John N
Hiking is one of the best ways you can get close to nature. There are so many hiking trails and activities that you can enjoy if you know the right spots.
Here is a list of some of the best hiking spots:
- McKenzie River Trail, Eugene, Oregon
This twisty 27-mile trail follows the McKenzie River as it winds through ancient forestland in the heart of the Cascade Mountains. The route includes smooth single-track trails, log bridges, hairpin turns, and steep climbs and descents over former lava fields, under fallen trees, and past hot springs and blue pools. The trail’s diverse beauty is a big reason the early September McKenzie River Trail Run 50-K sells out quickly, and why this has also been hailed the number-one mountain biking trail in the country.
- Kalalau Trail, Kauai, Hawaii
First built in the late 1800s, the 11-mile trail begins at Ha’ena State Park and traverses five lush valleys before reaching its terminus at Kalalau Beach. Along the way, the trail offers up towering sea cliffs, remote waterfalls, white sand beaches, guava trees, and ancient Hawaiian ruins. It takes a strenuous effort to complete an out-and-back run, but a truncated version to Hanakapi’ai Beach (2 miles out) or Hanakoa Valley (4 miles) still offers plenty of Na Pali grandeur.
- Palos/Sag Valley Trail Systems, Palos Park, Illinois
A hidden gem on the outskirts of Chicago, these adjacent forest preserve parks offer more than 30 miles of dirt trails through thick deciduous forests and deep ravines, past wetland lakes and marshes, and across wide-open meadows. Among the best routes are the hilly 12-mile Maple Lake loop and the nearby 6-mile Swallow Cliff Woods loop, which encircles a series of morainal hills created by retreating glaciers 12,000 years ago. The Chicago area is known for its flat, crushed gravel rail trails (including the 61-mile Illinois Prairie Path and 31-mile Des Plaines River Trail). Still, the rolling single-track trails in Palos are carved out of a secluded natural setting that belies the trails’ proximity to the bustling city and suburbs.
- Berryman Trail, Potosi, Muriisso
Situated in the heart of the Mark Twain National Forest, the Berryman trail is a rocky single-track that winds through the soft shoulders of the Ozark Mountains. This 24-mile trail offers a rewarding roller coaster ride as it traverses classic lower Midwestern forests, alternating between shaded woodsy creek bottoms and ridgetops with cheek-chapping winds.
- El Moro Canyon Loop, Laguna Beach, California
Crystal Cove State Park, home to this trail, is a cherished refuge. The El Moro Canyon Loop is an 8.5-mile route that snakes through canyons and along ridgetops of the San Joaquin Hills, which rise 1,000 feet from the Pacific coastline.
- Colorado Trail, Denver to Durango, Colorado
Short of spending a summer on a ranch, there’s no better way to experience the Rocky Mountains than running a few sections of the Colorado Trail. It starts on the fringe of Denver and winds 483 miles in a southwesterly direction to Durango through eight mountain ranges, seven national forests, and six wilderness areas.
The trail climbs and descends frequently, and much of it, including the high point of 13,334 feet at Coney Summit in the San Juan Mountains, is above the tree line. Historic mining towns, old railroad tunnels, a world-class ski resort, and endless fields of wildflowers are among the memorable attractions on the 28-segment trail. If you only have time for a fraction of the path, consider the 35 miles (or parts of those 35 miles) between Leadville’s Turquoise Lake and the tiny mountain settlement of Twin Lakes. Officially sections 10 and 11 of the trail, these pass below Colorado’s two highest peaks, the impressive 14,440-foot Mt. Elbert and 14,428-foot Mt. Massive.
- Connemara to Cork – Ireland
A land of dramatic coastal cliffs, cozy pubs, crumbling castles, often-moody weather, astoundingly green hills, and rich traditions provides every runner with a sensational experience with its unique landscape and culture to go with it.
- Marrakech to the Sahara – Morocco
Exploring the North African regions of Marrakech is an incredible experience for any adventure runner. The Marrakech markets, pass over the snow-capped High Atlas mountains, stroll through surrealistic palm oases and play on the giant dunes in the surrounding Sahara. The running route lets you take in the beauty of the desert region and get a full-on flavor of the Moroccan lifestyle.
- Picton to Motueka – New Zealand
Famous for its iconic landscape, as seen in the Jurassic Park movies, New Zealand is probably number 1 of the best trail running locations worldwide. Traveling top to the south of New Zealand, you can cruise through native beech forests over a couple of days, then run around magical Lake Rotoiti, ascend and descend some meaty climbs, and cruise along open ridgetops and high alpine tarns.
- Kilimanjaro – Tanzania
Dubbed “The Roof of Africa,” you can trail the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro’s lower slopes and run 13 to 28 miles a day. This physically demanding event is suited to those with ultrarunning experience. This is a trip that all hardcore runners must do in their lifetime!
- Bend, Oregon – United States
Exploring the Bend landscape and taking in the scenic views makes this trail running course one of the best in the United States. Tailored towards the small group trip, the city adores epic trail running, home-cooked meals, sweeping mountain views, and more than a few opportunities to kick back and enjoy a local brew. This is an excellent trip for both relaxed hike/running and those who want to get some severe trail training.
