Skip to content

Top 10 Hiking Trails Near
Moscow, Idaho

Take to the fresh mountain air in postcard-worthy Moscow, Idaho, where there are lush trails for miles for every kind of adventurer. Find action-packed exploration across brilliant hiking trails. The beautiful thing about Moscow’s treasure trove of outdoor recreation is that you can take your pick from a variety of scenic trails in nature’s spectacular landscape. Discover 11 prized expeditions in the Gem State with this list of the best hiking trails to conquer on your next getaway.


1. Idler’s Rest Nature Preserve

Come get lost in the oasis of one of Idaho’s most enchanting hiking trails. Meet Idler’s Rest Nature Preserve, a gorgeous respite that shines at the foothills of Moscow Mountain. Race through a one-mile loop trail and find yourself rejuvenated in the tranquil woods. Take a moment to rest under the shade of stunning cedars. Witness firsthand the way daylight streams along the path as songbirds and red-tailed hawks soar above, creating wildlife magic that keeps adventurers coming back time and again.

Hiking Trails
Hiking Trails

2. Headwaters Trail

While you’re discovering the peaceful Moscow Mountain trails, bring your pup along. From snowy trees in winter to breathtaking blooms popping up around you in springtime, Headwaters Trail is ideal for beginner hikers and is clearly marked, inviting you in for a five-mile loop of uphill wonders. Hikers and bikers alike easily spend a couple hours savoring the wooded scenes. Just head up the gravel road and go for a refreshing roam through the woods.

3. Cabin Trail

Craving those getaway views? If you’re bounding into the Idaho wilderness and wondering, “What are the top hiking trails near me?” don’t miss our on Cabin Trail. This trail takes you on an enchanting journey following Crumarine Creek through the majestic cedars of Moscow Mountain. You can access this serene trail using the Warnick Rd. Parking Lot.

Hiking Trails

Hiking Trails

4. Potlatch Canyon Trail

Deep in the wonder of What was once an old railroad bed just down the road from the town of Deary, Idaho, is now the delightful Potlatch Canyon hiking trail. This trail is an amazing place to experience colorful wildflower displays, take in views overlooking the canyon, stroll in and out of the shadows created by towering cedar trees and ponderosa pines and experience the panoramic views awaiting you in wide open meadows—you might even catch a glimpse of a moose! Will mark photo in drive.

5. Virgil Phillips Farm Park

Wind your way through forests and fields just five miles north of Moscow, Idaho. Hiking trail enthusiasts, get ready for all of the enchanting local wildlife you’ll encounter at Virgil Phillips Farm Park. Overlooking 160 acres, this farm has it all for adventure seekers from streams and ponds to historic orchards shining all around. You might even catch moose and black bears walking from a distance.

Hiking Trails

Hiking Trails

6. Kamiak Butte County Park

When life feels hectic and days blur together, what your spirit needs is a dose of wild recreation—come explore Kamiak Butte County Park, a National Natural Landmark. Wheelchair-accessible, pup-friendly and waiting for a curious hiker to place a picnic on a table between ponderosa pines, this is one of Idaho’s hiking trails that mesmerizes with its epic landscape vista. From wildflowers in bloom to gorgeous green and yellow fields you can see for miles from just under 4,000 feet high, the Palouse farmland feels enticing, sunlit before your eyes.

7. Three Tree Butte Trail

Looking for the ultimate trek across thrilling hiking trails? Escape into the lush Idaho forests at the Giant White Pine Campground, where you can access the exhilarating Three Tree Butte Trail. Climb up the elevated hill through old alpine woods as vegetation sprouts across the rolling countryside. Come for that fresh pine air you just can’t get enough of—stay for the former lookout site that brings you close to epic views of the Hoodoo Mountains.

Hiking Trails

Hiking Trails

8. Spring Valley Reservoir Loop

Jump over to Troy, Idaho, where the hiking trails will lead you to a pathway that winds for almost two miles, fluttering with ducks and eagles across Spring Valley Reservoir. Watch the rolling clouds reflect in the water that beckons anglers and kayakers to the stream. It’s a moment of beautiful tranquility at this bird-watchers’ playground. Bring the kids along for a day of gorgeous adventures at this dog-friendly reservoir.

9. Elk Creek Falls Trail

Speaking of that epic waterfall rush, you’ve got to see the tallest waterfall in Idaho. Witness the awe as you stand before the Elk Creek Falls Trail, a National Recreation Trail that boasts not one, not two, but three cascading falls. Together, these waterfalls lift more than 140 feet, opening into a glorious canyon that dials up that adventure to extraordinary heights.

With so many special hiking trails that await right by Moscow, there’s no shortage of outdoor recreation exploration in this adventurer’s utopia. Spring into Idaho—come and chase them all.

Hiking Trails

Hiking Trails

10. Latah Trail

Among Idaho’s stunning hiking trails stands the Latah Trail—a once right-of-way route that led from historic Moscow to the Arrow railroad line. Today, the stunning trail and all of its historic memories pave the way between Moscow and Troy, bridging into Moscow’s Paradise Path. Leap across one of the top hiking trails near scenic farmland and riverside as you take in the marvels of countryside. Every age is welcome to explore 15 smooth miles along the pathway all year long. Wheelchair-accessible, this hiking trail feels like a pioneer’s vacation without limits.