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ALBANY, NEW YORKTrail name(s) and land base: Red Trail in John Boyd Thacher State ParkLocation: 15 miles southwest of Albany Trail Length: 1.2 mile loop. Trail Description: The trail alternates between woodlands and marsh and is generally moderate in nature. In the marsh areas, expect some wet areas except during dry periods. This trail also provides outstanding views. This area is acknowledged as one of the richest fossil bearing formations in the world. Trail Activity: Expect a solid workout when you hike here. A good pace might be 1.5-2 miles per hour. Managing trail club/group/municipality: New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Parking: There are eight designated parking areas scattered through the park, making it easy to hike a different loop each time you visit. Contact Info: For more information call the park at 518-872-1237, or visit their Web site. |
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AUSTIN, TEXASTrail name(s) and land base: Barton Creek GreenbeltLocation: Right in the city of Austin. Trail Activity: This 7.9 mile trail is an excellent choice for either a brisk run, or walk. There are five access points along the route so that trips of varying lengths are possible. Trail Description: The trail follows spring-fed Barton Creek through lush foliage past a cavern and below steep cliffs. Along the route the stream is crossed several times. During the spring and early summer the trail features swimming holes. There is some moderate elevation change on the trail. Parking: There are five access points along the trail with parking. Managing trail club/group/municipality: City of Austin Parks and Recreation Dept. Contact Info: For more information about the Greenbelt, call Trail Information line at 512-472-1267, or visit their Web Site. |
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BOSTON, MASSTrail name(s) and land base: Rock Circuit Trail, Middlesex Fells Conservation AreaLocation: 20 minutes north of downtown Boston Trail Length: The Rock Circuit Trail is a 3.7 mile loop Trail Description: The Rock Circuit Trail crosses a number of rocky outcrops, providing lots of scenery. History is visible is on the trail. Settlement here dates to the 1650's. Old stone fences cross trails. There were rubber plantations and a quarry here as well. Ice was also cut here and sold around the country. Sheep were raised here in large numbers. The name "The Fells" comes from a building where the sheep were housed. Trail Activity: New England trails tend to be rugged and these are no exception. Expect a good workout and only expect to cover 1-1.5 miles per hour of walking. Parking: There are many access points and parking spots. This area is also accessible to bus and rapid transit. Managing trail club/group/municipality: Friends of the Middlesex Fells Reservation; Mass. Department of Conservation and Recreation Contact Info: For more information call the Friends of the Fells at 781-662-2340, or visit their Web site. |
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DENVER, COTrail: Sand Creek GreenwayTrail Length: 14 miles Trail Description: Sand Creek Regional Greenway is a place where while walking past an oil refinery see eagles and egrets. This almost 14-mile public greenway connects the High Line Canal in Aurora, Colorado with the Platte River Greenway in Commerce City. Along the way, it passes through Denver and the former Stapleton International Airport site. Trail Activities: Whether walking or running, the gentle surface and wonderful scenery make this trail a wonderful magnet for keeping fit. Parking: There are marked areas to park all along the greenway. Directions: Take I-70 east to Chambers Road. Go south on Chambers to Smith Road. Go east on Smith Road ½ mile to turnoff for Morrison Nature Center and the trail. Contact Info: For more information on the trail, visit their Web site or call the Sand Creek Regional Greenway at 303-468-3263. |
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANATrail name(s) and land base: Indiana Central Canal towpathLocation: right in the heart of town Trail length: The towpath runs for 5 miles and links directly to two other trails Trail Description: This towpath follows the route of the Indiana Central Canal. Originally planned for 111 miles in 1836, only 8 miles were ever put into operation because of a financial panic in 1839 The level trail follows the watered canal and passes right through downtown giving the user a unique feel for canal life. Trail Activity: The soft limestone surface is perfect for either walking or running, and the numerous access points make trips of any length possible. Hard pack, biking, hiking Parking: There are numerous parking areas along the route Managing trail club/group/municipality: Indianapolis Parks and Recreation; Greenway Foundation. Contact Info: For more information about the canal, contact Indy Greenways at 317-327-7431, or visit their Web site. |
