What makes a beginner trail? We talk about this a lot at Backpacking Routes because one of our goals is to make the sport of backpacking more accessible to beginners. The definition changes depending on who in our little organization you talk to (FKT holder and famous* hiker Jeff Garmire has a different metric for what makes a trail easy than I do, for instance). But with that being said, I’ve rounded up four trails that I believe make ideal entry points into the world of backpacking. I thought about average elevation (low), length (short, comparatively), and wilderness factor (if things go wrong, how screwed are you?).
So if you are a beginning hiker (or planning a trip with one) give these trails some consideration. Not what you are looking for? Use our searchable database on the homepage to find the perfect route, and check our collection of trails with easier terrain and easier logistics.
*hiker famous is different from regular famous
1) Foothills Trail, South Carolina
76 miles
Average Elevation ~1,000 feet
South Carolina’s Foothills Trail offers abundant water, easy camping, and a moderate grade. On top of all that, the trail is well-marked and you don’t need permits to hike it. You can use local shuttles to handle your start/end logistics. The elevation never rises above 3,553 feet, and you can hike it in fall, winter, or spring. Like most southern trails, you’ll run into heat, humidity, and bugs in the summer months, but none of these problems are insurmountable. The small-but-bustling city of Greenville is always within an hour’s car ride if you have to bail in case of emergency. If you are in the Southeast, give this trail some serious consideration for your first backpacking trip. Check out the full Foothills Trail profile for more info.
2) Florida Trail, Florida
1,500 miles
Average Elevation ~500 feet
1,500 miles may seem like a long way to a beginner’s eyes. But consider that the so-called Big Three (Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Pacific Crest Trail) are all over 2,000 miles, and the Florida Trail starts to seem like a beginner-friendly alternative. Add to that the Florida Trail’s relative ease-of-resupply and lack of wilderness areas, plus the fact that you won’t be dealing with altitude and all the challenges that come with it. But Florida’s increasing urbanization doesn’t mean this trail is a city walk. You’ll encounter plenty of beautiful environments, and wildlife (including gators and snakes) are ever-present. Check out the full Florida Trail profile for more info.
3) Greenstone Ridge Trail, Michigan
41 miles
Average Elevation ~1,000 feet
This 41-mile trail is probably the most physically challenging option in this round-up because of the trail conditions, variable weather, and insect presence. You also need permits, and resupply is hard. But it has low elevation and very little climbing, and the lush vegetation and island location are hard to beat. Plus, such a short trail offers the opportunity for a beginner to push herself under relatively low-stakes conditions. Check out the full Greenstone Ridge Trail profile for more info.
4) Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway Trail, New Hampshire
48 miles
Average Elevation ~2,000 feet
We love it when trails run right through town. It offers not only a chance for resupply, but an opportunity to grab a beer, a burger, a candy bar, or (ideally) all three. The Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway trail runs through Washington, New Hampshire, is well-marked with white blazes, and boasts moderate elevation gain. Water is frequent as well! A beginner could do worse than tackle this three-to-four-day New England trail as an introduction to backpacking. Heads up: you’ll need a permit to park your car at one of the trailheads. Check out the full profile on the Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway Trail for more info.
