Have you ever heard the term “runner’s high?” It’s a state of euphoria following a run, created by a rush of endorphins in the brain. Experiencing a runner’s high is closely associated with running outdoors, especially during the day. This makes perfect sense, as we already know sunlight and fresh air offer a host of health benefits, both mental and physical. Want to improve your focus, make quicker, more sound decisions, thwart cravings, and generally be in a better mood? Go for a run. Better yet, go for a run outside. Even if you already enjoy running and do it frequently, the same old scenery can quickly get old, whether it’s a treadmill or your neighborhood. Fortunately, the United States has a ton of fantastic running trails, ranging from easy urban loops to challenging backcountry paths. To give you some inspiration to very literally get out there and start pounding some pavement, we’ve put together a list of the 10 best running trails in America. Keep in mind, this list barely scratches the surface of all the incredible trails in the US – but it’s a great start. Trail Running Basics
Despite having a very technical-sounding title, trail running is simply the practice of running on a trail in nature. It does not have to include scrambling over rocks or being in the mountains, though it often does. Trail running can mean you’re in your own neighborhood, in the middle of a major city, or miles and miles away from civilization. If you’re outside, running on a trail, you’re trail running. Like traditional or “regular” running, you don’t need to have much special equipment or advanced skills to trail run. There are a few pieces of gear that will enhance your trail running experience, however.
A high-quality, durable pair of trail running shoes A hydration vest or lightweight hiking backpack to stay hydrated A headlamp for those early-morning and late-night runs A pair of running gloves to help regulate your body temperature
It wasn’t easy picking just 10 of America’s best running trails to include in this guide. We selected trails that are not just unbelievably scenic but are also unique in some way and provide a challenging run.
- Appalachian Trail – East Coast
How could we not kick off a list of the best running trails in America with one of the most iconic trails in the entire world? Commonly referred to as the “AT,” the Appalachian Trail spans 14 states and 2,179 miles, beginning at Georgia’s Springer Mountain and ending at Mount Katahdin, the highest peak in the state of Maine. Just about every step of the AT is spectacularly gorgeous, with a wide variety of scenery and wildlife all year-round. One of the best things about the Appalachian Trail, though, is how accessible it actually is. Because the trail is so long, you can hop on it wherever you’d like and do any distance you’re up for, and many of the most picturesque sections are near or in major cities including Roanoke, Virginia, and Knoxville, Tennessee. 2. McKenzie River Trail – Eugene, Oregon
The Pacific Northwest is a runner’s paradise, with gorgeous, ever-changing scenery and a culture rooted heavily in outdoor recreation. Even with so many incredible running trails to choose from, western Oregon’s McKenzie River Trail stands out as one of the best. The fact that it starts in the bed of an ancient lava flow tells you it’s epic. The 27 mile trail follows the McKenzie River in the heart of the Cascades, through moody, impossibly green, and often misty old-growth forest – hallmarks of this part of Oregon. Along the way, you’ll pass everything from natural hot springs to historic log bridges. There are a few strenuous sections, but overall the trail is moderate. Note that the McKenzie River Trail is widely considered one of the top mountain biking trails in the United States, and it’s heavily used by cyclists. Take your time, pay attention to your surroundings, and share the trail. 3. Dipsea Trail – Mill Valley, California
The Bay Area arguably has some of the best urban hiking and trail running in the entire country. Just 14 miles north of San Francisco proper in Mill Valley, the Dipsea Trail is one of the best examples of that. The trail spans 7.5 miles between Mill Valley and Stinson Beach, a quaint white-sand beach situated in Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Dipsea Trail is considered strenuous, but it’s so breathtakingly beautiful that you may just forget about how hard you’re huffing and puffing. You’ll run through old-growth redwood forest in the famed Muir Woods, cross over iconic 2,572-foot Mount Tamalpais (affectionately called Mount Tam by locals), and enjoy both sweeping coastal and mountain views before ending up in Stinson Beach. 4. Bell Rock Pathway – Sedona, Arizona