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NEW YORK, NYTrail name(s) and land base: Long PathLocation: Just across the Hudson River from New York City Trail Length: 3.3 miles one way Trail Description: This segment of the 350 mile Long Path runs from Ft. Lee Historic Park to the spectacular Rockefeller Lookout. Ft. Lee was selected as the site of a Revolutionary War Fort built to defend New York against the British. Much of the route lies atop the palisades of the Hudson River providing stunning views of the New York skyline and the George Washington Bridge. Along the way, a short side trail leads to High Tom Promontory and more great views. Trail Activity: This is a fine place for either a brisk day hike or the start of a challenging backpacking trip. The Long Path begins at Ft. Lee, but runs for over 350 miles to Middleburgh, NY. Foot travel only, hiking. Parking: There is parking at Ft. Lee Historical Park on the New Jersey side of the George Washington Bridge Managing trail club/group/municipality: New York-New Jersey Trail Conference Contact Info: For more information on the Long Path contact the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference at 201-512-9348, or visit their Web site. |
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PHOENIX, ARIZONATrail name(s) and land base: Black Rock Loop in White Tank Mountain Regional ParkLocation: 20 minutes west of Phoenix Trail Length: All told there are 26 miles of trails in the 30,000 acre park. Black Rock Loop and the Waterfall Trail interconnect and provide 2.7 miles of pedestrian only trail. This would provide a steady 60-90 minute route for walkers. The other trails provide opportunities for a rugged backcountry experience. Trail Description: The three interlocked pedestrian trails are gentle, and two feature a hardened surface. Views of the White Tank Mountains are spectacular. The mountains get their name from depressions scoured in the white granite from infrequent floods. When the rains do come the results are amazing. Wildflowers burst out everywhere. Highlights include; Yellow daises, blue lupine, orange California poppies, yellow fiddlenecks, purple filaree and pink owl's clover. Trail Activity: Either walking or running would be appropriate on the 2.7 mile loop. You will be tempted to stop and study the petroglyphs of the Hohokam Indians along the Black Rock trail. Parking: There is parking at both the Black Rock and Waterfall trailheads. Managing trail club/group/municipality: Maricopa County Parks & Recreation Dept. Contact Info: For more information about the park call 623-935-2505 or visit their Web site. |
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SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIATrail name(s) and land base: Guy Fleming Trail, Torrey Pines State ReserveLocation: Within the city limits, 20 minutes north of the center of town in Carlsbad, CA Trail Length: 2/3 mile loop Trail Description: Parts of each trail pass through forest, but the bluffs reveal spectacular sandstone formations and ocean views with the possibility of sighting dolphins or gray whales. Other sights include a lagoon and stands of the Torrey Pine, the rarest native pine in the U.S. Trail Activity: A brisk 1-2 hour walk here would be memorable at any time of the year. The beach might be the best option for a trail run. Foot travel only. Parking: Available at the Visitors Center and the Guy Fleming Trail. Other trailheads are only a short distance away. Managing trail club/group/municipality: California State Parks Contact Info: For more information about the Reserve contact them at 858-755-2063, or visit their Web site. |
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SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIATrail name(s) and land base: California Coastal Trail segment within the Presidio.Location: This trail is located right in San Francisco within sight of the Golden Gate Bridge. Trail length: The featured segment is three miles long and stretches from Baker Beach to the Golden Gate Bridge. The trail makes a direct connection to the bridge allowing hikers to cross the 1.7 mile long span. Loop hikes can be created by turning inland and linking other trails. Trail maps are available and recommended. Trail Description: This challenging trail offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, the Marin Headlands and the Golden Gate Bridge. The route also passes coastal defense batteries and is a wonderful place to watch sunsets. The route is up and down with some steep sections. The trail lies within the historic Presidio, which became an army base in 1846. Now it is part of the 75,398 acre Golden Gate National Recreation Area and features a 28 mile long trail system. Trail activity: This linear trail is well suited for hiking, walking and biking. Parking: Available at both ends of this trail and at Battery Godfrey along the route. Managing trail club/group/municipality: Presidio Trust; National Park Service Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) Contact Info: For more information contact the park at 415-561-5300 or visit their Web site. |
