Chico, CA

Any well-rounded family trip often includes an outdoor adventure, but finding Northern California hiking trails for kids that capture the spirit of where you're visiting, while also meeting your family's adventure needs, is a tricky balance. You’re in luck! Butte County is full of beautiful and iconic hiking trails that are perfect for kids.

Butte County, CA

Bald Rock is out-of-the-way trail is absolutely worth the drive! Not only are the drive-by views of Lake Oroville lovely, but the awe-inspiring scenic views of Plumas National Forest from Bald Rock are stunning. The short dirt trail from the parking lot to Bald Rock is uphill but easy. Once you arrive at the rocks, it's less of a trail and more of an exploring adventure. There are large boulders that are perfect for climbing and others that are fun for jumping. If your child loves to hop and climb, this is the perfect trail for your family to explore!

Brad Freeman Trail

Oroville, California, United States

This is a favorite trail for kids because one mile in there is a large, long, dark tunnel. This trail and tunnel used to be part of the Western Pacific Railroad system, so if you are looking for a historical element on your adventure, this may just be the perfect family trail. To make it even better, the trail is mostly flat, all-terrain stroller-friendly, and meanders next to the Thermalito Diversion Pool.

S Rim Trail
Chico, CA

Chico Canyon Trailhead begins near the 5-Mile Recreation Area and is the start to many choose-your-own kid-friendly hiking adventures in Upper Bidwell Park. The first .4 miles is actually an old road and meanders along Big Chico Creek. This part of the path is flat, wide, all-terrain stroller friendly, and even offers a couple of easily accessible paths down to the creek. After the first .4 mile, the trail splits into two different trails. This is where you pick your adventure based on your family's abilities and desires!

3207 Rutherford Rd
Gridley, CA

Are you a bird-loving family? Or perhaps you enjoy fishing? If so, you do not want to miss the two easy trails meandering among the protected wetlands in Gray Lodge Wildlife Area in lower Butte County. With ample birding opportunities in the winter months and prime fishing in the spring and summer, this is a wonderful place to explore with children. The main nature trail is a dirt 1.8-mile-long path, but there is an additional shorter paved trail as well.

Chico, CA

This is one of the most iconic Chico hikes on the list! The loop trail is about one-mile total, but a perfect challenge for children. The switch-back trail leads to the top of a rock formation that resembles a monkey's face, hence the name. So, not only can you and your children enjoy the wonderful views of Chico from the top, but you can enjoy identifying the monkey features while you hike.

Butte County, CA

If you are looking for a neat trail up in Paradise, this is a perfect one for the family. Not only is the path wide, well maintained, and all-terrain stroller friendly, but this seven-mile out-and-back trail offers lovely views of the lake and surrounding forest. Plus, there are occasional bathrooms and benches right alongside the trail, which are always a bonus when hiking with kids.

Yahi Trail

Chico, California, United States

This is a perfect trail for little hikers! Though the trail is about 4.5 miles long one way, it is really easy to explore in segments. The trail meanders along Big Chico Creek and is almost completely shaded in summer. This makes it a great trail to hike in the heat of summer. There are so many places to stop along the trail and enjoy the creek, that the whole family can take a break from hiking to explore the water.

Chico, CA

Find these and other Northern California hiking trails perfect for all members of the family at ExploreButteCounty.com