How to Choose a Hiking Trail for Beginners: 8 Easy Steps
Are you looking to start hiking but don’t know how to choose a hiking trail for beginners? Are you worried about starting a trail that is too difficult and are unable to get back? Are you unsure of how you will feel in the woods and are concerned about animal encounters? How can you tell if a hiking trail is good for beginners?
This article covers the key aspects of how to find a perfect hiking trail for beginners, whether you’re new to hiking or trying to increase your fitness level.
If you are someone who wants to get into hiking but doesn’t know how or where to start, check out Hiking for Beginners: A Complete Guide to Getting Started.
Table of Contents
- 1. How to find a trail
- 2. Choose a short trail (less than 6 Miles/ 10 km)
- 3. Choose a popular trail
- 4. Choose a trail with a maximum elevation gain of 1000 ft/ 300 m
- 5. Choose a trail with a gradual elevation gain
- 6. Choose a trail that’s well-marked
- 7. Consider the trail surface
- 8. Research the latest trail conditions
- More tips for choosing a hiking trail for beginners
- Trail Etiquette
- Summary
- Additional Hiking Resources
1. How to find a trail
A lot of trails in the US (and other countries) are located in National or State parks. To find trails and all of the details about how to visit them, go to the park’s website. These websites include all information about the hike, including how to get there, how long it is, the elevation gain and loss, and any notable characteristics.
Alternatively, you can search the internet for “best easy hikes near me” and they should come up. For most day hikes, you will not need any permits or reservations, or need to pay any fees.
2. Choose a short trail (less than 6 Miles/ 10 km)
When choosing a hiking trail for beginners, start with a short trail. A distance of 1 – 6 miles (2 – 10 km) is a good length to start. Plan on hiking for 1 – 5 hours. Starting with shorter trails will allow you to build your endurance. After a few hikes, you can gradually increase your mileage and tackle longer, more difficult hikes. But to start, choose a shorter hike that will take a maximum of 5 hours to complete. You will want to test out your clothing and shoes to ensure you are comfortable and you don’t get blisters. Plus, it should be fun. If the hike is too hard, you will likely determine you hate hiking and will be hesitant to try again.
Tip: When choosing a trail, confirm that the distance includes the entire way- there and back. (not just one way). Otherwise, you will be in for a surprise when you end up hiking double the miles. Most sites with trail information (such as national or state parks) make this clear, but it is always important to double check.
3. Choose a popular trail
Popular trails are popular for a reason- they are short, easily accessible, easily completed, and provide a great view. Plus, having other hikers on the trail can give you peace of mind and provide safety, especially if you’re worried about wildlife encounters or are just a little afraid about being in the woods.
On park websites, search for “most popular hikes” or “easy hikes” or “best hikes for families” to find hikes for beginners.
Be aware that popular trails can get crowded. Aim to start your hike early in the morning to ensure you get a parking spot and avoid peak crowds.
4. Choose a trail with a maximum elevation gain of 1000 ft/ 300 m
The elevation gain refers to the difference between the start of the hike and the highest point. For example, this could be a peak, a waterfall, a lake, etc. If you’re in reasonable shape, look for a hiking trail with an elevation gain or loss of no more than 1000 feet/ 300m. This will be enough to provide a challenge, get your heart rate up, but shouldn’t put you in agony.
If your fitness level is quite low, choose a trail with a flat to modest grade. Keep the elevation gain under under 500 feet for the whole hike. Don’t worry- there are lots of great hiking trails for beginners with beautiful views that require minimal elevation gain.
5. Choose a trail with a gradual elevation gain
When choosing a hiking trail for beginners, pick a trail with a gradual incline versus one with a steep incline.
It is critical to know that all elevation gain is not created equal. One steep portion gaining 1000 feet in 1 mile is a pretty tough section. However, that 1000 feet spread over 5 miles is a modest grade that won’t be too difficult. You will also need to take into account the elevation loss, which can be challenging in its own right, especially if you have any knee issues.
A gradual incline will be easier and more enjoyable. Look at the incline/ grade in the hiking stats for a particular hike, seeing if there are any sections that climb a lot of elevation in a short distance- those will be the hardest sections of the hike. Ideally, you will find a hike that gradually increases elevation to the viewpoint. This makes the way up a nice challenge and the way back a breeze.
6. Choose a trail that’s well-marked
When choosing a hiking trail for beginners, it’s important to choose one in which you won’t get lost. You want to be able to locate the trail and stay on it without any confusion. If you are choosing a popular hike, this won’t be an issue. Look for trail descriptions that specifically mention that it’s well-marked. Most popular hikes have a trailhead (where you can park your car) with signs. Additionally, periodically along the trail there will be signs indicating the trail, and maybe some signs with distances to nearby attractions, viewpoints, or other trails.