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WASHINGTON DC/NORTHERN VIRGINIATrail name(s) and land base: Burke Lake Loop TrailLocation: 25 minutes from Washington DC Trail Length: This level trail runs in a loop for 4.7 miles around Burke Lake Trail Description: Following mostly a fine gravel surface, the trail follows the shore around Burke Lake. The lake has a number of bays that jut out from the main body providing a sense of solitude. Oddly enough this park came about after the site was first selected to be the home of Dulles Airport. After the airport site was moved, the park was created. Trail Activity: This trail is a fine choice for either a brisk walk or a run. A brisk walker can easily cover 3 miles in an hour. The trail is suitable for hiking and biking Parking: There is parking at both the visitors center and the picnic area. Managing trail club/group/municipality: Fairfax County Park Authority Contact Info: For more information you can contact the park at 703-323-6600 or visit their Web site. |
After evaluating hundreds of trails throughout the nation and comparing their accessibility, ease and amenities, American Hiking tapped trails located in or near major cities. More than 60 million Americans live in the metropolitan areas in which these family-friendly trails are located. And the winners are. . .
BOSTON, MATrail name(s) and land base: Lizzy’s Trail, Bradley Palmer State ParkLocation: 45 minutes from downtown Boston Trail Description: This hike covers about two miles along the scenic Ipswich River. The first section, Lizzy’s Trail, is named for Lizzy Heerlein, a local resident. The trail then narrows and follows the rivers edge to a bridge which connects to an adjacent park. Brief History: Bradley Palmer, for whom the park was named, was the attorney who represented Sinclair Oil in the Teapot Dome Scandal and Pres. Wilson at the Versailles Peace Conference at the conclusion of World War I. Interesting Fact: General George Patton, a local resident, as well as President William Howard Taft walked this trail when they visited with Bradley Palmer. |
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CHICAGO, ILTrail name(s) and land base: Illinois & Michigan CanalTrail Description: 45 minutes from downtown Chicago; Trail Segment; Channahon – McKinley Woods, 3.0 miles. This wonderful walk starts in the village of Channahon by the locktenders house for Lock #6. It has been restored to look much as it did when it was built in 1848. From there pass under old shade trees, past lock #7 and on down the Des Plains River to McKinley Woods. Brief History: The Illinois & Michigan Canal linked Chicago and LaSalle, Illinois. The purpose was to make Chicago a center for the grain trade. It operated from 1848 – 1933. Interesting Fact: This magnificent waterway was kept essentially intact because of the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps. When the canal closed in 1933, parks were developed along the route. |
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CLEVELAND, OHTrail name(s) and land base: Ohio & Erie Canal TrailLocation: 30 minutes from downtown Cleveland Trail Description: Boston Store – Station Road Bridge, 4.3 miles. This hike follows a section of the famous Ohio & Erie Canal. Highlights include the Boston Store constructed in 1836, four historic locks and the Station Road Bridge, constructed in 1881. Trailheads at both ends of the hike make it easy to plan one-way trips. Brief History: The Ohio & Erie Canal stretched for 308 miles from Cleveland, at Lake Erie to Portsmouth, Ohio on the Ohio River. It operated from 1827 – 1913. It was the third longest canal ever built in the U.S. Interesting Fact: Nearly 100 miles of the historic canal route between Zoar, Ohio and Cleveland is being restored for recreation as part of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. |