If you’re up for some relatively easy, very non-technical trail running, there is perhaps no better destination than Sedona. With never-ending views of iconic red rock formations and a well-maintained wide gravel path, Bell Rock Pathway is suitable for runners of all experience levels. The 3.5 mile trail takes you to Bell Rock, one of the most famous Sedona landmarks. Several other trails also traverse this one, so it’s easy to make your run shorter or longer. A couple of important things to note about Sedona: although it’s at a substantially higher elevation than Phoenix, Sedona still gets extremely hot. Try to run very early in the morning or in the evening (bonus: Sedona sunrises and sunsets are out of this world!) and bring a lot of water – more than you estimate you need. Also, parking can be tricky in Sedona. DON’T assume that street parking is safe. Instead, buy a Red Rock Pass from one of the many vendors in town and ask for a map. 5. Ice Age National Scenic Trail – Wisconsin
As one of just 11 National Scenic Trails in the US, you can count on the Ice Age Trail being something extra-special. Pick any stretch of the 1,200 mile-long trail as it traverses Wisconsin for consistently fantastic views and a very literal look at ancient history. Glaciers formed the vast majority of this part of the country and the Ice Age Trail highlights that, from geology to wildlife. Although there certainly isn’t a single “bad” stretch of the trail, one of the best sections for runners passes through Kettle Moraine State Forest near LaGrange. This is perhaps the best representation of the trail’s diversity, with seemingly every type of terrain imaginable – you’ll see traditional pine forest alongside prairies, marshes, and of course, kettles, unique depressions in the ground formed by “dead” ice once a glacier retreats. 6. Breakneck Ridge – Cold Spring, New York CHOONGKY / Shutterstock.com New York has a lot going for it, but it doesn’t generally pop into people’s minds right away when they think of outdoor recreation and gorgeous scenery. However, Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve is just 90 minutes outside the city (and you can get to it via train, for those city dwellers who don’t own a car) and provides stunning views of the Hudson River and surrounding valley. This is especially true in the fall when the trees are changing color. Head for Breakneck Ridge – pay no mind to that terrifying name – where you’ll find several trailheads for every interest, skill level, and length. One of our favorites is the moderate six mile Bull Hill Trail. This loop hike provides panoramic views at every turn overlooking the river, surrounding towns, and even West Point. 7. Colorado Trail – Colorado
While it’s not for the faint of heart, the Colorado Trail, or “CT,” is certainly a bucket list destination for most runners. Traversing through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Rockies (which is really saying something), the Colorado Trail runs 480 miles between Denver and Durango. The average elevation on the trail is 10,300 feet, which adds a whole new element of difficulty. “Rocky Mountain high” is a very, very real phenomenon. Runners and hikers can, of course, tackle any stretch of the CT their feet so desire. But for the most ambitious who want to do the entire trail, that will mean running through eight mountain ranges in six different national forests and six individual designated wilderness areas. Whew. 8. Palo Duro Canyon State Park – Texas
Just outside of Amarillo in northern Texas, Palo Duro Canyon is the second-biggest canyon in the United States – behind, of course, the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Appropriately nicknamed the Grand Canyon of Texas, Palo Duro Canyon is 120 miles long and reaches an awe-inspiring 20 miles wide in some places. As you can imagine, the scenery for a run is just spectacular, and Runners World explained it best: “Running in Palo Duro Canyon State Park is like dashing across a Georgia O’Keeffe painting.” The park has several excellent running trails, but a couple, in particular, stand out. The 5.6 mile out-and-back Lighthouse Trail is one of the most popular, with fantastic views and a relatively easy, flat path. Another great option, albeit significantly more challenging, is the 11 mile Givens, Spicer & Lowry Trail. 9. Tahoe Rim Trail – California and Nevada
