Did you know that the Superior Hiking Trail in northeastern Minnesota covers over 310 miles1? It’s a moderately difficult trail, showing off Minnesota’s beauty. Start your journey through amazing outdoor running spots. You’ll find everything from calm national park trails to busy city paths. This guide will inspire your running with beautiful views and different surfaces.
Picture yourself on a 3.5-mile easy trail at Waterworks Hill in Missoula, Montana1. Or try out the 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail around Lake Tahoe. Each place brings a different view,a different type of ground, and its own story. No matter if you like tough mountain trails, pretty walks, or old routes, this guide will show you amazing places that make your runs unforgettable.
Key Takeaways
- Superior Hiking Trail in Minnesota covers 310 miles of moderate-difficulty paths with stunning natural views1.
- Find peace on the 3.5-mile Waterworks Hill trail in Missoula, Montana1.
- Enjoy the beauty of Lake Tahoe with a 165-mile moderate-difficulty hike Tahoe Rim Trail1.
- This guide leads you to various terrains, from mountains to city paths.
- It helps you discover great spots for running that mix pretty sights with rich stories.
World’s Best Outdoor Running Routes
Golden Gate Bridge Run, San Francisco, USA
Experience one of the most iconic runs in the world, crossing the famous Golden Gate Bridge with breathtaking views of San Francisco Bay.
Highlights:
- Iconic Golden Gate Bridge
- Stunning bay views
- Crissy Field
Timberline Trail, Mount Hood, Oregon, USA
A challenging trail that circumnavigates Mount Hood, offering diverse ecosystems and stunning views.
Highlights:
- Circumnavigates Mount Hood
- Diverse ecosystems
- Breathtaking views
Lake Bled Loop, Slovenia
A picturesque run around one of Europe’s most beautiful alpine lakes, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery.
Highlights:
- Picturesque alpine lake
- Bled Castle
- Julian Alps backdrop
Sydney Harbourside, Australia
An urban run showcasing the best of Sydney’s iconic harbor and landmarks.
Highlights:
- Sydney Opera House
- Botanic Gardens
- Harbor views
Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon Course, Mexico
An extraordinary ultra-marathon course through Mexico’s stunning Copper Canyon.
Highlights:
- Stunning canyon scenery
- Indigenous Tarahumara culture
- Challenging terrain
Amalfi Drive, Italy
A scenic coastal run along Italy’s famous Amalfi Coast, offering breathtaking Mediterranean views.
Highlights:
- Breathtaking coastal views
- Picturesque towns
- Mediterranean scenery
Central Park Loop, New York City, USA
A classic urban run through the heart of Manhattan, offering a green oasis amidst the bustling city.
Highlights:
- Urban oasis
- Diverse landscapes
- Iconic NYC setting
Glacier Point Road, Yosemite National Park, California, USA
A challenging run with stunning views of Yosemite Valley and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains.
Highlights:
- Stunning views of Yosemite Valley
- 3,214 feet above the valley floor
- Diverse mountain landscapes
Tahoe Rim Trail, California/Nevada, USA
A spectacular long-distance trail circling Lake Tahoe, offering diverse mountain scenery and lake views.
Highlights:
- Lake Tahoe views
- Sierra Nevada and Carson Range scenery
- Varied mountain ecosystems
Charles River Path, Boston, USA
A scenic urban run along the Charles River, offering views of Boston and Cambridge skylines.
Highlights:
- River views
- Boston and Cambridge skylines
- Historic sites
Scenic Trail Runs
Scenic trail runs mix a tough workout with nature’s beauty. They take you from high mountains to calm lakes. These paths show off stunning views and are perfect for those who love running.
Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite is famous for its amazing views and tough running routes. One standout is Glacier Point Road. It lies over 3,000 feet above Yosemite Valley.
This path is surrounded by giant cliffs and green valleys. It’s a must-see spot for runners. And bring your camera for some unforgettable photos.
