15 Easy Walks Around the U.S.
Live in a city but miss the music and scents of nature? Luckily, no matter where you are, the U.S. has an abundance of beautiful walking trails, parks, and day hikes. Rain or shine, these easy walks will let you immerse in nature without traveling far!
Burke-Gilman Trail, Seattle
This 27mile track through Seattle passes through many of the city's neighborhoods and along the waterfront, allowing you to walk as much or as little as you want!
Discovery Park, Seattle
At 534 acres, there is something for everyone in Discovery Park. The Salmon Bay Wildlife Corridor is a great accessible walk to see wildlife.
Warrior Point, Portland
This is a long 7-mile walk well worth the effort! Trailing the northern tip of Sauvie Island, this is a great spot for bird watching and ocean views. Be sure to keep an eye out for bald eagles, sandhill cranes, and seals.
Woods Memorial Natural Area, Portland
Southwest of downtown Portland, Woods Memorial is a 32-acre forested park filled with lush greenery featuring a popular two-mile looping trail over mixed-terrain paths.
Ecology Trail, San Francisco
Located in Presidio, Ecology Trail is a 1.5-mile walk connecting Arguello Gate to the Presidio's Main Post. It goes from grasslands to redwoods, and includes connecting trails for even more nature!
Point Bonita Trail, San Francisco Bay Area
Within the Marin Headlands Park, Point Bonita Trail is a 1-mile return walk to the continent edge with views of the wild Pacific.
Chain of Lakes Park, Minneapolis
The aptly named walk covers the shorelines of Brownie Lake, Cedar Lake, Lake of the Isles, Bde Maka Ska, and Lake Harriet, including the trails connecting them and Lyndale Park.
Inwood Trail, Detroit
Just north of Detroit, this 5-mile bridge walk goes through wetlands and forests to give you a serene change. Keep your eyes peeled for deer!
University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum, Madison
The Arboretum has more than 17 miles of trails that wind through the elaborate and world-renowned ecosystem on the grounds. Expect to explore through woodlands, wetlands, savannas, and tallgrass prairies.
Schuykill River Trail, Philadelphia
You could walk this trail from Philly to Frackville, but if you are looking for something a little more slow-paced, the segments of the trail in the city make for a lovely river walk!
Emerald View Park, Pittsburgh
A 257 acre park with winding trails, wooded hillsides, and some of the best vistas of the city.
McAlpine Creek Greenway, Charlotte
Enjoy the green in this natural wonderland next to Charlotte with 8 miles of there-and-back trails through the forest. Be sure to look up as the Lower McAlpine Creek Greenway is home to the state's first Great Blue Heron rookery! Also, Save the Date for 2024 and the next emergence of the 13-year periodical cicada (which has to be seen and heard to be believed).
Audubon Swamp Garden, Charleston
Located within Magnolia Park, Audubon Swamp Garden is a natural treasure trove full of biodiversity. Meander through the swamp on a boardwalk, keeping an eye out for herons, egrets, gators, turtles, and more. Admission is $8.
Sweetwater Creek State Park, Atlanta
Located in Lithia Springs west of the city, Sweetwater Creek is full of trails and historical sites. (Fun Fact: It was a filming location for Hunger Games: Mockingjay)
Buffalo Bayou Park, Houston
Covering 160 acres in the heart of Houston, Buffalo Bayou will have something for everyone. Guided and self-guided walking tours, public art, plus a nature park!