7. Consider the trail surface
Dirt trails are generally better for your joints, but paved trails will be the easiest/ fastest. Trails that are mainly rock can end up making your feet hurt after a while. While none of the trails, dirt or otherwise, would require technical skills, even some trails for beginners might have tree roots, rocks, small water crossings (less than a couple inches deep), etc. If the trail description mentions something like scrambling over rocks or rocky terrain, you might want to wait until you have a little more hiking experience.
8. Research the latest trail conditions
If you are a beginner, you should start by hiking in the summer months. Not only is hiking in good weather much more pleasant, but it’s also safer. However, even in the summer, trails can be flooded, blocked, or closed, so make sure you check the trail conditions before going.
Shoulder seasons (usually spring and fall) can be excellent times for hiking, but can have a higher chance of inclement weather, causing muddy trails or snowfall. The park websites will have trail conditions, but be sure to check the date they were last updated. A recent bout of rain where you live could mean snow for the mountains. Read these practical tips for hiking in the rain to ensure you are prepared and can still have a good time.
It is important to check the weather in the days leading up to your hike because the weather is often different in the mountains or forest. It is often cooler in the forest or mountains, so knowing the weather will help you prepare and dress comfortably.
More tips for choosing a hiking trail for beginners
Give yourself plenty of time to complete the hike. When you’re new to hiking, you might be slower than the times indicated on the hike. Plus, you might stop for a while to have a snack, chat with a fellow hiker, or take in the view. Give yourself more time than you think you’ll need to ensure that you’ll complete the hike before it gets dark or the park closes. No harm in finishing early.
Bring plenty of water. You will likely want to bring a small backpack with you, where you should carry at least one full water bottle, probably two, depending on the length of the hike and distance to water sources. It is always a good idea to bring an extra full water bottle to leave in your car in case you drink all of your water on the hike.
Bring snacks. If you’re going to hike for more than 3 hours, bring some snacks. Even if you don’t need the fuel, its always nice to have a little break and eat a little treat. If you are going to make a day of it and want to bring lunch, check out my post for the Best Healthy Food to Bring Hiking for some ideas.
Make sure you wear proper clothing and shoes on your hike. To be blunt, hiking is just walking. You don’t need to overthink the gear aspect. All you need are comfortable shoes and clothing made for being active. I swear by hiking in trail running shoes- even for long backpacking trips. They are the most comfortable of any shoes, and are much lighter than boots. For clothing, I prefer running and yoga clothes rather than “hiking” clothes. They wick away sweat and often fit better.
Check out my Day Hiking Checklist to make sure you have everything you need, including trekking poles.
Don’t count on having cell service. This is dependent on the location of the hike, of course. But generally, if you are going to hike 3 miles to a waterfall, you might not have cell service. If you have an emergency, which would be rare, you will have to ask another hiker for help.
Always follow the Leave No Trace Principles. Pack out ALL your trash. This includes (used) toilet paper, cigarette (or j) butts, and orange peels. Do not leave anything behind, even if it is “biodegradable”. Also, if you see litter, pick it up. Absolutely do not vandalize rocks or trees or bridges or signs or anything else.
Trail Etiquette
Since you will be on trails with other people, there is some etiquette to maintain that helps ensure everyone has a nice time. Most people go out into nature to be in nature, not be around other people. It is really annoying being around others who disturb the peace of nature and are such a nuisance that it detracts from your experience. Do not be that person that ruins someone else’s time.
Yield to others: Uphill hikers generally have the right of way. Step aside and let them pass safely. However, read the situation- if they step aside to let you pass because they need a break to catch their breath, feel free to pass. Also, yield to horses, if present.
Share the trail: If someone is coming up behind you because they are hiking at a faster pace than you, let them pass. This is not a competition. It is not rude to pass people. It is rude to keep people trapped behind you on the trail. Be courteous to fellow hikers, bikers, or equestrians. Move to the side to allow others to pass, and maintain a reasonable distance.
Keep noise levels down: Do not blast music from a speaker!!!!! Respect the tranquility of nature by using headphones. No one wants to hear your music!!!
Stay on designated trails: Stick to established trails to minimize environmental impact and preserve the natural surroundings.
Summary
To find the perfect hiking trail for beginners, choose a trail that is:
- Easy, popular, and well-marked
- Less than 6 miles long (total hiking distance)
- Less than 1000 feet (300 m) elevation gain during the entire hike
- Gradual elevation gain (rather than having a really steep section)
- Less than 5 hours to complete
If you want more information, check out Hiking for Beginners: A Complete Guide to Getting Started.
Be sure to check out my Backpacking for Beginners: A Complete Starter’s Guide if you want to get into backpacking.
Check out my YouTube videos about various hiking/backpacking trips I have done!
