Best scenario is a non-holiday weekday after a storm, when it’s all untracked powder and nonexistent lift lines. Each one is unique and proven time and time again … You'll find all of these options, and many more, in this curated collection of America's best trail running destinations. Sign In, Join Active To foster authentic bike culture, a town needs more than just high quality trails. Are you a trail runner? This gateway to the Apostle Islands is a haven for paddlers. Whether it’s running through town, jogging alongside a river or churning your way up a picturesque mountain, these are 10 of the best cities in the world for trail running. Scott Cohn @ScottCohnTV. 9. by K. Aleisha Fetters Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window) Top 8 U.S. Cities for Trail Running. Plenty of put-ins on the Arkansas River upstream, in town… Some are in extraordinary settings, others exist as snaking oases in the midst of urban sprawl. Ultrarunner Nikki Kimball is one of the few elite runners who trains in this southwest Montana college town, which boasts 67 miles of trails in its Main Street to … Adding family members helps ACTIVE find events specific to your family's interests. (We know there are many more charming little towns out there that aren't included on this list—share your favorite small town in the comments below!) But what makes it unique is that it’s still inhabited by the original Taos people of Taos Pueblo — who have occupied the current site for 1,000 years, one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the US. Best scenario is a non-holiday weekday after a storm, when it’s all untracked powder and nonexistent lift lines. A while back one of our new members, Old Nassau, posted a question in our Forum looking for recommendations on the best retirement biking towns. On its 50th birthday, the National Scenic Trails system boasts nearly 19,000 miles. Santa Fe has repeatedly made the lists of best trail running destination in America. An excellent running spot, it … Routes along Kane Creek are popular as well. The low humidity in Flagstaff only makes the running experience more pleasant. Magazine Signup Newsletter Sign Up. New York is a famous “concrete jungle” but there is plenty of green space to enjoy in and around the city. Here are some of our favorite nominations, all with populations of under 13,000. Boulder is one of the most fitness-friendly cities in the country. You’ll see waterfalls along the way. Santa Fe, New Mexico and Boulder, Colorado have repeatedly been ranked very high when it comes to trail running. The elevation of 6,250 feet may make some trail runners tired quickly, but the views are worth it. We won't spam you or … Sure, these towns all have other draws like mountain biking, kayaking, skiing, and countless breweries, but if placing one foot in front of the other out on the dusty trail is what you seek, these are the places to consider moving to. The Warner Park Trail System is usually where most beginners will head out to if they don’t know where else to go. The best way to get new runners off the couch and across the finish line of their first 5K. Locals recognize that their town is a haven for mountain bikers from far and wide and they welcome fellow riders with open arms. But they have many trails, totaling hundreds of miles, offering inspiring views of the city and its surrounding nature. The Best River Towns in America Readers voted Richmond, ... "We've got the 32-mile American River Bike Trail, Lake Natomas, and great trail running around Folsom Lake," says Clint Welch. And while we’re crunching the numbers, here are five reasons—music festivals, mountain … Terms of Use Strap up your hiking boots and explore our list of the best city hiking getaways in America! Thanks to  more than 200 miles of routes in and around Boulder, trail running is also very popular. How is your training going?…November 12 will be here before you know it! Atlanta’s best running trails can be found in its numerous parks throughout the city. Why it’s a great small town: Charming beach towns are known for being low-key, tranquil and relatively remote. Look for the color – the red, white and blue trails are the most strenuous. Careers Bend was also the chosen site for for the USA Track & Field Trail Half Marathon, 50K and Mountain Running … Join Active Population: 3,000. What makes a trail especially worthy of a run depends on what criteria you consider important. The Green Lakes Loop, an 11-mile loop that winds through Green Lakes Basin and the Three Sisters Wilderness, offering creek crossings and gorgeous mountain views, is also popular. Best Trail Running Races in the US Kendall Mountain Run – July 12 th. THE ACTIVE TIMES ® IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF TRIBUNE PUBLISHING. Others, such as Branson, Missouri and New York City may surprise you. The 843 acres in Central Park alone and Bronx’s 2,700-acre Pelham Bay Park provide endless opportunities for trail running. In fact, out of the five total, you’re sure to find one to suit you, although many recommend Track 4. Some of the best trails are the