25 Easy, Scenic National Park Hikes Under Five Miles

Looking for a quick, rewarding adventure? Here's a guide to 25 easy and scenic national-park hikes under five miles. These short trails offer big views and memorable experiences without the commitment of a long trek. Perfect for families, casual hikers, or anyone seeking a mellow day in nature.

1. Acadia National Park, Maine

Bar Island Trail - 2.1 miles

Walk across the sand bar at low tide to Acadia’s Bar Island. This accessible trail offers stunning views and a unique off-trail experience.

2. Big Bend National Park, Texas

Santa Elena Canyon Trail - 1.6 miles

Explore the Rio Grande’s dramatic limestone walls. Perfect for bird watching, you might spot a peregrine falcon.

3. Canyonlands National Park, Utah

Grand View Point Trail - 1.8 miles

Enjoy expansive views where the Colorado and Green Rivers converge. This flat trail offers a high-reward for minimal effort.

4. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico

Big Room Trail - 1.25 miles

Marvel at the underground wonder of stalactites and stalagmites. Accessible by elevator, this trail is great for families.

5. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

Watchman Peak - 1.8 miles

Summit in July for wildflower blooms and views of Wizard Island. A historic fire tower awaits at the top.

6. Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska

Savage River Loop - 2 miles

Follow the Savage River through the verdant tundra. A great spot for wildlife watching and summer hikes.

7. Glacier National Park, Montana

Avalanche Lake Trail - 5 miles

This shaded trail ends at a picturesque alpine lake. Extend your hike along the shoreline to avoid the crowds.

8. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point - 1.8 miles

Enjoy breathtaking views of rust-red sandstone plateaus. For a longer adventure, continue to Cedar Ridge.

9. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Leigh Lake Loop - 3.6 miles

Circle String Lake with views of Rockchuck Peak and Mount Saint John. A great spot for swimming and paddling in summer.

10. Great Basin National Park, Nevada

Bristlecone Trail - 2.8 miles

Hike to some of the oldest trees on earth. Extend to Wheeler Peak Glacier for a longer trek.

11. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee

Grotto Falls via the Trillium Gap Trail - 2.6 miles

Walk through old-growth forest to a 25-foot waterfall. A cool and shaded hike, ideal for spotting salamanders.

12. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii Island

Crater Rim Trail - 2.9 miles

Witness an active volcano and hissing steam vents. Best experienced at sunset for a view of glowing lava.

13. Isle Royale National Park, Michigan

Stoll Memorial Trail - 4.3 miles

Explore volcanic rocks and boreal forest. The trail ends at Scoville Point with sweeping Lake Superior views.

14. Katmai National Park, Alaska

Brooks Falls Trail - 2.4 miles

Watch salmon swim upstream and grizzly bears feed. Accessible via floatplane from Anchorage.

15. Lassen Volcanic National Park, California

Bumpass Hell Trail - 3 miles

Discover hydrothermal features and bubbling mud pots. Cool off in Lake Helen after your hike.

16. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

Myrtle Falls Loop via the Skyline Trail - 4.7 miles

Experience the Paradise area with views of Rainier’s glaciers. Turn back via the Golden Gate Trail for a shorter hike.

17. New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia

Long Point Trail - 3.2 miles

Hike through forest to a rocky ledge with great photo ops of the New River Bridge.

18. Redwood National Park, California

Tall Trees Trail - 3.5 miles

Descend to a grove of towering redwoods. Quiet and serene, perfect for forest bathing.

19. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Ute Trail - 5 miles

Start at the Alpine Visitor Center and enjoy tundra views. Hike in the morning to avoid afternoon lightning storms.

20. Sequoia National Park, California

Congress Trail - 2.8 miles

Walk among the largest trees by volume. Extend your visit past the General Sherman Tree to escape crowds.

21. Virgin Islands National Park, St. John

Salomon Bay via Lind Point - 2.7 miles

Descend to a secluded white-sand beach with clear waters. Less crowded than nearby Honeymoon Beach.

22. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Point Sublime via the South Rim Trail - 3.5 miles

Follow the canyon edge for stunning river views. An easy hike with minimal elevation gain.

23. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Upper Geyser Basin Trail - 1.5 miles

Explore hydrothermal features and geysers. Don’t miss Castle Geyser, which erupts up to 75 feet high.

24. Yosemite National Park, California

Illilouette Fall via the Panorama Trail - 4.4 miles

Enjoy panoramic views of Half Dome and Nevada Fall. A less crowded alternative to popular Yosemite hikes.

25. Zion National Park, Utah

Canyon Overlook - 1 mile

End your hike with views of the Temples and Towers of the Virgin. Watch for bighorn sheep along the way.