If you’re the type who likes to plan vacations around great running destinations, then this list might inspire your next getaway.
Because of all of the activity that athletes have been logging on Strava over the past 10 years, the social fitness network has become a valuable resource for discovering exercise trends among its users—for instance, revealing the areas in the U.S. that seem to be running meccas.
So, which places have racked up the most runs? Sticking to the standard that all segments must measure at least five kilometers in distance, site data analysts were able to reveal the 40 routes getting the most recorded foot traffic in 20 major U.S. metro areas (two routes per city). Take a look at the findings, then take a break from that same old neighborhood loop and consider visiting one of these popular running spots.
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1
Oakland - Nimitz Way - 4.02 mi
Strava/Kory Kennedy
This wide, flat trail around Lake Merritt attracts runners like a magnet with its natural beauty in an urban setting. At just over three miles long, it’s an especially convenient stretch for those training for a 5K.
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2
Oakland - Lake Merritt Loop - 3.13 mi
Strava/Kory Kennedy
This wide, flat trail around Lake Merritt attracts runners like a magnet with its natural beauty in an urban setting. At just over three miles long, it’s an especially convenient stretch for those training for a 5K.
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3
Baltimore - NCR Trail - 9.53 mi
Strava/Kory Kennedy
Meandering nearly 20 miles through Maryland, the NCR (Northern Central Railroad) Trail is a popular choice for runners with its serene wooded surroundings. This high use of this trail could also be related to the fact that it is the site of Baltimore’s oldest continuously running marathon: the NCR Marathon.
Much of this well trodden trail has runners following Loch Raven Reservoir’s edge and catching fantastic views of the water.
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5
Chicago - Lakeshore Path - 3.89 mi
Strava/Kory Kennedy
This point to point segment follows the Lake Michigan shoreline for a great workout along the water’s edge. For a longer run, take on all 18 miles of the full trail, which connects Chicago’s four major lakefront parks.
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6
Chicago - Busse Woods Trail - 3.58 mi
Strava/Kory Kennedy
As part of the 11.2 miles of paved trails in the gorgeous Ned Brown Forest Preserve, this path gets plenty of foot traffic from outdoorsy folks eager to enjoy one of the best natural areas in Illinois.
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7
Dallas - White Rock Lake - 3.18 mi
Strava/Kory Kennedy
This popular segment is just 3.18 miles of the full 10-mile lake loop, but those looking for a long run workout don’t have to stop there. Located on the city’s northeast side, the path offers calming water views and even passes through the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.
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8
Dallas - Katy Trail - 3.46 mi
Strava/Kory Kennedy
Athletes on the north side of Dallas flock to this railway-line-turned-green-space. Bordered by thick stands of native trees and vegetation, the path features zen running conditions; plus, it offers easy access to restaurants in the Arts District on the south side and the Highland Park neighborhood on the north side for a tasty postrun meal.
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9
Denver - Washington Park - 4.91
Strava/Kory Kennedy
Winding around the outskirts of Denver’s Washington Park, which features two scenic lakes, this loop gets plenty of love from athletes in the Mile High City.
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10
Denver - Country Club to REI - 3.89 mi
Strava/Kory Kennedy
Country Club to REI - 3.89 mi - (along river path) Runners start near the Denver Country Club and follow the route of the Cherry Creek Trail on this popular segment, soaking in some of the best sights the city has to offer along the way.
As part of route making up Atlanta’s Peachtree Road Race, this segment surely gets much of its use from runners participating in the famed running event. Those looking for a challenge are sure to find it in the steep incline of Cardiac Hill.
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12
Atlanta - Columns Drive - 4.9 mi
Strava/Kory Kennedy
This out-and-back route rambles along the Chattahoochee River and is a flat enough route for runners of all skill levels to enjoy.
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13
Minneapolis - Lake Calhoun - 3.14 m
Strava/Kory Kennedy
With more than 10,000 lakes in the state of Minnesota, Lake Calhoun—the largest lake within the metro area—seems to win the popularity contest among runners. The running path is nearly a perfect 5K in distance and provides tree-lined views of the city skyline.
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14
Minneapolis - Ford Parkway - 3.4 mi
Strava/Kory Kennedy
Thousands of runners frequent the West River Parkway Trail, which follows the winding path of the Mississippi River. Several parks are located throughout the route and conveniently provide water, picnic spots, and porta-potties for those passing through.
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15
Tampa - Bayshore Blvd - 4.20 mi
Strava/Kory Kennedy
As part of Tampa’s Gasparilla Half Marathon course, this point-to-point segment sees Strava runners starting at the race’s turnaround point and cruising along Bayshore Boulevard until they reach the location of the finish line.
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16
Tampa - Hillsborough River path - 3.24 mi
Strava/Kory Kennedy
Starting near the USF (University of South Florida) Riverwalk Park, the majority of this out-and-back stretch has runners making their way along the Tampa Riverwalk. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of dolphins playing in the Hillsborough River.
This segment, which begins near Sugar Land Memorial Park and follows University Boulevard up to LJ Parkway, is part of the city’s annual USA Fit Half Marathon course.
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19
Seattle - Burke-Gilman Trail - 3.26 mi
Strava/Kory Kennedy
Spanning 27 miles total, this highly used recreational trail is a clear favorite according to Strava’s numbers. We have a sneaking suspicion that the nearby location of Brooks Headquarters may have something to do with that, as employees of the running shoe company don’t have to go far for a perfect lunch run.
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20
Seattle - Green Lake - 3.19 mi
Strava/Kory Kennedy
This path on Seattle’s north side encircles Green Lake and is surrounded by lush greenery. When the weather is warm, enjoy a postrun cooldown by jumping in the water at one of several swimming locations along the route.
Paige Triola is a freelance writer based in Boulder, Colorado, who covers a range of topics in the athletic and outdoor recreation sphere. She spends much of her time cruising the trails on foot or by bike, testing out the newest gear designed for playing outside. Paige has written articles and product roundups for a variety of publications including Runner’s World, Bicycling Magazine, Gear Junkie, and Trail Runner Magazine.