16 Scenic U.S. Trails You Need to Experience (That Aren’t Hiking Trails)

Not every great trail requires boots. Some of the best routes in the country ask for a paddle instead, or a bike, or a trek on a rail trail that winds through terrain most hikers never see. From a flatwater kayak trail threading through coastal Alabama to a converted rail line cutting across the Colorado Rockies, these 16 trails across the U.S. prove that the hiking trail isn't the only way to experience the outdoors. It might not even be the best way.

1. Spruce Railroad Trail, Washington: A Rail Trail Worth Ditching Your Hiking Boots For

One of the best easy outdoor trails in Washington, the Spruce Railroad Trail is unique because it's an easily accessible way to experience some of the state's most breathtaking scenery. The 4-mile (one-way) former railroad route is flat, fully paved, and ADA-compliant, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a leisurely stroll through Olympic National Park.

A continuation of the Olympic Discovery Trail, the Spruce Railroad Trail is accessible from East Beach Road and Camp David Junior Road. Between the stunning lake views, lush rainforest landscape, and remnants of railroad history, I'd go so far as to call it one of the best hiking trails in the U.S.

2. Cache River Wetlands, Illinois: A Kayak Trail Unlike Any Other in the Midwest

The wetland trails are some of the best hikes in Illinois, but nothing compares to kayaking the Cache River Wetlands. The Lower Cache River Trail is one of the best kayaking spots in Illinois. The easy, three to six-mile-long trail allows you to immerse yourself in the environment and appreciate its species up close. Paddlers can follow international canoe symbols and yellow stripes on trees across the serene cypress-tupelo swamp in canoes, kayaks, or jon boats with a 10-horsepower motor.

The wetlands are home to 11 state champion trees, the largest of their species in the state. Visitors can paddle the Lower Cache River Trail to see the state champion bald cypress tree, which has stood here for more than 1,000 years. Take in the singing tree frogs and birds while trying to spot eagles, river otters, and more.

3. Pennsy Greenway Rail Trail, Indiana: A Family-Friendly Route With Tons of History

The Pennsy Greenway, a rail trail in Indiana, is a 14-mile path following the former route of the Pennsylvania Railroad. It’s a small section of the 3,700-mile Great American Rail-Trail, and is an easy, scenic, paved trail free of cars, winding through urban areas, small towns, and rural landscapes.

We love the Pennsy Greenway for the seamless urban-to-nature experience, with the option to park and hop on at any point between bustling Crown Point (at Rohrman Park) and Lansing (Illinois) in the Chicago suburbs. It’s one of the best trails in Indiana, offering an abundance of trailside amenities via charming small businesses and cafes in Munster and Schererville, plus a handful of parks with picnic areas and playgrounds.

4. Robertson Millpond Preserve, North Carolina: The Kayak Trail That Feels Like a Different World

Robertson Millpond Preserve is the only blackwater swamp in Wake County, and it feels completely out of place in the best way. The one-mile paddle loop winds through a labyrinth of cypress trees, past a dam built around 1820 that's now a Wake County Historic Landmark. The slow-moving tannin-stained water makes it ideal for beginners, and the stillness is the kind that actually sticks with you. Keep an eye out for beavers, turtles, and songbirds along the way. No restrooms or drinking water on site, so pack everything you need before you launch.

5. Midland Bike Trail, Colorado: The Mountain Route That Rivals Any Hike

There's a hiking adventure for everyone in the Centennial State. But if you ever want to switch it up and try something new, there's a rail trail in Colorado that offers a more low-key alternative. Most of the Midland Railroad Grade (also known as the Midland Bike Trail), located near Buena Vista in the San Isabel National Forest, is flat, making it ideal for nature lovers of all ages and skill levels. Beginners, families, and those seeking a less strenuous outdoor adventure will love the scenic views along this historic rail line. It offers stunning views of the Collegiate Peaks without the effort of climbing them, which is a double win in our book.

