friendly 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 the Red River Gorge.

As one of Red River Gorge’s most popular waterfall trails, 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 leads 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.

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 moderately easy. The trail is rocky and can be steep in sections, but overall, it’s a fun trail that offers some lovely views.

Many people choose to hike Grandfather Mountain’s Grandfather Trail to Calloway Peak because it’s a challenging 5-mile out-and-back trail that incorporates 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, which is included with park admission. Kids and adults can learn more about the mountain, animals, plant life, and geology. The center has over a dozen interactive exhibits inside and a botanical garden outside.

Visitor Tip: The National Park Service began charging parking fees in 2023 for Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Learn more about the fees here.

Final Thoughts: Best Family-Friendly Hiking in the Eastern United States

Hiking with kids is not just about reaching the summit, but also about 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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