The 150 Best Nature Walks As Voted By You

We surveyed 3,000 families asking them to rate which are the best nature walks across the U.S. that they would most like to experience.

Why would we do that?

A nature walk is more than just an outdoor activity; it’s a chance to connect deeply with the earth, breathe in fresh air, and witness the beauty that our planet offers.

Because, in the words of environmentalist Baba Dioum “in the end, we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we are taught.” In other words, it’s a critical part of sustainable living.

These walks are more than just beaten paths through the wilderness; they are living classrooms, we can witness conservation efforts in action, and reflect on our role in protecting these precious landscapes. Whether you’re seeking a gentle stroll through ancient redwoods or a challenging hike with panoramic views, this not-so-short list highlights the very best of what America’s natural landscapes have to offer.

So, lace up your boots, pack your plastic free water bottle, and get ready to explore.

The below ranking shows the top 150 nature walks in America which families would like to enjoy this New Year’s Day.

A 1.6-mile hike offering panoramic views of Lanikai and Kailua. It can be a challenging hike with some rocky parts, ideal for families who hike often.

Offering a range of trails with varying difficulty, the area around Lookout Mountain is perfect for families. The Guild-Hardy Trail is a popular option, providing a relatively easy and scenic walk through the forest with views of Chattanooga.

This 1.9-mile trail is more of a walk than a hike, passing through beautiful botanical gardens and ending at Waimea Falls.

Offers scenic trails where families can enjoy a leisurely walk amidst natural beauty.

This offers a unique experience of exploring cool cave formations. The trail is around 1.25+ miles and has an option to take an elevator back up, which can be great for kids​​.

Located in the North Georgia mountains, this park is home to the tallest waterfall in Georgia, Amicalola Falls. The park offers various hiking trails, including the East Ridge Trail, which is a moderate 2.1-mile loop that provides stunning views of the waterfall and surrounding forests. There’s also a short, paved path to an overlook for those looking for an easier option.

This 2.8-mile loop trail in Seattle’s largest park offers a mix of forest and beach with views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. It’s an easy, well-maintained trail that’s perfect for families looking for a nature escape within the city.

This park offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The Mission Reach Trail connects several historic missions and provides an easy, flat path suitable for all ages. It’s a great way to enjoy nature while also learning about Texas history.

Just outside of Washington, D.C., this park offers several easy trails that provide spectacular views of the falls where the Potomac River builds up speed and force as it falls over a series of steep, jagged rocks and flows through the narrow Mather Gorge. The River Trail, in particular, is a favorite for families.

This state park features several easy trails that loop around Radnor Lake, providing a tranquil nature experience right in the city. The Lake Trail, in particular, is a flat, 1.3-mile path that’s perfect for a leisurely family walk.

That’s a wrap on the top 10 best nature walks in the US! For the rest, as voted by Americans from across the country, we present positions 11-150:

11. Michigan: Old Growth Forest Trail at Hartwick Pines State Park
12. Virginia: Shenandoah National Park, Stony Man Trail
13. Washington: Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Trails near Olympia
14. California: Los Angeles River Trail
15. North Carolina: Early Bird Fitness Hike at Lake Norman State Park
16. Alabama: Dismals Canyon in Phil Campbell
17. Arizona: Hanging Garden Trail at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Page
18. Louisiana: North Loop Trail, Northlake Nature Center
19. Alaska: Rabbit Lake Trail
20. Wyoming: Grand Teton National Park, Jenny Lake Trail
21. Maine: Nation’s Nature Trail
22. New Mexico: Pueblo Bonito, Chaco Culture National Historical Park
23. Alaska: Albert Loop Trail
24. West Virginia: Blackwater Falls State Park Trails
25. West Virginia: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Trails
26. Massachusetts: Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary in Easthampton
27. North Dakota: Theodore Roosevelt National Park – Caprock Coulee Trail
28. Oregon: Trillium Lake Trail
29. Montana: Natural Bridge Falls Trail – Natural Bridge State Park
30. California: Ferndell Nature Trail and Griffith Observatory Walk
31. Oklahoma: Alabaster Caverns State Park, Freedom
32. New Mexico: Catwalks Trail, Gila National Forest
33. Nevada: Rancho San Rafael Park Nature Trail (Reno)
34. Vermont: Shelburne Farms in Shelburne
35. Ohio: Old Man’s Cave Trail
36. Nevada: Changing Canyon Trail (Lamoille Canyon)
37. New Jersey: Sourland Mountain Preserve Trails
38. Alabama: Pulpit Rock Trail in Heflin
39. Illinois: Saint Louis Canyon Trail
40. Michigan: Upper Falls Trail at Tahquamenon Falls State Park
41. Delaware: Brandywine Zoo Pathway
42. Michigan: Empire Bluff Trail at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
43. Texas: Brazos Bend State Park near Houston
44. Tennessee: Alum Cave Trail
45. Illinois: Giant City Nature Trail
46. Massachusetts: Blue Hills Reservation
47. Wisconsin: Devil’s Lake State Park Trails near Baraboo
48. Montana: Palisade Falls, Bozeman
49. Oregon: Silver Falls State Park Trails
50. Arkansas: Blanchard Spring Trail in Fifty Six
51. Rhode Island: Lincoln Woods Trail
52. Vermont: Quechee Gorge Trail in Quechee
53. Mississippi: Clark Creek Primitive Trail
54. Rhode Island: Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge Trails
55. Hawaii: Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail on Oahu
56. Iowa: Bridal Veil Trail, Pikes Peak State Park
57. New York: Hallett Nature Sanctuary Trail
58. Arizona: Valley View Overlook Trail
59. Washington: Paradise Trails in Mount Rainier National Park
60. Idaho: Viewski Loop Trail near Sandpoint
61. Minnesota: Blue Mounds State Park
62. New York: Indian Pass and Heart Lake Loop Train
63. Kansas: Konza Prairie Nature Trail
64. Oklahoma: Robbers Cave Trail
65. Nevada: Lost Creek Grotto Trail (Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area)
66. Delaware: Cape Henlopen State Park Trails
67. Utah: Arches National Park, Windows Loop
68. Arizona: Crystal Forest Trail at Petrified Forest National Park, Holbrook
69. Virginia: First Landing State Park Trails in Virginia Beach
70. Montana: Running Eagle Falls Trail – Glacier National Park
71. Kentucky: West Pinnacle Trail, Berea
72. Colorado: Helen Hunt Falls Trail at North Cheyenne Canyon Area
73. Mississippi: LeFleur’s Bluff State Park
74. Idaho: Revett Lake Trail
75. Maryland: Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail
76. Wyoming: Yellowstone National Park, Fountain Paint Pot Trail
77. Kansas: Cedar Bluff State Park
78. Connecticut: Lake Mohegan, Fairfield
79. Idaho: Around-The-Rock Trail in Castle Rock State Park
80. South Carolina: Congaree National Park, Boardwalk Loop Trail
81. Florida: Lake Kissimmee State Park
82. Arkansas: Lost Valley Trail
83. Pennsylvania: Ricketts Glen State Park Trails
84. Rhode Island: Cliff Walk in Newport
85. North Carolina: Eno River State Park’s First Day Hike
86. South Carolina: Huntington Beach State Park Trails near Murrells Inlet
87. Florida: Myakka River State Park
88. New Jersey: Princeton Nursery Lands
89. Louisiana: Wetland Walkway, Sabine National Wildlife Refuge
90. Nebraska: Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park
91. Mississippi: Bear Creek Outcropping Trail
92. Oregon: Cape Perpetua Scenic Area Trails
93. Texas: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin
94. South Dakota: Spearfish Canyon, Roughlock Falls Nature Area
95. South Dakota: Badlands National Park, Door Trail
96. New York: Inwood Hill Park
97. Louisiana: Sugar Mill Nature Trail, Fontainebleau State Park
98. Georgia: White Clay Creek State Park
99. Utah: Big Cottonwood Canyon, Silver Lake Trail
100. Wyoming: Curt Gowdy State Park, Hidden Falls Trail
101. Arkansas: Signal Hill Trail at Mount Magazine State Park
102. Georgia: Sweetwater Creek State Park Trails
103. Colorado: Calhan Paint Mines Archeological District
104. North Carolina: First Day Hikes at North Carolina State Parks
105. North Dakota: Turtle River State Park Trails
106. Missouri: George Owens Nature Park in Independence
107. Indiana: Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve in Fishers
108. Colorado: Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
109. South Carolina: Caesars Head State Park, Raven Cliff Falls Trail
110. Alabama: Falling Rock Falls Hike in Montevallo
111. Wisconsin: High Cliff State Park Trails near Appleton
112. Maine: Jesup Path in Bar Harbor
113. Maryland: South Mountain Battlefield State Park
114. Ohio: Ira Trailhead to Beaver Marsh
115. Kentucky: Pope Lick Park
116. Alaska: Powerline Pass Trail
117. Missouri: River Scene Trail at Castlewood State Park
118. Minnesota: Frontenac State Park
119. Vermont: Moss Glen Falls Trail in Stowe
120. Kentucky: Pilot Knob State Nature Preserve
121. Pennsylvania: Pine Creek Gorge Rail Trail (Pine Creek Rail Trail)
122. Pennsylvania: Presque Isle State Park Trails
123. New Hampshire: West Rattlesnake Mountain
124. Iowa: Wildcat Cave Trail, Wildcat Cave Wildlife Area
125. California: Wilder Ranch State Park
126. Utah: Zion National Park, Riverside Walk
127. Delaware: White Clay Creek State Park Trails
128. New Hampshire: Bear Brook State Park
129. South Dakota: Custer State Park, Sylvan Lake Trail
130. Massachusetts: DCR State Parks across Massachusetts
131. Wisconsin: Kohler-Andrae State Park Trails in Sheboygan
132. Illinois: Pontiac Canyon, Wildcat Canyon and Beehive Overlook
133. Maryland: Blue Blazes Whiskey Still Trail
134. Connecticut: Tarrywile Park, Danbury
135. West Virginia: Canaan Valley Resort State Park Trails
136. Kansas: Clinton State Park
137. Missouri: Roark Creek Waterfall Trail in Branson
138. Indiana: Spring Mill State Park in Mitchell
139. Iowa: Table Rock Loop, Ledges State Park
140. Ohio: Conkle’s Hollow Rim Trail
141. Indiana: McCormick’s Creek State Park in Spencer
142. Minnesota: Minneopa State Park
143. Maine: Long Pond Trail
144. Connecticut: Sleeping Giant Tower Trail
145. North Dakota: Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park – On-A-Slant Village Trail
146. Oklahoma: Keystone State Park, Sand Springs
147. New Jersey: Round Valley Recreation Area
148. Nebraska: Turkey Run Trail
149. Nebraska: Fort Kearny State Recreation Area
150. New Hampshire: Monadnock State Park

