How to Find Off the Beaten Path Hiking Trails (Anywhere You Go)
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Popular hiking trails are, of course, popular for a reason. But don’t we usually head out on a hike for the peace and quiet out in nature? Instead of opting for a well-known trail, no matter how stunning the summit might be, here’s exactly how to plan your next adventure by finding ‘hidden gem’ hikes and off-the-beaten-path trails anywhere you go!
But first…
Remember to Leave No Trace
It is so so so important to follow the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace when visiting any beautiful destinations, trails, public land, etc.
Plan ahead and prepare.
Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
Dispose of waste properly.
Leave what you find.
Minimize campfire impacts (be careful with fire).
Respect wildlife.
Be considerate of other visitors.
How to Find Off the Beaten Path Hiking Trails & Avoid The Crowds
If you're looking for a secluded and (quite possibly) super underrated hiking experience, there are 6 different ways to find hiking trails that are off the beaten path:
#1 Ask locals
In my opinion, locals are a wildly underrated resource in the current era where everything is readily available online or on social media. But locals might know about hiking trails that are less-traveled or possibly even unpublished in online guides. They likely have insider knowledge of hidden gems and secret trails that offer stunning views and unique experiences.
Ask at a local visitor center, hotel/AirBnb, or outdoor gear store for recommendations. We almost always ask for recommendations at a local gear shop when traveling in a new place! If you happen to strike up a conversation with locals that you meet elsewhere on your travels, don’t be afraid to ask for any tips that they have, or even their favorite hiking spots.
#2 Use various online resources
The internet is obviously the easiest and quickest resource for finding amazing great hiking trails, especially ones that are off the beaten path. Here are a few website & apps to use in your search:
Or area-specific sites such as:
Most of these will allow you to search for trails by location, difficulty level, and other criteria. Also, you’re able to read reviews and see photos from other hikers to get an idea of what to expect. After doing some Google digging, you can even lean on sites like Reddit or Pinterest to further the search.
Sample recommended routes from Hiking Project:
#3 Social media
Disclaimer: This is very much a double edged sword, since social media geotagging can cause significant overuse and destruction of beautiful natural spaces. Always remember to follow LNT principles when visiting these locations!
Instagram and Facebook can be some of the best resources for finding hidden hiking trails. Join local hiking groups on Facebook and follow outdoor enthusiasts/bloggers/hashtags on Instagram to discover new trails and get insider tips. If an Instagram post isn’t geotagged (which honestly, it shouldn’t be), try doing a reverse Google Image search to find the exact location.
#4 Check out state and national park guidebooks
While some trails in state and national parks can be crowded, there are often lesser-known trails that are immune to the tourist crowds. State and national parks are also great places to find well-maintained trails with stunning views and super unique features.
Check out the park's website or stop by the visitor center upon arrival to ask for recommendations. You can also look for ranger-led hikes, which will often take you off the beaten path and offer a more immersive ‘insider’ experience.
#5 Seek out trails that require permits
If a hiking trail requires a permit, that often means that the number of people allowed on that trail at a certain time is limited. If that’s not the case, it still acts as a bit of a deterrent for those who are looking for a fast and easy hiking trail option. This works in your favor either way, as someone who is looking for a quieter trail!
By searching for permit-only locations, you’ll inevitably find hiking trails that are less crowded and more secluded. Plan ahead to secure your permit. Keep in mind that some permits may come with restrictions, such as timed entry, limits on group size and limits on camping locations.
#6 Get off the beaten path
If you're willing to explore a bit (that can even look like virtual exploring beforehand on Google Earth Pro), you can often find hiking trails that are totally off the beaten path. Look for trails that are not as ‘well-marked’ or that might even require a pre-hike to get to. Sometimes the most epic hiking trails are the ones that require a little extra effort to find.
As always, be sure to bring a map and/or GPS device and let someone know where you're going before you set out on your hiking adventure (as an added precaution, I never hike without my Garmin InReach Mini).
By doing some extra digging before hitting the trails, you can easily find hikes that are less crowded and more secluded, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the location. Quiet trails = happy trails, if you ask me.
Just remember to always practice Leave No Trace principles and respect the environment so that others can enjoy these hidden gems for many years to come!
Once you've found some trails that look promising, the next step is to do some more detailed research. Read a guidebook or relevant website with full trail details to make sure the trek is right for your plans and skill level.
Other tips for avoiding crowds on your hike
Start early. The earlier you start hiking, the less likely you are to encounter other people on the trail.
Go during the week. Trails are typically less crowded during the week than on weekends.
Choose a trail that is longer or more difficult. If that’s within your hiking comfort level. These trails are often less crowded because they require more time, effort and preparation to complete.
Avoid holidays or peak tourism seasons. This is when most people will have time off from work to also head outdoors.
Hiking Gear Essentials
Don't forget to pack plenty of water, snacks, safety gear, bug spray and sunscreen. Aka all of the essentials, outlined below! For a full checklist of the “Ten Hiking Essentials” (what to pack on every hike) visit this guide on LNT’s site.
Getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life is so much easier when you’re not battling crowds on the trails. By following these tips, you’ll be able to find hiking trails that are both enjoyable and off the beaten path. Happy hiking - hope to see you out there!
