The Midwest region of the United States has many great hiking destinations that offer beautiful scenery and a variety of terrains. Here are some of the popular spots for the best hiking in the Midwest for families:
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
This national park offers a variety of family-friendly hiking trails that range from easy to moderate difficulty. Some of the popular trails include the Ledges Trail, the Brandywine Gorge Trail, and the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park has several trails that are suitable for families with young children, including stroller-friendly trails. The park also offers ranger-led programs and special events for families throughout the year.
Maquoketa Caves State Park, Iowa
This state park features several caves that are great for exploring with kids. There are also several easy-to-moderate hiking trails that wind through the park’s beautiful forests and rock formations.
Maquoketa Caves State Park is a great spot for families because it offers a unique opportunity to explore caves and rock formations. The park also has several picnic areas and playgrounds, making it easy to spend a full day there.
Starved Rock State Park, Illinois
With over 13 miles of hiking trails, Starved Rock State Park offers several kid-friendly trails that are perfect for families. The park’s waterfalls, canyons, and scenic overlooks make it an ideal spot for a family hiking adventure.
Starved Rock State Park is a popular spot for families because of its many waterfalls, canyons, and scenic overlooks. The park also has several picnic areas and a visitor center with exhibits and information about the park’s history and ecology.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan
While some of the trails at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore can be challenging, there are several easy trails that are perfect for families. The Chapel Loop Trail and the Sand Point Marsh Trail are two popular options.
While some of the trails at Pictured Rocks can be challenging, the park also has several easy trails that are suitable for families with young children. The park’s stunning views of Lake Superior and colorful sandstone cliffs make it a memorable destination for all ages.
Theodore Wirth Regional Park, Minnesota
This regional park has several family-friendly hiking trails that wind through the park’s forests and prairies. The Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary is a must-visit spot for families.
Theodore Wirth Regional Park has several family-friendly hiking trails that are well-maintained and easy to follow. The park also has a beach, a playground, and other amenities that make it a great spot for families to spend the day.
Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
While Mammoth Cave is best known for its underground caves, it also has several hiking trails that are great for families. The Cedar Sink Trail, the River Styx Spring Trail, and the Heritage Trail are all popular options.
In addition to the underground cave tours, Mammoth Cave National Park has several hiking trails that are great for families. The park’s diverse habitats provide opportunities to see a variety of wildlife and plant species.
Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Missouri
This national park has several kid-friendly hiking trails that wind along the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers. The Alley Spring Trail and the Big Spring Trail are two popular options.
Ozark National Scenic Riverways is a great spot for families because of its many water-based activities, including swimming, tubing, and fishing. The park also has several easy hiking trails that wind along the rivers and through the surrounding forests.
Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana
Indiana Dunes National Park is a popular spot for families because of its easy hiking trails and its location on the shores of Lake Michigan. It has several easy hiking trails that are perfect for families. The Dune Succession Trail and the Bailly Homestead Trail are two popular options.
The park’s beaches and dunes are great for swimming and playing in the sand, while the hiking trails offer opportunities to see wildlife and enjoy the park’s natural beauty.
These spots for the best hiking in the Midwest offer a range of hiking distances and difficulty levels, but all have some options that are suitable for families with children.