• Geographical Gems: From the tropical Lanikai Pillbox Hike in Oahu, Hawaii to the historical trails of San Antonio Missions in Texas, this survey reveals a treasure trove of diverse and picturesque nature walks across the U.S., perfect for family exploration.
• A Trail for Every Trekker: Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a strolling enthusiast, there’s something for everyone. From challenging hikes to gentle walks, these trails offer a variety of family-fun experiences.
• Scenic Sanctuaries: Each walk is a window to the world’s wonders, offering everything from lush botanical gardens to cascading waterfalls and panoramic views.
• Family-Friendly Adventures: With trails that are both easy and accessible, these walks are a hit for families, providing a perfect blend of adventure and safety.

• Bonding Through Nature: This survey isn’t just about the walks; it’s a call to embrace the great outdoors with our loved ones, creating lasting memories and a deeper connection with nature.
• Fostering a Love for Nature: When we fall in love with nature’s splendors, we naturally move towards becoming its stewards. There’s a simple truth here: we protect what we cherish. By encouraging families to explore and appreciate these natural wonders, we’re nurturing a generation that will inherently value and defend the environment. This is about building a legacy of conservation, one nature walk at a time.
• The Great Green Invitation: These walks are a vivid reminder of our planet’s beauty, encouraging us to step outside and explore the natural splendor that awaits us.
• Echoing Environmental Ethics: The popularity of these walks mirrors a growing consciousness towards environmental stewardship and sustainable living, inspiring us to tread lightly and cherish our natural world.
• Supporting Local Communities: By spotlighting these nature walks, we’re not just planning our next family outing; we’re also supporting the local communities and economies that nurture these natural havens.
• UK Residents: If you live in the United Kingdom, we’ve also complied a list of the best UK nature reserves for walks and wildlife.

Respondents are carefully chosen from a geographically representative online panel of double opt-in members. This selection is further tailored to meet the precise criteria required for each unique survey: 18+, male and female (as well as respondents who prefer not to disclose) from each state in the United States. Throughout the survey, we design questions to carefully screen and authenticate respondents, guaranteeing the alignment of the survey with the ideal participants. To ensure the integrity of our data collection, we employ an array of data quality methods. Alongside conventional measures like digital fingerprinting, bot checks, geo-verification, and speeding detection, etc. each response undergoes a thorough review by a dedicated team member to ensure quality and contextual accuracy. Our commitment extends to open-ended responses, subjecting them to scrutiny for gibberish answers and plagiarism detection.

Image Credits:

1. By Cristo Vlahos – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=23205654
2. By Keegan – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2201977
3. By Shocked-Lemur983 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=89547453
4. By Ebyabe – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=14818808
5. By Jadecolour, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2299901
6. Amicalola Falls by JTS Photos from Getty Images (via Canva)
7. Discovery Park Lighthouse by LoweStock from Getty Images (via Canva)
8. Missions Trail: By Epopan – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=95679670
9. Great Falls Potomac Waterfall in Fairfax Virginia by jfbenning from Getty Images (via Canva)
10. Radnor Lake, Nashville, Tennessee by inhauscreative from Getty Images Signature (via Canva)

Note: This article was produced based on the survey of 3,000 respondents in December 2023.