Garibaldi Lake, British Columbia
British Columbia’s Garibaldi Lake trails mix forests with meadows of flowers. The trails go through mountain ridges and valleys. They end in views of snowy peaks.
Each trail is a beauty, great for running. They show off British Columbia’s nature and give a tough workout. This place is a dream for trail runners.
Teton Village, Wyoming
Teton Village in Wyoming is full of wide trails and beautiful views. It’s near the wild Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. The paths let you run through green fields or up challenging hills.
The scenery here is stunning. It’s one of the top places for beautiful trail runs in the U.S.
| Location | Trail Length | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Yosemite National Park | Varies | 3,214 feet above Yosemite Valley, granite cliffs, verdant valleys |
| Garibaldi Lake | 18 km | Alpine forests, wildflower meadows, and snowy mountains |
| Teton Village | Various | Lush greenery and rugged mountain views |
Urban Running Paths
Urban running mixes city landmarks with fitness, making it exciting. Places like New York, Boston, and Chicago offer beautiful city routes. These paths show off cultural sites and stunning skylines.
New York, New York
Running by New York City’s Hudson River Park is a treat. I see famous piers on West Street while I run. This mix of city rush and calm water makes running here special.
Boston, Massachusetts
In Boston’s Back Bay area, I find top city jogging paths. It’s close to where the Boston Marathon happens, inspiring me. Boston’s paths, like the Charles River Paths and the Emerald Necklace2 welcome runners and clubs.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago’s running paths are great too. The amazing skyline and clean paths are perfect for any runner. You’ll find many running clubs and easy-to-reach paths in Chicago.
Mountain Running Adventures
Looking for a thrilling mountain-running adventure? You’ll love these destinations. From Montana’s rugged paths to Germany’s alpine views, you’ll find the best high-altitude runs here.
Big Sky, Montana
Big Sky trails are perfect for nature-loving runners. The Porcupine Creek Trail takes you through beautiful wildflowers and woods. It’s the ideal menu for those wanting to run high and admire nature. These trails in Big Sky bring a sense of peace and challenge that really amplifies your run.
Keystone, Colorado
Keystone’s mountain trails are tough and breathtaking. There’s a five-mile climb up to Arapahoe Basin that tests any runner’s grit. This route boasts amazing views and is a must-do for your trail-running holiday.
Swabian Alps, Germany
Germany’s Swabian Alps have paths full of beauty and history. For runs with great views of castles and rocky spots, try Traufgang Zollernburg-Panorama. This trail shows off the area’s alpine beauty and various terrains. It’s a top pick for running holidays.
The Best Running Routes in U.S. Cities
Finding the top city running routes mixes major sights with easy-to-reach paths. It turns city running into fun. Boston, for instance, has great paths like the Charles River Path. It’s also home to many students and offers runs in famous spots like the Middlesex Fells Reservation23.
Chicago is known for its flat grounds and lively running scene. It offers paths like the Lakefront Trail and Waterfall Glen, great for those seeking U.S. running trails in all weather23. Los Angeles features the Marvin Braude Bike Trail and Griffith Park. With 135+ run clubs and a lot of sun, it’s perfect for running at any time23.
Boulder, Colorado, is a paradise for runners, with routes like the Mesa Trail and Bolder Boulder. With 300 sunny days, it’s a dream for outdoor lovers23. Portland is the fourth-best city for running, with trails such as the Wildwood Trail. It brings together the best of urban and natural paths with its extensive network and lush scenery234.
San Francisco is unbeatable for quality running. It has famous paths in Golden Gate Park and along the Embarcadero. With great views, it’s the top pick for city running exploration24.
New York City is also top for runs near famous sights. It shines with 4 key routes, including paths in Central Park and along the East River. There, every runner can have a great time24. These U.S. city routes show a fine mix of man-made and natural running spots in the heart of cities.