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NEW YORK, NYTrail name and land base: Long PathLocation: 10 minutes from downtown New York City Trail Description: Fort Lee – Rockefeller Lookout, 3.3 miles. This hike takes you along the spectacular Palisades of the Hudson River, overlooking New York City. Along the way old roads and rock walls mark former settlements. Brief History: The Long Path was conceived in the 1930’s. The original plan was to have the trail run from the George Washington Bridge in New York City to Whiteface Mountain in the Adirondacks. The very first section of the Long Path was built along the Palisades about 1935. The trail currently runs 365 miles from the George Washington Bridge to John Boyd Thatcher State Park near Albany. Interesting Fact: While most of the Long Path is in New York, the section along the Palisades is actually in New Jersey. . |
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ORLANDO, FLTrail name and land base: Florida TrailLocation: 20 minutes from downtown Orlando Trail Description:Little-Big Econ State Forest, 4.8 miles roundtrip. This hike begins at the Barr Street trailhead and follows the banks of the Econlockhatchee River to a junction with the Henry Flagler Rail-Trail. From the junction retrace your steps to the parking lot. This trail is a haven for wildlife including fox, otters, bobcats, sandhill cranes, wild turkeys, bald eagles and osprey. Brief History: This trail is one segment of the 1300-mile Florida National Scenic Trail. When complete, this trail spans the entire state. Currently, the trail is marked from Big Cypress in South Florida all the way to the Alabama border. Interesting Facts: The unusual forest name results from the fact that the Little and the Big Econlockhatchee Rivers are both found within the forest. The forests here supported a thriving turpentine industry as well as ships’ stores such as pitch and pine tar. |
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PITTSBURGH. PATrail name(s) and land base:Great Allegheny PassageLocation: 25 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh Trail Description: Boston, PA – Dead Man’s Hollow, 2.3 miles, including a loop in the hollow. Hike runs north from Boston on the Youghiogheny River Trail for 0.8 miles to Dead Man’s Hollow, a 400 acre wildlife preserve. A sign here features trail maps and information. Turn left and follow the Dead Man’s Trail into the Preserve soon passing the ruins of a factory. After about .4 miles pass a massive 3 trunk sycamore and pass the Black Oak Trail. Continue looping left to return to the Youghiogheny River Trail. Turn right to return to your car. Brief History: This trail follows part of the old Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad that ran from Pittsburgh to Connellsville. This grade and others are being linked together to form a 150 mile trail called the Great Allegheny Passage. When complete it will run from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Cumberland, Maryland. Interesting facts: Dead Man’s Hollow got its name because of the number of industrial accidents which occurred here. The name Youghiogheny means “a stream flowing in a contrary direction.” In the course of its run, it travels in loops that cover nearly 360 degrees. |
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PORTLAND, ORTrail name(s) and land base: Horsetail & Ponytail FallsLocation: 45 minutes from downtown Portland Trail Description: Trail is a 2.7 mile loop beginning at Old Columbia Highway. The hike is located in a scenic area of the Columbia River gorge known as “waterfall alley.” Starting to the east of Horsetail Falls, you climb for .4 miles and pass behind Ponytail Falls. Listening to the roaring waters here is an unforgettable experience. Emerging from behind the falls, follow the trail higher to Oneonta Falls. After crossing a footbridge above the falls, follow the Oneonta Gorge Trail back to the Old Columbia Highway. Brief History: The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area was created by Congress in 1986. It covers 295,000 acres and more than 80 miles along the Columbia River. Interesting Fact: The Columbia River Gorge cuts the only sea-level route through the Cascade Range. |
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ST. LOUIS, MOTrail name(s) and land base: KATY TrailLocation: 50 minutes from downtown St. Louis Trail Description: Matson, MO – Augusta, MO, 5.7 miles. This linear hike follows the KATY rail-trail. The scenery alternates between mixed woods, open fields, towering limestone bluffs and dramatic views of the Missouri River. There is some shade but expect mostly open areas. The level crushed rock surface makes this trail ideal for everyone. Brief History: The railroad that became the KATY began as a branch of the Union Pacific Railroad in 1865. It became the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad (MKT) in 1870 when a branch from Kansas reached Sedlia, Missouri. From there the line pushed eastward, first to Moberly, Missouri in 1873, then on to Machens, Missouri by the 1890’s. It was abandoned in 1986. To date, 235 miles have been developed. When complete, 247 miles of trail will be available for recreation. Interesting Facts: The 165 mile section of trail between Machens and Booneville is part of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. Hikers will note signed campsites along the Missouri River where the explorers camped between 1804-1806. |