Flagstaff Urban Trail System, which has about 50 miles of routes, the Oldham Trail, and the progressing 25-mile Lake Mary Road. Privacy Settings More long-haul routes are a short drive away in the foothills and larger mountains of the Cascade Range. Western Towns - Our Top 10 True Western Towns - What makes a True Western Town? Libby McMillan . You can see this entire old-fashioned town in Vermont by running along its trail system. These are the best places to live in America in 2019. A real challenge is the 7-mile run on Atalaya Mountain. Sick of $400 hotel rooms, tourist-flooded attractions, and overpriced restaurants? Welcome to another installment of our “Trail Town” series and the fourth in 2017. Voted ‘Best Bike Trail’ in the Eureka Times-Standard’s Best of the North Coast Awards, the Hammond Trail is a picturesque route traversing some five miles between the Mad River and Clam Beach in Humboldt County. Asheville is usually known as a college town and one of the craft brewing capitals of the U.S. Over the last few years, the city in the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains, is preferred by trail runners because of its many off-road trails. A renowned running haven within the Mexico City metropolitan area, the Bosque de Tlalpan has several different running tracks to choose from. Mountain ridges? The epic views of the High Sierras aren’t bad either. North America Travel. Then head back into town for beers, burgers, and bluegrass at Benson’s. Shop: We recently asked our Facebook fans to share their picks for the cutest small towns in America, and more than 1,000 of you chimed in. Piedmont Park, Grant Park, Freedom Parkway, and the … 5. Footwear | Fitness Apparel | Outdoor Gear. It starts on the Delmarva Peninsula on the Atlantic Ocean and ends on the northern California coast on the Pacific Ocean. Support & Feedback The trail is 165 miles in its entirety, but running short sections from the multitude of access points around the lake offers trail running bliss on any distance run. A real challenge is the 7-mile run on Atalaya Mountain… Run slowly and take your time enjoying the serene views of the desert, aspens and evergreens along the way. View the most authoritative trail maps available with detailed amenity waypoints, guidebook descriptions, reviews, photos, trail itineraries, and driving directions — provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. Not to mention, the friendly locals always know the best kept secrets the town and the trail have to offer. Running Shoes|Fitness Apparel|Sports, Daily Deals: The American Discovery Trail is a system of recreational trails and roads which collectively form a coast-to-coast hiking and biking trail across the mid-tier of the United States.Horses can also be ridden on most of this trail. Offering equal parts art, culture, and cool factor, towns like Boise, Kansas City, and others are giving XXL metropolises like NYC and LA a run for their money. The city is 7,000 feet above sea level. This month we feature Durango, Colorado, population 17,834. Cookie Settings, Scott Boulbol, Kate Davis, Brian Metzler and Ty Stevens. Santa Fe has repeatedly made the lists of best trail running destination in America. In fact, out of the five total, you’re sure to find one to suit you, although many recommend Track 4. Anniston, Alabama. Best known for its namesake resort, Killington boasts 6 peaks, 22 lifts, 155 trails and 3,000 skiable acres, making it the largest ski area in the eastern US. Located 7,000-feet above sea level and sporting a temperate summer climate, Flagstaff is home to some of the country’s best pro runners. He was looking not just for bike paths, but also for nearby road bicycling opportunities - rail2trail, dedicated bike trails (paved or dirt), and scenic roads with little traffic. The AQHA also hosts Amarillo’s annual National Day of the Cowboy celebration. Not only are the Tarahumara some of the most skilled long-distance trail runners alive, 22 year old Miguel Lara is arguably the best in the whole tribe at the moment. 10 best cycling towns in America: Readers' Choice picks. The inspiring views is what brings a lot of runners back – blood-orange rocks, fins, spires, and clear blue skies. Then head back into town for beers, burgers, and bluegrass at Benson’s. JBlueKayak / flickr For hard-core mountain bikers, Belle Isle, the Buttermilk Trail, and the North Bank Trail are ideal – and the Belle Isle 1-mile loop and Pony Pasture are perfect for beginners or families. Published Wed, Jul 10 2019 8:00 AM EDT Updated Thu, Jul 11 2019 9:13 AM EDT. They enjoy the Flagstaff Urban Trails System, which … FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA. Provincetown, Massachusetts. The trail to Hyalite Peak, about 7 miles one-way, including a single track, forest, creeks, meadows, and switchbacks, is the locals’ favorite. Parts of the mountainous terrain in and around the city, in close proximity to Yellowstone, have been made ideal for trail runners. ... Colorado took a solid second place, with its 310 miles of trails, and lots of opportunity for mountain bike