If mountains and lakes are your preferred type of scenery, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better running trail in America. Circling famously blue Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada mountains, the Tahoe Rim Trail, or “Rim Trail,” offers full-on lake views and passes through wildflower-blanketed meadows, thick forest, and other smaller alpine lakes. The entire trail is 165 miles long, but there are dozens and dozens of access points along the lake, so you can easily hop on and off wherever you like. Note that Lake Tahoe is a wildly popular destination, and outdoor recreation is a way of life here. There are several local running and hiking clubs, so you’ll likely be sharing the trail. Even on the most crowded days, though, the Rim Trail is worth every step. 10. Awa’apuhi Trail – Kauai, Hawaii
Kauai’s dramatic and rugged Na Pali Coast is one of the most recognizable views in Hawaii. The 17 mile stretch of coastline on the North Shore is home to spectacular remote beaches, towering hidden waterfalls, sea caves, and lush green rainforest. It’s also largely inaccessible because of its ruggedness, so for the most part, you have to see it from a boat or in the air. However, the Awa’apuhi Trail in Koke’s State Park offers a bit of an exception. The 6.5 mile out-and-back trail takes you along challenging ridgelines to view the spectacular Na Pali Coast from a birds’ eye view. You’ll start at about 4,100 feet in elevation and descend to 2,500, but keep in mind that means you’ll be going uphill on the way back. Be careful near the edges, as the frequent rain can cause the cliffs to erode irregularly and unpredictably. And along those same lines, note that this trail is substantially more challenging when it’s wet and muddy due to rain. Choose your trail running shoes carefully!
Have you ever heard the term “runner’s high?” It’s a state of euphoria following a run, created by a rush of endorphins in the brain. Experiencing a runner’s high is closely associated with running outdoors, especially during the day. This makes perfect sense, as we already know sunlight and fresh air offer a host of health benefits, both mental and physical. Want to improve your focus, make quicker, more sound decisions, thwart cravings, and generally be in a better mood? Go for a run. Better yet, go for a run outside. Even if you already enjoy running and do it frequently, the same old scenery can quickly get old, whether it’s a treadmill or your neighborhood. Fortunately, the United States has a ton of fantastic running trails, ranging from easy urban loops to challenging backcountry paths. To give you some inspiration to very literally get out there and start pounding some pavement, we’ve put together a list of the 10 best running trails in America. Keep in mind, this list barely scratches the surface of all the incredible trails in the US – but it’s a great start. Trail Running Basics
Despite having a very technical-sounding title, trail running is simply the practice of running on a trail in nature. It does not have to include scrambling over rocks or being in the mountains, though it often does. Trail running can mean you’re in your own neighborhood, in the middle of a major city, or miles and miles away from civilization. If you’re outside, running on a trail, you’re trail running. Like traditional or “regular” running, you don’t need to have much special equipment or advanced skills to trail run. There are a few pieces of gear that will enhance your trail running experience, however.
A high-quality, durable pair of trail running shoes A hydration vest or lightweight hiking backpack to stay hydrated A headlamp for those early-morning and late-night runs A pair of running gloves to help regulate your body temperature
It wasn’t easy picking just 10 of America’s best running trails to include in this guide. We selected trails that are not just unbelievably scenic but are also unique in some way and provide a challenging run.
