The United States offers many great hiking opportunities, but where should you go as a family on vacation? KURU footwear has put together a list of the 10 best national parks for families of hikers.
Did you know that there is nothing less than 63 national parks in the US? That means there’s a tremendous wealth of hiking possibilities. But to make sure you have fun with the family on your vacation in the United States, KURU has ranked the 10 most family-friendly US national parks.
The shoe brand used five criteria to rank US national parks family-friendly, including the percentage of trails labeled « kid-friendly, » average distance, average elevation gain, average trail rating, and the average difficulty level of the trail. The KURU researchers also used data from all trails and the National Park Service to find the best parks for families of hikers.
Top 10 US National Parks for Families of Hikers
1. Biscayne National Park, Florida
While only 5 percent of this park is on land, there is still much for families to explore. The park, located near Miami, has several hiking trails, some in the mangrove forests and other islands that are accessed by boat. Most of the hiking trails are short, smooth, and with little elevation.
2. Fort Hunt Park, George Washington Memorial Parkway, Virginia
Historic Fort Hunt Park is situated on land that was once part of George Washington’s Mount Vernon property and has, over the years, been used for shore batteries, Conservation Corps campgrounds, and Fort Hunt.
The park has several easy trails and all of them are suitable for children, such as the Mount Vernon Trail.
3. Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
More than 800 years ago, Indians built cliff dwellings between the Colorado mesas. Today, you can see a variety of historical and archeological gems from several hiking trails.
Many of the trails feature views of natural beauty as well as famous cliff dwellings, and more than 80 percent of the park’s trails are kid-friendly.
4. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is 12 miles of steep canyon terrain, so deep and steep that some areas of the gorge rarely see sunlight.
While walking to the river is considered a challenging hike, there are plenty of kid-friendly hikes along the canyon rim and surrounding areas.
5. Congaree National Park, South Carolina
Congaree National Park protects the largest tract of old-growth lowland hardwood forest in the US, and you can view these majestic trees and the park’s vast biodiversity from one of the many hiking trails. About 75 percent of the hiking trails through the forest are suitable for children.
6. Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
With many trails, all of which are pet-friendly, Petrified Forest National Park is a perfect place for a hike for the whole family, including the dog. Many trails offer views of attractions such as an ancient town, petroglyphs, and petrified logs.
You can also see the landscape of the « painted desert » and the archaeological remains of the 100-room village, as well as a 700-year-old dwelling called Agate House.
7. Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana
Located on the southern shore of Lake Michigan, the park has 15 miles of sandy shoreline and over 50 miles of trails through sand dunes, forests, grasslands, and wetlands. Kids can also experience a real life ghost story, Diana of the Dare Dunes.
8. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
There are about 125 miles of hiking trails in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, including historic trails Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail. The 20-mile long trail is open 24 hours a day with multiple access points. It is accessible for wheelchairs, bicycles and strollers.
9. Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Badlands National Park offers fabulous views of unusual geological deposits. The park has trails suitable for children, as well as activities such as Junior Ranger Program or a hike along the Fossil Exhibit Trail.
10. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
The centerpiece of this park are the more than 100 caves, including the cave that gives the area its name, Carlsbad Cavern. If you plan to visit, you must make a reservation by phone or online in advance.
The main cavern has hiking trails, with at least one that is gentle and good for younger children. there’s also surface hiking trails to explore the natural beauty of the surrounding desert.
KURU Footwear is an independent retailer based in Salt Lake City, Utah.
