Who says you need “rocks,” “dirt,” or “trees” to call your walk a hike?
If there ’s anything the pandemic learn us , it ’s the grandness of hug fresh air , whether you be near a pristine lake or a bustling metro station . Cities across the country are teeming with hidden immature spaces , soaring bridges , abandon railroad , and unexplored neighbourhood , so there ’s nothing kibosh you from deal your city like a concrete jungle , where skyscraper replace tree and you do n’t ask a mountain to get some uphill activity . So if you ’re a city - dweller who finds traditional hike to be overrated — The view are just someone else ’s shoe , you imagine — reckon try adventure right outside your flat . Here are our favorite metropolis for delineate power system , from the Alameda Ridge of Portland to New York City ’s highline .
New York, New York
The metropolis that never sleeps is n’t known for its purple born beauty , and that ’s exactly why this urban trail will blow your mind . Beginning at Inspiration Point just north of the George Washington Bridge , you may follow the westside waterfront greenway all the way down to Battery Park . While there ’s no risk of being eaten by bears around these parts , bicyclists lean to fly on this lead , so continue on high alarm . And if you ’re keen on grabbing some classic NYC bites along the way , regard tacking on aself - guided nutrient go , which encompasses a number of dark-green spaces , from the always - stunning Central Park to the art - fill High Line .
The Complete Self-Guided Food Tour to Walking Manhattan
Our itinerary for finding Ethiopian coffee, energizing dim sum, superb pizza, and much more across the New York island.
Portland, Oregon
One of the more attractive cities for world - conscious folks , it ’s no surprisal that Portland hasdetailed urban trailsmapped out for its outdoors - madden house physician . TheAlameda Ridge and Stairsroute , a solidifying of hidden public stairways , is a cardio - lover ’s pipe dream . Everywhere you turn , there ’s a new , longer staircase to conquer and an rising upgrade to fight your way through . The best part is hitting up one of the city ’s 500 intellectual nourishment cart on your walk of life home , because nothing tops off a sweat session intimately than a heavy fat gourmet donut . And if it ’s wildlife you ’re after , take to the Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge , a wetland run along the east bank of the Willamette River that ’s populate by all kinds of birds , frogs , and fire hook .
San Francisco, California
Streetcars are for wimps and tourists . If you ’re up for the challenge , San Francisco ’s seismic hills will set your calves ablaze . The computer architecture , gardens , and singular mass - watch chance here will make any route you weave down a true dangerous undertaking . get with the no - brainer walk across the Golden Gate Bridge , where you may take in sweeping views of the business district horizon , Alcatraz , and Angel Island . Looking for more nature ? leap onto the 2.4 - stat mi segment of the gorgeousCalifornia Coastal Trailthat run away through the Presidio . You wo n’t regret it .
Savannah, Georgia
For southerly magic spell and rip space , hit the cobble trail of Savannah , Georgia . Start at theCity mart , take the stairs down to picturesque River Street , then intertwine back up and around the previous Colonial homes and predominate oak tree trees to sense the flowers inForsyth Park . End your day at eerily beautiful Bonaventure Cemetery , famous for its starring role in the best - selling novel ( and film),Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil .
Austin, Texas
Since 2014 , the city of Austin has been work on spring up more than400 miles of urban trails . Though by today ’s count , you ’ll have to settle for just60 milesof loony , merriment , and historically rich trekking . Check out the five - mileTejano Healthy Walking Trailthat run through the Oswaldo AB Cantu / Pan American Recreation Center , neighborhood parks , churches , Latino - owned businesses , historical house , and community murals . The hike will certainly spike your appetence , so finish it off with some good oldAustin barbecue , refuel after all of those calories you just burned .
Miami, Florida
There ’s no denying it — urban tramp in Miami gets live . coif yourself up with sight of H2O and SPF for this five - mile Art Deco - strewn stoll . Start with " South of 5th Street , " a historic and scenic sphere of South Beach , then navigate your way toward the Miami Beach Pier . Stop to banquet your eyes on the outstanding skyline view as well as the too tanned bodies playing beach volleyball game . Once you ’ve had your fill , heading toward the Art Deco District , ramble down Espanola Way , and make certain to gain the shop alongLincoln Road . wind it all up at theMiami Beach Botanic Gardens , where the admission is free and the bloom are fresh . Talk about mixing culture and cardio .
Los Angeles, California
No one walk in LA … like , ever . But if youmustget off the engorged highways and take the foot - paths less trip , survey along with LA native , historiographer , and poetMike Sonksen . He performsspontaneous live poetryas he guides viewers through hip , on - the - low neighborhood like Little Tokyo , Leimert Park , Macarthur Park , and the Downtown Historic Core . For additional architectural splendor , trek through Barnsdall Art Parkuntil you reachHollyhock House , a historical gem designed by Frank Lloyd Wright that sits atop a hill and offer bird’s-eye views of the city .
Washington, DC
Millions of tourist plenty to DC every year to research the National Mall and gaze upon monuments to our nation ’s past . But do n’t get trapped in the stacks of visitors : Take this 3.5 - mile urban trek west of 14th Street to take in all of the patriotic sights while also enjoying way to pass off . begin at theWashington Monumentand grab a quick view of the White House to the north , then head up west to the National World War II Memorial . Find Constitution Gardens to the north by crossing the levee , then continue on to the Vietnam Veterans and Lincoln Memorials . Afterwards , foreland due east and stand between the Reflecting Pool and Independence Avenue to find oneself the DC War Memorial . Take the 1.5 - mile loop around the Tidal Basin to see the MLK Jr , FDR , and Jefferson Memorials , then finish your Mar with by sidling up to the thousands of tulip that have been plant every year since 1969 at theFloral Library .
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Luckily for those who live there , Philly boasts the iconic 70 - mileSchuylkill River Trail , most of which hovers over abandoned railway phone line and connects downtown Philadelphia with the suburban area . Get pop near the outskirts of the University of Pennsylvania , then make your way through Museum Mile — where you’re able to jog up the Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art if you ’re feeling triumphant — before taking on Boathouse Row and Fairmount Park . And if it ’s an especially beautiful Clarence Shepard Day Jr. , be indisputable to reward yourself with a leisurely meal at one of the city ’s breezy , waterfront restaurants .
Chicago, Illinois
Not for the casual hiker , this 18.2 - mile urban hike around the Chicago Lakefront will test both your toughness and the land of your tennis shoe . Get an early start on this beast , as you ’ll be walk all the way fromRogers Parkto Calumet Park . Along the way , you ’ll sample slices of Chicago ’s diverse refinement , from people - see at Hollywood Beach to bird - watching atthe Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary . Before you call it fall by the wayside , treat yourself to a big slash of Chicago Deep Dish . You ’ll for certain deserve it .
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The High Line
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