Going for a run can help you stay in shape, but it gets repetitive and downright boring sometimes. This repetition can make it tougher to get out there, cutting into your fitness goals.
However, adding a breathtaking backdrop to your workout routine can really liven things up and keep you motivated. Here’s a look at some of the United States’ best spots for a scenic run.
Are your runs starting to get boring? They don’t have to be, especially if you live next to a scenic run location. Here’s a look at some beautiful places to run in throughout the U.S.
1. Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian National Scenic Trail extends 2,179 miles between Georgia and Maine, so there are plenty of places to check it out if you’re looking for a scenic run. Some of the best running locations include spots near Roanoke, Virginia; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and Knoxville, Tennessee. Still, the millions of runners who explore this path annually know great scenes are everywhere.
Since parts of the Appalachian Trail are rocky and bumpy, investing in a good pair of shoes is essential. Adding Soul Insole’s patented, award-winning shoe insert can also help relieve pressure and pain while exploring this scenic and challenging area. Soul Insole works in every type of shoe and is odorless, easy to apply, and clean.
2. Colorado Trail
If you haven’t been to the Rocky Mountains, you have no idea what you’re missing. This range is incredibly scenic, and the Colorado Trail, which extends 483 miles between Waterton Canyon and the city of Durango, provides perhaps the best way to experience it.
The landscapes you’ll cover while running on this trail are incredibly diverse, as it heads through eight other mountain ranges, including Coney Summit in the San Juan Mountains, and seven national forests. You might also see wildlife because the trail visits six wilderness areas. Those looking to run in the mountains won’t want to miss the Colorado Trail.
3. Kalalau Trail in Kauai, Hawaii
Whether you live in Hawaii full-time or are heading there on vacation, Kalalau Trail in Kauai offers a scenic run for the ages. Pictures don’t do this 11-mile trail justice, as it features dramatic views of the ocean, lush valleys of vegetation, and sea cliffs, and finishes up on the shores of Kalalau Beach.
As you run this trail, you’ll also pass breathtaking sea cliffs, beautiful waterfalls, and ancient ruins, allowing you to experience much of what Hawaii has to offer while steering clear of the crowds. It’s a challenging run, but Kalalau Trail is worth it for the scenery you’ll encounter along the way.
4. Chicago’s Lakefront Trail
Not all scenic runs have to take you through the wilderness. Lakefront Trail in Chicago is an 18.5-mile pathway that winds along the shores of Lake Michigan, providing a beautiful place to enjoy the water with views of the Windy City’s iconic skyline.
You’ll run past parks and beaches on Lakefront Trail, no matter where you begin your journey, and you might even encounter landmarks like Navy Pier, Soldier Field, and Buckingham Fountain. If you live in the Chicago area, heading to Lakefront Trail is a must when looking for a scenic run.
5. The Presidio in San Francisco
There are many scenic spots to run in the San Francisco Bay Area, but the Presidio, a 1,500-acre park on an ex-military base, is one of the most picturesque. Your options are nearly endless while exploring this park, as you can jog the California Coastal Trail, run on the area’s Slow Streets, take the Bluffs Trail to the cliffs overlooking the ocean, or get your exercise near Golden Gate Park Beach. Your run can be as challenging or as easy as you want.
The scenery at the Presidio is outstanding, and you can experience different views based on the side of the park you explore. San Francisco residents love this facility, and its central location at the south end of the Golden Gate Bridge makes it easily accessible for local runners.
Make the most of your runs
Even if you don’t live close to these fantastic places for a run, you can likely find some scenic spots near you. The country is full of breathtaking views; you just have to find them. Locating new and exciting places to explore while you stay in shape can help keep you motivated, making your health goals more attainable.
What are some of your favorite places to go for a scenic run in your hometown? Let us know in the comment section below, and remember to share this post with the runners in your life.