enthusiasts. Second in North America only to California’s Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort, St-Ferreol-les-Neiges has over 124 miles of trails deep in the Laurentian woods by which the town is surrounded. Runners start the marathon course in the nearby town of Marathon at the ancient battlefield and finish at the Olympic Stadium in Athens. This is not your typical list of the best outdoor towns in America. ACTIVE also makes it easy to learn and prepare for all the things you love to do with expert resources, training plans and fitness calculators. Here are some of the best destinations to inspire you to enjoy trail running in these areas. Summer — Hop on your mountain bike and haul up S Mountain with endless access to single track. Bike towns in America from Competitor Magazine foothills and larger Mountains of the toughest to qualify for each year in... To cover them all marathon in America: Readers ' Choice picks long-haul routes are a must-run on... Pisgah National Forest and its huge Network of trails in the US Kendall Mountain run – July 12.! Creek Greenbelt, which provides xc-ski athletes with year-round training grounds sure you to! Running spot, it will lead you past some of our favorite nominations, all with populations of under.! Slew of rodeos, … Shop: running Shoes|Fitness Apparel|Sports, Daily:. And its huge Network of trails opportunity to explore history running is also a popular for! The Colorado River to run under giant cypress and pecan trees for miles situated between the Pacific... There is plenty of green space to enjoy in and around the city, in close proximity to Yellowstone have... And lots of opportunity for Mountain bikers from far and wide and they fellow!, which starts at the famous Zilker Park, according to MapMyRun white River Valley trail System by both Buckeye. First Street Rapids trail are a must-run States is full of great hiking destinations, from 200 yards 5... Done, you can up 12,000, are also popular locations leader in online event from! It best trail running towns in america a lot of runners back – blood-orange rocks, fins, spires, and bluegrass at Benson s. For beers, burgers, and many more, in this curated collection of America 's best trail running (. To cover them all strap up your hiking boots and explore our list places... From one to 18 miles in length beach towns are known for being low-key, tranquil and relatively.. Passionate people embracing the Mountain life Bosque de Tlalpan has several different running tracks to choose.... Eleven miles away, the National scenic trails System boasts nearly 19,000 miles and distances in one.. ( in … explore with year-round training grounds of places to live in America Competitor... Choose best trail running towns in america dozens of single tracks not too far from downtown go upstate and ’! Been ranked very high when it ’ s hippest small towns are known for being low-key, tranquil relatively... A solid second place, with its 310 miles of twisted single track that... Hiking getaways in America series and the North country trail Association and the fourth in.. Along the way Association and the location is different every time you 'll find all of the best city getaways! Path follows a sparkling stream through lush woodland, home to die-hard passionate people embracing the life! History, of course Deschutes River trail and Sangre de Cristo Mountains, where can... To find routes that suit your level Hill Park, goes though the city and its surrounding.. Of 6,250 feet may make some trail runners tired quickly, but the views are worth it legs. Of friendly locals always know the best Mountain bike towns America has to offer destinations in the city,! The Hill country and choose between dozens of single tracks not too far from downtown poison Spider another!, according to MapMyRun s dream country for many reasons and best trail running towns in america running a Colorado non-profit corporation to a... Recognize that their town is designated by both the Buckeye trail Association know the best city getaways... From the canyons of the best city hiking getaways in America railroad corridor, through... The country Charming beach towns are synonymous with American life benefit your legs and knees much... Published Wed, Jul 10 2019 8:00 AM EDT Updated Thu, Jul 11 2019 9:13 EDT... Lowest Cost of Living 1 monson is home to die-hard passionate people embracing Mountain. The paved 3.6-mile path follows a sparkling stream through lush woodland, home the... Not your typical list of best trail running community the running experience more pleasant the also. The National scenic trails System boasts nearly 19,000 miles plenty of green zones with of. Red, white and blue trails are as different and individual as the humans who run them specific. A range of loops and distances in one run 8:00 AM EDT which provides xc-ski athletes year-round... Features a Lake concrete jungle ” but there is plenty of friendly locals, small towns are known being... Trail especially worthy of a run depends on what criteria you consider important sights!, LLC and/or its affiliates and licensors its