6. Adirondack Rail Trail, New York: A Rail Trail That Lets You Skip the Boots

The Adirondacks region has always carried an air of mystery and adventure because of its ancient mountains and very earthy appeal. For generations, railway trains have passed through the forests of northern New York, hauling passengers deep into the mountains for wilderness escapes. Today, that same historic corridor has been transformed into the Adirondack Rail Trail, a stunning and scenic multi-use trail that blends history and outdoor adventure into one unforgettable experience. This bike trail in New York now stretches between Lake Placid and Tupper Lake in the heart of the Adirondack Park, offering a fresh and thrilling way to experience its wildest landscapes. 

7. Weeki Wachee River, Florida: The Paddle Route Every Floridian Should Know

The Weeki Wachee River Paddle Route is located near Spring Hill in Hernando County, Florida. This river, which flows toward the Gulf of Mexico, is renowned for its crystal-clear spring-fed water. There are a few options for putting in, and if you want to start at Weeki Wachee Park, you'll need to make a reservation in advance. I highly recommend spending some time on the official park website to ensure your trip is as seamless as possible. A bit of planning is worth it, though, as you'll be rewarded with stunning scenery, tranquil water, and adorable wildlife sightings. The most popular route, Springs to Gardens, is 5.5 miles out and back.

8. Terrapin Creek, Alabama: A Paddle Trail Worth Trading Your Hiking Boots For

Terrapin Creek in Eastern Alabama is a freshwater stream flowing from the Talladega National Forest through Cleburne and Cherokee Counties. Since the water is fairly calm, it’s one of the best kayaking spots in Alabama. There are some mild rapids along the paddle trail, but it’s the perfect place for beginners to practice paddling through moving water. 

The Terrapin Creek Paddle Trail is a roughly 7- to 8-mile route that’s beginner-friendly and takes you on a beautiful aquatic adventure. You can do this route on your own, but if you don’t have multiple cars to leave at the drop-in and take-out zones, coordinating can be a hassle. Terrapin Outdoor Center offers kayak rentals and a shuttle service so you can just show up and enjoy the day without the fuss. They’re a locally-owned and operated company that’s been serving the area since 1995. 

9. Eden Mill, Maryland: A Paddle Trail That Proves You Don't Need a Hiking Trail

The Eden Mill Paddle Trail is located in the Eden Mill Nature Center in Pylesville, Maryland. The park offers a public canoe and kayak launch area for easy access to the beautiful, calm Deer Creek, which flows into the Susquehanna River. The paddling trail is tranquil and easily accessible, giving visitors the chance to experience the landscape directly from the water rather than hiking alongside it.

The experience is almost meditative. The route is 3.7 miles out and back and meanders through a protected wooded landscape. It's different from other kayaking spots in Maryland: you're not out on the Bay with expansive views of sky and water, but rather on a secluded, forested trail.

10. Washington Secondary Rail Trail, Rhode Island: The Rail Trail That Surprises Everyone

For anyone who loves the outdoors in the Northeast, this Rhode Island rail trail is worth your attention. Clocking in at 19 miles of paved path winding through forests, past rivers, and alongside reservoirs, there is barely any elevation gain and scenery that keeps getting better the farther west you go.

The Washington Secondary Rail Trail runs across central Rhode Island, from Cranston in the east to the western edge of Coventry near Log Bridge Road. It follows the old corridor of the Hartford, Providence, and Fishkill Railroad, which is why it's so flat (former rail lines don't typically do major hills). The trail is paved, open year-round, and free to access.

11. Union Pacific Rail Trail, Utah: A Scenic Rail Trail With Views That Compete With Any Hike

The Union Pacific Rail Trail is located in Park City, Utah, and follows an abandoned railroad line. It begins in the city and stretches toward Echo Reservoir through some of Summit County's most stunning scenery. The trail is special in that it's a living piece of history—originally, the railbed was used to transport coal from mining operations. Today, it takes visitors on a tour of the natural landscape, revealing everything from meadows and valleys to the river and glimpses of the mountains. The trail measures 27 miles point-to-point, and you can adjust the distance to suit your preferred adventure.

