When people think of some of the most popular urban activities, things like dining out, seeing a show, or walking around the city come to mind. However, one of the fastest-growing urban pastimes in the United States is urban hiking, which involves exploring trails and spaces within an urban area on foot as opposed to the more traditional rural setting. Not only does it give people an excuse to get out in nature and exercise, but it’s also a great way to experience and explore a new city.
Many of the nation’s large and mid-sized cities offer a surprising amount of walkable and hikeable options for urban hikers. This is both in and around city parks and neighborhoods. In this article, we will explore some of the most popular urban hiking trails in major U.S. cities that can offer a refreshing and unique experience to those who love to walk and stay fit.
New York City
New York City has an abundance of parks and natural areas for hikers of all skill levels. Central Park, the largest urban park in the United States and a New York City landmark, offers several well-maintained paths with beautiful views of the city skyline. For something a little more secluded, the Inwood Hill Park offers a number of unique hiking trails that wind along the banks of the Hudson River.
Chicago
Chicago’s most popular hiking trail is The 606, a 2.7-mile stretch of rails-to-trails in the city’s Humboldt Park neighborhood. This former elevated rail line has been converted into an attractive walking and biking path that ties together several of Chicago’s vibrant and energetic neighborhoods. Additionally, The Lakefront Trail, along Lake Michigan, offers a more scenic route for hikers wanting to experience the city’s breathtaking shoreline and skyline views.
Los Angeles
Known for its sprawling urban landscape, Los Angeles offers a surprisingly varied and unique selection of urban trails for anyone looking to take in the city. Griffith Park, an iconic Los Angeles landmark, is home to one of the city’s most popular hiking paths. The easy hike to the iconic Hollywood sign offers hikers a breathtaking view of the city while the nearby, Griffith Park, the Fern Dell Trail offers a more relaxed exploration of the city’s lush hills and valleys.
Miami
For an unforgettable urban hiking experience, Miami offers the incredibly scenic, Shark Valley tram tour, a loop trail that meanders through the pristine Everglades National Park. There’s also the Rodriguez Park Trail, which is a great pick for beginners and families looking to explore the extremes of the Miami neighborhood, Black Point Marina.
San Francisco
The Bay area’s famously scenic landscape is perfect for urban hiking. San Francisco offers several trails for walkers of all levels including the Bay Trail, which is a 500-mile trail that hugs the shoreline of the San Francisco Bay. Additionally, the Presidio’s favorite ecological trail offers city dwellers a unique walking experience through the city’s beloved public parkland.
Houston
One of the largest cities in the U.S., Houston also offers a good number of urban hiking trails. The Buffalo Bayou trail, which also known as the “bike-byway,” is a great choice for those who want to experience the lush green of the city. There is also the Terry Hershey Park trail, which offers hikers a more rustic experience whilst hiking alongside the bayou.
Washington D.C.
For those seeking a unique urban hiking experience, a trip to Washington D.C.’s Capital Crescent Trail is a must. This 11-mile trail takes hikers along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, and provides a sneak peak of the city’s residential and commercial architecture as walkers pass beneath the iconic Key Bridge. The Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Island is also a stunning area to explore, offering a variety of different scenery for hikers to enjoy.
Urban hiking offers a unique and memorable experience for people who want to explore and experience the city’s natural beauty. From the grand parks to the neighborhood trails, there are a vast number of options that allow city dwellers to interact with the city in a more active way, giving urban dwellers a well-deserved break from the hustle and bustle of daily life.