- Appalachian Trail – East Coast
How could we not kick off a list of the best running trails in America with one of the most iconic trails in the entire world? Commonly referred to as the “AT,” the Appalachian Trail spans 14 states and 2,179 miles, beginning at Georgia’s Springer Mountain and ending at Mount Katahdin, the highest peak in the state of Maine. Just about every step of the AT is spectacularly gorgeous, with a wide variety of scenery and wildlife all year-round. One of the best things about the Appalachian Trail, though, is how accessible it actually is. Because the trail is so long, you can hop on it wherever you’d like and do any distance you’re up for, and many of the most picturesque sections are near or in major cities including Roanoke, Virginia, and Knoxville, Tennessee. 2. McKenzie River Trail – Eugene, Oregon
The Pacific Northwest is a runner’s paradise, with gorgeous, ever-changing scenery and a culture rooted heavily in outdoor recreation. Even with so many incredible running trails to choose from, western Oregon’s McKenzie River Trail stands out as one of the best. The fact that it starts in the bed of an ancient lava flow tells you it’s epic. The 27 mile trail follows the McKenzie River in the heart of the Cascades, through moody, impossibly green, and often misty old-growth forest – hallmarks of this part of Oregon. Along the way, you’ll pass everything from natural hot springs to historic log bridges. There are a few strenuous sections, but overall the trail is moderate. Note that the McKenzie River Trail is widely considered one of the top mountain biking trails in the United States, and it’s heavily used by cyclists. Take your time, pay attention to your surroundings, and share the trail. 3. Dipsea Trail – Mill Valley, California
The Bay Area arguably has some of the best urban hiking and trail running in the entire country. Just 14 miles north of San Francisco proper in Mill Valley, the Dipsea Trail is one of the best examples of that. The trail spans 7.5 miles between Mill Valley and Stinson Beach, a quaint white-sand beach situated in Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Dipsea Trail is considered strenuous, but it’s so breathtakingly beautiful that you may just forget about how hard you’re huffing and puffing. You’ll run through old-growth redwood forest in the famed Muir Woods, cross over iconic 2,572-foot Mount Tamalpais (affectionately called Mount Tam by locals), and enjoy both sweeping coastal and mountain views before ending up in Stinson Beach. 4. Bell Rock Pathway – Sedona, Arizona
If you’re up for some relatively easy, very non-technical trail running, there is perhaps no better destination than Sedona. With never-ending views of iconic red rock formations and a well-maintained wide gravel path, Bell Rock Pathway is suitable for runners of all experience levels. The 3.5 mile trail takes you to Bell Rock, one of the most famous Sedona landmarks. Several other trails also traverse this one, so it’s easy to make your run shorter or longer. A couple of important things to note about Sedona: although it’s at a substantially higher elevation than Phoenix, Sedona still gets extremely hot. Try to run very early in the morning or in the evening (bonus: Sedona sunrises and sunsets are out of this world!) and bring a lot of water – more than you estimate you need. Also, parking can be tricky in Sedona. DON’T assume that street parking is safe. Instead, buy a Red Rock Pass from one of the many vendors in town and ask for a map. 5. Ice Age National Scenic Trail – Wisconsin
As one of just 11 National Scenic Trails in the US, you can count on the Ice Age Trail being something extra-special. Pick any stretch of the 1,200 mile-long trail as it traverses Wisconsin for consistently fantastic views and a very literal look at ancient history. Glaciers formed the vast majority of this part of the country and the Ice Age Trail highlights that, from geology to wildlife. Although there certainly isn’t a single “bad” stretch of the trail, one of the best sections for runners passes through Kettle Moraine State Forest near LaGrange. This is perhaps the best representation of the trail’s diversity, with seemingly every type of terrain imaginable – you’ll see traditional pine forest alongside prairies, marshes, and of course, kettles, unique depressions in the ground formed by “dead” ice once a glacier retreats. 6. Breakneck Ridge – Cold Spring, New York CHOONGKY / Shutterstock.com New York has a lot going for it, but it doesn’t generally pop into people’s minds right away when they think of outdoor recreation and gorgeous scenery. However, Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve is just 90 minutes outside the city (and you can get to it via train, for those city dwellers who don’t own a car) and provides stunning views of the Hudson River and surrounding valley. This is especially true in the fall when the trees are changing color. Head for Breakneck Ridge – pay no mind to that terrifying name – where you’ll find several trailheads for every interest, skill level, and length. One of our favorites is the moderate six mile Bull Hill Trail. This loop hike provides panoramic views at every turn overlooking the river, surrounding towns, and even West Point. 7. Colorado Trail – Colorado