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SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIATrail name(s) and land base: Point Reyes National Seashore, Laguna Loop.Location: 45 minutes from downtown San Francisco . Trail Description: Coast – Laguna Loop, 5 miles. This is a gentle walk through coastal scrub and grasslands that features wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean. Sections of the route duck into and out of woods, and the changing fog, wind, rain and sun will offer an endless variety of views. Brief History: Human history here goes back some 5000 years. Over 120 village sites of the Coast Miwok Indians exist within the park. It is believed that Sir Francis Drake landed here in 1579, the first European to do so. Interesting Fact: Fully 45 percent of all the bird species in North America have been spotted in the park. |
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WASHINGTON, DCTrail name(s) and land base: Chesapeake & Ohio CanalLocation: 20 minutes from downtown Washington, D.C. Trail Description: Angler’s Inn – Great Falls, MD, 2.3 miles. Hike starts at lot across from Angler’s Inn and follows canal towpath to Great Falls Tavern. Route passes through spectacular Widewater area, an old river channel used for the canal. A number of old locks and lock house remains invite exploration. The Billy Goat Trail and the Washington Aqueduct provide opportunities for loop hikes in the area. Brief History: This hike follows part of the 185-mile C&O Canal Trail which runs from Georgetown to Cumberland, Maryland. The canal operated from the 1830’s until 1924. It was built between 1828 and 1850. The goal was to reach Pittsburgh at the Ohio River, but it was never completed. Interesting Facts: The canal features 74 lift locks and 12 aqueducts. Locks lifted boats more than 600 feet between Georgetown and Cumberland. The towpath at Widewater is actually on an island in the middle of a former river channel. |
Baltimore ö The Northern Central Trail is 20 miles of crushed limestone surface with plenty of access points. This historic route follows the tracks of one of the oldest railroads in the nation. President Lincolnâs body was carried home over it.
Jacksonville ö The Jacksonville-Baldwin Trail is 14 miles paved, but very well shaded as it runs through mostly deep woods.
New Orleans ö The Tammany Trace is 25 miles from Covington ö Slidell, just 30 minutes from New Orleans. The trail has parallel paved and unpaved paths for easy walking. Bayous and dark forests make this a special place.
Pittsburgh ö Home of this years Senior Olympics June 3 -18, 2005, Allegheny County has second highest percentage of retired adults in nation. The 1.4 mile Steel Valley Trail is a crushed limestone surface and is being extended in the near future. Wonderful views of the Monongahela River. The trail is part of the still expanding 150 mile long Great Allegheny Passage.
Charleston, SC ö The Ion Village Walk, a 5 mile figure eight loop, includes a 1.5 mile walk through a marsh along two creeks. The hike can be broken up into loops of 1.8 and 3.2 miles.
San Diego ö The Silver Strand runs 11 miles from Coronado to Imperial Beach. It is flat and paved, and mostly follows the route of an old railroad grade. Nice views of the Pacific Ocean make this a nice place to dayhike.
Boston ö Lizzyâs Trail is 45 minutes from downtown Boston. This 2 mile screened limestone trail follows the scenic Ipswich River. The trail is located in Bradley Palmer State Park.
St. Louis ö The St. Louis Riverfront Trail is an 11 mile greenway with that runs along the Mississippi River. It will soon be connected to the 1 mile long Chain of Rocks Bridge.
Cleveland ö The Ohio and Erie Canal, just minutes from downtown, runs 25+ miles of the scenic towpath beside gristmills and old locks. Part of the Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area.
Dallas ö The KATY Trail in Dallas offers parallel 3.5 mile trails soft or paved right through the heart of the city following the route KATY railroad which opened here in 1887.
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