If you love scenic Idaho hikes that take you through forested areas, feature gorgeous views, and even have a waterfall or two, the little-known Hard Creek Trail in Idaho is sure to leave you impressed. This is a longer trail, yet quite easy, and features stunning views, creek crossings, and even a waterfall. Plus, this trail isn’t that well known, making it the perfect place to find a little peace and quiet.

Hard Creek Falls Trail is located in the Payette National Forest, east of Highway 95, and north of New Meadows.
Wade Pomeroy/AllTrails
To reach the trailhead, you will turn east on Hazard Creek Road and follow it for two to three miles until you reach a fork in the road. Take the first right-hand fork and follow the road until you cross a bridge over Hazard Creek. You will see a small camping area. Continue past this camping area until you reach the trailhead, which is well-marked and easy to see.
Hard Creek Trail is actually an old jeep trail. This means the path is wide, easy to follow, and typically very quiet. This is a great place to enjoy a little solitude while out in nature.
Megan Nash/AllTrails
You will want to be prepared for the journey. This is a 6.9-mile out-and-back hiking trail. Despite the distance, the trail is quite easy and hikers of all experience levels should be able to navigate the terrain with few issues.
Wade Pomeroy/AllTrails

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This trail follows Hard Creek and you’ll even cross the creek a few times along your way.
R. Scot Johns/AllTrails
And while you’ll certainly want to pay attention to the trail, don’t forget to stop and look up. The views on your way are quite incredible.
Richard Remington/AllTrails
At the end of the trail, you’ll come to a small camping area along the creek. Near these primitive campsites is a small, yet beautiful waterfall. Depending on the time of year, this waterfall can be magnificent or it may just be a small trickle. Either way, it’s worth the trek.
Parker W/AllTrails
With the stream, views, waterfall, and more, the little-known Hard Creek Trail in Idaho is unexpectedly magical.
Megan Nash/AllTrails

Be sure to give yourself plenty of time when you explore this beautiful hiking trail in the Payette National Forest. It’s pretty remarkable! Have you ever explored this trail? What are some of your favorite hikes in Idaho? Let us know in the comments!

Do you have a favorite hiking trail in Idaho? What about a favorite campground or place to eat? We’d love to know about it! Fill out a nomination form and tell us about some of your favorite places in the Gem State.

Looking for more scenic hikes in Idaho? Here are 12 top-rated trails, one for each month of the year!

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Scenic Hikes in Idaho

Sarah M. | January 22, 2023

What are some other scenic Idaho hikes?

Looking for some top-rated trails to add to your Idaho hiking to-do list? Here are some of our favorite hikes in Idaho:

  • The Devil’s Orchard Trail - Craters of the Moon National Monument. One of Idaho’s most unique parks, Craters of the Moon National Monument is best-known for its otherworldly landscape and volcanic features. Consisting of lava flows, cinder cones, and endless sagebrush, the terrain of Craters of the Moon is hypnotizing in its rugged beauty that's best explored on foot. The Devil’s Orchard Trail is one way to see and experience some of this park's unique history. This trail takes you through a small area of cinder beds and pieces of the North Crater Wall. This loop trail is only 0.5-miles long, and it traverses the park's most unbelievable -- and frankly, unsettling -- landscapes. What's more, the trail is paved the entire way, allowing all individuals to experience their very own "lunar" adventure... in Idaho.
  • Idaho Centennial Trail. The Idaho Centennial Trail isn't just one of the most epic hikes in Idaho: it's one of the most strenuous trails in the entire country. This hike stretches for 1,000 miles. It begins right at the Idaho-Nevada border and takes you all the way north to Canada. You can tackle it all at once for one of the most intense hikes of your life. Supposedly only 17 hikers have completed the entire trail in its history. Of course, many more take the easier route and break it up into sections.
  • Seven Devils Mountains Trail. This is an approximately 30-mile loop trail. You'll be lead through the stunning peaks that separate Hells Canyon and the Salmon River. True to their name, these mountains are no joke. This trail is recommended only for the most experienced of hikers. However, that's what makes it so illustrious. The tallest peak in the mountain range stands at over 9,000 feet. Can you imagine the view from that high up? Stunning.
  • Hells Canyon Hike. This trail will take you to some of the most dramatic landscapes in all of Idaho. Hells Canyon is a criminally underrated spot that should be considered a national treasure. There's no better way to experience this natural wonder in Idaho than by hiking across its 213,906 incredible acres. This is one of the few places in Idaho that's accessible for hiking all year long. Even in the coldest winter months, the canyon doesn't get any snow. The canyon's ridge reaches of a peak of over 8,000 feet. This hike is honestly humbling, and you're sure to feel miniature among the tall walls of the canyon. Did you know this is the deepest gorge in North America?

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Payette National Forest, Idaho 83549, USA