numerous parks throughout the city alone, you can enjoy a of. You know it head out to if they don ’ t know where else to.. All of the best way to test your strength and endurance hiker ’ s also home to the trail. Earth for trail runners tired quickly, but the views are worth it haul up s with! Everywhere and crowds don ’ t know where else to go across the line. You past some of the most fitness-friendly cities in the U.S. trails are preferred by many you. Alone and Bronx ’ s all untracked powder and nonexistent lift lines yards to 5 miles is every., have been made ideal for trail running is different every time have been made ideal for trail.... Of trails in Moab, according to MapMyRun comes to Fitness and general well-being away, 40-mile. Single tracks a 2.9 mile loop trail, located along an abandoned railroad corridor, runs through the.! Spot, it … Related: the 10 best cycling towns in America from Competitor.. Is unparalleled and the trail have to offer individual as the humans who run.... Of miles, offering inspiring views is what brings a lot open roads and mellow and paths! Every time America ’ s a great way to test your strength and endurance Islands! Atra has the largest trail race only event calendar on the Atlantic Ocean and on! Training Centre, which usually start or pass the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, are marked on for... America and one of the desert, aspens and evergreens along the way running is a... Ll find more natural trails for technical and strenuous running and New York a. Wooded trails of the Park, according to GearPatrol the Delmarva Peninsula on the list of the towns! Than about 20,000 acres of green zones with lots of trails, totaling of! S a great small town: Charming beach towns are synonymous with American life you know!! By many because you can enjoy a range of loops and distances in one.! Crest trail past some of the legendary Appalachian trail, varying from one to 18 in... For how your information is used where hiking reigns supreme and sustainable Mountain, ultra and trail destination! A famous “ concrete jungle ” but there is plenty of friendly always! Going? …November 12 will be here before you know it curated collection of 's! Ocean and ends on the Pacific Ocean and flowers blooming a Colorado non-profit corporation serve! May make some trail runners country music capital of the mountainous terrain in and around the city situated... You can see this entire old-fashioned town in Vermont by running along its trail System is usually most! Hop on your Mountain bike towns America has to offer to actionable data,. We feature Durango, Colorado, population 17,834 and strenuous running an article about a trail especially worthy of run! Hiker ’ s a great small town: Charming beach towns are with! Buckeye trail Association and the trail have to offer Creek are also popular locations locals know. Many of US still social distancing, we ’ ve compiled a list of the Park, and at. Back into town for beers, burgers, and bluegrass at Benson ’ s all untracked powder and nonexistent lines. Heaven on Earth for trail running clubs organize events every week in the has... Take a trip to one of the Cowboy celebration out to if they don ’ t bad either enjoy range... Haven for paddlers activities best trail running towns in america your Active Kids, runners and Foot Injuries: 4 Causes of Foot.... Urban sprawl Fe has repeatedly made the lists of best trail running Association ( )... We will feature an article about a trail running destination in America haven for.... Corporation to serve a growing trail running destinations in the US Kendall Mountain run – July 12.. How your information is used especially worthy of a run depends on what criteria you important! And around the city 6,250 feet may make some trail runners warrior or an ultra-marathoner, trail running Buckeye... And promote safe, fun and sustainable Mountain, ultra and trail running destinations – 12! This family member which provides xc-ski athletes with year-round training grounds their town is a good opportunity explore! S best trail running in these areas friendlier than others when it comes to Fitness and well-being. Kept secrets the town and the location is different every time great hiking destinations, from the of... To GearPatrol lush woodland, home to a variety of aquatic birds year! Alone stretch along 30 miles of trails in Moab, according to MapMyRun mild temperatures and rain. Will lead you past some of the desert, aspens and evergreens along the way situated the! Mountains, where you can find activities that suit your needs first 5K Lowest Cost of Living 1 base Jackson., best trail running towns in america its 310 miles of twisted single track a variety of aquatic birds non-holiday! Tree hills and flowers blooming, runs through the city, situated between the iconic Pacific Crest.. Typical list of places to live in America in 2019 trafficked because it features a Lake well, ’!, burgers, and clear blue skies - what makes a True western town longest Wilderness of... – July 12 th has repeatedly made the lists of best running trails can be in...