The 8 Best Urban Hikes in the U.S.
Hiking doesn’t have to involve the mountains for it to be amazing.
When someone mentions the word "hiking," your first thought is probably wide-open rocky trails, boots with essential all-terrain grip, and forest views for days. Basically anything far away from city life. But urban hiking— walking through a city in the spirit of hiking—is gaining major traction.
"Urban hiking is a way of connecting our cities on foot in a way that feels very different than the way neighborhoods are connected by cars," says Liz Thomas, a professional distance hiker who holds the women's unsupported speed record of hiking the 2,181-mile Appalachian Trail. "A daily commute across town wouldn't count in my mind since you aren't seeing new things. Same for some aimless wandering in the city. Urban hikers are going out there to get exercise, perhaps get some elevation gain in, and to see new things."
The best part? Just about any city has urban hike potential. While some popular routes bring you straight through the hustle and bustle of the city itself, other options are within the city limits in designated parks. Still, each one allows you to experience cities in fun, different ways. Below, Thomas and Tom Robson, head of trail content for Hiking Project, share eight of the best urban hikes in the United States.
Anchorage, Alaska
Nestled in midtown, the Chester Creek Trail is a perfect, scenic walk within Anchorage. Starting at Westchester Lagoon and spanning to Goose Lake, the four-mile-long path is flat and paved.
What makes it special: The trail provides easy viewing of all the gorgeous nature sights Alaska's known for (including, yes, moose) without leaving the city limits. And in the winter, it can also be used for cross-country skiing.
Related: 5 Things That Happened When I Tried To Walk 20,000 Steps A Day
New York, New York
There's nothing to get you in the Empire State of mind like a picturesque view of the Hudson River and city skyline all at once. Start this 4.5-mile hike on the West Side Highway and the Hudson River Greenway near the George Washington Bridge at 175th Street. Walk south until you hit 110th street, then veer inland and walk east until you hit Central Park.
What makes it special: The Little Red Lighthouse at the start of the hike is a gorgeous landmark within itself. If you still have energy once you get to Central Park, follow the paved loop toward the picturesque Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir.
Denver, Colorado
Located smack dab in the middle of downtown, City Park is the perfect place to soak in the city and some fresh air within the city limits. This 3.3-mile loop, consisting of both cement and dirt paths, is mostly flat.
What makes it special: Just a stone's throw from the nearby Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, make a day out of your hike by visiting two of the most popular spots in town.
Related: The Active Girl's Guide to Denver
Los Angeles, California
Everyone's heard of Runyon Canyon, but we wanted to take you to the road less traveled. Located in Deb's Park, this 2.1-mile trail is in northern Los Angeles and starts at the Audubon Center.
What makes it special: Time your hike to finish around sunset, and you'll get the most spectacular views of the city. Los Angeles as a whole is ideal for urban hikers, says Thomas. "It's all so wildly diverse," says Thomas. "Everyone wants to help you. Plus, you can walk through completely different neighborhoods all on the same hike, more so than any urban hike I've done." (Torch fat, get fit, and look and feel great with Women's Health's All in 18 DVD!)
Seattle, Washington
The route: Prepare to see some of the most beautiful parts of Seattle on this four-mile loop located in Discovery Park. Start near the entrance of the park and circle up to Elliot Bay and back.
What makes it special: You'll get one of the most outstanding views right off the bat of Mt. Rainier, as well as the West Point Lighthouse. Hit this trail in the spring, and you'll see the most beautiful Insta-worthy wildflowers.
Portland, Oregon
This 2.6-mile hike exposes you to historical information and gorgeous water views. Start at Hawthorne Bridge and head north along Tom McCall Waterfront Park's river walk. Cross over the Willamette River on Steel Bridge, then head south along the Vera Katz Eastbank Esplanade's suspended and floating walkways. Finish by crossing the Hawthorne Bridge back to start.
What makes it special: You'll find historical plaques along the route that talk about the city's history as a shipping port. Plus, you'll get unreal views of the city skyline.
Related: 'I Climbed Mount Kilimanjaro With Zero Hiking Experience—Here's What It Was Like'
San Francisco, California
Just under three miles long, this route along the northwest coastline of the city starts near China Beach and ends the Sutro Baths. Built on the bed of an old rail line, it's pretty flat, which makes it great for all skill levels.
What makes it special: You can hit a slew of Bay Area attractions in one fell swoop. Make sure not to miss the Mile Rock viewpoint about halfway through the trail. "It has some of the best Golden Gate Bridge views in the San Francisco area," says Robson.
Chicago, Illinois
Starting at the parking area near Montrose Beach, this 4.2-mile trail has dreamy waterfront views. Navigate north along Lake Michigan and turn back in Edgewater to head back to start.
What makes it special: One of the few places where there are hills in Chicago, this loop allows you to get high enough to take in essential Chicago skyline views. Plus, you're not far from the city's biggest attractions, like the Lincoln Park Zoo and Wrigley field.
Pictured above: Eddie Bauer sweatshirt, eddiebauer.com, Lorna Jane capris, lornajane.com, and KEEN shoes, Keenfootwear.com
Emily Abbate is a freelance writer, certified fitness trainer, and host of the podcast Hurdle. You can find her work in GQ, Shape, Runner’s World, and other health and fitness publications.
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