Best Hiking Trails for Beginners: Top Easy-to-Moderate Hikes Around the World
If you’re new to hiking, the thought of hitting the trails can be both exciting and intimidating. But don’t worry—there are plenty of scenic, beginner-friendly hikes that will allow you to experience the joy of the great outdoors without overwhelming your stamina or fitness level. From lush forests and tranquil lakes to rugged coastlines and mountain views, these easy-to-moderate hikes offer stunning vistas and manageable challenges. Here’s a list of the best beginner-friendly hiking trails around the world, along with helpful tips to make your first hikes enjoyable and rewarding.
1. The Kalalau Trail – Kauai, Hawaii (USA)
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 11 miles (out-and-back)
Why it’s great for beginners: While the full Kalalau Trail is a challenging trek, you can opt for a shorter portion of the hike, such as the first two miles to Hanakapiai Beach. This section of the trail is well-maintained and offers gorgeous views of the rugged Na Pali Coast, the lush Hawaiian jungle, and pristine beaches. The path can be a bit slippery, so wearing sturdy shoes and carrying enough water is essential.
What to expect: Dramatic cliffs, valleys, waterfalls, and coastal views. The weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for rain and humid conditions.
2. The Salkantay Trek – Peru
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 5 to 7 days (full trek), but the first section is beginner-friendly
Why it’s great for beginners: While the full Salkantay Trek is considered difficult, you can opt for a shorter, more manageable portion. The trail leads you through incredible Andean landscapes, including lush valleys, snow-capped peaks, and vibrant alpine lakes. The gentle slope at lower altitudes makes it a good option for beginners looking to experience high-altitude hiking in Peru without the commitment of the entire route.
What to expect: Mountain views, alpine meadows, and remote villages. The altitude can be a challenge for some, so be sure to take it slow and stay hydrated to avoid altitude sickness.
3. The South Downs Way – England
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Length: 100 miles (but easy to do in shorter segments)
Why it’s great for beginners: The South Downs Way offers a scenic, undulating trail that is relatively gentle in terms of terrain. It winds through the rolling hills of southern England, offering beautiful views of the countryside, the coast, and charming English villages. For beginners, you can choose to do a shorter segment of the hike, such as the 5-mile section from Eastbourne to Beachy Head.
What to expect: Green fields, charming villages, and the iconic chalk cliffs of Beachy Head. The path is well-marked and easy to navigate, making it perfect for beginners.
4. The Mirror Lake Trail – Yosemite National Park, California (USA)
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 2 miles (loop)
Why it’s great for beginners: This short and flat trail in Yosemite National Park offers some of the best views of Half Dome and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains, all while being a quick and easy hike. The trail is well-maintained and follows a paved path, making it suitable for beginners and those with limited hiking experience.
What to expect: Beautiful lake reflections, forested areas, and towering granite cliffs. The trail is perfect for a relaxed hike with minimal elevation gain, ideal for beginners looking to experience the majesty of Yosemite without strenuous effort.
5. Lugano Lakeshore Path – Switzerland/Italy
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 6 miles (one-way)
Why it’s great for beginners: The Lugano Lakeshore Path is a peaceful and relatively flat trail that takes you along the stunning shores of Lake Lugano. The route offers panoramic views of the lake, mountains, and charming lakeside villages. Since it’s primarily a flat walk, it’s ideal for beginners or those looking to ease into longer hikes.
What to expect: Picturesque lake views, small beach areas, lush gardens, and quaint villages. The path is easily accessible and perfect for a relaxing, scenic stroll.
6. The Sentiero Azzurro (Cinque Terre) – Italy
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Length: 6 miles (entire trail)
Why it’s great for beginners: The Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) connects the five villages of the Cinque Terre, offering dramatic coastal views and glimpses into Italian village life. While the entire trail can be challenging in some sections, beginners can opt for shorter, more manageable sections between two villages, such as the 1.5-mile hike between Vernazza and Monterosso.
What to expect: Breathtaking views of the Ligurian Sea, colorful cliffside villages, and Mediterranean flora. The terrain can be rocky and a bit steep in places, so wear sturdy footwear.
7. The Cape of Good Hope Circuit – Cape Town, South Africa
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 3.5 miles (loop)
Why it’s great for beginners: This relatively short hike offers spectacular views of the Cape Peninsula and the Southern Ocean. The trail is well-maintained and takes you through diverse landscapes, including coastal cliffs, beaches, and native vegetation. It’s a great introduction to coastal hiking for beginners with the added bonus of spotting wildlife like baboons and birds.
What to expect: Dramatic coastal views, sandy beaches, and potential wildlife sightings. The trail can be windy, so it’s best to check the weather forecast before heading out.
8. The Fitz Roy Laguna Capri Hike – Patagonia, Argentina
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 5 miles (one-way)
Why it’s great for beginners: The Laguna Capri hike in Argentina’s Patagonia region offers a relatively easy route with stunning views of Mount Fitz Roy and the surrounding landscapes. The hike has a gradual ascent and offers a chance to experience the dramatic Patagonian scenery, including forests, streams, and breathtaking alpine lakes.
What to expect: Towering granite peaks, alpine lakes, and glacial rivers. Weather in Patagonia can change rapidly, so be prepared for sudden shifts in temperature and wind.
9. The Blue Ridge Parkway – Virginia and North Carolina (USA)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Length: Varies, with many short sections available
Why it’s great for beginners: The Blue Ridge Parkway offers a collection of scenic hikes that vary in difficulty, many of which are short and easy. One popular beginner trail is the Linville Falls Trail, which takes you to the stunning Linville Falls with minimal elevation gain. The Parkway’s many accessible trails allow you to enjoy the beautiful Appalachian Mountains with little to no experience required.
What to expect: Rolling mountain views, lush forests, and peaceful streams. It’s a fantastic destination for beginners seeking a mix of easy hiking and panoramic views.
10. The Ben Nevis Mountain Trail – Scotland
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 4 miles (one-way)
Why it’s great for beginners: While the summit of Ben Nevis is a serious mountain challenge, the trail to the base of the mountain offers an excellent introductory hike. The track is well-marked and takes you through beautiful woodlands, offering a mix of grassy hills and rocky paths that don’t require advanced hiking skills.
What to expect: Mountain views, forests, and the chance to get up close to the tallest peak in the UK. Though the hike to the summit is strenuous, the base trail offers a manageable alternative.
Tips for Beginner Hikers
- Start small: Opt for shorter, easier trails at first and gradually build up your stamina.
- Wear proper footwear: Good hiking boots or trail shoes are essential for comfort and safety, especially on rocky or uneven terrain.
- Bring plenty of water: Hydration is key, even on shorter hikes.
- Pack light: Only bring what you need—snacks, a first-aid kit, a map, and layers in case the weather changes.
- Know your limits: Listen to your body and take breaks as needed, especially if you’re new to hiking.
- Check the weather: Always check the forecast before you go to avoid getting caught in bad conditions.
Hiking is one of the best ways to connect with nature and explore new landscapes, and it doesn’t require advanced skills or extreme endurance to get started. With these beginner-friendly trails around the world, you can enjoy stunning views, build your confidence, and gradually take on more challenging hikes as your stamina grows. Whether you’re walking along the coasts of Italy, traversing mountain paths in Patagonia, or soaking in the grandeur of the Himalayas, there’s a perfect trail out there for you.