While it’s not for the faint of heart, the Colorado Trail, or “CT,” is certainly a bucket list destination for most runners. Traversing through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Rockies (which is really saying something), the Colorado Trail runs 480 miles between Denver and Durango. The average elevation on the trail is 10,300 feet, which adds a whole new element of difficulty. “Rocky Mountain high” is a very, very real phenomenon. Runners and hikers can, of course, tackle any stretch of the CT their feet so desire. But for the most ambitious who want to do the entire trail, that will mean running through eight mountain ranges in six different national forests and six individual designated wilderness areas. Whew. 8. Palo Duro Canyon State Park – Texas
Just outside of Amarillo in northern Texas, Palo Duro Canyon is the second-biggest canyon in the United States – behind, of course, the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Appropriately nicknamed the Grand Canyon of Texas, Palo Duro Canyon is 120 miles long and reaches an awe-inspiring 20 miles wide in some places. As you can imagine, the scenery for a run is just spectacular, and Runners World explained it best: “Running in Palo Duro Canyon State Park is like dashing across a Georgia O’Keeffe painting.” The park has several excellent running trails, but a couple, in particular, stand out. The 5.6 mile out-and-back Lighthouse Trail is one of the most popular, with fantastic views and a relatively easy, flat path. Another great option, albeit significantly more challenging, is the 11 mile Givens, Spicer & Lowry Trail. 9. Tahoe Rim Trail – California and Nevada
If mountains and lakes are your preferred type of scenery, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better running trail in America. Circling famously blue Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada mountains, the Tahoe Rim Trail, or “Rim Trail,” offers full-on lake views and passes through wildflower-blanketed meadows, thick forest, and other smaller alpine lakes. The entire trail is 165 miles long, but there are dozens and dozens of access points along the lake, so you can easily hop on and off wherever you like. Note that Lake Tahoe is a wildly popular destination, and outdoor recreation is a way of life here. There are several local running and hiking clubs, so you’ll likely be sharing the trail. Even on the most crowded days, though, the Rim Trail is worth every step. 10. Awa’apuhi Trail – Kauai, Hawaii
Kauai’s dramatic and rugged Na Pali Coast is one of the most recognizable views in Hawaii. The 17 mile stretch of coastline on the North Shore is home to spectacular remote beaches, towering hidden waterfalls, sea caves, and lush green rainforest. It’s also largely inaccessible because of its ruggedness, so for the most part, you have to see it from a boat or in the air. However, the Awa’apuhi Trail in Koke’s State Park offers a bit of an exception. The 6.5 mile out-and-back trail takes you along challenging ridgelines to view the spectacular Na Pali Coast from a birds’ eye view. You’ll start at about 4,100 feet in elevation and descend to 2,500, but keep in mind that means you’ll be going uphill on the way back. Be careful near the edges, as the frequent rain can cause the cliffs to erode irregularly and unpredictably. And along those same lines, note that this trail is substantially more challenging when it’s wet and muddy due to rain. Choose your trail running shoes carefully!
Have you ever heard the term “runner’s high?” It’s a state of euphoria following a run, created by a rush of endorphins in the brain. Experiencing a runner’s high is closely associated with running outdoors, especially during the day.
This makes perfect sense, as we already know sunlight and fresh air offer a host of health benefits, both mental and physical. Want to improve your focus, make quicker, more sound decisions, thwart cravings, and generally be in a better mood? Go for a run. Better yet, go for a run outside.
Even if you already enjoy running and do it frequently, the same old scenery can quickly get old, whether it’s a treadmill or your neighborhood. Fortunately, the United States has a ton of fantastic running trails, ranging from easy urban loops to challenging backcountry paths.
To give you some inspiration to very literally get out there and start pounding some pavement, we’ve put together a list of the 10 best running trails in America. Keep in mind, this list barely scratches the surface of all the incredible trails in the US – but it’s a great start.
Trail Running Basics
Despite having a very technical-sounding title, trail running is simply the practice of running on a trail in nature. It does not have to include scrambling over rocks or being in the mountains, though it often does. Trail running can mean you’re in your own neighborhood, in the middle of a major city, or miles and miles away from civilization. If you’re outside, running on a trail, you’re trail running.
Like traditional or “regular” running, you don’t need to have much special equipment or advanced skills to trail run. There are a few pieces of gear that will enhance your trail running experience, however.
