Washington is a nature lover's paradise, and it's a particularly perfect place to live if you love to hike. And sometimes, it's best when that love of hiking starts when you're young.
The next time you have a free day with your family or the little ones in your life, head to Maple Valley and check out the iconic Gnome Trail. Not only is this a short and sweet trek, it's a magical experience for even the youngest of hikers.
The Maple Valley Gnome Trail is located about 45 minutes from Seattle near Rock Creek Elementary School.
The trail is part of the 50-acre Maple Valley Legacy Site and the Rock Creek Natural Area.
There are several entrances to the trail, most of which break off from other hikes in the area.
Many people start from the Legacy Loop Trail or the Market Trail.
You won't get far before you start to see the adorable gnomes.
Before you know it, your kids will be wandering through the forest in awe.
The gnomes were rehomed from their original home on the nearby Henry’s Ridge trail system.
Visitors often add their own gnome friends, and you're welcome to do the same.
The entire 0.7-mile trail is surrounded by dense forest, with lichen and moss growing in abundance.
It really does feel like you've walked right into a fairytale.
Since people are always adding gnomes, you'll never have the same exact experience here twice.
You can hike this trail year-round, but you may want to skip it after a snow since the gnomes get buried.
The Gnome Trail is a fantastic short hike perfect for little legs.
It's also a lot of fun for adults.
Doesn't this look like a blast? Do you remember your child's first hike?
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