5 Trails for Every Runner’s Bucket List
No matter your level or preferences, we’ve got it all.
We picked a trail for any athletic ability, terrain preference, and even for those seeking highest instagram-ability on their route. Check out our picks for the top running trails in five cities we love...
1. San Francisco, California: Twin Peaks at Sunset
With some of the most epic and hilly streets in the country, San Francisco could be your running dream come true, or your worst nightmare. Regardless, one thing is for certain, you will feel the burn! The six mile run up Twin Peaks offers amazing views of the city below with a 900ft elevation gain (ouch!). This run is great any time of day, but around sunset the view of the bay is spectacular, just be sure to bring a headlamp for the run back down.
2. Austin, Texas: Barton Creek Greenbelt
With its thriving music and arts scene, along with overall livability, the young and hip have been flocking to Austin in droves in recent years. Turns out Austin was also named the seventh best running city in the country by Forbes! The Barton Creek Greenbelt is located in the heart of the city and offers 7.25 miles of dense foliage, limestone cliffs and even waterfalls along the route. While this is a hotspot for mountain bikers as well, the trail alongside the creek is laid back and smooth for miles so get ready to hit some PR’s!
3. Boulder, Colorado: Flatirons Vista Loop
Colorado is known as an outdoor playground for all types of adventure seekers and Boulder, with over 200 miles of trails, is really at the epicenter of the action. Many marathoners and triathletes use this area as training ground as the trail options are diverse and vary in technicality and incline. The Flatirons are a must-see landmark in Boulder, so the Vista Loop is the perfect trail to check out and is great for runners of all levels. With a shorter (1.9 miles) and longer (3.3 miles) loop and gentle, hilly, terrain you’ll run through prairie and forest and enjoy some tremendous views of the aforementioned Flatirons and Shadow Canyon.
4. Miami, Florida: David Kennedy Park
As a very novice runner myself I have to say that a route with an ocean view certainly helps get me more motivated to hit the road. Located in the Coconut Grove neighborhood, Kennedy Park offers free gym equipment, a freshly paved running path and stunning views of the ocean. This is a great path if you’re a beginner or advanced runner and what it lacks in elevation, it makes up for in length. If you’re looking for an added challenge, run across the Rickenbacker Bridge to Key Biscayne and back!
5. Boston, Massachusetts: Battle Road Trail
Not to play favorites, but we’d argue this is the most interesting run on our list. Why? Because you’ll get a history lesson and workout- in-one! Boston is home to some serious runners, so it’s no surprise that you can find some of the best trails here for all levels. The Battle Road Trail boasts five miles of soft packed dirt road and runs through the Minuteman National Park. The path is also the same one that Paul Revere rode, along with the British soldiers at the beginning of the American Revolution. If you need a break from the hilly run you can stop to read the historical info signs along the route and may even catch a historical reenactment in certain months.
Have a favorite trail we missed? Share in the comments section!