- A high-quality, durable pair of trail running shoes
- A hydration vest or lightweight hiking backpack to stay hydrated
- A headlamp for those early-morning and late-night runs
- A pair of running gloves to help regulate your body temperature
It wasn’t easy picking just 10 of America’s best running trails to include in this guide. We selected trails that are not just unbelievably scenic but are also unique in some way and provide a challenging run.
1. Appalachian Trail – East Coast
How could we not kick off a list of the best running trails in America with one of the most iconic trails in the entire world? Commonly referred to as the “AT,” the Appalachian Trail spans 14 states and 2,179 miles, beginning at Georgia’s Springer Mountain and ending at Mount Katahdin, the highest peak in the state of Maine.
Just about every step of the AT is spectacularly gorgeous, with a wide variety of scenery and wildlife all year-round. One of the best things about the Appalachian Trail, though, is how accessible it actually is. Because the trail is so long, you can hop on it wherever you’d like and do any distance you’re up for, and many of the most picturesque sections are near or in major cities including Roanoke, Virginia, and Knoxville, Tennessee.
2. McKenzie River Trail – Eugene, Oregon
The Pacific Northwest is a runner’s paradise, with gorgeous, ever-changing scenery and a culture rooted heavily in outdoor recreation. Even with so many incredible running trails to choose from, western Oregon’s McKenzie River Trail stands out as one of the best. The fact that it starts in the bed of an ancient lava flow tells you it’s epic.
The 27 mile trail follows the McKenzie River in the heart of the Cascades, through moody, impossibly green, and often misty old-growth forest – hallmarks of this part of Oregon. Along the way, you’ll pass everything from natural hot springs to historic log bridges. There are a few strenuous sections, but overall the trail is moderate. Note that the McKenzie River Trail is widely considered one of the top mountain biking trails in the United States, and it’s heavily used by cyclists. Take your time, pay attention to your surroundings, and share the trail.
3. Dipsea Trail – Mill Valley, California
The Bay Area arguably has some of the best urban hiking and trail running in the entire country. Just 14 miles north of San Francisco proper in Mill Valley, the Dipsea Trail is one of the best examples of that. The trail spans 7.5 miles between Mill Valley and Stinson Beach, a quaint white-sand beach situated in Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
Dipsea Trail is considered strenuous, but it’s so breathtakingly beautiful that you may just forget about how hard you’re huffing and puffing. You’ll run through old-growth redwood forest in the famed Muir Woods, cross over iconic 2,572-foot Mount Tamalpais (affectionately called Mount Tam by locals), and enjoy both sweeping coastal and mountain views before ending up in Stinson Beach.
4. Bell Rock Pathway – Sedona, Arizona
If you’re up for some relatively easy, very non-technical trail running, there is perhaps no better destination than Sedona. With never-ending views of iconic red rock formations and a well-maintained wide gravel path, Bell Rock Pathway is suitable for runners of all experience levels. The 3.5 mile trail takes you to Bell Rock, one of the most famous Sedona landmarks. Several other trails also traverse this one, so it’s easy to make your run shorter or longer.
A couple of important things to note about Sedona: although it’s at a substantially higher elevation than Phoenix, Sedona still gets extremely hot. Try to run very early in the morning or in the evening (bonus: Sedona sunrises and sunsets are out of this world!) and bring a lot of water – more than you estimate you need. Also, parking can be tricky in Sedona. DON’T assume that street parking is safe. Instead, buy a Red Rock Pass from one of the many vendors in town and ask for a map.
5. Ice Age National Scenic Trail – Wisconsin
As one of just 11 National Scenic Trails in the US, you can count on the Ice Age Trail being something extra-special. Pick any stretch of the 1,200 mile-long trail as it traverses Wisconsin for consistently fantastic views and a very literal look at ancient history. Glaciers formed the vast majority of this part of the country and the Ice Age Trail highlights that, from geology to wildlife.