Beaches and Coastal Paths
Do you love the sound of waves and feeling sand under your feet? Then, beach and coastal paths are perfect for you. They offer beauty, from Cape Cove to the Willamette River. Plus, you can run in amazing places like Molas Pass for great views5.
Cape Cove, Oregon
Cape Cove in Oregon is great for runners. It has a short, .3-mile trail by the sea. The quiet beauty and fresh sea air there are just amazing for beach runs5.
Willamette River Greenway Trail, Portland
Portland’s Willamette River Greenway Trail is next. It’s a 40-mile loop with cool bridge views. Running there lets you see Portland in a unique way and enjoy different paths6.
Molas Pass, Silverton, Colorado
At Molas Pass in Colorado, you can run at 10,910 feet. The air is fresh and the views are wide. It’s a top spot for both tough running and beautiful sights7
From the coast of Oregon to the heights of Molas Pass, beach runs are scenic and refreshing5.
Historic and Themed Running Routes
Start a journey on historic running trails and themed adventures. Each step takes you back in time. These cultural runs are thrilling and teach you something new. Enjoy beautiful paths that tell stories of the past.
Devil’s Den Preserve, Weston, Connecticut
The Devil’s Den Preserve offers more than a usual running route. It’s a living part of American history. This trail has over 20 miles of paths sheltered by oak trees. It lets you run through history, going back to the American Revolution. This place merges nature with our past perfectly.
Laurel Trail, New Hampshire
The Laurel Trail brings together natural beauty and heritage. It’s set in the stunning White Mountains, where a granite summit stands out. From the top, you can see incredible views all around. Running here feels good for your body and spirit.
Stuart Falls Trail, Sundance, Utah
The Stuart Falls Trail mixes nature’s beauty with history. It goes through forests of aspen and pine, leading to Stuart Falls. Paths like this offer a memorable run through natural and historical wonders.
Conclusion
The U.S. has many great running spots for every type of runner. It has urban paths with landmarks, nature trails, and quiet coastal walks. In Philadelphia, you can run from the Philadelphia Museum of Art, just like Rocky did. It includes sights from the Ben Franklin Bridge and the river. In San Francisco, you can run on the famous Golden Gate Bridge for amazing views89.
Looking for a tough run? Try the 922-foot-high Twin Peaks in San Francisco. Or join the Pennsylvania Virtual 10k Challenge for something fun and competitive in Philadelphia9. Each run adds to your health and lets you explore unique places. It’s about connecting with nature and enjoying the journey, no matter the distance.
This guide wants to get you excited to find new running spots. Whether it’s the 11-mile Kalalau Trail in Kauai or the long Wildwood Trail in Portland10, there’s so much to explore. Join the running community in these famous places. Every step gets you closer to your perfect running dream. So, get ready, lace up, and start your amazing running story today.
Source Links
- https://www.runnersworld.com/trail-running/a28448190/running-paths-near-me/
- https://greatruns.com/100-best-runs-in-americas-cities/
- https://run.outsideonline.com/road/road-culture/the-best-american-cities-for-running/
- https://lawnlove.com/blog/best-cities-for-runners/
- https://greatruns.com/location/best-runs-california-coast/
- https://greatruns.com/top-20-runs-on-california-coast/
- https://thisvetruns.com/2018/08/01/running-the-south-west-coast-path/
- https://www.challengeinmotion.com/blogs/news/city-of-runners-exploring-philadelphias-best-running-routes
- https://www.axiomhotel.com/blog/san-franciscos-scenic-running-routes-a-joggers-guide-to-the-citys-best-trails-and-paths/
- https://www.timeout.com/usa/things-to-do/most-stunning-running-trails-in-america
As a veteran fitness technology innovator and the founder of GearUpToFit.com, Alex Papaioannou stands at the intersection of health science and artificial intelligence. With over a decade of specialized experience in digital wellness solutions, he’s transforming how people approach their fitness journey through data-driven methodologies.