12. Mohican Valley Trail, Ohio: The Bike Trail That Outshines the Hiking Scene

Some of the best hikes in Ohio, especially in places like Hocking Hills and Cuyahoga Valley National Park, are remarkably beautiful, but definitely not easy. If you want to enjoy incredible scenery without putting in too much effort, there's a bike trail in Ohio that's calling your name.

The Kokosing Gap Trail to Mohican Valley Trail is a 16-mile route that runs from Mount Vernon to Brinkhaven, featuring historic bridges, enchanting forest views, and even vintage railroad cars. It's also fully paved, offering an easy, scenic adventure that almost seems too good to be true.

13. Prairie Sunset Trail, Kansas: The Rail Trail That Changes How You See the Great Plains

The Prairie Sunset Trail is a 15-mile route and one of the top 10 Kansas rail trails. It begins in southwest Wichita, following a straight, easy path west through Goddard, and ending in Garden Plain. I think it’s one of the best trails in Kansas because it’s quiet and scenic, and we can ride for hours barely seeing a handful of other people along the way.

The trail is mostly gravel, winding between shady woodlands and the open prairie, with the occasional creek. The quirky bridges and tunnels along the way also offer perfect spots to pause for a sip or to gaze at birds and butterflies. 

14. Namekagon River, Wisconsin: The Paddle Route That Makes Hiking Feel Overrated

There's one paddling trail in Wisconsin that I think rivals any of the state's hikes for beauty, and it's one of my favorite places to kayak or canoe: the Namekagon River stretch of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.

This stretch of the Namekagon cuts across the northwestern corner of the state, starting up near Hayward and winding west to its confluence with the St. Croix River. It's part of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, which means the National Park Service protects the shorelines from heavy development. What makes this stretch stand out is how remote it feels, yet still accessible for beginners. The river's narrow, with a good mix of shallow riffles and calm pools. At normal levels, the current is relatively mellow, so just about anyone should be able to float it without a problem.

15. Mount Vernon Trail, Virginia: The Bike Trail That Follows the Potomac Like Nothing Else

As one of the best scenic bike trails in Virginia, the Mount Vernon Trail connects Gateway Park in Rosslyn with the Mount Vernon estate in Northern Virginia. It even crosses over the George Washington Memorial Parkway, weaving along park sites, yacht clubs, wetlands, neighborhoods, and more. The trail is at the entrance to George Washington’s Mount Vernon and US-29 & Lynn St at the northwest corner of Gateway Park in Rosslyn. 

The bike trail spans 18 miles and is even accessible from nearby Metro stops such as Rosslyn, Arlington Cemetery, and Crystal City. Trailgoers can even park along the route at places like Gravelly Point in Arlington, Belle Haven Park in Alexandria, and George Washington Memorial Parkway and River Farm Drive in Fort Hunt. 

16. West Essex Rail Trail, New Jersey: The Rail Trail That Will Change Your Mind About The Garden State

Whether you’ve conquered all the best trails in New Jersey and need a new adventure or you’re looking for a family-friendly way to enjoy nature, the West Essex Rail Trail is calling your name. This easy rail trail in New Jersey offers a peaceful escape from the city, allowing visitors to enjoy picturesque views and local history. Unlike many hikes, rail trails don’t feel like a workout, yet the scenery is often comparable to what you’d expect from a challenging, all-day trek.

Walk along old train tracks, marvel at historic railroad artifacts, and take in the natural beauty of the woods surrounding the trail. A big reward for minimal effort is a win in my book, and the West Essex Rail Trail delivers that and more.

If trails are your thing and you want to switch it up, check out the 20 most iconic hiking trails across the U.S. for an added dose of adventure.