Although there certainly isn’t a single “bad” stretch of the trail, one of the best sections for runners passes through Kettle Moraine State Forest near LaGrange. This is perhaps the best representation of the trail’s diversity, with seemingly every type of terrain imaginable – you’ll see traditional pine forest alongside prairies, marshes, and of course, kettles, unique depressions in the ground formed by “dead” ice once a glacier retreats.
6. Breakneck Ridge – Cold Spring, New York
CHOONGKY / Shutterstock.com
New York has a lot going for it, but it doesn’t generally pop into people’s minds right away when they think of outdoor recreation and gorgeous scenery. However, Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve is just 90 minutes outside the city (and you can get to it via train, for those city dwellers who don’t own a car) and provides stunning views of the Hudson River and surrounding valley. This is especially true in the fall when the trees are changing color.
Head for Breakneck Ridge – pay no mind to that terrifying name – where you’ll find several trailheads for every interest, skill level, and length. One of our favorites is the moderate six mile Bull Hill Trail. This loop hike provides panoramic views at every turn overlooking the river, surrounding towns, and even West Point.
7. Colorado Trail – Colorado
While it’s not for the faint of heart, the Colorado Trail, or “CT,” is certainly a bucket list destination for most runners. Traversing through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Rockies (which is really saying something), the Colorado Trail runs 480 miles between Denver and Durango. The average elevation on the trail is 10,300 feet, which adds a whole new element of difficulty. “Rocky Mountain high” is a very, very real phenomenon.
Runners and hikers can, of course, tackle any stretch of the CT their feet so desire. But for the most ambitious who want to do the entire trail, that will mean running through eight mountain ranges in six different national forests and six individual designated wilderness areas. Whew.
8. Palo Duro Canyon State Park – Texas
Just outside of Amarillo in northern Texas, Palo Duro Canyon is the second-biggest canyon in the United States – behind, of course, the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Appropriately nicknamed the Grand Canyon of Texas, Palo Duro Canyon is 120 miles long and reaches an awe-inspiring 20 miles wide in some places. As you can imagine, the scenery for a run is just spectacular, and Runners World explained it best: “Running in Palo Duro Canyon State Park is like dashing across a Georgia O’Keeffe painting.”
The park has several excellent running trails, but a couple, in particular, stand out. The 5.6 mile out-and-back Lighthouse Trail is one of the most popular, with fantastic views and a relatively easy, flat path. Another great option, albeit significantly more challenging, is the 11 mile Givens, Spicer & Lowry Trail.
9. Tahoe Rim Trail – California and Nevada
If mountains and lakes are your preferred type of scenery, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better running trail in America. Circling famously blue Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada mountains, the Tahoe Rim Trail, or “Rim Trail,” offers full-on lake views and passes through wildflower-blanketed meadows, thick forest, and other smaller alpine lakes.
The entire trail is 165 miles long, but there are dozens and dozens of access points along the lake, so you can easily hop on and off wherever you like. Note that Lake Tahoe is a wildly popular destination, and outdoor recreation is a way of life here. There are several local running and hiking clubs, so you’ll likely be sharing the trail. Even on the most crowded days, though, the Rim Trail is worth every step.
10. Awa’apuhi Trail – Kauai, Hawaii
Kauai’s dramatic and rugged Na Pali Coast is one of the most recognizable views in Hawaii. The 17 mile stretch of coastline on the North Shore is home to spectacular remote beaches, towering hidden waterfalls, sea caves, and lush green rainforest. It’s also largely inaccessible because of its ruggedness, so for the most part, you have to see it from a boat or in the air. However, the Awa’apuhi Trail in Koke’s State Park offers a bit of an exception.
The 6.5 mile out-and-back trail takes you along challenging ridgelines to view the spectacular Na Pali Coast from a birds’ eye view. You’ll start at about 4,100 feet in elevation and descend to 2,500, but keep in mind that means you’ll be going uphill on the way back. Be careful near the edges, as the frequent rain can cause the cliffs to erode irregularly and unpredictably. And along those same lines, note that this trail is substantially more challenging when it’s wet and muddy due to rain. Choose your trail running shoes carefully!
