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Best Forest Hikes in Idaho

The directory currently contains 13 quality-checked routes matching this guide in Idaho. Their average mapped distance is 6.5 km and average recorded ascent is 319 m (1,047 ft); the longest route in the set is 18.2 km.

This subset represents 12% of the 105 quality-checked routes in Idaho. Its average distance is 6.5 km, compared with 41.3 km across the full local set. Average recorded ascent is 319 m (1,047 ft), versus 907 m (2,976 ft) for all quality-checked routes in the same area.

These routes carry the forest tag. The data does not quantify canopy cover or guarantee shade along every section. Within this set, 1 routes (8%) are rated easy, 1 (8%) are rated hard or expert, and 1 (8%) are recorded as loops. Ratings are computed from available distance and elevation data and do not establish current terrain or access.

Data refreshed September 2026

Choose by the details

How do these routes differ?

A closer look at the first 6 routes in this page’s default ordering. These comparisons describe this sample, not the entire destination or a field-tested recommendation.

Shortest mapped distance in this sample

1.9 km

Goose Creek Falls Trail

Compare the climbing too; shortest does not necessarily mean easiest.

Lowest recorded ascent in this sample

45 m

Goose Creek Falls Trail

6 of 6 have ascent data. Missing measurements are excluded.

Return logistics

1 recorded loop

Check start and finish for every option. An unknown shape does not mean a loop, and a loop does not establish access to its start.

Plan the return journey →

Distances follow stored route lines; ascent and time are estimates. Current access, surface and technical difficulty need separate checks. How to turn a comparison into a shortlist.

Trails

Moderate

Granite Mountain Trail

Idaho · United States

Distance
9.0 km
/ 5.6 mi
Elevation gain
537 m
Typical duration
2 hr 40 min
  • Mountain
  • Forest
Moderate

Goose Creek Falls Trail

Idaho · United States

Distance
1.9 km
/ 1.2 mi
Elevation gain
45 m
Typical duration
27 min
  • Waterfall
  • Lake
  • River
Moderate

Graham Coal Connector

Idaho · United States

Distance
6.0 km
/ 3.7 mi
Elevation gain
699 m
Typical duration
2 hr 18 min
  • Forest
Moderate

Grassy Mountain Trail

Idaho · United States

Distance
5.1 km
/ 3.2 mi
Elevation gain
378 m
Typical duration
1 hr 38 min
  • Mountain
  • Forest
Moderate

Coal Creek Trail #41

Idaho · United States

Distance
5.6 km
/ 3.5 mi
Elevation gain
26 m
Typical duration
1 hr 12 min
  • River
  • Mountain
  • Forest
Moderate

Lake Serene Trail

Idaho · United States

Distance
3.2 km
/ 2.0 mi
Elevation gain
214 m
Typical duration
59 min
  • Lake
  • Forest
Moderate

Goose Creek Trail

Idaho · United States

Distance
8.8 km
/ 5.5 mi
Elevation gain
105 m
Typical duration
2 hr
  • River
  • Forest
Easy

Graham Creek Trail #33

Idaho · United States

Distance
3.8 km
/ 2.4 mi
Elevation gain
118 m
Typical duration
58 min
  • River
  • Forest

The shortlist, side by side

The ten highest scoring routes on this page, so you can compare effort before opening any of them.

Distance, ascent, walking time and difficulty for the top routes
RouteDistanceAscentTimeDifficultyBest season
Granite Mountain TrailIdaho9.0 km537 m2 hr 40 minModerateJuly to September
Goose Creek Falls TrailIdaho1.9 km45 m27 minModerateJune to October
Mores Mountain Mountain Bike TrailIdaho2.5 km109 m41 minModerateJune to October
National Forest Development 104 PackIdaho18.2 km879 m5 hr 13 minHardJuly to September
Graham Coal ConnectorIdaho6.0 km699 m2 hr 18 minModerateApril to October
Mores Mountain Interpretive TrailIdaho3.1 km190 m55 minModerateJune to October
Grassy Mountain TrailIdaho5.1 km378 m1 hr 38 minModerateJuly to September
Lava Ridge National Recreation TrailIdaho10.5 km640 m3 hr 8 minModerateJuly to September
Coal Creek Trail #41Idaho5.6 km26 m1 hr 12 minModerateApril to October
Lake Serene TrailIdaho3.2 km214 m59 minModerateJune to October

Granite Mountain Trail, Goose Creek Falls Trail, Mores Mountain Mountain Bike Trail currently rank highest in this filtered set according to the directory score. Open an individual route to inspect its mapped line, elevation profile, data source and planning caveats. Check live access, conditions and local rules with an official source before travelling.

Frequently asked questions

Plan with more confidence

All planning articles →

Choosing a route

How to choose a hike beyond the difficulty label

Compare distance, climbing, route shape and missing information to build a shortlist that fits your day.

Read article →

Understanding the map

Read an elevation profile without misreading the climb

Understand total ascent, net height change, profile scale and the section breakdown on each mapped route.

Read article →

Planning your day

Build a hiking time plan with room for your own pace

Separate moving time, climbing allowance and stops, then explore how changing your assumptions changes the plan.

Read article →

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Other shortlists covering the same area or the same kind of terrain.

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