If you’re one of the roughly 80% of Americans who live in an urban area, you know how important it is to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Thankfully, the 35 most populous U.S. cities are each home to beautiful, well-maintained hiking trails that can easily connect city-dwellers to the great outdoors.
Over the past few years, our relationship with the outside world has changed amid the coronavirus pandemic; we're more aware of how special it is to leave our homes, breathe some fresh air, and reconnect with nature. Even as the world begins to reopen, though, we'll remember the incredible power of getting outdoors—and make plenty of time for it moving forward. And what better place to start then hiking a beautiful trail through one of America's biggest cities?
Whether you're looking to travel to a desert oasis, a lush forest, or a canyon filled with wildflowers, these popular hiking trails for all levels will help you get your fix of nature. Some weave through special landmarks like mountain peaks and lakes, while others offer a simpler, quieter escape into nature. No matter what, you're guaranteed to experience beautiful landscapes, a decent workout, and a breath of fresh air.
Read on for these well-loved walking routes in the biggest cities in the United States, which include distance, difficulty, and local landmarks along the way. You'll also find some tips from previous hikers on how to get the most out of your nature walk. Happy walking!
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1New York, NY: The High Line
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In a city as dense as New York, green space is much-needed. The High Line, an elevated park built across a defunct train line, is the answer. With multiple elevators and access points along NYC's west side and destinations like the Whitney and Hudson Yards along the way, there's no better place for a tranquil walk in the Big Apple.
Los Angeles is home to its fair share of trails and parks, but Ernest E. Debs Regional Park takes the cake because of its choose-your-own-adventure potential and its sweeping views of downtown LA. Besides the sunny walking trails, there's a butterfly trail, a lily pad pond, and one of the country's most sustainable buildings.
Much like New York's High Line, The 606 is a disused railroad that was turned into an elevated park in the heart of Chicago. Connecting the neighborhoods of Logan Square, Humboldt Park, Bucktown, and Wicker Park, it's is a convenient way to explore the city during the warmer months, and its science and art events are great for kids, too.
Snaking around the Houston Arboretum, the Outer Loop Trail is an ideal choice for walkers who prefer a wide, flat surface for their excursions. Combined with a trip to the arboretum it circles, it's an ideal day trip for families with kids. (Leashed dogs are also welcome to join in.) Walking the plank has never been so fun.
Decades ago, Forbidden Drive earned its unique name from the fact that cars were, well, forbidden from entering the land. Now all of that green space along Wissahickon Creek has been turned into this scenic park on the northwest side of Philadelphia. Its wide, flat terrain is perfect for walking, and it attracts over 1.1 million visitors per year.
Walkers of all skill levels are welcome at Double Butte Loop, which is easy enough for beginners, but also has a slight slope. The real draw is the ability to interact with Phoenix's native flora, including desert flowers and Saguaro cacti. Near the end of the day, walkers are rewarded with breathtaking views of the city's famous sunset.
San Antonio's Red Oak Trail is a rare look into the pre-settler ecology of the area, what's known as an oak savanna. It's a little less popular than other routes in the area, so it's good for a relaxing escape into nature. There's also the option to add the Bear Grass Loop to this walk, extending the trek—and its benefits—by a little over half a mile.
Just a 30-minute drive outside of downtown San Diego lies one of the most breathtaking trails in the country. After a steep hike to the top of a ridge, visitors are treated to sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and plenty of offshoot trails that lead to the beach and to the Torrey Pines that give the park its name. Dogs, however, are not permitted.
While you could easily take on the almost 10 miles of the White Rock Lake Trail at once, it's a great choice for walkers who want to explore an area over a few days or weeks. Located in the heart of North Dallas, this loop includes local gems like a massive dog park, an Audubon Society bird watching area, and the Dallas Arboretum.
Located in the Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve, which opened outside of San Jose in 2002, this trail is a favorite among beginner hikers and families with kids. It's more of a hike than a walk, with some intermediate terrain changes, but it's more than worth the effort thanks to one-of-a-kind views of the city and the surrounding hills.
When you get outdoor exercise in Austin, you'll probably need any chance you can get to cool off. That's why Onion Creek Trail is an ideal walking route—visitors who take on the popular loop come across the ever-popular McKinney Falls. It's both beautiful and a perfect spot for a quick, refreshing swim.
It would be a shame to take a walk in Florida and not get a view of the water. That's why Reddie Point Preserve is so popular. It's an easy, stroller-friendly loop that boasts views of both the shoreline and downtown Jacksonville, plus picnic tables for a post-walk snack. Just remember to bring some bug spray.
This trail encompasses almost all of San Francisco in one serene, breathtaking walk. Visitors to Lands End get to see everything: the Golden Gate Bridge, the Pacific Ocean, the pristine beach, the swaying trees. It's one of the most beautiful trails in the country, complete with a stone labyrinth that's perfect for a bit of contemplation.
The best walk in Indianapolis is right at its heart. The refurbished canal dates back to the early 1800s, but it feels brand-new thanks to a pedestrian-friendly promenade and plenty of green space. Whether you're looking for an easy walking route, a place to bring the kids, or somewhere to hang out before dinner, the Canal Walk is a must-see.
The Scioto Mile unites 175 acres of green space, including nine parks, in downtown Columbus. Snaking along the city's waterfront, it features memorials, fountains, benches, restrooms, and charging stations, plus plenty of restaurants and opportunities to explore the city. In the city, there are even free concerts and festivals along the path.
With miles and miles of trail to explore, Salado Creek Greenway is an easy way to see Fort Worth's wilderness. The experience varies depending on which part you walk, but it's all enjoyable. Some segments are paved, and there are plenty of parks and playgrounds along the winding path. One area even skirts the city's airport.
