Freedom Park is one of Atlanta’s large city parks. Our two green, shaded routes are the 2.5 mile Freedom Parkway Trail, and a 3.6 mile loop, starting at the Carter Library, to Chandler Park. Olmsted Linear Park can be added or loop option.
Terrific running combining the gorgeous, Olmsted-designed Roland Park neighborhood, the Stony Brook Trail, and the attractive campus of Johns Hopkins University. Each of those elements can be a standalone route, or can be combined.
A greenway originally conceived by Frederick Law Olmsted, running 10 miles from the State House to Franklin Park. Highlights include the Comm. Ave Mall, Fens, Jamaica Pond, Arboretum, and Franklin Park.
This run features the wonderful for running streets of Chicago’s North Shore neighborhoods, including a tour of Highland Park following the North Shore Classic Half Marathon course. Glencoe and Winnetka are also great for running.
A 3-mile linear park along Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Superior Avenue. Bike path runs along MLK Drive between University Circle and the lakefront. Can add on at the lake, or in University Circle area.
Historic area just south of downtown, with Italianate architecture, brick sidewalks, and alleys. Lovely Schiller Park is at the center. Nice place for a run, do it leisurely and randomly, rather than proscribed route. Combine with downtown run!
Parallels the Katy Trail, but more park-like. Follow Turtle Creek Blvd. and Lakeside Dr., combination of paths and sidewalk. Can also meander around the beautiful streets of Highland Park, featuring gorgeous homes and older trees.
The 66-mile trail connects many of Denver’s parks and has some lovely sections shaded by cottonwood trees. The most scenic stretch is the 6 miles between Three Pond Park and Orchard Road. Detailed trail map included.
Hendricks Park is the oldest park in Eugene, featuring incredible rhododendron gardens and miles of paved and dirt paths, including access to the 12 mile Ridgeline Trail.
For a gorgeous and unique running experience, hit the Fresno County Blossom Trail between mid-February and mid-March. This is a self-guided road route featuring panoramas of orchards full of fruit trees alive with fragrance and bursting with blossoms.
Wonderful running along the lakeshore in this affluent suburb 8 miles east of downtown. Also options for some lovely residential areas.
Lovely streets and older homes. Combine this with Glenwood Cemetery, which is beautiful, shaded, has many paths, or add to run in the adjacent Buffalo Bayou.
This is by far the city’s most popular running spot and one of the largest metropolitan greenspaces in the nation. It includes 5K, 8K, and 10K certified road courses as well as 10 miles of trails.
Some of the best running in Kansas City is in the Plaza area. This route starts at Mill Creek Park, then along the Brush Creek Waterway to reach Jacob L. Loose Park. See several other route options as well
The 100-acre Arboretum and Botanical Garden is one Lexington's running highlights. Enjoy the paved, 2 mile perimeter path while viewing more than 500 native species. Add-on with Univ. of Kentucky nearby.
Two adjoining OImsted-designed parks, with designated 'scenic trails' through their centers. Among the best spots in Louisville for running. Rolling hills, open meadows, woodlands.
Frederick Law Olmsted - famed designer of New York's Central Park - designed both Lake Park and Riverside Park (originally "River Park"), with Newberry Boulevard being the deliberate connector between the two.
Summit Avenue stretches from the Mississippi River in the west towards St. Paul downtown. The tree-lined street and path passes the most prestigious homes in the city. Nice option to add on a jaunt to the State Capitol.
Run through this scenic tunnel of trees on the Spring Hill College campus then continue through the College Park neighborhood. Especially beautiful in spring.
Angrignon Park has wonderful walking trails through woods and around ponds. It's nearby a metro stop. Can also combine with the paved trail along the Aqueduct Canal, and even the Lachine Rapids paths.
Known to be “as magical and unique as the city of New Orleans,” this outdoor oasis has enchanted New Orleans since 1854.
