My favorite is parking at the trailhead of the North Road. You can continue up to a scenic vista with a couple of nice picnic tables or take the left fork toward Balance Rock -- there's a very pretty pool on the way. In the winter, I avoid the steep side trails. The Echo Lake road with parking near Mountainside Bakery & Cafe goes to the lake, with another nice picnic table. At the lake you can go left along a popular route for cross-country skiers or to the right on a steep climb up to an old orchard/meadow with a comfortable bench.

Heavy snow pack is the best time to do the Bicentennial trail from the visitor center. Otherwise you're picking your way long a path of big rocks.

There's maps at the trailheads. It's safe to mostly wander, most days.