When it's completed, the Little Sugar Creek Greenway will include over 19 miles of interconnected trails. For now, though, it's right around halfway done—though it's no less enjoyable. Connecting Charlotte to its surrounding communities, sections of this trail include bridges, sports fields, picnic areas, and plenty of green spaces. There's perhaps no better way to discover the city's neighborhoods.
Getting kids interested in going for a walk can take some effort, but you'll never have difficulty getting them to visit the Salmon Bay Wildlife Corridor. The path connects the city to the sound, highlighting the ways in which people interact with nature. You might even spot bald eagles, sea lions, and, of course, salmon.
What better way to enjoy a day in Denver than by taking a stroll among the wildflowers and stunning vistas of Green Mountain Trail? Accessible year-round, it's popular with both beginners (for its front half) and serious walkers (for its back half).
America has only ever had one tin mine, and although it's now dormant, it's still out in the hills of El Paso. Nowadays, it's a popular destination along the Tin Mines Trail, which features miles of uninterrupted views and plenty of local flora. You can't go into the mines, but visitors can still shine flashlights into the 100-year-old structure.
In the middle of the Detroit River, between the U.S. and Canada, Belle Isle offers a green respite from big-city life. The east side of the island hosts the Blue Heron Lagoon, where a winding trail loops around the water. Walkers go right past the William Livingstone Memorial Lighthouse, an Art Deco landmark built in 1930.
22Washington, D.C.: Greenbelt Park Perimeter Trail
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Accessible by Metro, this loop (which surrounds the world-class Greenbelt Park, also worth a trip) is dog-friendly, great for birding, and also suitable for runners. When you need to get out of the city for a breath of fresh air, this should be your first stop.
Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, who also designed New York's Central Park, Emerald Necklace is like a backyard to Boston's almost 700,000 residents. The interconnected green spaces link the suburbs with the city, and walkers will enjoy an easy path past historic landmarks, an arboretum, and a zoo.
As the only urban old-growth forest in the southeast, Old Forest Loop in Overton Park is quite literally an escape into nature. You'll forget you're in a city while you walk the easy-to-accomplish loop, which includes 35 markers that both educate and guide visitors through the trees.
Just outside of downtown Nashville, city residents flock to Radnor Lake to get away from the noise. The looping trail around the lake lets visitors take it all in. There's no more car traffic allowed in the area, meaning each walk is guaranteed to be serene. You can even take a dip in the lake, should the mood strike.
Featuring a stunning, moody path through the forests of the Pacific Northwest, Hoyt Arboretum Trail is a popular destination for walkers who want to get just far enough away from downtown Portland to feel like they're somewhere entirely new. Bonus: Some 2,300 species of trees (including 67 rare or endangered ones) reside inside the park.
No, you don't need to walk all nine and a half miles of this popular loop in Oklahoma City—although, due to the tranquil lake, gorgeous foliage, and all-around good vibes, you might be tempted to do it all. Plus, there's even a lighthouse along the way.
Gwynns Falls Trail might be many miles long, but you don't need to do it all at once—in fact, it's even better to break it up and enjoy each section of the city, piece by piece. Connecting over 30 neighborhoods and winding through forests, city streets, and shoreline, this trail is a sampler of everything you'll want to experience in Baltimore.
Travel just 20 minutes outside of downtown Las Vegas and you'll find Red Rock Canyon, a spectacular display of the awesome power of nature. Although there are tons of trails to choose from, we're partial to Moenkopi Loop, which is strewn with desert flora, fossils, and breathtaking views. Who needs a casino?
Wild Hyacinth Trail is one of several routes along Floyds Fork, a tributary of the Salt River in Kentucky. This one stands out because it's a loop that's a bit challenging, offering peaceful views and the opportunity to see some of the blooming flowers that it's named after. In early spring, it's hard to beat the natural beauty of this trail.
This urban pathway runs through many of Milwaukee's neighborhoods and landmarks, so you can get your miles in while taking in all of the city's magic. It has some slight elevation, but with mostly paved roads, it's perfect for beginners. You'll also get to enjoy some nearby green spaces, depending on the time of year you head there.
If you're looking to escape to a desert oasis, New Mexico's dry landscape will certainly hold up. With canyons, cacti, and wild flowers, the Rinconada Canyon Trail near Albuquerque is the perfect trail to get your desert fix. The kid and dog-friendly trail is suitable for all levels, and you may even be able to find some petroglyphs etched into the rocks from various cultures over time. Be sure to hike up to the visitor's center a mile up.
Another desert trail, Tumamoc Hill Trail runs through Tucson's Rinconada Canyon, offering you stellar views of the state's rustic landscape. It's fairly well paved, but is moderately steep with an elevation gain of 738 feet, so All Trails considers this hike a moderate trail. Since the trail runs through university property, it's one of the only trails that permits night hiking—so make sure you catch a sunrise or sunset on this gorgeous path.
This short trail offers stellar views of beautiful Sequoia trees, granite canyon walls, and even a waterfall. It's located in Kings Canyon National Park, which is home to a number of alternate trails if you'd like to have a day full of adventure. This trail is paved and beginner friendly, allowing all levels to have access. Reviews from hikers on All Trails say it's definitely worth stopping to see.
While Sacramento is generally dry, Desolation Wilderness is located just outside of the city and offers a cool, lush alpine landscape for a touch of nature. Island & Twin Lakes trail boasts access to not one but three glistening alpine lakes, each made of crystal blue waters that perfectly reflect the rocky mountain peaks that enclose them. The moderate trail can be tricky to navigate in some spots, so make sure to pack some hiking shoes.
Jake SmithJake Smith, an editorial fellow at Prevention, recently graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in magazine journalism and just started going to the gym.
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