01
Best lakeside escape
Paradise Lake Trails
Magalia & Paradise Lake • Quiet Pine Forest Lakeside Trail • Best Lakeside Escape
Shaded shoreline paths wrap around a peaceful reservoir, ideal for unhurried walks and mellow half-day hikes.
Multiple trail segments follow the edge of Paradise Lake, giving you constant water views and plenty of spots to linger on the bank. You can turn around whenever you like, making it easy to tailor the distance for kids or visiting friends. Go early on summer weekends if you want a quieter, more reflective feel along the water.
02
Easiest all-ages walk
Yellowstone Kelly Heritage Trail
Paradise Ridge Greenway • Paved Community Path With Canyon Glimpses • Best For Easy Strolls & Bikes
A mostly level, paved path that threads through pines and neighborhoods, perfect for casual walkers, bikes, and strollers.
This rail-trail style route is where locals go for reliable footing and fresh air without committing to a big backcountry day. Subtle views toward Butte Creek Canyon sneak through the trees, and benches give you built-in rest and chat spots. It is a great choice when you want movement and scenery but need to keep things simple for a mixed group.
03
Most dramatic views
Paradise Flume Trail
West Branch Canyon Rim • Cliff-Edge Singletrack Along Historic Flume • Best For Confident Hikers
A narrow path follows an old water flume high above the West Branch, trading effort for sweeping river and canyon views.
The Flume Trail feels wilder than its modest mileage, with airy sections where you look straight down into the river gorge below. You get a mix of shaded forest, open viewpoints, and the quirky charm of walking beside the old wooden flume. Because of drop-offs and uneven tread, it suits steady-footed adults and older kids more than brand-new hikers.
04
Best summer cool-off
Forks of Butte Creek Recreation Area
Forks Of Butte Creek, East Of Paradise • Creekside Boulder And Swimming-Hole Routes • Best Summer Cool-Off
Short but sometimes steep paths lead down to clear pools and cascades where hikers linger on hot days.
Here the hike is as much about the destination as the walk, with cold, blue-green water sliding over polished rock just below the trail. Expect a bit of scrambling over boulders and uneven footing as you pick your way to your own pocket of shoreline. Pack sandals or water shoes and give yourself time to explore different pools before climbing back out of the canyon.
05
Best quick family outing
Lil Falls Trail
Upper Paradise Neighborhood • Short Forest Ravine Path To A Small Falls • Best Quick Family Outing
A brief, shady walk that dips into a wooded gully and ends near a small cascade, just minutes from in-town errands.
Lil Falls is the kind of trail you squeeze in before dinner, giving kids a sense of adventure without a long drive or big climb. The path winds through oaks and pines, with just enough elevation change to feel like a real hike while still staying approachable. It is a handy go-to when you want a dose of green and a little water sound on a busy day.