Hiking Trails for Women that are Safe
Where are the Safe Hiking Trails for women? I’ll tell you about two great ones, one on each US coast.
I’m not much of a long-distance hiker, but my son just finished hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. I’m glad he is finished, as it took him from May to October. 2600 miles in all.
What’s a good distance to start hiking with? I recommend 2 to 3 miles. We can each find the trail that suits us best and try different ones as we go.
If you’re not quite ready for big hikes like the Camino in Spain or the Pacific Crest Trail, start with scenic, public, well-known trails you can easily shorten. Here are two great options from coast to coast:
https://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/landsend.htm
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I’ve hiked in more than 50 countries, but nothing beats coastal trails. I love Torrey Pines State Park or a beach hike on Cape Cod. I hiked in Del Mar this morning, and the waves were too strong for me to swim.
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Today’s episode features hiking trails for women. First, the West Coast: Lands End; next, the East Coast: Acadia National Park in Maine.
West Coast: Lands End Trail in San Francisco, California
This is my favorite West Coast trail because you get Pacific Ocean cliffs, cypress trees, the history of Sutro Baths, and views of the Golden Gate Bridge—all without leaving the city. The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy says the Lands End Loop is about 3.1 miles round trip, which fits nicely into the 2-to-5-mile range and is perfect for exploring.
Why is this a good pick for Dr. Travelbest listeners? You can shorten the hike by starting near the Lands End Lookout or Sutro Baths and stopping often to take photos. It feels wild, but you’re still in San Francisco. The National Park Service describes the area as trails winding around rocky cliffs, cypress and eucalyptus trees, and offering spectacular views.
A few things to watch for: the trail isn’t completely flat, and some parts have stairs, uneven ground, or cliff-side drop-offs. Wear sturdy walking shoes instead of dressy sneakers. Go during the day, bring an extra layer, and be ready for fog or wind.
East Coast: Ocean Path in Acadia National Park, Maine
For the East Coast, my pick is Ocean Path in Acadia National Park. This trail follows the coast from Sand Beach to Thunder Hole and Otter Point. The National Park Service says it’s 2.2 miles one way (4.4 miles round trip), and the section from Sand Beach to Thunder Hole is just 0.7 miles if you want something shorter.
https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/hike-ocean-path-trail.htm
This trail is a great choice because you can decide how far you want to go. You might just walk to Thunder Hole and back, or keep going if you feel up for it. The scenery is classic Maine—granite coastline, ocean waves, evergreen trees, and dramatic views. The Park Service says the first part is paved, and later sections are packed gravel, rockier, and include some stairs.
Relax and enjoy a fare-free ride on the Island Explorer shuttle, which serves park destinations, local communities, and Bar Harbor-Hancock County Regional Airport. It is also wheelchair accessible.
Regularly scheduled buses stop at park destinations, including campgrounds, carriage road entrances, and many trailheads. You can also flag down buses along their route. Drivers will pick up passengers anywhere it is safe to stop.
Island Explorer shuttles are powered by propane fuel. By leaving your car behind, you help reduce air pollution while avoiding parking and traffic congestion.
Bus schedules are available at visitor contact stations and the Island Explorer website.
Looking for more? Check out Edie Sundy Littlefield’s mission walks in California and Mexico, and more recently in Texas, Florida, and other places. See the show notes.
Today’s destination cautions:
A few things to keep in mind: Acadia can get crowded, parking might be tough, and the ocean edges can be risky. Stay away from cliff edges and wet rocks, and watch your step on uneven or rocky trail sections.
The second misstep is not going at all—so don’t miss out.
What can you do?
Find a trail you love and go hike it. It may be a few miles away or closer, but the first step is the hardest.
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I hope for safe hiking trails for women and world peace for all of us.
AI was used to select some of the suggestions for this episode.
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