An iconic urban run and certainly an oasis in Manhattan. Numerous options: 7 mile perimeter path, reservoir route with great skyscraper views, woodsy sections, grand allées.
NYC’s fourth largest park. Great options for runners, with trails and marked cross-country courses, through the park’s ridges, valleys, forests, wetlands, aqueducts, and lake. Includes the new Putnam Greenway, which runs the length of the park
Olmsted-designed park that is on the National Register. Beautiful paths line this historic park, which is also home to the largest collection of cherry trees in the United States. A loop of the paved perimeter path is 4.5 miles.
Chester County, one of the original three Pennsylvania counties, is a tony area west of Philadelphia and Delaware counties. This historic spot is marked by rail trails, beautiful parks, and high-end residential neighborhoods.
Create your own route on the side streets of these adjacent residential neighborhoods. Quieter, tree-lined streets with nice older homes and small commercial areas.
Cape Elizabeth is Portland’s most affluent suburb, with lovely waterfront sections and pretty residential streets. This is the route of the 10k Beach to Beacon road race. Options to vary from this.
With a dedicated bicycle lane, the Boulevard is a Providence landmark. Visitors enjoy the Boulevard’s beautiful trees, shrubs, and grass.
Another way to run to the Council Crest Peak is through Washington Park, home to some of the more scenic landmarks in Portland including the Portland Japanese Garden, the Portland Children’s Museum, and the Washington Park Ampitheater.
One of the prettiest campuses in the USA and wonderful for running. Enjoy the Georgian-style east campus or the Gothic west campus. Run up to the Duke Chapel, do the 3.7 mile Al Buehler Trail loop trail, and don't miss Sarah Duke Gardens in spring!
Run the grounds of this gorgeous Victorian estate with mansion, Japanese botanical gardens, and a ~3 mile paved perimeter path with some challenging hills. Options to connect with Byrd Park or the North Bank Trail.
Combine a route incorporating the miles of hilly paths at Mt. Hope Cemetery, and two Olmsted-designed gems: Highland Park -- once the world's largest nursery -- and bucolic campus of the University of Rochester.
A tour of both Liberty Park and Sugar House Park, using some pretty neighborhood streets connecting them, which are ~2 miles apart. Total is 7.5 miles, fairly flat.
The signature park in Savannah’s historic district. Walking paths, a large fountain, live oaks & azaleas, and recreational facilities. There are about 1.5 miles of interior walking paths or a loop around the perimeter is 1.2 miles.
A 230 acre park along Lake Washington in the Madison Park area of Seattle, near the University of Washington. Miles of trails wind through forests of maples, magnolias, oaks, salmonberry, and the famous Azalea Way.
A popular area to visit in Toronto. A series of parks and trails provide a nearly 15 km run from the Botanical Gardens in the north to the Lakeshore in the south. Numerous connections to other parks and trails.
The 8-mile loop run along the shores of car-free Mackinac Island is a must-do, passing beautiful lake vistas, rock formations, and historic buildings of the port area. Accessible by ferry from Mackinaw City. Lots of interior trails on the island as well. Famous for laurels in May.
At more than 1,000 acres and surrounded by the waters of Vancouver Harbour and English Bay, Stanley Park is running heaven — and easily reachable from downtown hotels. If you have time for one run in Vancouver, run here.
The largest park in central Victoria, featuring featuring paths, sports fields, ponds. Great as a standalone 3-4 km run, or in combination with other routes in the area. For some some hills, running up to the flagpole is popular.
A truly inspiring run, incorporating scenery, history, and beauty. The core “Memorial Run” incorporates the Washington Monument, and the Jefferson, FDR Memorial, and MLK Memorials. Catch during Cherry Blossoms!
A hidden gem, and a wonderful option to enjoy shade and Washington’s lush foliage. Myriad trail options and a good option near Georgetown.
Assiniboine Park has everything you could ever want in a public city space: a zoo, a sculpture garden, playground, outdoor theater, water views, and excellent running with accommodations.
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